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Cianci V, Forzese E, Sapienza D, Cianci A, Ieni A, Germanà A, Guerrera MC, Omero F, Speranza D, Cracò A, Asmundo A, Gualniera P, Mondello C. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Post-Mortem Assessment: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2467. [PMID: 38473714 PMCID: PMC10931616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetic disorder characterized by the progressive fibro-fatty replacement of the right ventricular myocardium, leading to myocardial atrophy. Although the structural changes usually affect the right ventricle, the pathology may also manifest with either isolated left ventricular myocardium or biventricular involvement. As ARVC shows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance with variable penetrance, the clinical presentation of the disease is highly heterogeneous, with different degrees of severity and patterns of myocardial involvement even in patients of the same familiar group with the same gene mutation: the pathology spectrum ranges from the absence of symptoms to sudden cardiac death (SCD) sustained by ventricular arrhythmias, which may, in some cases, be the first manifestation of an otherwise silent pathology. An evidence-based systematic review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the state of the art of the diagnostic techniques for the correct post-mortem identification of ARVC. The research was performed using the electronic databases PubMed and Scopus. A methodological approach to reach a correct post-mortem diagnosis of ARVC was described, analyzing the main post-mortem peculiar macroscopic, microscopic and radiological alterations. In addition, the importance of performing post-mortem genetic tests has been underlined, which may lead to the correct identification and characterization of the disease, especially in those ARVC forms where anatomopathological investigation does not show evident morphostructural damage. Furthermore, the usefulness of genetic testing is not exclusively limited to the correct diagnosis of the pathology, but is essential for promoting targeted screening programs to the deceased's family members. Nowadays, the post-mortem diagnosis of ARVC performed by forensic pathologist remains very challenging: therefore, the identification of a clear methodological approach may lead to both a reduction in under-diagnoses and to the improvement of knowledge on the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Cianci
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (E.F.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (P.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Elena Forzese
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (E.F.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (P.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Daniela Sapienza
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (E.F.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (P.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Alessio Cianci
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, Section of Pathology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Antonino Germanà
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Via Palatucci Snc, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Maria Cristina Guerrera
- Zebrafish Neuromorphology Lab, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Via Palatucci Snc, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (A.G.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Fausto Omero
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology “G.Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (F.O.); (D.S.)
| | - Desirèe Speranza
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Human Pathology “G.Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (F.O.); (D.S.)
| | - Annalisa Cracò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Unit, University Hospital Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessio Asmundo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (E.F.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (P.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Patrizia Gualniera
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (E.F.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (P.G.); (C.M.)
| | - Cristina Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (E.F.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (P.G.); (C.M.)
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Zhang L, Liu B, Li S, Wang J, Mu Y, Zhou X, Sheng L. Deep learning-based measurement of echocardiographic data and its application in the diagnosis of sudden cardiac death. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37179495 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2023.2213041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the potential of deep learning applied to the measurement of echocardiographic data in patients with sudden cardiac death (SCD). 320 SCD patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria underwent clinical evaluation, including age, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, cardiac function classification, and echocardiography. The diagnostic value of deep learning model was observed by dividing the patients into two groups: training group (n=160) and verification group (n=160), as well as two groups of healthy volunteers (n=200 for each group) during the same period. Logistic regression analysis showed that MLVWT, LVEDD, LVEF, LVOT-PG, LAD, E/e' were all risk factors for SCD. Subsequently, a deep learning-based model was trained using the collected images of the training group. The optimal model was selected based on the identification accuracy of the validation group and showed an accuracy of 91.8%, sensitivity of 80.00%, and specificity of 91.90% in the training group. The AUC value of the ROC curve of the model was 0.877 for the training group and 0.995 for the validation groups. This approach demonstrates high diagnostic value and accuracy in predicting SCD, which is clinically important for the early detection and diagnosis of SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Department of cardiology, the Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bohan Liu
- Department of cardiovascular Surgery, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sulei Li
- Department of cardiology, the Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Cardiovascular Department, the 6th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Mu
- Cardiovascular Department, the 6th Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of cardiology, the Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Sheng
- Department of cardiology, the Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Feola A, Ciamarra P, De Simone M, Carfora A, Mansueto G, Campobasso CP. Sudden Unexpected Death Caused by Cardiac Metastasization from Histiocytic Sarcoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12911. [PMID: 34948520 PMCID: PMC8701026 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haematological malignancies, such as lymphoma and leukaemia, can have a variety of clinical manifestations. The most frequent cause of death from haematological malignancies is multiple organ failure due to neoplastic organ infiltration and/or septic shock. Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare malignant nodal or extranodal tumour with histiocytic immunophenotype that originates from a lymphohematopoietic precursor. The patients with HS usually have a poor prognosis due to its aggressive clinical behaviour. Rare cases of undiagnosed sudden HS death have been described in the literature. METHODS A forensic autopsy of a 46-year-old white male who died at home suddenly and unexpectedly without warning conditions or known diseases. Gross analysis, histology and toxicology were also performed. RESULTS The diagnosis of HS of the ileum with secondary nodal and cardiac metastatization was made. CONCLUSIONS A prompt diagnosis of HS in life is paramount because it can make a difference in prognostic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Feola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.F.); (M.D.S.); (A.C.); (C.P.C.)
| | - Paola Ciamarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.F.); (M.D.S.); (A.C.); (C.P.C.)
| | - Mariavictoria De Simone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.F.); (M.D.S.); (A.C.); (C.P.C.)
| | - Anna Carfora
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.F.); (M.D.S.); (A.C.); (C.P.C.)
| | - Gelsomina Mansueto
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Services, Public Health-Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Pietro Campobasso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.F.); (M.D.S.); (A.C.); (C.P.C.)
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Gerull B, Brodehl A. Insights Into Genetics and Pathophysiology of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2021; 18:378-390. [PMID: 34478111 PMCID: PMC8616880 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-021-00532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic disease characterized by life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in apparently healthy young adults. Mutations in genes encoding for cellular junctions can be found in about half of the patients. However, disease onset and severity, risk of arrhythmias, and outcome are highly variable and drug-targeted treatment is currently unavailable. Recent Findings This review focuses on advances in clinical risk stratification, genetic etiology, and pathophysiological concepts. The desmosome is the central part of the disease, but other intercalated disc and associated structural proteins not only broaden the genetic spectrum but also provide novel molecular and cellular insights into the pathogenesis of ACM. Signaling pathways and the role of inflammation will be discussed and targets for novel therapeutic approaches outlined. Summary Genetic discoveries and experimental-driven preclinical research contributed significantly to the understanding of ACM towards mutation- and pathway-specific personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Gerull
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC), Department of Medicine I, University Clinic Würzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, 97078, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Brodehl
- Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, Erich and Hanna Klessmann Institute, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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Mansueto G, Di Napoli M, Campobasso CP, Slevin M. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from autopsy study: T-cells, B-cells and mastocytes detection as morphological evidence of immunologically mediated pathogenesis. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 225:153552. [PMID: 34352438 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by severe vascular remodelling, resulting in increased pulmonary vascular resistance with cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. However, the diagnosis of PAH is often inaccurate. Many cases of PAH are incorrectly diagnosed or missed, and they are often associated with death. The aim of this study was to verify the morphological and histological criteria of fatal cases of PAH and evaluate the lymphocytic populations associated to lesions with reactive neo-angiogenesis. METHODS Pulmonary lung sections from 10 cases of sudden unexpected death (SUD) in the absence of previously diagnosed diseases and in an apparent state of well-being, with final histological post autopsy diagnosis of PAH were collected. The pathological findings were compared using ten controls from non-pathological lung from deaths from other causes. The autopsies included 4 males (40%) and 6 females (60%) with an average age of 52.1 ± 10.1 years. Sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) were revised for a morphological diagnosis. Subsequently, serial sections were performed and stained with immunohistochemistry for anti-CD20 (B-lymphocytes), anti-CD3 (T-lymphocytes), anti-CD4 (T-helper lumphocytes), anti-CD8 (T-cytotoxic lymphocytes) and anti-CD117/C-Kit (mast cells/MCs) to detect inflammatory infiltrate and different ratios of cell-type. Statistical analysis was conducted using a paired t-test looking at 100 cells in 3 different tissue samples representative of vascular lesion and 3 different random normal lung parenchyma fields without lesion (from 10 normal control lungs), to identify specific lymphocyte subpopulations in inflammatory infiltrates. RESULTS There was a significant percentage increase of CD20 (p < 0.001), CD8 (p = 0.002), CD4 (p < 0.001), and CD117/C-Kit positive (C-Kit+; p < 0.001) cells mainly detected around wall vessels; while increased MCs positivity and C-Kit+ were observed especially in alveolar septa. In addition, reactive angiomatosis was observed. CONCLUSIONS The inflammatory infiltrate should be included for a correct diagnosis of PAH besides the vascular remodelling. The inflammatory infiltrate seems to be implicated as a main factor in the pathogenesis. This finding is important to rule out secondary pulmonary hypertension, to identify SUDs of unknown causes and to add new elements to the literature that can explain the immunologically related pathogenesis of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelsomina Mansueto
- Department of Advanced Medical and SurgicalSciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"; Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy; Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Mario Di Napoli
- Neurological Service, SS Annunziata Hospital, Viale Mazzini 100 Sulmona, 67039 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Carlo Pietro Campobasso
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Mark Slevin
- Departmentof Life Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom; University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Scienceand Technology, W1G 7ET Târgu Mures, Romania.
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Mansueto G, Di Napoli M, Mascolo P, Carfora A, Zangani P, Pietra BD, Campobasso CP. Electrocution Stigmas in Organ Damage: The Pathological Marks. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:682. [PMID: 33920173 PMCID: PMC8068857 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11040682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic criteria for electrocution related death are still a challenge in forensic pathology and it seems that the electrical mark is the only reliable evidence. METHODS A comparison of histological and morphological findings of skin and internal organs from an autopsy series of electrocution deaths with those mostly reported in literature as representative for electrocution. RESULTS The morphological changes of heart, brain and other main internal organs are still unspecific. Organ's damage observed in electrocution deaths shows a wide variability, not reliable for a certain diagnosis of electrocution. The electrical mark is still the golden standard for diagnosis of electrocution. CONCLUSIONS In electrocution related deaths, pathological findings of the main internal organs are not enough evidence to support with certainty a post-mortem diagnosis that a victim suffered an electrical damage. Although the organ histological changes are undoubtedly the starting point for a better understanding of the fatal even, the diagnosis of death from electrical damage is still a dark and unsolved chapter. The electrical mark still represents a fundamental indicator above all in the medical-legal field, but the identification of pathognomonic elements and signs not limited to the skin alone could be a valid help in the future, especially in unclear cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelsomina Mansueto
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health—Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy; (P.M.); (P.Z.); (B.D.P.); (C.P.C.)
| | - Mario Di Napoli
- Neurological Service, SS Annunziata Hospital, Viale Mazzini 100, 67039 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Mascolo
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health—Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy; (P.M.); (P.Z.); (B.D.P.); (C.P.C.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Anna Carfora
- Department of Experimental Medicine Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Pierluca Zangani
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health—Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy; (P.M.); (P.Z.); (B.D.P.); (C.P.C.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Bruno Della Pietra
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health—Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy; (P.M.); (P.Z.); (B.D.P.); (C.P.C.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Carlo Pietro Campobasso
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Services and Public Health—Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy; (P.M.); (P.Z.); (B.D.P.); (C.P.C.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine Legal Medicine Unit, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, via Luciano Armanni 5, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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Akyuz E, Doganyigit Z, Eroglu E, Moscovicz F, Merelli A, Lazarowski A, Auzmendi J. Myocardial Iron Overload in an Experimental Model of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:609236. [PMID: 33643194 PMCID: PMC7905080 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.609236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled repetitive generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) are the main risk factor for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). GTCS can be observed in models such as Pentylenetetrazole kindling (PTZ-K) or pilocarpine-induced Status Epilepticus (SE-P), which share similar alterations in cardiac function, with a high risk of SUDEP. Terminal cardiac arrhythmia in SUDEP can develop as a result of a high rate of hypoxic stress-induced by convulsions with excessive sympathetic overstimulation that triggers a neurocardiogenic injury, recently defined as "Epileptic Heart" and characterized by heart rhythm disturbances, such as bradycardia and lengthening of the QT interval. Recently, an iron overload-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death called ferroptosis was described at the brain level in both the PTZ-K and SE-P experimental models. However, seizure-related cardiac ferroptosis has not yet been reported. Iron overload cardiomyopathy (IOC) results from the accumulation of iron in the myocardium, with high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and accumulation of hemosiderin as the final biomarker related to cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. Iron overload cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in patients with iron overload secondary to chronic blood transfusion therapy; it is also described in hereditary hemochromatosis. GTCS, through repeated hypoxic stress, can increase ROS production in the heart and cause cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. We hypothesized that iron accumulation in the "Epileptic Heart" could be associated with a terminal cardiac arrhythmia described in the IOC and the development of state-potentially in the development of SUDEP. Using the aforementioned PTZ-K and SE-P experimental models, after SUDEP-related repetitive GTCS, we observed an increase in the cardiac expression of hypoxic inducible factor 1α, indicating hypoxic-ischemic damage, and both necrotic cells and hemorrhagic areas were related to the possible hemosiderin production in the PTZ-K model. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time an accumulation of hemosiderin in the heart in the SE-P model. These results suggest that uncontrolled recurrent seizures, as described in refractory epilepsy, can give rise to high hypoxic stress in the heart, thus inducing hemosiderin accumulation as in IOC, and can act as an underlying hidden mechanism contributing to the development of a terminal cardiac arrhythmia in SUDEP. Because iron accumulation in tissues can be detected by non-invasive imaging methods, cardiac iron overload in refractory epilepsy patients could be treated with chelation therapy to reduce the risk of SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enes Akyuz
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Zuleyha Doganyigit
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Ece Eroglu
- Medical School, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Franco Moscovicz
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Pathophysiology and Clinical Biochemistry Institute (INFIBIOC), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Amalia Merelli
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Pathophysiology and Clinical Biochemistry Institute (INFIBIOC), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto Lazarowski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Pathophysiology and Clinical Biochemistry Institute (INFIBIOC), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jerónimo Auzmendi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Pathophysiology and Clinical Biochemistry Institute (INFIBIOC), University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Council of Science and Technology (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Neurological Sequelae in Patients with COVID-19: A Histopathological Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021. [PMID: 33546463 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041415.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinvasive properties of SARS-CoV-2 have allowed the hypothesis of several pathogenic mechanisms related to acute and chronic neurological sequelae. However, neuropathological correlates have been poorly systematically investigated, being retrieved from reports of single case or limited case series still. METHODS A PubMed search was carried out to review all publications on autopsy in subjects with "COronaVIrus Disease-19" (COVID-19). Among them, we focused on histological findings of the brain, which were compared with those from the authors' autoptic studies performed in some COVID-19 patients. RESULTS Only seven studies reported histological evidence of brain pathology in patients deceased for COVID-19, including three with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction evidence of viral infection. All these studies, in line with our experience, showed vascular-related and infection-related secondary inflammatory tissue damage due to an abnormal immune response. It is still unclear, however, whether these findings are the effect of a direct viral pathology or rather reflect a non-specific consequence of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease on the brain. CONCLUSIONS Notwithstanding the limited evidence available and the heterogeneity of the studies, we provide a preliminary description of the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and brain sequelae. Systematic autoptic investigations are needed for accurate detection and adequate management of these patients.
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Fisicaro F, Di Napoli M, Liberto A, Fanella M, Di Stasio F, Pennisi M, Bella R, Lanza G, Mansueto G. Neurological Sequelae in Patients with COVID-19: A Histopathological Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041415. [PMID: 33546463 PMCID: PMC7913756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinvasive properties of SARS-CoV-2 have allowed the hypothesis of several pathogenic mechanisms related to acute and chronic neurological sequelae. However, neuropathological correlates have been poorly systematically investigated, being retrieved from reports of single case or limited case series still. METHODS A PubMed search was carried out to review all publications on autopsy in subjects with "COronaVIrus Disease-19" (COVID-19). Among them, we focused on histological findings of the brain, which were compared with those from the authors' autoptic studies performed in some COVID-19 patients. RESULTS Only seven studies reported histological evidence of brain pathology in patients deceased for COVID-19, including three with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction evidence of viral infection. All these studies, in line with our experience, showed vascular-related and infection-related secondary inflammatory tissue damage due to an abnormal immune response. It is still unclear, however, whether these findings are the effect of a direct viral pathology or rather reflect a non-specific consequence of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease on the brain. CONCLUSIONS Notwithstanding the limited evidence available and the heterogeneity of the studies, we provide a preliminary description of the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and brain sequelae. Systematic autoptic investigations are needed for accurate detection and adequate management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fisicaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.F.); (A.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Mario Di Napoli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, San Camillo de’ Lellis General Hospital, Viale Kennedy 1, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (M.D.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Aldo Liberto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.F.); (A.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Martina Fanella
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, San Camillo de’ Lellis General Hospital, Viale Kennedy 1, 02100 Rieti, Italy; (M.D.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Flavio Di Stasio
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit Cesena-Forlì, Bufalini Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Viale Ghirotti 286, 47521 Cesena, Italy;
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy; (F.F.); (A.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgery Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 78, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-3782448
| | - Gelsomina Mansueto
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (DAMSS), University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza L. Miraglia 2, 80138 Naples, Italy;
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