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Fang C, Zuo K, Liu Z, Xu L, Yang X. Disordered GPR43/NLRP3 expression in peripheral leukocytes of patients with atrial fibrillation is associated with intestinal short chain fatty acids levels. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:233. [PMID: 38622672 PMCID: PMC11017637 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01825-4] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with circulating inflammation. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) derived from gut microbiota (GM) regulate leukocyte function and inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines, which are partly mediated by the G-protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) signaling. This study aimed to investigate the expression of GPR43/NOD-like receptors family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in leukocytes and the interaction with intestinal SCFAs levels in AF patients. METHODS Expressions of GPR43 and NLRP3 mRNA in peripheral blood leukocytes from 23 AF patients and 25 non-AF controls were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Expressions of leukocyte GPR43 and NLRP3 protein were evaluated by western blot analysis. The levels of plasma IL-1β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The fecal SCFAs levels based on GC/MS metabolome of corresponding 21 controls and 14 AF patients were acquired from our published dataset. To evaluate the expression of NLRP3 and GPR43 and the release of IL-1β, human THP-1 cells were stimulated with or without SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and nigericin in vitro, respectively. RESULTS Compared to the controls, the mRNA expression in peripheral leukocytes was significantly reduced in AF patients (P = 0.011) coupled with the increase in downstream leukocyte NLRP3 mRNA expression (P = 0.007) and plasma IL-1β levels (P < 0.001), consistent with changes in GPR43 and NLRP3 protein expression. Furthermore, leukocyte GPR43 mRNA levels were positively correlated with fecal GM-derived acetic acid (P = 0.046) and negatively correlated with NLRP3 mRNA expression (P = 0.024). In contrast to the negative correlation between left atrial diameter (LAD) and GPR43 (P = 0.008), LAD was positively correlated with the leukocyte NLRP3 mRNA levels (P = 0.024). Subsequent mediation analysis showed that 68.88% of the total effect of intestinal acetic acid on AF might be mediated by leukocyte GPR43/NLRP3. The constructed GPR43-NLRP3 score might have a predictive potential for AF detection (AUC = 0.81, P < 0.001). Moreover, SCFAs treatment increased GPR43 expression and remarkably reduced LPS/nigericin-induced NLRP3 expression and IL-1β release in human THP-1 cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Disrupted interactions between GPR43 and NLRP3 expression in peripheral blood leukocytes, associated with reduced intestinal GM-derived SCFAs, especially acetic acid, may be involved in AF development and left atrial enlargement by enhancing circulating inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, No. 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Kun Zuo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Heart Center, Capital Medical University, 8th Gongtinanlu Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Heart Center, Capital Medical University, 8th Gongtinanlu Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.
| | - Li Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Heart Center, Capital Medical University, 8th Gongtinanlu Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.
| | - Xinchun Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypertension, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Heart Center, Capital Medical University, 8th Gongtinanlu Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.
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Rachieru C, Luca CT, Văcărescu C, Petrescu L, Cirin L, Cozma D. Future Perspectives to Improve CHA 2DS 2VASc Score: The Role of Left Atrium Remodelling, Inflammation and Genetics in Anticoagulation of Atrial Fibrillation. Clin Interv Aging 2023; 18:1737-1748. [PMID: 37873054 PMCID: PMC10590594 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s427748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In 10% of ischemic strokes, non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is detected retroactively. Milder, or even asymptomatic forms of NVAF have shown high mortality, thrombotic risk, and deterioration of cognitive function. The current guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of AF contain "grey areas", such as the one related to anticoagulant treatment in men with CHA2DS2-VASc score 1 and women with score 2. Moreover, parameters such as renal function, patient weight or left atrium remodelling are missing from the recommended guidelines scores. Vulnerable categories of patients including the elderly population, high hemorrhagic risk patients or patients with newly diagnosed paroxysmal episodes of atrial high rate at device interrogation are at risk of underestimation of the thrombotic risk. This review presents a systematic exposure of the most important gaps in evaluation of thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk in patients with NVAF. The authors propose new algorithms and risk factors that should be taken into consideration for an accurate thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk estimation, especially in vulnerable categories of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciprian Rachieru
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, Discipline of Medical Semiology I “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania
- Internal Medicine Department, County Emergency Hospital, Timisoara, 300079, Romania
- Center for Advanced Research in Cardiovascular Pathology and Hemostaseology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania
| | - Constantin-Tudor Luca
- Cardiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, Timisoara, 300310, Romania
- Research Center of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, Timisoara, 300310, Romania
| | - Cristina Văcărescu
- Cardiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, Timisoara, 300310, Romania
- Research Center of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, Timisoara, 300310, Romania
| | - Lucian Petrescu
- Cardiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania
| | - Liviu Cirin
- Cardiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania
| | - Dragos Cozma
- Cardiology Department, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, Timisoara, 300310, Romania
- Research Center of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timisoara, Timisoara, 300310, Romania
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Ruggiero R, Donniacuo M, Mascolo A, Gaio M, Cappetta D, Rafaniello C, Docimo G, Riccardi C, Izzo I, Ruggiero D, Paolisso G, Rossi F, De Angelis A, Capuano A. COVID-19 Vaccines and Atrial Fibrillation: Analysis of the Post-Marketing Pharmacovigilance European Database. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1584. [PMID: 37371680 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been described in COVID-19 patients. Recently, some case reports and US pharmacovigilance analyses described AF onset as a rare adverse event following COVID-19 vaccination. The possible correlation is unclear. We systematically analyzed the reports of AF related to COVID-19 vaccines collected in the European pharmacovigilance database, EudraVigilance (EV), from 2020 to November 2022. We carried out descriptive and disproportionality analyses. Moreover, we performed a sensitivity analysis, excluding the reports describing other possible alternative AF causes (pericarditis, myocarditis, COVID-19, or other drugs that may cause/exacerbate AF). Overall, we retrieved 6226 reports, which represented only 0.3% of all those related to COVID-19 vaccines collected in EV during our study period. AF reports mainly referred to adults (in particular, >65 years old), with an equal distribution in sex. Reports were mainly related to tozinameran (54.04%), elasomeran (28.3%), and ChAdOx1-S (14.32%). The reported AF required patient hospitalization in 35% of cases and resulted in a life-threatening condition in 10% of cases. The AF duration (when reported) was highly variable, but the majority of the events had a short duration (moda = 24 h). Although an increased frequency of AF reporting with mRNA vaccines emerges from our study, other investigations are required to investigate the possible correlation between COVID-19 vaccination and the rare AF occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Ruggiero
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Donniacuo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Mascolo
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Gaio
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Donato Cappetta
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Concetta Rafaniello
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Docimo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Consiglia Riccardi
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Imma Izzo
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Donatella Ruggiero
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paolisso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Rossi
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella De Angelis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Capuano
- Campania Regional Centre for Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Kessler Iglesias C, Pouliopoulos J, Thomas L, Hayward CS, Jabbour A, Fatkin D. Atrial cardiomyopathy: Current and future imaging methods for assessment of atrial structure and function. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1099625. [PMID: 37063965 PMCID: PMC10102662 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1099625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in atrial size and function have historically been considered a surrogate marker of ventricular dysfunction. However, it is now recognized that atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) may also occur as a primary myocardial disorder. Emerging evidence that ACM is a major risk factor for atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and thromboembolic stroke, has highlighted the significance of this disorder and the need for better assessment of atrial metrics in clinical practice. Key barriers in this regard include a lack of standardized criteria or hierarchy for the diagnosis of ACM and lack of consensus for the most accurate phenotyping methods. In this article we review existing literature on ACM, with a focus on current and future non-invasive imaging methods for detecting abnormalities of atrial structure and function. We discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for assessing a range of parameters, including atrial size and contractile function, strain, tissue characteristics, and epicardial adipose tissue. We will also present the potential application of novel imaging methods such as sphericity index and four- or five-dimensional flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassia Kessler Iglesias
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jim Pouliopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Liza Thomas
- Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Cardiology Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South West Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher S. Hayward
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Jabbour
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Diane Fatkin
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Correspondence: Diane Fatkin
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5
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Donniacuo M, De Angelis A, Telesca M, Bellocchio G, Riemma MA, Paolisso P, Scisciola L, Cianflone E, Torella D, Castaldo G, Capuano A, Urbanek K, Berrino L, Rossi F, Cappetta D. Atrial fibrillation: Epigenetic aspects and role of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Pharmacol Res 2023; 188:106591. [PMID: 36502999 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Pathophysiological aspects consist in the activation of pro-fibrotic signaling and Ca2+ handling abnormalities at atrial level. Structural and electrical remodeling creates a substrate for AF by triggering conduction abnormalities and cardiac arrhythmias. The care of AF patients focuses predominantly on anticoagulation, symptoms control and the management of risk factors and comorbidities. The goal of AF therapy points to restore sinus rhythm, re-establish atrioventricular synchrony and improve atrial contribution to the stroke volume. New layer of information to better comprehend AF pathophysiology, and identify targets for novel pharmacological interventions consists of the epigenetic phenomena including, among others, DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs. Moreover, the benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients at cardiovascular risk as well as emerging evidence on the ability of SGLT2i to modify epigenetic signature in cardiovascular diseases provide a solid background to investigate a possible role of this drug class in the onset and progression of AF. In this review, following a summary of pathophysiology and management, epigenetic mechanisms in AF and the potential of sodium-glucose SGLT2i in AF patients are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Donniacuo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - A De Angelis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - M Telesca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - G Bellocchio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - M A Riemma
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - P Paolisso
- Cardiovascular Center Aalst, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via A. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - L Scisciola
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - E Cianflone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - D Torella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - G Castaldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Via A. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; CEINGE-Advanced, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - A Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - K Urbanek
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", Via A. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; CEINGE-Advanced, Via G. Salvatore 486, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - L Berrino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - F Rossi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - D Cappetta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy
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Yakimenka A, Labib D, Dykstra S, Mikami Y, Satriano A, Flewitt J, Feuchter P, Rivest S, Howarth AG, Lydell CP, Quinn FR, Wilton SB, White JA. Influence of Sex-Based Differences in Cardiac Phenotype on Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence in Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Vein Isolation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:894592. [PMID: 35966521 PMCID: PMC9366168 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.894592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a commonly engaged therapy for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Prior studies have documented elevated AF recurrence rates among females vs. males. Sex-specific mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the sex-based differences in cardiac phenotype and their influence on (AF) recurrence following first-time PVI.MethodsA total of 204 consecutive patients referred for first-time PVI and 101 healthy subjects were prospectively studied by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Multi-chamber volumetric and functional measures were assessed by sex-corrected Z-score analyses vs. healthy subjects. Patients were followed for a median of 2.6 years for the primary outcome of clinical AF recurrence. Multivariable analyses adjusting for age and comorbidities were performed to identify independent predictors of AF recurrence.ResultsAF recurrence following first PVI occurred in 41% of males and 59% of females (p = 0.03). Females were older with higher prevalence of hypertension and thyroid disorders. Z-score-based analyses revealed significantly reduced ventricular volumes, greater left atrial (LA) volumes, and reduced LA contractility in females vs. males. Multivariable analysis revealed each of LA minimum and pre-systolic volumes and booster EF Z-scores to be independently associated with AF recurrence, providing respective hazard ratios of 1.10, 1.19, and 0.89 (p = 0.001, 0.03, and 0.01).ConclusionAmong patients referred for first time PVI, females were older and demonstrated significantly poorer LA contractile health vs. males, the latter independently associated with AF recurrence. Assessment of LA contractile health may therefore be of value to identify female patients at elevated risk of AF recurrence. Factors influencing female patient referral for PVI at more advanced stages of atrial disease warrant focused investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Yakimenka
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dina Labib
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Steven Dykstra
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Yoko Mikami
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alessandro Satriano
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Flewitt
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Patricia Feuchter
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sandra Rivest
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew G. Howarth
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carmen P. Lydell
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - F. Russell Quinn
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Stephen B. Wilton
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - James A. White
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: James A. White,
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Floria M, Burlacu A. Left atrial functional changes as emerging diagnostic and prognostic marker. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2022; 50:455-457. [PMID: 35521927 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Floria
- Department of Internal Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
- Internal Medicine Clinic, "Dr. Iacob Czihac" Military Emergency Hospital, Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandru Burlacu
- Department of Internal Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Disease Institute, Iasi, Romania
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Li L, Zimmer VA, Schnabel JA, Zhuang X. Medical image analysis on left atrial LGE MRI for atrial fibrillation studies: A review. Med Image Anal 2022; 77:102360. [PMID: 35124370 PMCID: PMC7614005 DOI: 10.1016/j.media.2022.102360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE MRI) is commonly used to visualize and quantify left atrial (LA) scars. The position and extent of LA scars provide important information on the pathophysiology and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). Hence, LA LGE MRI computing and analysis are essential for computer-assisted diagnosis and treatment stratification of AF patients. Since manual delineations can be time-consuming and subject to intra- and inter-expert variability, automating this computing is highly desired, which nevertheless is still challenging and under-researched. This paper aims to provide a systematic review on computing methods for LA cavity, wall, scar, and ablation gap segmentation and quantification from LGE MRI, and the related literature for AF studies. Specifically, we first summarize AF-related imaging techniques, particularly LGE MRI. Then, we review the methodologies of the four computing tasks in detail and summarize the validation strategies applied in each task as well as state-of-the-art results on public datasets. Finally, the possible future developments are outlined, with a brief survey on the potential clinical applications of the aforementioned methods. The review indicates that the research into this topic is still in the early stages. Although several methods have been proposed, especially for the LA cavity segmentation, there is still a large scope for further algorithmic developments due to performance issues related to the high variability of enhancement appearance and differences in image acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- School of Data Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Veronika A Zimmer
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Informatics, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Julia A Schnabel
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Informatics, Technical University of Munich, Germany; Helmholtz Center Munich, Germany
| | - Xiahai Zhuang
- School of Data Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Guo F, Li C, Yang L, Chen C, Chen Y, Ni J, Fu R, Jiao Y, Meng Y. Impact of left atrial geometric remodeling on late atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2021; 22:909-916. [PMID: 34506349 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To quantitatively investigate the impact of left atrial geometric remodeling on atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation. METHODS A retrospective analysis of 105 patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography before catheter ablation. Risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis and used to create a nomogram. RESULTS After at least 12 months of follow-up, 30 patients (29%) developed recurrent atrial fibrillation. Patients with recurrence had higher left atrial volume, left atrial sphericity, and lower left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in asymmetry index between the two groups (P = 0.121). Multivariable regression analysis showed that left atrial minimal volume index (LAVImin) [odds ratio (OR): 1.026, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.002-1.050, P = 0.034], left atrial sphericity (OR: 1.222, 95% CI: 1.040-1.435, P = 0.015) and CHADS2 score (OR: 1.511, 95% CI: 1.024-2.229, P = 0.038) were independent predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence. The combined model of the left atrial sphericity to the LAVImin substantially increased the predictive power for atrial fibrillation recurrence [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.736, 95% CI: 0.627-0.844, P < 0.001], with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 61%. A nomogram was generated based on the contribution weights of the risk factors; the AUC was 0.772 (95% CI: 0.670-0.875) and had good internal validity. CONCLUSION The CHADS2 score, left atrial sphericity, and LAVImin were significant and independent predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation. Furthermore, the nomogram had a better predictive capacity for atrial fibrillation recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqian Guo
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Second Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Watanabe T, Tachibana K, Shinoda Y, Minamisaka T, Fukuoka H, Inui H, Ueno K, Inoue S, Mine K, Hoshida S. Difference in left atrial D-dimer level in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with direct oral anticoagulant. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2021; 21:487. [PMID: 34627142 PMCID: PMC8502280 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-021-02285-y] [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: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) may cause cerebral and systemic embolism. An increased D-dimer level indicates hyperactivation of secondary fibrinolysis, resulting in predilection for thrombosis. To clarify the differential effects of anticoagulation therapy, we compared the D-dimer levels in peripheral and left atrial (LA) blood of atrial fibrillation patients scheduled for ablation. Methods We analyzed 141 patients with non-valvular AF (dabigatran, n = 30; apixaban, n = 47; edoxaban, n = 64; mean age: 68 years, male: 60%). Peripheral venous blood and LA blood was collected before pulmonary vein isolation. We examined the laboratory and echocardiographic parameters. Results After adjusting for baseline characteristics, D-dimer level in the LA was significantly higher in patients treated with edoxaban than that in those on apixaban (0.77 ± 0.05 vs. 0.60 ± 0.05 μg/mL, P = 0.047), although there were no significant differences in peripheral D-dimer levels. We classified the D-dimer value of the LA into a normal group (< 0.9) and a high value group (≥ 1.0); the peripheral prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 level (odds ratio [OR] 1.012; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.003–1.022; P = 0.008) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR, 0.947; 95% CI, 0.910–0.986; P = 0.008) were potential predictors of high LA D-dimer levels. Conclusions In apixaban-treated patients, the D-dimer level in the left atrium was lower than in edoxaban-treated patients on the day of ablation, suggesting that the anticoagulant effect of apixaban on the left atrium is better than that of edoxaban in patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Watanabe
- Division of Cardiology, Osaka General Medical Center, 3-1-56 Bandai-Higashi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, 558-8558, Japan.
| | - Koichi Tachibana
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yao Municipal Hospital, Yao, Japan
| | - Yukinori Shinoda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yao Municipal Hospital, Yao, Japan
| | - Tomoko Minamisaka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yao Municipal Hospital, Yao, Japan
| | - Hidetada Fukuoka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yao Municipal Hospital, Yao, Japan
| | - Hirooki Inui
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yao Municipal Hospital, Yao, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ueno
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yao Municipal Hospital, Yao, Japan
| | - Souki Inoue
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yao Municipal Hospital, Yao, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mine
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yao Municipal Hospital, Yao, Japan
| | - Shiro Hoshida
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yao Municipal Hospital, Yao, Japan
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Dmour BA, Miftode RS, Iliescu Halitchi D, Anton-Paduraru DT, Iliescu Halitchi CO, Miftode IL, Mitu O, Costache AD, Stafie CS, Costache II. Latest Insights into Mechanisms behind Atrial Cardiomyopathy: It Is Not always about Ventricular Function. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030449. [PMID: 33807827 PMCID: PMC8001077 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) represents a constantly evolving concept, with increasing importance in contemporary research and clinical practice. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in atrial remodeling and its clinical correlations especially with atrial fibrillation (AF) and other cardiometabolic comorbidities may induce a significant impact on the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic approach of ACM-related comorbidities. Although initially described several decades ago, investigators have only recently highlighted that several renal, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases are determining factors for atrial remodeling and subsequent ACM. Based on data from multiple recent studies, our research emphasizes the correlations between ACM and other coexisting pathologies including cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic diseases, with fibrosis being the most incriminated pathophysiological mechanism. In addition to the usual tests, the paraclinical assessment of ACM is increasingly based on the use of various cardiac biomarkers, while the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has become an increasingly tempting diagnostic too for describing morphofunctional aspects of the heart chambers, with the gadolinium contrast enhanced CMR (LGE-CMR) emerging as a commonly used technique aiming to identify and quantify the precise extent of atrial fibrosis. Further research should be conducted in order to clarify our knowledge regarding atrial remodeling and, therefore, to develop new and improved therapeutic approaches in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca-Ana Dmour
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Internal Medicine), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Radu-Stefan Miftode
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.I.H.); (O.M.); (A.-D.C.); (I.I.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Dan Iliescu Halitchi
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.I.H.); (O.M.); (A.-D.C.); (I.I.C.)
| | - Dana Teodora Anton-Paduraru
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.T.A.-P.); (C.-O.I.H.)
| | - Codruta-Olimpiada Iliescu Halitchi
- Department of Mother and Child Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.T.A.-P.); (C.-O.I.H.)
| | - Ionela-Larisa Miftode
- Department of Infectious Diseases (Internal Medicine II), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ovidiu Mitu
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.I.H.); (O.M.); (A.-D.C.); (I.I.C.)
| | - Alexandru-Dan Costache
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.I.H.); (O.M.); (A.-D.C.); (I.I.C.)
| | - Celina-Silvia Stafie
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinarity, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Irina Iuliana Costache
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Cardiology), Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.I.H.); (O.M.); (A.-D.C.); (I.I.C.)
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12
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Mannion J, Galvin J, Boles U. Left atrial scar identification and quantification in sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation. J Arrhythm 2020; 36:967-973. [PMID: 33335611 PMCID: PMC7733578 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification and quantification of low voltage areas (LVA) in atrial fibrillation (AF), identified by their bipolar voltages (BiV) via electro-anatomical voltage mapping is an area of interest to prognosis of AF free burden. LVAs have been linked to diseased left atrial (LA) tissue which results in pro-fibrillatory potentials. These LVAs are dominantly found within the pulmonary veins, however, as the disease progresses other areas of the LA show low voltage. The scar burden of the LA is linked to recurrence of the arrhythmia and can be a target of further modification. This burden is classically assessed once sinus rhythm (SR) is attained, but this is susceptible to operator variability with overestimated dense LA scar (<0.2 mV) and underestimated diseased LA tissue (<0.5 mV). The novel automated voltage histogram analysis (VHA) tool may increase accuracy, however, is yet to be fully validated. A recent study indicates that LVAs can be assessed just as reliably in AF as SR, but BiV is lower with linear correlation to SR values (0.24-0.5 mV respectively). In this paper, we review current data as well as review current methods of identifying, quantifying, and grading LA scar. We also compared AF vs SR voltages of a patient undergoing catheter ablation in our site using our VHA tool to compare the results. In keeping with the cited papers, we found lower voltages in our patient measured in AF. This area warrants further study to assess correlation in more patients, with view to developing prognostic and therapeutic grading systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Mannion
- Cardiology Department, Heart and Vascular CentreMater Private HospitalDublinIreland
| | - Joseph Galvin
- Cardiology Department, Heart and Vascular CentreMater Private HospitalDublinIreland
| | - Usama Boles
- Cardiology Department, Heart and Vascular CentreMater Private HospitalDublinIreland
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13
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Mohanty S, Trivedi C, Della Rocca DG, Baqai FM, Anannab A, Gianni C, MacDonald B, Quintero Mayedo A, Bassiouny M, Gallinghouse GJ, Burkhardt JD, Horton R, Al-Ahmad A, Di Biase L, Natale A. Thromboembolic Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Left Atrial Scar Post-Extensive Ablation: A Single-Center Experience. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2020; 7:308-318. [PMID: 33736751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2020.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the association of the post-ablation scar with stroke risk in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. BACKGROUND Late gadolinium enhancement-cardiac magnetic resonance studies have reported a direct association between pre-ablation left atrial scar and thromboembolic events in patients with AF. METHODS Consecutive patients with AF were classified into 2 groups based on the type of ablation performed at the first procedure. Group 1 involved limited ablation (isolation of pulmonary veins, left atrial posterior wall, and superior vena cava); and group 2 involved extensive ablation (limited ablation + ablation of nonpulmonary vein triggers from all sites except left atrial appendage). During the repeat procedure, post-ablation scar (region with bipolar voltage amplitude <0.5 mV) was identified by using 3-dimensional voltage mapping. RESULTS A total of 6,297 patients were included: group 1, n = 1,713; group 2, n = 4,584. Group 2 patients were significantly older and had more nonparoxysmal AF. Nineteen (0.3%) thromboembolic events were reported after the first ablation procedure: 9 (1.02%) in group 1 and 10 (0.61%) in group 2 (p = 0.26). At the time of the event, all 19 patients were experiencing arrhythmia. Median time to stroke was 14 (interquartile range: 9 to 20) months in group 1 and 14.5 (interquartile range: 8 to 18) months in group 2. Post-ablation scar data were derived from 2,414 patients undergoing repeat ablation. Mean scar area was detected as 67.1 ± 4.6% in group 2 and 34.9 ± 8.8% in group 1 at the redo procedure (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Differently from the cardiac magnetic resonance-detected pre-ablation scar, scar resulting from extensive ablation was not associated with increased risk of stroke compared with that from the limited ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Carola Gianni
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rodney Horton
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Amin Al-Ahmad
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin, Texas, USA; Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin, Texas, USA; Interventional Electrophysiology, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, California, USA; Metro Health Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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14
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Floria M, Radu S, Moraru AC, Tanase DM. Low voltage areas, atrial natriuretic peptides and fibrosis: Challenges and controversies. Clin Cardiol 2020; 44:9-10. [PMID: 33180960 PMCID: PMC7803346 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Floria
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.,Dr. Iacob Czihac Military Emergency Clinical Hospital, Iasi, Romania
| | - Smaranda Radu
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Aurelian Corneliu Moraru
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.,Romanian Academy, Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniela Maria Tanase
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania.,Sf. Spiridon Emergency Hospital, Iasi, Romania
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