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Ceasovschih A, Sorodoc V, Shor A, Haliga RE, Roth L, Lionte C, Onofrei Aursulesei V, Sirbu O, Culis N, Shapieva A, Tahir Khokhar MAR, Statescu C, Sascau RA, Coman AE, Stoica A, Grigorescu ED, Banach M, Thomopoulos C, Sorodoc L. Distinct Features of Vascular Diseases in COVID-19. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:2783-2800. [PMID: 37435114 PMCID: PMC10332421 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s417691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was declared in early 2020 after several unexplained pneumonia cases were first reported in Wuhan, China, and subsequently in other parts of the world. Commonly, the disease comprises several clinical features, including high temperature, dry cough, shortness of breath, and hypoxia, associated with findings of interstitial pneumonia on chest X-ray and computer tomography. Nevertheless, severe forms of acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are not limited to the respiratory tract but also may be extended to other systems, including the cardiovascular system. The bi-directional relationship between atherosclerosis and COVID-19 is accompanied by poor prognosis. The immune response hyperactivation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection causes an increased secretion of cytokines, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness, which promotes the development of atherosclerosis. Also, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to healthcare amenities was reduced, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality in patients at risk. Furthermore, as lockdown measures were largely adopted worldwide, the sedentary lifestyle and the increased consumption of processed nutrients or unhealthy food increased, and in the consequence, we might observe even 70% of overweight and obese population. Altogether, with the relatively low ratio of vaccinated people in many countries, and important health debt appeared, which is now and will be for next decade a large healthcare challenge. However, the experience gained in the COVID-19 pandemic and the new methods of patients' approaching have helped the medical system to overcome this crisis and will hopefully help in the case of new possible epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Ceasovschih
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, 700111, Romania
| | - Victorita Sorodoc
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, 700111, Romania
| | - Annabelle Shor
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
| | - Raluca Ecaterina Haliga
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, 700111, Romania
| | - Lynn Roth
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, 2610, Belgium
| | - Catalina Lionte
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, 700111, Romania
| | | | - Oana Sirbu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, 700111, Romania
| | - Nicolae Culis
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Queen’s Medical Center, Nottingham, NG72UH, UK
| | - Albina Shapieva
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | | | - Cristian Statescu
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I.M. Georgescu”, Iasi, 700503, Romania
| | - Radu A Sascau
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute “Prof. Dr. George I.M. Georgescu”, Iasi, 700503, Romania
| | - Adorata Elena Coman
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
| | - Alexandra Stoica
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, 700111, Romania
| | - Elena-Daniela Grigorescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), Lodz, 93338, Poland
| | - Costas Thomopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Elena Venizelou General Hospital, Athens, GR-11522, Greece
| | - Laurentiu Sorodoc
- Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, 700115, Romania
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iasi, 700111, Romania
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Onofrei VA, Anisie E, Zamfir CL, Ceasovschih A, Constantin M, Mitu F, Grigorescu ED, Petroaie AD, Timofte DV. Role of Chemerin and Perivascular Adipose Tissue Characteristics on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment by Arterial Stiffness Markers in Patients with Morbid Obesity. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082885. [PMID: 37109222 PMCID: PMC10145532 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The development of arterial stiffness (AS) in obesity is a multifactorial and complex process. The pleomorphic actions of adipokines and their local activity in perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) are potential modulators of AS appearance and progression. We aimed to assess the correlations between two adipokines (chemerin, adiponectin), PVAT morphological changes (adipocyte size, blood vessel wall thickness) and AS parameters in the special subgroup of patients with morbid obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 25 patients with morbid obesity and 25 non-obese patients, who were age- and gender-matched, untreated for cardiovascular risk factors, and admitted to hospital for laparoscopic surgical procedures (bariatric surgery for morbid obesity and non-inflammatory benign pathology surgery for non-obese patients). Before the surgical procedures, we evaluated demographic and anthropometric data and biochemical parameters including the studied adipokines. Arterial stiffness was evaluated using a Medexpert ArteriographTM TL2 device. In both groups, adipocyte size and vascular wall thickness as well as local adiponectin activity were analyzed in PVAT from intraoperative biopsies. RESULTS In our study, adiponectin (p = 0.0003), chemerin (p = 0.0001) and their ratio (p = 0.005) had statistically significant higher mean values in patients with morbid obesity compared to normal-weight patients. In patients with morbid obesity there were significant correlations between chemerin and AS parameters such as aortic pulse wave velocity (p = 0.006) and subendocardial viability index (p = 0.009). In the same group adipocyte size was significantly correlated with another AS parameter, namely, aortic systolic blood pressure (p = 0.030). In normal-weight patients, blood vessel wall thickness positively correlated with AS parameters such as brachial (p = 0.023) and aortic augmentation index (p = 0.023). An important finding was the negative adipoR1 and adipoR2 immunoexpression in PVAT adipocytes of patients with morbid obesity. Additionally, we found significant correlations between blood vessel wall thickness and blood fasting glucose (p < 0.05) in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Chemerin and adipocyte size could be predictive biomarkers for AS in patients with morbid obesity. Given the small number of patients included, our results need further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Aursulesei Onofrei
- Department of Medical Specialties, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Cardiology Clinic, St. Spiridon, Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independence Boulevard No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Anisie
- Cardiology Clinic, St. Spiridon, Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independence Boulevard No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Carmen Lacramioara Zamfir
- Department of Medical Specialties, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandr Ceasovschih
- Department of Medical Specialties, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Cardiology Clinic, St. Spiridon, Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independence Boulevard No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihai Constantin
- Department of Medical Specialties, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Florin Mitu
- Department of Medical Specialties, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Ion C. Brătianu Boulevard No. 1, 030173 Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy of Scientists, Dimitrie Mangeron Boulevard No. 433, 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena-Daniela Grigorescu
- Department of Medical Specialties, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Antoneta Dacia Petroaie
- Department of Medical Specialties, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniel Vasile Timofte
- Department of Medical Specialties, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Cardiology Clinic, St. Spiridon, Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independence Boulevard No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Ion C. Brătianu Boulevard No. 1, 030173 Bucharest, Romania
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Onofrei VA, Zamfir CL, Anisie E, Ceasovschih A, Constantin M, Mitu F, Adam CA, Grigorescu ED, Petroaie AD, Timofte D. Determinants of Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Morbid Obesity. The Role of Echocardiography and Carotid Ultrasound Imaging. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030428. [PMID: 36984428 PMCID: PMC10053097 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective: Morbid obesity is accompanied by an increased cardiovascular (CV) risk, which justifies a multidisciplinary, integrative approach. Arterial stiffness has a well-defined additional role in refining individual CV risk. Given that echocardiography and carotid ultrasound are usual methods for CV risk characterization, we aimed to identify the imaging parameters with a predictive value for early-onset arterial stiffness. Material and methods: We conducted a study in which 50 patients (divided into two equal groups with morbid obesity and without obesity), age and gender matched, untreated for cardiovascular risk factors, were addressed to bariatric surgery or non-inflammatory benign pathology surgery. Before the surgical procedures, we evaluated demographics, anthropometric data and biochemical parameters including adipokines (chemerin, adiponectin). Arterial stiffness was evaluated using the Medexpert ArteriographTM TL2 device. Transthoracic echocardiography and carotid ultrasound were also performed. We also analyzed adipocyte size and vascular wall thickness in intraoperative biopsies. Results: Left ventricle (LV) mass index (p = 0.2851), LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.0073), epicardial adipose tissue thickness (p = 0.0001) as echocardiographic parameters and carotid intima–media thickness (p = 0.0033), relative wall thickness (p = 0.0295), wall to lumen thickness ratio (p = 0.0930) and carotid cross-sectional area (p = 0.0042) as ultrasound parameters were significant measures in our groups and were assessed in relation to adipocyte size, blood vessel wall thickness and adipokines serum levels. Statistical analysis revealed directly proportional relationships between LV mass index (p = 0.008), carotid systolic thickness of the media (p = 0.009), diastolic thickness of the media (p = 0.007), cross-sectional area (p = 0.001) and blood vessel wall thickness. Carotid relative wall thickness positively correlates with adipocyte size (p = 0.023). In patients with morbid obesity, chemerin and adiponectin/chemerin ratio positively correlates with carotid intima–media thickness (p = 0.050), systolic thickness of the media (p = 0.015) and diastolic thickness of the media (p = 0.001). The multiple linear regression models revealed the role of epicardial adipose tissue thickness and carotid cross-sectional area in predicting adipocyte size which in turn is an independent factor for arterial stiffness parameters such as pulse wave velocity, subendocardial viability ratio and aortic augmentation index. Conclusions: Our results suggest that epicardial adipose tissue thickness, carotid intima–media thickness, relative wall thickness and carotid cross-sectional area might be useful imaging parameters for early prediction of arterial stiffness in patients with morbid obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Aursulesei Onofrei
- Department of Medical Specialties I and II, Morpho-Functional Sciences I and Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinary, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- “St. Spiridon” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independence Boulevard No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (V.A.O.); (C.A.A.)
| | - Carmen Lacramioara Zamfir
- Department of Medical Specialties I and II, Morpho-Functional Sciences I and Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinary, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ecaterina Anisie
- “St. Spiridon” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independence Boulevard No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandr Ceasovschih
- Department of Medical Specialties I and II, Morpho-Functional Sciences I and Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinary, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- “St. Spiridon” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independence Boulevard No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihai Constantin
- Department of Medical Specialties I and II, Morpho-Functional Sciences I and Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinary, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Florin Mitu
- Department of Medical Specialties I and II, Morpho-Functional Sciences I and Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinary, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Ion C. Brătianu Boulevard No 1, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Professor Dr. Doc. Dimitrie Mangeron Boulevard No. 433, 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Andreea Adam
- Department of Medical Specialties I and II, Morpho-Functional Sciences I and Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinary, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (V.A.O.); (C.A.A.)
| | - Elena-Daniela Grigorescu
- Department of Medical Specialties I and II, Morpho-Functional Sciences I and Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinary, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Antoneta Dacia Petroaie
- Department of Medical Specialties I and II, Morpho-Functional Sciences I and Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinary, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Daniel Timofte
- Department of Medical Specialties I and II, Morpho-Functional Sciences I and Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinary, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- “St. Spiridon” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Independence Boulevard No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Ion C. Brătianu Boulevard No 1, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
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Horváth L, Boncz I, Kívés Z, Fehér G, Németh N, Kajos FL, Biró K, Fendrik K, Koltai K, Késmárky G, Endrei D. Disease-Specific Quality of Life among Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease in Hungary. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3558. [PMID: 36834250 PMCID: PMC9962480 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a progressive atherosclerotic disease significantly impacting functional status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to investigate HRQoL among PAD patients in Hungary using the validated Hungarian version of the PADQoL questionnaire. Patients with symptomatic PAD were consecutively recruited from the Department of Angiology, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, Hungary. Demographics, risk factors, and comorbidities were registered. Disease severity was measured by Fontaine and WIFI stages. Descriptive statistical analysis, Chi-square test, and non-parametric tests were performed (p < 0.05). Overall, 129 patients (mean age 67.6 ± 11.9 years, men 51.9%) participated in our study. The Hungarian PADQoL demonstrated good internal consistency (α range: 0.745-0.910). Factors on intimate and social relationships gave the best (89.15 ± 20.91; 63.17 ± 26.05) and sexual function (28.64 ± 27.42), and limitations in physical functioning (24.68 ± 11.40) the worst scores. PAD had a significant negative impact on the social relationships of patients aged 21-54 years (51.6 ± 25.4). Fontaine stage IV patients experienced significantly lower HRQoL due to fear and uncertainty (46.3 ± 20.9) and limited physical functioning (33.2 ± 24.8). The Hungarian PADQoL identified central aspects of HRQoL. Advanced PAD was found to impact several areas of HRQoL, primarily physical functioning and psycho-social well-being, drawing attention to the importance of early diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilla Horváth
- Centre for Occupational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Imre Boncz
- Institute for Health Insurance, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Kívés
- Institute for Health Insurance, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Fehér
- Department of Primary Health Care, University of Pécs, 7623 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Noémi Németh
- Institute for Health Insurance, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Fanni Luca Kajos
- Institute for Health Insurance, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Biró
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Fendrik
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Koltai
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Késmárky
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Endrei
- Institute for Health Insurance, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Clinical Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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The Evolution of Pulmonary Hypertension and Its Prognostic Implications Post-TAVI-Single Center Experience. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58091182. [PMID: 36143859 PMCID: PMC9501961 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Since the first transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure was performed in 2002, advances in technology and refinement of the method have led to its widespread use in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and high surgical risk. We aim to identify the impact of TAVI on the clinical and functional status of patients with severe AS at the one-month follow-up and to identify potential predictors associated with the evolution of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in this category of patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective study which included 86 patients diagnosed with severe AS undergoing TAVI treatment. We analyzed demographics, clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with AS and PH both at enrolment and at the 30-day follow-up. Results: In our study, the decrease of EUROSCORE II score (p < 0.001), improvement of angina (p < 0.001) and fatigue (p < 0.001) as clinical benefits as well as a reduction in NYHA functional class in patients with heart failure (p < 0.001) are prognostic predictors with statistical value. Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (p = 0.001), increase in the left ventricle ejection fraction (p = 0.007) and improvement of diastolic dysfunction (p < 0.001) are echocardiographic parameters with a prognostic role in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI. The pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) (p < 0.001), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (p = 0.020), pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) (p < 0.001) and the TAPSE/PASP ratio (p < 0.001) are statistically significant echocardiographic parameters in our study that assess both PH and its associated prognosis in patients undergoing TAVI. Conclusions: PAAT, TAPSE, PASP and the TAPSE/PASP ratio are independent predictors that allow the assessment of PH and its prognostic implications post-TAVI.
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