Retinal Structural and Vascular Changes in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Retinal microvascular anomalies have been identified in patients with cardiovascular conditions such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and carotid artery disease. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number CRD42024506589) to explore the potential of retinal vasculature as a biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) through optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

METHODS

We systematically examined original articles in the Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from their inception up to November 2023, comparing retinal microvascular features between patients with CAD and control groups. Studies were included if they reported sample mean with standard deviation or median with range and/or interquartile range (which were computed into mean and standard deviation). Review Manager 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) software was used to calculate the pooled effect size with weighted mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by random-effects inverse variance method.

RESULTS

Eleven studies meeting the inclusion criteria were incorporated into the meta-analysis. The findings indicated a significant decrease in the retinal nerve fiber layer (WMD -3.11 [-6.06, -0.16]), subfoveal choroid (WMD -58.79 [-64.65, -52.93]), and overall retinal thickness (WMD -4.61 [-7.05, -2.17]) among patients with CAD compared to controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, vascular macular density was notably lower in CAD patients, particularly in the superficial capillary plexus (foveal vessel density WMD -2.19 [-3.02, -1.135], p < 0.0001). Additionally, the foveal avascular zone area was statistically larger in CAD patients compared to the control group (WMD 52.73 [8.79, 96.67], p = 0.02). Heterogeneity was significant (I2 > 50%) for most features except for subfoveal choroid thickness, retina thickness, and superficial foveal vessel density.

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis suggests that retinal vascularization could function as a noninvasive biomarker, providing additional insights beyond standard routine examinations for assessing dysfunction in coronary arteries.

Takayasu's Arteritis: A Special Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Takayasu's arteritis is a rare type of vasculitis with severe complications like stroke, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, secondary hypertension, and aneurysms. Diagnosis is achieved using clinical and angiographic criteria. Treatment is medical and surgical, but unfortunately, the outcome is limited. Case presentation: A 34-year-old Caucasian woman had an ischemic stroke (2009). She was diagnosed with Takayasu's arteritis and received treatment with methotrexate, prednisolone, and antiplatelet agents, with a mild improvement in clinical state. After 6 years (2015), she experienced an ascending aorta aneurysm, pulmonary hypertension, and mild aortic regurgitation. Surgical treatment solved both the ascending aorta aneurysm and left carotid artery stenosis (ultrasound in 2009 and computed tomography angiogram in 2014). Morphopathology revealed a typical case of Takayasu's arteritis. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF inhibitors) were prescribed with methotrexate. At 48 years old (2023), she developed coronary heart disease (angina, electrocardiogram); echocardiography revealed severe pulmonary hypertension, and angiography revealed normal coronary arteries, abdominal aorta pseudoaneurysm, and arterial-venous fistula originating in the right coronary artery with drainage in the medium pulmonary artery. The patient refused surgical/interventional treatment. She again received TNF inhibitors, methotrexate, antiplatelet agents, and statins. Conclusions: This case report presented a severe form of Takayasu's arteritis. Our patient had multiple arterial complications, as previously mentioned. She received immunosuppressive treatment, medication targeted to coronary heart disease, and surgical therapy.

Comparative Analysis of Left Ventricular Mass Regression Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement - a Single Center Experience from Romania

Introduction: Severe aortic stenosis is often associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Elevated left ventricular mass (LVM) is linked to higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) has been the standard treatment, but transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) offers an alternative for high-risk surgical patients. Understanding how these interventions affect left ventricular mass regression is crucial. Materials and methods: This retrospective study analyzed 315 patients treated between December 2014 and December 2022, categorizing them into surgical and transcatheter treatment groups. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected at baseline and six-month follow-up. Statistical analysis assessed differences between groups and predictors of LV mass reduction. Results:The overall dataset indicated an average percentage reduction in LVM of 10.86%±29.41%. Segmenting the data, the TAVI subgroup exhibited a reduction of 4.28%±30.31%, while the SAVR subgroup highlighted a pronounced decline of 17.92%±26.76%. Preoperative LVMi and mean pressure gradient positively correlated with LVM reduction, while TAVI negatively impacted it. Conclusions: Both TAVI and SAVR interventions yield benefits in reducing left ventricular mass, with SAVR showing a superior outcome. Recognizing predictors of LV mass regression is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies, and early valve replacement should be considered to prevent irreversible LV hypertrophy.

Prediction and Management of Surgical Site Infections in Hybrid Vascular Surgery for Peripheral Artery Disease

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative complications are an important problem that all surgeons face. Among all possible complications, local and systemic infections are one of the most prevalent postprocedural adverse events. It is difficult to assess whether or not a patient will develop a surgical site infection (SSI), but there are certain basic investigations that can suggest the probability of such an event. We also investigated some clinically assessable signs to help us better predict the occurrence of SSIs. Every bit of information brings us closer to an ideal where we can bring postoperative complications to a minimum. Close examination and attention to detail is crucial in the prediction and prevention of SSIs. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective and prospective observational study was carried out between 01.01.2019 â?" 01.09.2021. All adult patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who had disabling intermittent claudication or rest pain, were included in this study. We excluded minor or vascular surgery emergencies (ruptured aneurysms, acute ischemia or vascular trauma). We followed the postoperative complications as well as their management with an emphasis on surgical site infections (SSIs). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine key values of statistical relevance by calculating the Area Under the Curve (AUC). Multivariate analysis was used to assess the statistical relevance of our data. Results: The study evaluates 128 patients diagnosed with PAD, aged between 47 and 97, with a mean age of 71.26 Ã+- 10.8 years. There were significantly more male than female patients 71.09% vs. 28.91% (p 0.01). All patients were treated using hybrid vascular techniques. All complication rates were recorded but we focused on SSIs, which was the most prevalent complication (25%). C-Reactive Protein with values higher than 5 mg/dl, was confirmed as a positive predictive factor for postoperative surgical site infections (AUC = 0.80). Another positive predictive factor for SSIs is hyperglycemia. Glycemic values higher than 140mg/dl are more frequently associated with postoperative infections (p = 0.02), a predictability curve of statistical significance was also obtained (AUC = 0.71). Postoperative SSIs were more prevalent in patients with preoperative distal trophic lesions (p 0.01). The presence of other complications such as edema and lymphoceles were also linked to SSIs (p 0.01). Nevertheless, patients who underwent surgery over negative wound pressure therapy (NWPT) for infection management had significantly shorter hospital stays (p 0.01). Conclusions: There are multiple clinical or paraclinical predictors of SSIs. The coexistence of several such factors can carry an additional risk of developing a SSI and should be evaluated and controlled separately in the preoperative phase as much as possible. Admission to a diabetes center and regulation of glycemic values prior to elective vascular surgery, for patients who can be surgically postponed is an effective method of preventing infections. Surgical management remains the most reliable form of treatment of SSIs, being the most efficient therapy and offering immediate results, while simultaneously shortening hospital stays.

Hybrid Management of an Aortobronchial Fistula after Patch Aortoplasty for Aortic Coarctation in a Patient with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Aortobronchial fistula is a rare cause of repeated hemoptysis and a potentially fatal condition if left untreated. We present the case of a 40-year-old man with repeated hemoptysis, excessive cough, and epistaxis ongoing for several days after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosis. The patient had a history of patch aortoplasty for aortic coarctation and aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve for aortic insufficiency due to bicuspid aortic valve at the age of 24. Computed tomography scan performed at presentation revealed a severely dilated ascending aorta, a thoracic aorta pseudoaneurysm at the site of the former coarctation, an aortobronchial fistula suggested by the thickened left lower lobe apical segmental bronchus in contact with the pseudoaneurysm and signs of alveolar hemorrhage in the respective segment. The patient was treated with thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) after prior hemi-aortic arch debranching and transposition of the left common carotid artery and subclavian artery through a closed-chest surgical approach. Our case report together with a systematic review of the literature highlight the importance of both considering an aortobronchial fistula in the differential diagnosis of hemoptysis in patients with prior history of thoracic aorta surgical intervention, regardless of associated pathology, and of taking into account endovascular and hybrid techniques as an alternative to open surgical repair, which carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality.

Cardiac Rehabilitation and Mortality Risk Reduction in Peripheral Artery Disease at 6-Month Outcome

The management of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) is integrative and multidisciplinary, in which cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays a prognostic role in terms of functional status, quality of life, and long-term impact on morbidity and mortality. We conducted a prospective cohort study on 97 patients with PAD admitted to a single tertiary referral center. Based on a prognostic index developed to stratify long-term mortality risk in PAD patients, we divided the cohort into two groups: low and low-intermediate risk group (45 cases) and high-intermediate and high risk group (52 cases). We analyzed demographics, clinical parameters, and paraclinical parameters in the two groups, as well as factors associated with cardiological reassessment prior to the established deadline of 6 months. Obesity (p = 0.048), renal dysfunction (p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (p < 0.001), tobacco use (p = 0.048), and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001) are comorbidities with long-term prognostic value. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.002), triglycerides (p = 0.032), fasting glucose (p = 0.011), peak oxygen uptake (p = 0.005), pain-free walking distance (p = 0.011), maximum walking time (p < 0.001), and maximum walking distance (p = 0.002) influence the outcome of PAD patients by being factors associated with clinical improvement at the 6-month follow-up. PAD patients benefit from enrollment in CR programs, improvement of clinical signs, lipid and carbohydrate profile, and weight loss and maintenance of blood pressure profile within normal limits, as well as increased exercise capacity being therapeutic targets.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in Peripheral Artery Disease in a Tertiary Center-Impact on Arterial Stiffness and Functional Status after 6 Months

Background and Objectives: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays an essential role in peripheral artery disease (PAD), leading to improved functional status, increased quality of life, and reduced arterial stiffness. We aimed to assess factors associated with clinical improvement 6 months after enrolment in a rehabilitation program at an academic medical center in north-eastern Europe. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study on 97 patients with PAD admitted to a single tertiary referral center. At the 6-months follow-up, 75 patients (77.3%) showed improved clinical status. We analyzed demographics and clinical and paraclinical parameters in order to explore factors associated with a favorable outcome. Results: Hypertension (p = 0.002), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.002), dyslipidemia (p = 0.045), and obesity (p = 0.564) were associated with no clinical improvement. Smoking cessation (p < 0.001), changing sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.032), and improvement of lipid and carbohydrate profile as well as functional status parameters and ambulatory arterial stiffness index (p = 0.008) were factors associated with clinical improvement at the 6-months follow-up. Conclusions: PAD patients require an integrative, multidisciplinary management to maintain functional status and increase quality of life. Improving carbohydrate and lipid profile, adopting a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking and increasing exercise capacity are predictors for clinical improvement 6 months after enrolment in a CR program.

Safety and Efficacy of Minimum- or Zero-Contrast IVUS-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Systematic Review

Conventional percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) frequently cause severe complications in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Low-to-zero contrast intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guided PCIs are promising alternatives in the CKD setting. We aim to systematically review up-to-date literature that have reported data and outcomes of low-to-zero contrast PCIs performed in CKD patients. We searched Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases for full-text articles that reported original data regarding efficacy and/or safety outcomes of IVUS-guided PCIs in patients with CKD. The quality of non-randomized trials included was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Six papers were included in the present systematic review: One non-randomized trial, two case series, and three case reports. Given the literature reported so far, contrast-free and IVUS-guided PCI procedures in patients with CKD appear to be safe (both in cardiac and renal outcomes) with a comparable efficacy to the conventional procedure, even in complex atherosclerotic lesions. No patient included in the mentioned studies showed renal function deterioration and did not need renal replacement therapy after the zero-contrast IVUS-guided percutaneous procedures. From a cardiovascular point of view, this technique proved to be safe in terms of cardiovascular outcomes. The undesirable consequences of conventional PCI in the CKD population might soon be effectively hampered by safer low-to-zero contrast IVUS-guided PCI procedures after a mandatory and rigorous evidence-based validation in long-awaited randomized controlled trials.

A Meta-Analysis on Prophylactic Donor Heart Tricuspid Annuloplasty in Orthotopic Heart Transplantation: High Hopes from a Small Intervention

(1) Background: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is the most frequent valvulopathy in heart transplant recipients (HTX). We aimed to assess the influence of prophylactic donor heart tricuspid annuloplasty (TA) in orthotopic HTX (HTX-A), comparing the outcomes with those of HTX patients. (2) Methods: Electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched. The endpoints were as follows: the overall rate of postprocedural TR (immediate, one week, six months, and one year after the procedure), postoperative complications (permanent pacemaker implantation rate, bleeding), redo surgery for TR, and mortality. (3) Results: This meta-analysis included seven studies. Immediate postprocedural, one-week, six-month and one-year tricuspid insufficiency rates were significantly lower in the HTX-A group. There was no difference in permanent pacemaker implantation rate between the groups. The incidence of postoperative bleeding was similar in both arms. The rate of redo surgery for severe TR was reported only by two authors. In both publications, the total number of events was higher in the HTX cohort, meanwhile pooled effect analysis showed no difference among the intervention and control groups. Mortality at one year was similar in both arms. (4) Conclusion: Our study showed that donor heart TA reduces TR incidence in the first year after orthotopic heart transplantation without increasing the surgical complexity. This is a potentially important issue, given the demand for heart transplants and the need to optimize outcomes when this resource is scarce.

Determinants of acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery: a systematic review

Acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery (CS-AKI) represents a severe postoperative complication, negatively impacting short-term and long-term mortality. Due to the lack of a specific treatment, effective prevention remains the most powerful tool to overcome the CS-AKI burden. Improving the preventive strategies is possible by establishing appropriate preoperative risk profiles. Various clinical models were proposed as a means to assist physicians in stratifying the risk of CS-AKI. However, these models are used for predicting severe forms of CS-AKI, while their predictive power for mild forms is insufficient. Our paper represents the first systematic approach to review all proposed preoperative risk factors and their predictive power. Our strategy is the starting point for selecting and comparing the predictive elements to be integrated into future risk models. Heart failure, chronic hyperglycemia, anemia, obesity, preoperative exposure to nephrotoxic drugs or contrast media, inflammation, proteinuria, and pre-existing kidney disease were systematically reviewed and were found to be associated with an increased risk of postoperative CS-AKI. As no externally validated and universally accepted risk models currently exist, the clinical judgment and a good knowledge of the preoperative risk factors in the light of new evidence may help personalize preoperative risk profiles as the cornerstone of prevention measures.

Cardiac surgery outcomes in patients with antecedent kidney, liver, and pancreas transplantation: a meta-analysis

Cardiovascular events are among the most common causes of late death in the transplant recipient (Tx) population. Moreover, major cardiac surgical procedures are more challenging and risky due to immunosuppression and the potential impact on the transplanted organ's functional capacity. We aimed to assess open cardiac surgery safety in abdominal solid organ transplant recipients, comparing the postoperative outcomes with those of nontransplant (N-Tx) patients. Electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched. The endpoints were: overall rate of infectious complications (wound infection, septicemia, pneumonia), cardiovascular and renal events (stroke, cardiac tamponade, acute kidney failure), 30-days, 5-years, and 10-years mortality post-cardiac surgery interventions in patients with and without prior solid organ transplantation. This meta-analysis included five studies. Higher rates of wound infection (Tx vs. N-Tx: OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.54 to 2.67, I2 = 0%), septicemia (OR: 3.91, 95% CI: 1.40 to 10.92, I2 = 0%), cardiac tamponade (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.62, I2 = 0%) and kidney failure (OR: 1.70, 95 %CI: 1.44 to 2.02, I2 = 89%) in transplant recipients were reported. No significant differences in pneumonia occurrence (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.71 to 1.27, I2 = 0%) stroke (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.48, I2 = 78%) and 30-day mortality (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 0.97 to 3.80, I2 = 0%) were observed. Surprisingly, 5-years (OR: 3.74, 95% CI: 2.54 to 5.49, I2 = 0%) and 10-years mortality rates were significantly lower in the N-Tx group (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 2.35 to 4.69, I2 = 0%). Our study reveals that open cardiac surgery in transplant recipients is associated with worse postoperative outcomes and higher long-term mortality rates.

Combined Superficial and Deep Venous Arterialization in No-Option Critical Limb Ischemia: Case Report

The management of peripheral artery disease with no revascularization options can be challenging due to the very limited treatment options available and the high rate of major amputation which is linked to increased mortality and poor quality of life. Using a distal venous bed as an alternative bypass runoff seems to be a viable option when arterial reconstruction is not feasible. We report our experience with distal venous arterialization for limb salvage in non-reconstructable critical limb ischemia and describe the configuration used to achieve venosome directed revascularization in a patient with concomitant varicose veins.

Infective endocarditis after TAVI: a meta-analysis and systematic review of epidemiology, risk factors and clinical consequences

Infective endocarditis (IE) represents one of the most challenging clinical entities, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The increasing number of surgical and transcatheter heart valves replacements performed annually lead to a higher incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) brought a new alternative for the treatment of aortic stenosis and a new subgroup of IE with its features. We aimed to compare the incidence of IE in TAVI and surgical valve replacement (SAVR) to identify risk factors for TAVI-IE, evaluate the possible impact on mortality, and clarify the best treatment strategies. A digital scan in PubMed and SCOPUS databases was performed. 68 publications were selected to perform a meta-analysis and systematic review on epidemiology, risk factors, and mortality predictors in TAVI-IE. No significant difference in IE rate was noted between patients with TAVI and those with SAVR for in-hospital, early, mid-term and late IE. Male gender, intubation, new pacemaker implantation IE and CKD were correlated with TAVI-IE. Surgical treatment was performed in 22.3% of cases. Overall mortality for the pooled cohort was 38.3%. In a multivariate logistic regression model, surgical treatment and self-expandable device were linked to lower mortality in TAVI-IE. Even if the invasive procedure can trigger bacteremia, exposing the TAVI valve to future infection, no significant difference in IE rate was noted in our analysis between patients with TAVI and those with SAVR for in-hospital, early, mid-term and late IE. Surgical treatment of TAVI-IE can be a viable option in patients with a prohibitive risk score.

Peculiarities and Consequences of Different Angiographic Patterns of STEMI Patients Receiving Coronary Angiography Only: Data from a Large Primary PCI Registry

Background. Inappropriate cardiac catheterization lab activation together with false-positive angiographies and no-culprit found coronary interventions are now reported as costly to the medical system, influencing STEMI process efficiency. We aimed to analyze data from a high-volume interventional centre (>1000 primary PCIs/year) exploring etiologies and reporting characteristics from all "blank" coronary angiographies in STEMI.

METHODS

In this retrospective observational single-centre cohort study, we reported two-year data from a primary PCI registry (2035 patients). "Angio-only" cases were assigned to one of these categories: (a) Takotsubo syndrome; (b) coronary embolisation; (c) myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries; (d) myocarditis; (e) CABG-referred; (f) normal coronary arteries (mostly diagnostic errors); and (g)others (refusals and death prior angioplasty). Univariate analysis assessed correlations between each category and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

412 STEMI patients received coronary angiography "only," accounting for 20.2% of cath lab activations. Barely 77 patients had diagnostic errors (3.8% from all patients) implying false-activations. 40% of "angio-only" patients (n = 165) were referred to surgery due to severe atherosclerosis or mechanical complications. Patients with diagnostic errors and normal arteries displayed strong correlations with all cardiovascular risk factors. Probably, numerous risk factors "convinced" emergency department staff to call for an angio.

CONCLUSIONS

STEMI network professionals often confront with coronary angiography "only" situations. We propose a classification according to etiologies. Next, STEMI guidelines should include audit recommendations and specific thresholds regarding "angio-only" patients, with specific focus on MINOCA, CABG referrals, and diagnostic errors. These measures will have a double impact: a better management of the patient, and a clearer perception about the usefulness of the investments.

Coronary revascularization during treatment of severe aortic stenosis: A meta-analysis of the complete percutaneous approach (PCI plus TAVR) versus the complete surgical approach (CABG plus SAVR)

BACKGROUND

The management of patients with coexisting severe aortic stenosis (AS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) is still facing a great deal of uncertainty when it comes to choosing between the entire surgical versus the complete percutaneous approaches, after accurately balancing risks versus outcomes.

AIM

To evaluate clinical outcomes and mortality of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) plus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) plus coronary arteries bypass grafting (CABG) procedures in patients with concomitant AS and CAD.

METHODS

Electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched for relevant articles assessing outcome parameters of interest. The study endpoints were the rate of overall myocardial infarction and stroke within 30 days and the rate of 30-day mortality and 2-year mortality between patients with TAVR/PCI and those with SAVR/CABG.

RESULTS

Random-effect meta-analysis did not reveal any significant difference between 30-day safety outcomes: myocardial infarction (TAVR/PCI vs SAVR/CABG: odds ratio [OR]: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20-1.33; I²  = 0%), stroke (TAVR/PCI vs SAVR/CABG: OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.45-1.73; I²  = 0%). No significant difference in 30-day mortality (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.43-1.21; I²  = 0%) and 2-year mortality (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 0.77-2.94; I²  = 81%) rate was noted between patients with TAVR/PCI and those with SAVR/CABG.

CONCLUSIONS

When comparing the total percutaneous and total surgical treatment, no significant difference in short-term safety outcomes or early and late mortality was observed. More evidence is needed to guide the clinical decision.

Sub-classification of non-inflammatory and inflammatory surgical aortic aneurysms and the association of histological characteristics with potential risk factors

The present study aimed to analyze the histological characteristics of surgical thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) specimens on the basis of the most recent consensus documents on non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions. The current study also aimed to establish an association with various risk factors. Aortic wall specimens were collected from 52 patients (38 men and 14 women; age, 19–80 years) undergoing surgery for aortic dilatation at The Cardiovascular Disease Institute (Iasi, Romania). For histological evaluation, the aortic specimens (39 TAAs and 13 AAAs) were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Van Giessen, alcian blue and Movat pentachrome. The specimens were evaluated and graded according to the severity of histopathological conditions: Fragmentation of elastic fibers, medial mucoid accumulation, smooth muscle cell loss and medial fibrosis. The severity of atherosclerotic lesions in surgically resected segments of the aorta were graded as follows: i) mild=1; ii) moderate=2; and iii) severe=3. The risk factors associated with TAA were the male sex (80%), smoking (56%), hypertension (33%) and bicuspid aortic valve (13%). Advanced age (70 years), male sex (69%) and smoking (54%) were determined to be the risk factors of AAA. The histopathological abnormalities included medial degeneration (MD) (82%), atherosclerosis (ATS) (42%) and aortitis (10%). MD was the leading histopathological diagnosis in TAA and the severity of lesions were graded as follows: Mild (8% of cases), moderate (44% of cases) and severe (31% of cases). Severe atherosclerotic lesions were identified in AAA (100% of cases). In the present study, medial degenerative aortic lesions (1, mild; 2, moderate; and 3, severe) significantly correlated with advanced age (>65 years; r=−0.39; P<0.01) and male sex (r=0.27; P<0.05). Significant correlations were also identified between atherosclerotic aortic lesions (1, mild; 2, moderate; and 3, severe) and advanced age (>65 years) (r=−0.40, P<0.01) or smoking (r=−0.29; P<0.05). Advanced age, male sex and smoking were determined to be the main risk factors for the development of degenerative aortic aneurysms.

QRISK2 Score in CABG Patients Correlated with Risk Factors

Guidelines for primary prevention suggested using any risk score, among those QRISK2, identifying the high-risk populations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the QRISK2 Score would register changes in patients with coronary artery disease demanding acute or postponed CABG intervention. The QRISK2 Score was performed the day of admission after the clinical examination and blood test results, and immediately after CABG surgery (in the first week post-CABG, in an interval of 24 hours to 7 days) having another blood test evaluation. The 120 patients admitted in the Clinic of Cardiovascular Surgery of the Institute of Cardiovascular Disease met the inclusion criteria: CABG patients (less than 1 week), aged 40-85 years old, BMI ] 25 kg/m�, and mixed dyslipidemia. In both phases, for every patient, it was performed a clinical examination, a set of hematological, biochemical, lipid, coagulation and inflammatory profile, and ECG and echocardiography. Our research on hospitalized patients undergoing CABG, by comparing the Phase I and Phase III results, revealed that the median 10-year QRISK2 cardiovascular risk score was approximately 47.88 % lower (p=0.000) in the first week after cardiac surgery. QRISK2 score gives a more appropriate risk estimation based on the social component, thus identifying high risk patients associating social deprivation. Comparative to Framingham risk score, QRISK2 score, by including additional variables, proves the efficacy of lifestyle changes and management decisions, and sustaines the treatment directed towards modifying variables or risk factors.

Long-term graft patency after coronary artery bypass grafting: Effects of surgical technique

The aim of the current study was to identify surgical factors associated with long-term patency of grafts used in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The present study analyzed data from 127 patients who underwent CABG at our institute between 2000 and 2006 and presented for ambulatory examination and coronary computed tomography angiography evaluation of graft patency in 2016 (139.78±36.64 months post-CABG). The 127 patients received 340 grafts (2.68 grafts/patient) and 399 distal anastomoses (3.14 anastomoses/patient), 220 (55.14%) with arterial grafts and 179 (44.86%) with saphenous vein grafts. Graft patency varied according to coronary territory, proximal anastomosis type (in situ graft, composite graft, graft anastomosed to the ascending aorta), Y anastomosis angle (47.21° for patent arterial grafts vs. 56° for occluded), and distal anastomosis angle (in sequential anastomoses irrespective to graft type, 48.60° for patent side-to-side anastomosis vs. 53.97° for occluded, 65.12° for patent end-to-side anastomosis vs. 90.80° for occluded; in single end-to-side anastomosis of arterial grafts, 39.46° for patent and 44.94° for occluded). A single end-to-side anastomosis angle 60° or greater was associated with a 5.149 occlusion odds ratio (OR) (P<0.001) for arterial grafts. Venous grafts were not sensitive to single end-to-side anastomosis angle. In conclusion, a small anastomosis angle for proximal Y and distal anastomoses is associated with a higher long-term patency of the free graft. Radial artery grafts registered higher patency rates when anastomosed to the ascending aorta compared with composite grafting with the left internal thoracic artery, whereas in situ right internal thoracic artery (RITA) anastomosed to the right coronary territory is associated with a lower patency rate compared with free RITA used to revascularise the anterolateral or circumflex territory in composite grafting.

Heart-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (H-FABP) in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Beneficiaries of Rehabilitation Program Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is a non-invasive bio-marker, with high sensitivity and specificity, being capable to point out the myocardial injury and to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Cardiac rehabilitation program, through a complex and sustained post-interventional management plays an important role in reducing the plasma levels of H-FABP. In the study, which included 120 post-coronary artery bypass (CABG) patients, we analyzed the link between low levels of general post-surgical health status and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, common biochemical markers, and especially the role played by diabetic status in lowering the plasma H-FABP levels. From the group, 65 patients had been diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The H-FABP values decreased both in diabetics and in non-diabetics between the two phases of CR, 6 months away from CABG. More than half of the patients had important reduction of H-FABP, at 6 months after the onset of CR program. Half of the group registered a smaller reduction of H-FABP, but more noticeable in diabetics. Ischemic lesion during open heart surgery is linked to high levels of H-FABP and with an occurence risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation, that can be also triggered and sustained by multiple endocrine conditions related to aging. Thus, metabolic control should always remain a target of the complex management in cardiac rehabilitation.

Heart-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (H-FABP) in Patients with Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Heart-type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein (H-FABP), compared with classical biomarkers, proved to have high sensitivity for myocardial damage size in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. High H-FABP levels are strongly associated in case of death, post-operatively acute kidney injury and atrial fibrillation. Cardiac rehabilitation is an instrument of medical management in cardiovascular diseases; beyond prevention, it can improve heart and muscle functioning in patients that were undergoing CABG, and cardiac and vascular adaptation. Over a 2-year period, 110 subjects were randomized and comprehensively evaluated. The mean age of the patients under study was 65.70 � 9.91 years old. For the H-FABP, the mean value in the Phase I was 67.40 � 9.81 ng/mL, while the mean value in Phase III was 4.80 � 2.30 ng/mL. The difference registered between the plasma H-FABP value in the first 24 h after cardiac surgery and the value in 6 months after the onset of cardiac rehabilitation program was important and statistically significant, as p [ 0.05. Fibrinogen showed significant phase-to-phase reductions of plasmatic values. Lipid profile values showed a statistically significant decrease. The renal filtration function evaluated by plasma creatinine showed statistically significant improvement and, in terms of absolute values, creatinine level was reduced in a range between 0.2-0.4 mg/dL. Also, it was recorded a significantly lower level of blood urea. The reduction of plasma H-FABP values were registered between the first phase (the first 24 h) after cardiac surgery and the third phase of the cardiac rehabilitation program. H-FABP protein had a higher sensitivity and specificity when compared to other enzymes of myocardial cytolysis.

Relationship Between Calcium-phosphorous Product, Native and Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve Calcifications

Calcification is a common cause of failure of natural and bioprosthetic valves (BPV). Prior research on patients with chronic kidney disease identified increased calcium-phosphorus (Ca-P) product as a risk factor for both arterial and valvular calcifications, an aspect not thoroughly investigated in general population. The aims of our study were to analyse the functional impact of native and bioprosthetic mitral valve (MV) calcification detected on cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA), to evaluate risk factors and to assess potential differences from a morphological and chemical point of view between BPV and native MV calcification. The authors performed a retrospective study on 270 patients who underwent CCTA for suspected coronary artery disease, 225 patients with no history of MV replacement and 45 patients with bioprosthetic MV. Mitral leaflet calcification (MLC) was registered in 21 (9.33%) and mitral annular calcification (MAC) in 27 (12%) of the 225 patients suspected for CVD. Echocardiography identified MV sclerosis in 20 cases (8.89%) and MV stenosis in 12 cases (5.33%) with MLC and/or MAC. In the BPV group, 13 patients (28.89%) presented visible BPV calcification associated to echocardiographic regurgitation in 3 (30.77%) cases and higher mean transvalvular gradients. Increased Ca-P product and diabetes mellitus proved to be risk factors for both native and BPV calcification and time since surgery only for BPV calcification. Native and BPV calcification are associated to valve dysfunction and share structural characteristics, thus indicating similar calcification mechanisms. Good glycaemic control in diabetic patients and careful administration of bisphosphonates, calcium and vitamin D supplements are mandatory especially in patients with BPV in order to prevent valve dysfunction due to calcification.

Preoperative graft assessment in aortocoronary bypass surgery

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgical procedure able to improve the blood supply to the myocardium. In the present study, the distal segments of grafts taken from the internal thoracic artery (ITA), radial artery (RA) and saphenous vein (SV) for use in aortocoronary bypass surgery were examined. The morphologies of the grafts were investigated in order to draw conclusions concerning their patency and viability. In addition, clinical and laboratory risk factors considered to be significant predictors of lesion severity in graft vessels used in CABGs were investigated. In total, 54 distal graft segments of ITAs, RAs and SVs from 20 men and 6 women aged between 42 and 78 years, were evaluated. Histological analyses were used to visualize graft lesions. Morphometrically, the intimal thickness index (ITI) and luminal narrowing were assessed as an indication of graft patency. The histological changes observed in the graft vessel walls included the presence of distinct atheromatous plaques (fatty streaks in 2 cases) or thickening of the intima (20 cases) and media (17 cases). Morphometric analysis showed that the mean ITI of the vessel conduits was 0.37 in the SVs, 0.95 in the RAs, and 1.66 in the ITAs. No patient had >50% conduit stenosis. By assessing the association between risk factors and graft lesions, it was found that all the patients showed risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as age (61.54%), arterial hypertension (65.38%), hyperlipidemia (65.38%), smoking (34.61%), diabetes mellitus (38.46%) and obesity (15.38%). The presence of pre-existing lesions in bypass grafts may contribute to a reduction in their viability, particularly in the case of venous grafts. Further long-term follow-ups are mandatory to evaluate the consequences of such lesions upon the patency of the grafts.

Assessment of vulnerable and unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaques on endarterectomy specimens

The types of lesion instability responsible for the majority of acute coronary events frequently include plaque disruption and plaque erosion with superimposed thrombosis. The term 'vulnerable plaque is used to describe atherosclerotic (ATS) plaques that are particularly prone to rupture and susceptible to thrombus formation, such as the thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA). The aim of the present study was to assess the morphological and histological differences between plaques that are unstable and those that are vulnerable to instability. Carotid artery endarterectomy specimens were obtained from 26 patients with carotid artery stenosis, consisting of 20 men and 6 women (age range, 35-80 years). Histological and morphometric methods were used to visualize and characterize the ATS plaques. Among the 26 carotid ATS plaques, 23% were stable, 23% were unstable and 54% were vulnerable. With regard to morphometric characteristics, the following mean values were obtained for the TCFA and unstable plaques, respectively: Fibrous cap thickness, 21.91 and 11.66 µM; proportion of necrotic core area in the total plaque area, 25.90 and 22.03%; and the proportion of inflammatory area in the total plaque area, 8.41 and 3.04%. No plaque calcification was observed in any of them. Since ATS coronary artery disease is considerably widespread and fatal, it is crucial to further study ATS lesions to obtain an improved understanding of the nature of vulnerable and unstable plaques. The methods used to detect plaque size, necrotic core area and fibrous cap thickness are considered to be particularly useful for identifying vulnerable and unstable plaques.

Liver dysfunction as an important predicting risk factor in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Liver function is not considered as a risk factor by current risk scores, such as EUROSCORE II or STS-Score for cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to review the role of liver dysfunction, classified by the Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification or model for end-stage liver disease scores, as a risk factor for mortality and morbidity of patients following cardiac surgery. The Pubmed referencing library was searched. The rates of mortality and morbidity were calculated using SPSS software. The mortality rates in patients of Child class A, Child class B, and Child class C were pairwise compared respectively. A total of 22 reports including 939 patients from eight countries were reviewed. The mortality rate of patients increased in accordance with increased CTP classification. The lowest mortality rate was recorded in Child class A patients, followed by Child class B patients and the highest mortality rate was observed in Child class C patients. The mean complication rate ranged from 3.82% to 22.15%. Child class C patients should be considered unacceptable for cardiovascular surgery. As two studies revealed, patients with a higher MELD score had significantly higher mortality rates. Liver function should be viewed as an important risk factor for cardiovascular surgery, based on its strong association with mortality and morbidity.

Clinical and histological predictive risk factors of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing open-heart surgery

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication subsequent to cardiac surgery. Various risk factors have been reported for the development of this complication; however, their precise role in POAF is unknown. In the present study, we attempted to identify clinical factors and histopathological changes in atrial tissue that may predict the development of POAF. Atrial tissue was sampled from 103 patients in sinus rhythm that had undergone open-heart surgery, including elective coronary artery bypass grafting (79.61%) and heart valve surgery (20.38%). Atrial surgical biopsies were obtained from the right atrial appendage at the site of cannulation, prior to cardiopulmonary bypass. Tissues were processed routinely for light microscopy, then stained with hematoxylin and eosin and sirius red. Microscopical exams were used to observe the atrial lesions and morphometry was conducted for quantification. In total, 37 patients (35.92%) developed POAF and atrial lesions were identified in the majority of patients in the normal postoperative sinus rhythm and POAF groups, but were most common in the POAF patients. The most common risk factors involved in developing POAF were found to be: Age of >60 years, male gender, ejection fraction of <50% and increased pulmonary hypertension. Furthermore, interstitial fibrosis and myocytolysis were the most common injuries identified. Abnormalities in atrial surgical biopsies may indicate the susceptibility of a patient to developing POAF. The present results suggest that the pre-existent alterations in the structure of the right atrium may be a major determinant in the development of POAF.

Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis Prevalence and Correlations in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: Data From Nonrandomized Single-Center Study (REN-ACS)—A Single Center, Prospective, Observational Study

Background

We are the first to evaluate the prevalence of renal artery stenosis (RAS) in consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention from a single tertiary center. As a novelty, we assessed hydration and metabolic status and measured arterial stiffness. We elaborated a predicting model for RAS in AMI.

Methods and Results

One hundred and eighty‐one patients with AMI underwent concomitantly primary percutaneous coronary intervention and renal angiography. We obtained data on demographics, medical history, cardiovascular risk factors, echocardiography, Killip class, and blood tests. In the first 24 hours post–primary percutaneous coronary intervention, we assessed bioimpedance through Body Composition Monitoring^® and arterial stiffness through pulsed‐wave velocity, SphygmoCor^®. Significant RAS (>50% lumen narrowing, RAS+) was present in 16.6% patients. In the RAS+ group we recorded significantly higher stiffness, CRUSADE score and dehydration, and more women with higher prevalence of multivascular coronary artery disease and heart failure. In our multivariate models, variables independently associated with RAS+ were previous percutaneous coronary intervention, low estimated glomerular filtration rate, multivascular coronary artery disease, and total/extracellular body water. These models had good specificity and low sensitivity.

Conclusions

We observed that RAS+ AMI patients have a particular hydration, metabolic, and endothelial profile that could generate more future major adverse cardiac events. Hence, renal angiography in AMI should be considered in specific subsets of patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT02388139.

Left ventricular non-compaction -challenges and controversies

Cardiomyopathies classification is based on morphological and functional phenotypes and subcategories of familial/genetic and non-familial/non-genetic disease. The non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a rare disorder which is considered to be an unclassified cardiomyopathy according to the ESC Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases and the World Health Organization or a primary genetically-determined cardiomyopathy according to the American Heart Association. The diagnosis of non-compaction is challenging and its nosology is debated since this morphological trait can be shared by different cardiomyopathies and non-cardiomyopathy conditions. Myocardial structure has a spectrum from normal variants to the pathological phenotype of non-compaction cardiomyopathy, which reflects the embryonic structure of the human heart due to an arrest in the compaction process during the first trimester. However, when a definite diagnosis of non-compaction is made, the diagnostic process should orient towards a genetic disease with a relatively high probability of sarcomere mutations. Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a diagnostically challenging entity. Nowadays there are some controversies associated with this cardiomyopathy, that it worth to be discussed.

Echocardiographic Predictors of Adverse Short-term Outcomes after Heart Surgery in Patients with Mitral Regurgitation and Pulmonary Hypertension

<p><b>Background:</b> Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a frequent occurrence and a negative prognostic indicator in patients with mitral regurgitation. Preoperative PH causes higher early and late mortality rates after heart surgery, adverse cardiac events, and postoperative systolic dysfunction in the left ventricle (LV).</p><p><b>Methods:</b> The research consisted of a retrospective study of a group of 171 consecutive patients with mitral regurgitation and preoperative PH who had undergone mitral valve surgery between January 2008 and October 2011. The PH diagnosis was based on echocardiographic evidence (systolic pulmonary artery pressure [sPAP] >35 mm Hg). The echocardiographic examination included assessment of the following: LV volume, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), sPAP, right ventricular end-diastolic diameter, right atrium area indexed to the body surface area, the ratio of the pulmonary acceleration time to the pulmonary ejection time (PAT/PET), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), determination of the severity of the associated tricuspid regurgitation, and presence of pericardial fluid. Surgical procedures consisted of mitral valve repair in 55% of the cases and mitral valve replacement in the remaining 45%. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery was carried out in 52 patients (30.41%), and De Vega tricuspid annuloplasty was performed in 29 patients (16.95%). The primary end point was perioperative mortality. The secondary end points included the following: pericardial, pleural, hepatic, or renal complications; the need for a new surgical procedure; postoperative mechanical ventilation >24 hours; length of stay in the intensive care unit; duration of postoperative inotropic support; need for an intra-aortic balloon pump; and need for pulmonary vasodilator drugs.</p><p><b>Results:</b> The mortality rate was 2.34%. In the univariate analysis, the clinical and echocardiographic parameters associated with mortality were preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV, the PAT/PET ratio, TAPSE, the indexed area of the right atrium, and concomitant CABG surgery. In the multivariate analysis, the indexed area of the right atrium and concomitant CABG surgery remained statistically significant. The multivariate analysis also showed the indexed area of the right atrium, LVEF, presence of pericardial fluid, preoperative NYHA class, and concomitant CABG surgery as statistically significant for the secondary end point. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves identified an sPAP value >65 mm Hg to have the highest specificity and sensitivity for the risk of perioperative death in mitral regurgitation patients (area under the ROC curve [AUC], 0.782; <i>P</i> < .001) and identified an sPAP value of 60 mm Hg as the secondary end point (AUC, 0.82; <i>P</i> < .001). Severe PH (sPAP >60 mm Hg) is associated with a significant increase in the mortality rate; a longer stay in the intensive care unit; a mechanical ventilation duration >24 hours; lengthy inotropic support; renal, hepatic, and pericardial complications; and a need for endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, and/or prostanoids, both in the general group and in patients with preserved systolic functioning of the left ventricle.</p><p><b>Conclusions:</b> PH is a strong short-term negative prognostic factor for patients with mitral regurgitation. The surgical procedure should be performed in the early stages of PH. Echocardiographic examination has useful, simple, and reproducible tools for classifying operative risks. An ischemic etiology and a need for concomitant CABG surgery are additional risk factors for patients with mitral regurgitation and PH.</p>

A mediastinal germ cell tumor of yolk sac type--case report

OBJECTIVE

We report an extremely rare case of germ-cell tumor localized at the level of the anterior mediastinum.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 36-year-old man who presented with left subclavial vein thrombosis was admitted to our hospital for specific cure. Computed tomographic scan of the chest showed a large anterior mediastinal mass. Surgical intervention revealed an infiltrative mediastinal tumor involving the left subclavial vein, which was biopsied for morphological examination. Histologically, the tumoral mass proved to be a carcinoma, with papillary and tubular growth patterns. Immunohistochemical stains for alpha-fetoprotein were positive in the tumor cells while stains for carcinoembryonic antigen and placental like alkaline phosphatase were negative. The serum level of alpha-fetoprotein of this patient was elevated, as well. This supported the diagnosis of Yolk sac tumor, a rare primary tumor within the mediastinum. Postsurgery, the patient received a combination chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin, vepesid and bleomycin every 3 weeks for a total of 4 cycles. During the treatment, the alpha-fetoprotein level, was decreasing.

CONCLUSION

Primary mediastinal Yolk sac neoplasm is a rare tumor. The diagnosis should be made not only by morphological studies but also the patient's age and the elevation of serum alpha-fetoprotein. In spite of modern chemotherapy, the prognosis of mediastinal yolk sac tumor remains poor. The single most important prognostic indicator is whether the tumor mass can be completely excised before or after chemotherapy.