Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Ethiop J Health Sci 2021 Mar;31(2):439-454

MD, Internist, Interventional Cardiologist, Associate Professor of Medicine, Addis Ababa University.

Cardiovascular diseases are number one cause of death worldwide. Over half of the cardiovascular diseases, 51%, are due to coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is a pathological process characterized by atherosclerotic plaque accumulation in the epicardial coronary arteries. Read More

J Affect Disord 2021 Jun 5;292:687-694. Epub 2021 Jun 5.

Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

Background: After an acute myocardial infarction (MI), patients may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is evidence for alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in PTSD. An association between patients` cortisol level after experiencing an MI and subsequent PTSD symptoms has not been investigated yet. Read More

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021 Jun 22. Epub 2021 Jun 22.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Assiut University Heart Hospital, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.

Diagnosis of right ventricular (RV) infarction in the setting of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) has important prognostic implications. We sought to assess the role of 2-D speckle tracking echocardiography (2-D STE) for the assessment of RV involvement in acute IWMI. We included 100 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of recent IWMI, of which 73 had an RCA culprit lesion, undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2021 Jun 21;14(6). Epub 2021 Jun 21.

Cardiology Department, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, UK.

We present a 52-year-old woman who was admitted to the emergency department with a short history of palpitations, sweating and nausea. An electrocardiogram (ECG) that was performed suggested inferolateral ischaemia with a significant troponin rise. The patient underwent an invasive coronary angiogram that showed mild non-obstructive coronary disease. Read More

J Int Med Res 2021 Jun;49(6):3000605211024490

Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.

Objective: This study aimed to determine predictors of microvascular occlusion (MVO) in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

Methods: This retrospective, observational study consecutively included 113 patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the presence of MVO in these patients. Read More

Curr Heart Fail Rep 2021 Jun 20. Epub 2021 Jun 20.

University Heart Center Lübeck, Medical Clinic II (Cardiology/Angiology/Intensive Care Medicine), University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany.

Purpose Of Review: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a transient but severe myocardial dysfunction that has been known for decades and is still to be fully understood regarding its clinical presentations and pathophysiological mechanisms. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging plays a key role in the comprehensive analysis of patients with TTS in acute and follow-up examinations. In this review, we focus on the major advantages and latest evolutions of CMR in diagnosis and prognostication of TTS and discuss future perspectives and needs in the field of research and cardiovascular imaging in TTS. Read More

Int J Cardiol 2021 Jun 17. Epub 2021 Jun 17.

University Clinic of Internal Medicine III, Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.. Electronic address:

Background: The role of C-reactive protein velocity (CRPv) as an early and sensitive marker of an excessive inflammatory response in the setting of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is only poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate, in patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the association of CRPv with microvascular infarct pathology.

Methods And Results: This prospective cohort study included a total of 316 patients with STEMI undergoing PCI. Read More

Nat Commun 2021 06 17;12(1):3710. Epub 2021 Jun 17.

School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.

The growing need for the implementation of stretchable biosensors in the body has driven rapid prototyping schemes through the direct ink writing of multidimensional functional architectures. Recent approaches employ biocompatible inks that are dispensable through an automated nozzle injection system. However, their application in medical practices remains challenged in reliable recording due to their viscoelastic nature that yields mechanical and electrical hysteresis under periodic large strains. Read More

Medicina (B Aires) 2021 ;81(3):375-381

Consejo Argentino de Residentes de Cardiología, Argentina.

Acute coronary syndromes without coronary lesions have gained relevance in recent years. However, local data on this condition is scarce. We aimed to explore this entity in a National registry of acute myocardial infarction that was carried out prospectively in hospitals with cardiology residence programs from Argentina. Read More

J Magn Reson Imaging 2021 Jun 16. Epub 2021 Jun 16.

Department of Cardiology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most accurate imaging technique for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) quantification, but as yet the prognostic value of LVEF assessment at any time after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for subsequent major adverse cardiac event (MACE) prediction is uncertain.

Purpose: To explore the prognostic impact of MRI-derived LVEF at any time post-STEMI to predict subsequent MACE (cardiovascular death or re-admission for acute heart failure).

Study Type: Prospective. Read More

Sci Rep 2021 Jun 16;11(1):12712. Epub 2021 Jun 16.

The Heart Research Institute, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia.

Despite improvements in revascularization after a myocardial infarction, coronary disease remains a major contributor to global mortality. Neutrophil infiltration and activation contributes to tissue damage, via the release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and formation of the damaging oxidant hypochlorous acid. We hypothesized that elevation of thiocyanate ions (SCN), a competitive MPO substrate, would modulate tissue damage. Read More

Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2021;76:e2732. Epub 2021 Jun 11.

Departamento de Medicina Interna, Faculdade de Medicina, Campus Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, BR.

Objectives: Coronary artery disease is the primary cause of death and is responsible for a high number of hospitalizations worldwide. Ventricular remodeling is associated with worse prognosis following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is a risk factor for ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. This study aimed to identify the predictors of ventricular remodeling following STEMI. Read More

Eur Heart J Case Rep 2021 May 12;5(5):ytab164. Epub 2021 May 12.

Radiology Department, Hopital Saint-Joseph, 185 Rue Raymond Losserand, 75014 Paris, France.

Background: Intracardiac masses are relatively rare but the diagnosis can be challenging for the cardiologist and the clinical presentation can be misleading. While most of the cardiac masses are benign, malignant masses are mostly metastatic tumours.

Case Summary: An 81-year-old man was admitted to the cardiology department for congestive heart failure with the complaint of recent dyspnoea. Read More

Eur J Case Rep Intern Med 2021 11;8(5):002575. Epub 2021 May 11.

Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes, UK.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems have faced unprecedented pressures. One challenge has been to promptly recognise non-COVID-19 conditions. Cognitive bias due to the availability heuristic may cause difficulties in reaching the correct diagnosis. Read More

Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2021 May 1;294:102407. Epub 2021 May 1.

Harangoutte Institute, 68160 Ste Croix-aux-Mines, France.

After the protocol-related indecisive clinical trial of Oxygent, a perfluorooctylbromide/phospholipid nanoemulsion, in cardiac surgery, that often unduly assigned the observed untoward effects to the product, the development of perfluorocarbon (PFC)-based O nanoemulsions ("blood substitutes") has come to a low. Yet, significant further demonstrations of PFC O-delivery efficacy have continuously been reported, such as relief of hypoxia after myocardial infarction or stroke; protection of vital organs during surgery; potentiation of O-dependent cancer therapies, including radio-, photodynamic-, chemo- and immunotherapies; regeneration of damaged nerve, bone or cartilage; preservation of organ grafts destined for transplantation; and control of gas supply in tissue engineering and biotechnological productions. PFC colloids capable of augmenting O delivery include primarily injectable PFC nanoemulsions, microbubbles and phase-shift nanoemulsions. Read More

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021 Jun 10. Epub 2021 Jun 10.

Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.

Right ventricular (RV) involvement is frequently detected in patients presenting with acute left ventricular myocardial infarction. The ischemic right ventricle carries a dismal outcome by predisposing the heart to arrhythmic events and mechanical or hemodynamic complications. A comprehensive RV evaluation by multimodality imaging could guide clinical practice but has always been a conundrum for the imagers. Read More

Eur Heart J Case Rep 2021 Mar 10;5(3):ytab077. Epub 2021 Mar 10.

Cardiovascular Division, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 982265 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.

Background: Coronary embolism is a rare cause of myocardial infarction (MI). We present a case report which emphasizes the importance of intracoronary imaging in these cases to identify the pathophysiological mechanism of MI.

Case Summary: A 53-year-old male with no past medical history presented to the hospital with typical angina. Read More

Eur Heart J Case Rep 2021 Mar 29;5(3):ytab056. Epub 2021 Mar 29.

Department of Cardiology, Instituto Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, C/Profesor Martín Lagos S/N, 28040 Madrid, Spain.

Background: Coronary subclavian steal syndrome (CSSS) is an uncommon complication observed in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery with left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts. It is defined as coronary ischaemia due to reversal flow from the LIMA to the left subclavian artery (SA) when a proximal left SA stenosis is present. In practice, the entire clinical spectrum of ischaemic heart disease, ranging from asymptomatic patients to acute myocardial infarction, may be encountered. Read More

Eur Heart J Case Rep 2021 Mar 15;5(3):ytab051. Epub 2021 Mar 15.

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, Cardiology Unit, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona", Heart Tower-Room 807, Largo Città d'Ippocrate, 84131 Salerno, Italy.

Background: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute and transient heart failure syndrome due to reversible myocardial dysfunction characterized by a wide spectrum of possible clinical scenarios. About one-fifth of TTS patients experience adverse in-hospital events. Thromboembolic complications, especially stroke, have been reported, albeit in a minority of patients. Read More

Eur Heart J Case Rep 2019 Dec 26;3(4):1-6. Epub 2019 Oct 26.

Cardiology Department, Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK.

Background: Acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a medical emergency and is most commonly due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture and occlusion of coronary vessels. This case demonstrates that eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) myocarditis can mimic acute STEMI.

Case Summary: A 44-year-old woman presented with acute chest pain, shortness of breath, and collapse with ST elevation on electrocardiography. Read More

Front Psychiatry 2021 14;12:621284. Epub 2021 May 14.

Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) induce post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in one out of eight patients. Effects of preventive interventions, the course and potential moderators of ACS-induced PTSS are vastly understudied. This study explored whether a preventive behavioral intervention leads to a decrease in myocardial infarction (MI)-induced PTSS between two follow-up assessments. Read More

Eur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care 2021 Jun 7. Epub 2021 Jun 7.

Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden.

Aims : There is a paucity of studies comprehensively comparing the prognostic value of larger arrays of biomarkers indicative of different pathobiological axes in acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods And Results : In this explorative investigation, we simultaneously analysed 175 circulating biomarkers reflecting different inflammatory traits, coagulation activity, endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis, myocardial dysfunction and damage, apoptosis, kidney function, glucose-, and lipid metabolism. Measurements were performed in samples from 1099 MI patients (SWEDEHEART registry) applying two newer multimarker panels [Proximity Extension Assay (Olink Bioscience), Multiple Reaction Monitoring mass spectrometry]. Read More

Open Heart 2021 Jun;8(1)

Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.

Objective: In a proof-of-concept study, to quantify myocardial viability in patients with acute myocardial infarction using manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI), a measure of intracellular calcium handling.

Methods: Healthy volunteers (n=20) and patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n=20) underwent late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) using gadobutrol and MEMRI using manganese dipyridoxyl diphosphate. Patients were scanned ≤7 days after reperfusion and rescanned after 3 months. Read More

Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc 2021 Jun 19;34:100795. Epub 2021 May 19.

Cardiology Research Group, Aberdeen Cardiovascular and Diabetes Centre, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom.

Background: The diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome is made based on clinical presentation, ECG, biomarker, imaging and coronary angiography. There is a lack of diagnostic biomarkers that can discriminate patients with Takotsubo syndrome from those with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and provide clinical monitoring and prognostic information in the long-term.

Methods: A literature search of published Takotsubo syndrome biomarkers from PubMed was performed. Read More

Cureus 2021 May 3;13(5):e14812. Epub 2021 May 3.

Department of Cardiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, IND.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an unusual but important cause of acute coronary syndrome and is often underdiagnosed. The first clue to the diagnosis is the angiographic appearance of the lesion, and, in certain cases, intravascular imaging is needed to confirm it. Conservative management is the preferred treatment strategy for the majority of cases. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2021 Jun 11;23(6):257-260. Epub 2020 Dec 11.

Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 6QG, United Kingdom.

A 72-year-old male with a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was admitted to hospital with a productive cough and an episode of diarrhea and vomiting. He was initially treated for pneumonitis and sepsis. On the 12th day of his admission, he reported chest pain. Read More

J Invasive Cardiol 2021 Jun;33(6):E490

Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Hospital, Elizabeth & Goulburn St, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia.

A 57-year-old woman with a history of idiopathic thrombocytopenia presented with chest pain and inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction following percutaneous coronary intervention to a distal right coronary artery stenosis. A right femoral artery angiogram showed an acute stent thrombosis. After blood flow was restored with intracoronary thrombectomy and balloon angioplasty, optical coherence tomography was performed using DragonFly Optis (Abbott Vascular). Read More

Acta Cardiol 2021 Jun 4:1-2. Epub 2021 Jun 4.

Division of Radiology, CHU Brugmann, Brussels, Belgium.

Cureus 2021 Apr 28;13(4):e14740. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Internal Medicine, Corpus Christi Medical Center, Corpus Christi, USA.

Kounis syndrome (KS) is defined as an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction leading to coronary vasospasm and acute coronary syndrome. The inflammatory mediators released during the body's reaction to an allergen causes vasoconstriction, plaque rupture, platelet aggregation, and even thrombosis of an existing coronary stent. Over the years, many allergens including drugs, environmental exposures, and animal and insect bites have been implicated in KS. Read More

Clin Case Rep 2021 May 4;9(5):e04029. Epub 2021 May 4.

Department of Cardiology Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences University of Thessaly Larissa Greece.

Although myxoma represents the most frequent non-malignant cardiac primary tumor; it is extremely rare met in the left ventricle. Clinical features of the neoplasm extend from symptomless to critical signs of either ischemia or embolism. We describe here an unusual case of a huge left ventricular myxoma in a 68-year-old man, presented with clinical and ECG findings of an inferior wall myocardial infarction. Read More