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Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021 Jun 24. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

Department of Cardiology, The Heart Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100Copenhagen, Denmark.

Aims: The role of atherosclerosis in the pathogenesis of aortic enlargement is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the diameters of the ascending, descending and abdominal aorta, and coronary artery calcification.

Methods And Results: Individuals in the Copenhagen General Population Study underwent thoracic and abdominal computed tomography. Read More

Am J Vet Res 2021 Jul;82(7):529-537

Objective: To compare serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations between sea otters with and without cardiomyopathy and describe 2 cases of cardiomyopathy with different etiologies.

Animals: 25 free-ranging southern sea otters with (n = 14; cases) and without (11; controls) cardiomyopathy and 17 healthy managed southern sea otters from aquariums or rehabilitation centers (controls).

Procedures: Serum cTnI concentration was measured in live sea otters. Read More

MAGMA 2021 Jun 24. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, St Thomas' Hospital, King's College London, 3rd Floor, Lambeth Wing, London, SE1 7EH, UK.

Objective: 3D late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging is a promising non-invasive technique for the assessment of atrial fibrosis. However, current techniques result in prolonged and unpredictable scan times and high rates of non-diagnostic images. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of a recently proposed accelerated respiratory motion-compensated 3D water/fat LGE technique with conventional 3D LGE for atrial wall imaging. Read More

Curr Med Imaging 2021 Jun 23. Epub 2021 Jun 23.

İstanbul Okan University Hospital, Department of Radiology, Tuzla/İstanbul, Turkey.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of low dose chest CT acquisition protocol for the imaging of either the confirmed case of COVID-19 disease or the suspected case of this disease in adults.

Method: In this retrospective case-control study, the study group consisted of 141 patients who were imaged with low dose chest CT acquisition protocol. The control group consisted of 92 patients who were imaged with the standard protocol. Read More

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021 Jun 23. Epub 2021 Jun 23.

Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Aims: To illustrate the practical and technical challenges along with the safety aspects when performing MRI-guided electrophysiological procedures in a pre-existing diagnostic MRI environment.

Methods And Results: A dedicated, well-trained multidisciplinary interventional cardiac MRI team (iCMR team), consisting of electrophysiologists, imaging cardiologists, radiologists, anaesthesiologists, MRI physicists, electrophysiological (EP) and MRI technicians, biomedical engineers, and medical instrumentation technologists is a prerequisite for a safe and feasible implementation of CMR-guided electrophysiological procedures (iCMR) in a pre-existing MRI environment. A formal dry run "mock-up" to address the entire spectrum of technical, logistic, and safety issues was performed prior to obtaining final approval of the Board of Directors. Read More

Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2021 Jun 23. Epub 2021 Jun 23.

Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Centre of Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.

Rare pathogenic variants in TOR1AIP1 (OMIM 614512), coding the inner nuclear membrane protein lamin-associated protein 1 (LAP1), have been associated with a spectrum of disorders including limb girdle muscular dystrophy with cardiac involvement and a severe multi-system phenotype[1, 2]. Recently, Cossins et al. reported two siblings with limb girdle muscular dystrophy and impaired transmission of the neuromuscular synapse, demonstrating that defective LAP1 may lead to a congenital myasthenic syndrome[3]. Read More

Front Med (Lausanne) 2021 7;8:691688. Epub 2021 Jun 7.

State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.

J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2021 Jun 24;23(1):75. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Background: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been predominantly used in the Asia-Pacific region for stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). We evaluated the prognosis of patients stressed using ATP, for which there are no current data.

Methods: We performed a retrospective longitudinal study from January 2016 to December 2020 and included 208 subjects with suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent ATP stress perfusion CMR. Read More

Radiol Med 2021 Jun 23. Epub 2021 Jun 23.

Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy.

In the past 20 years, Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) has become a pivotal technique for the noninvasive diagnostic work-up of coronary and cardiac diseases. Continuous technical and methodological improvements, combined with fast growing scientific evidence, have progressively expanded the clinical role of CCT. Recent large multicenter randomized clinical trials documented the high prognostic value of CCT and its capability to increase the cost-effectiveness of the management of patients with suspected CAD. Read More

Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2021 Jun 23. Epub 2021 Jun 23.

Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton Hospital, Sydney Street, London SW3 6NP, UK.

Aims: Right ventricular (RV) strain is a known predictor of outcomes in various heart and lung pathologies but has been considered too technically challenging for routine use in critical care. We examined whether RV strain acquired from the subcostal view, frequently more accessible in the critically ill, is an alternative to conventionally derived RV strain in intensive care.

Methods And Results: RV strain data were acquired from apical and subcostal views on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in 94 patients (35% female), mean age 50. Read More

Cureus 2021 May 20;13(5):e15131. Epub 2021 May 20.

Emergency Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, TUR.

Introduction Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-related injuries are complications of chest compressions during CPR. This study aimed to investigate the differences and complications between mechanical and manual CPR techniques by using computed tomography (CT). Methods Patients in whom return of spontaneous circulation was achieved after CPR and thorax CT imaging were performed for diagnostic purposes were included in the study. Read More

Open Heart 2021 Jun;8(1)

Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

Background: The criteria to define the grade of aortic stenosis (AS)-aortic valve area (AVA) and mean gradient (MG) or peak jet velocity-do not always coincide into one grade. Although in severe AS, this discrepancy is well characterised, in moderate AS, the phenomenon of discordant grading has not been investigated and its prognostic implications are unknown.

Objectives: To investigate the occurrence of discordant grading in patients with moderate AS (defined by an AVA between 1. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2021 Jun 22;14(6). Epub 2021 Jun 22.

Cardiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Diving Hyperb Med 2021 Jun;51(2):190-198

Divers Alert Network, Durham, North Carolina, USA.

Introduction: The aims of this study were to investigate the potential impact of age, sex and body mass index (BMI) upon the incidence of arrhythmias pre- and post- diving, and to identify the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in older recreational divers.

Methods: Divers aged ≥ 40 years participating in group dive trips had ECG rhythm and echocardiograph recordings before and after diving. Arrhythmias were confirmed by an experienced human reader. Read More

Am J Case Rep 2021 Jun 22;22:e931103. Epub 2021 Jun 22.

Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.

BACKGROUND Bilateral posterior cerebral artery (PCA) occlusions are exceedingly rare, and are considered a devastating phenomenon that presents as cortical blindness. Predominant causes of PCA infarcts include cardiac and arterial embolisms. Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathy is also an extremely rare cardiopathology. Read More

J Magn Reson Imaging 2021 Jun 21. Epub 2021 Jun 21.

IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France.

In cardiovascular magnetic resonance, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) has become the cornerstone of myocardial tissue characterization. It is widely used in clinical routine to diagnose and characterize the myocardial tissue in a wide range of ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies. The recent growing interest in imaging left atrial fibrosis has led to the development of novel whole-heart high-resolution late gadolinium enhancement (HR-LGE) techniques. Read More

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

Neurology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.

Young patients presenting with cryptogenic stroke should be investigated for cardiac and extra-cardiac sources of emboli. We present a patient who was investigated for a cardiac source of emboli, following multiple ischaemic strokes and migraine with aura over a period of 17 years. The events were initially thought to be related to a patent foramen ovale (PFO) on bubble contrast echocardiography, however, due to an unusual flow pattern to the left heart, she underwent a CT angiogram to exclude intrapulmonary shunting. Read More

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

Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA.

A 66-year-old Caucasian man was initially admitted with a metastatic small cell lung carcinoma, hyponatraemia and obstructive pneumonia. His transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was normal. Ten days after admission, he was diagnosed with a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI). 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

Indian Heart J 2021 May-Jun;73(3):387-388. Epub 2021 Mar 26.

Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata, India.

We evaluated the safety and feasibility of ipsilateral radial and ulnar artery cannulation during the same catheterization procedure. Crossover from radial to femoral was done in 122 patients. Both ipsilateral radial and ulnar catheterization were performed in 16 patients without any complications, which was further supported by Doppler ultrasonography. Read More

Indian Heart J 2021 May-Jun;73(3):313-318. Epub 2021 Feb 27.

Department of Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India. Electronic address:

Objective: Valve disease progression in rheumatic heart disease(RHD) is generally attributed to recurrent attacks of acute rheumatic fever(ARF). However, persistence of chronic sub-clinical inflammation remains a plausible but unproven cause. Non-invasive means to identify sub-clinical inflammation may facilitate research efforts towards understanding its contribution to disease progression. 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

Ann Palliat Med 2021 Jun 18. Epub 2021 Jun 18.

Department of Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, China.

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate the value of parameters related to right heart function combined with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in acute radiation-induced right heart injury.

Methods: Seventy patients who received chest radiotherapy (RT) in the RT department of our hospital between September 2015 and March 2019 were included in the study.

Results: Of the included 70 patients, 19, 32, 4, and 15 had thoracic esophageal cancer, central lung cancer, thymoma, and left breast cancer, respectively. Read More

J Crit Care 2021 Jun 7;65:149-155. Epub 2021 Jun 7.

Department of Emergency Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:

Purpose: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines recommend multimodal neuro-prognostication after cardiac arrest using neurological examination, electroencephalography, biomarkers, and brain imaging. The Patient State Index (PSI) and suppression ratio (SR) represent the depth and degree of sedation, respectively. We evaluated the predictive ability of PSI and SR for neuro-prognostication of post-cardiac arrest patients who underwent targeted temperature management. Read More

Radiol Phys Technol 2021 Jun 21. Epub 2021 Jun 21.

Clinical Engineering, Komatsu University, 10-10 Doihara-cho, Komatsu, Ishikawa, 923-0921, Japan.

Latest digital radiographic technology permits dynamic chest radiography during the cardiac beating and/or respiration, which allows for real-time observation of the lungs. This study aimed to assess the capacity of dynamic flat-panel detector (FPD) imaging without the use of contrast media to estimate cardiovascular parameters based on image parameters of a porcine model under fluid loading. Three domestic pigs were intubated, and mechanical ventilation was provided using a ventilator under anesthesia. Read More

J Thromb Haemost 2021 Jun 21. Epub 2021 Jun 21.

Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Background: Antithrombotic therapy is currently recommended for stroke prevention in pediatric cardioembolic stroke where the recurrence risk is high. However, safety concerns remain. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic predictors of hemorrhagic transformation and stroke recurrence in children with cardiac disease to ascertain the safety and failure rates for secondary stroke prevention. Read More

Front Cardiovasc Med 2021 4;8:664431. Epub 2021 Jun 4.

National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is the reference standard for non-invasive assessment of right-sided heart function. Recent advances in CMR post-processing facilitate quantification of tricuspid annular (TA) dynamics and longitudinal strains of the right ventricle (RV) and right atrium (RA). We aimed to determine age- and sex-specific changes in CMR-derived TA dynamics, and RV and RA functional parameters in healthy Asian adults. Read More

Front Med (Lausanne) 2021 4;8:691893. Epub 2021 Jun 4.

Nuclear Medicine Department, CHRU TOURS, Tours, France.

The aim of this study was to assess the results of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT)- single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial flow reserve (MFR) in coronary artery disease (CAD) screening regarding clinical risk and its correlation to invasive coronary angiography (ICA). A total of 137 patients (61 male and 76 female) referred for CAD screening myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) between November 2018 and April 2020 were included in the CFR-OR prospective trial. The 10-year risk of cardiovascular death according to the European Society of Cardiology (SCORE) was calculated. Read More

Circ J 2021 Jun 18. Epub 2021 Jun 18.

Department of Cardiology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developed countries. Although urgent revascularization is the cornerstone of management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), for patients with stable CAD recent large-scale clinical trials indicate that a mechanical 'fix' of a narrowed artery is not obviously beneficial; ACS and stable CAD are increasingly recognized as different clinical entities. We review the perspectives on (1) modifying the diagnostic pathway of stable CAD with the incorporation of modern estimates of pretest probability, (2) non-imaging evaluations based on their availability, (3) the optimal timing of invasive coronary angiography and revascularization, and (4) the implementation of medical therapy during the work-up. Read More

Circ J 2021 Jun 18. Epub 2021 Jun 18.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gifu Heart Center.

Background: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) are established approaches to the assessment of myocardial ischemia. Recently, various FFR cutoff values were proposed, but the diagnostic accuracy of MPI in identifying positive FFR using various cutoff values is not well established.Methods and Results:We retrospectively studied 273 patients who underwent stress MPI and FFR within a 3-month period. Read More