{"title":"Intramural Ventricular Arrhythmias: How to Crack a Hard Nut.","authors":"Matthew Hanson, Andres Enriquez, Fermin Garcia","doi":"10.1007/s11886-024-02143-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-024-02143-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of the review: </strong>Successful catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias depends on identifying the critical tissues that sustain the arrhythmia. Increasingly, the intramural space is being recognized as an important source of idiopathic and reentrant ventricular arrhythmias, representing a common cause of ablation failure. A systematic approach to mapping and ablating these arrhythmias is key to optimize outcomes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Intramural ventricular arrhythmias are common in certain anatomical locations such as the left ventricular ostium or the interventricular septum. In these cases, mapping of the septal coronary veins provides an opportunity to explore the intramural compartment of the septum to perform activation mapping, entrainment and/or pace mapping. When an intramural arrhythmia is identified, ablation may require radiofrequency application from multiple sites, prolonged lesions, or special ablation techniques such as bipolar ablation or transvenous ethanol injection. Identification of intramural ventricular arrhythmias depends on comprehensive mapping that should include the coronary venous system, and ablation often requires advanced techniques. This paper provides a guide on when to suspect an intramural ventricular arrhythmia in the electrophysiology laboratory and how to approach mapping and ablation in these challenging cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":10829,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reports","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142726742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Echocardiography for Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Pregnancy.","authors":"Mary Rodriguez Ziccardi, Joan E Briller","doi":"10.1007/s11886-024-02126-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11886-024-02126-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be a leading contributor to maternal mortality and morbidity. Echocardiography is an essential tool for patients with suspected and known CVD to establish symptom etiology, treatment strategy, and prognosis. We summarize the current status of conventional and novel techniques for assessment of CVD during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Conventional techniques are still useful for evaluation of known or suspected CVD. Advanced technology using speckle tracking continues to evolve and is increasingly applied for diagnosis of subclinical disease including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Precise recommendations on how frequently echocardiography should be performed and for whom remain in flux. However, a recently published consensus statement and new screening tool for pregnancy assessment of patients with valvular heart disease provide additional advice on using this modality. Echocardiography remains the diagnostic modality of choice for evaluation and risk stratification in pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":10829,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"1273-1283"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142343154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Echocardiography in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.","authors":"Mohammed Z Al-Zahir, Kwan-Leung Chan","doi":"10.1007/s11886-024-02121-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11886-024-02121-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), cardiovascular involvement is common and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. There have been few recent updates regarding the cardiac involvement in this clinical entity. The purpose of the review is to provide an update on the role of echocardiography in the management of these patients.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Echocardiography remains the imaging modality of choice and should be considered even in asymptomatic patients with SLE to detect cardiac abnormalities which are frequently not clinically apparent. Transesophageal echocardiography has higher sensitivity and specificity in identifying valvular lesions, and should be utilized in high risk patients when transthoracic echocardiography is negative. New advances such as speckle tracking echocardiography has shown promise in the detection of occult myocardial dysfunction, but more studies are needed to have a proper perspective of its role in SLE patients. SLE has protean cardiac manifestations. The most common involvement is pericarditis. Complicated pericarditis such as tamponade and constriction are rare but should be considered if the symptoms do not subside with treatment. Valvular involvement can take several forms. Libman-Sacks endocarditis is the most common form and is more prevalent in patients with high disease activity and with the presence of antisphopholipid antibodies. Myocardial involvement portends poor prognosis and should be sought and treated promptly to prevent morbidity and mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":10829,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"1265-1271"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142055165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Promise and Perils of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) in Low Surgical Risk Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis in the Current Era.","authors":"Ahmed Hassanin, Molly Szerlip","doi":"10.1007/s11886-024-02116-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11886-024-02116-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) has become the preferred treatment approach for many patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (SsAS), particularly those who are deemed at high surgical risk. However, in low-risk surgical patients (LSRP) with SsAS, the choice between TAVR and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is often a matter of debate and depends on several clinical and anatomical considerations.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Midterm data show similar clinical outcomes and durability of TAVR and SAVR bioprosthetic valves in LRSP. Data on long term durability and outcomes of TAVR in LRSP remains scarce. Both TAVR and SAVR are reasonable options in LRSP with SsAS. Nevertheless, many of these LRSP are expected to outlive their bioprosthetic valves and planning for the second aortic valve replacement should begin at the time of the index procedure with special consideration for coronary re-access, risk for coronary obstruction, and prothesis patient mismatch.</p>","PeriodicalId":10829,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"1173-1182"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141987551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chronic Venous Insufficiency Evaluation and Medical Management.","authors":"Suman Wasan","doi":"10.1007/s11886-024-02119-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11886-024-02119-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review will focus on comprehensive evaluation of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), nuances in diagnostic testing and advances in medical therapies to provide improvement in patient specific outcomes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities represents an often underrecognized source of morbidity. Comprehensive evaluation focuses on personal and family history of deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins. Diagnostic testing is initially with a thorough duplex ultrasound, but advanced imaging with CT scan and MRV may be indicated in selected patients who might benefit from more invasive intervention. Compression therapy, wraps and garments, remains the mainstay of conservative therapy for patients with CVI. In addition, there is renewed interest in lifestyle and nutritional supplements, most commonly micronized purified flavanoid fraction (MPFF), in relieving symptoms and preventing morbidity. A holistic approach to patients with CVI provides the best opportunity for enduring improvement in quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":10829,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"1241-1247"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142105194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Harish P Janardhan, Brianna T Wachter, Chinmay M Trivedi
{"title":"Lymphatic System Development and Function.","authors":"Harish P Janardhan, Brianna T Wachter, Chinmay M Trivedi","doi":"10.1007/s11886-024-02120-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11886-024-02120-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review delves into recent advancements in understanding generalized and organ-specific lymphatic development. It emphasizes the distinct characteristics and critical anomalies that can impair lymphatic function. By exploring developmental mechanisms, the review seeks to illuminate the profound impact of lymphatic malformations on overall health and disease progression.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The introduction of genome sequencing, single-cell transcriptomic analysis, and advanced imaging technologies has significantly enhanced our ability to identify and characterize developmental defects within the lymphatic system. As a result, a wide range of lymphatic anomalies have been uncovered, spanning from congenital abnormalities present at birth to conditions that can become life-threatening in adulthood. Additionally, recent research highlights the heterogeneity of lymphatics, revealing organ-specific developmental pathways, unique molecular markers, and specialized physiological functions specific to each organ. A deeper understanding of the unique characteristics of lymphatic cell populations in an organ-specific context is essential for guiding future research into lymphatic disease processes. An integrated approach to translational research could revolutionize personalized medicine, where treatments are precisely tailored to individual lymphatic profiles, enhancing effectiveness and minimizing side effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":10829,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"1209-1219"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142016612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sushant Koirala, Michael Sunnaa, Thomas Bernier, Ahmet Afsin Oktay
{"title":"The Role of Obesity as a Cardiac Disease Risk Factor in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.","authors":"Sushant Koirala, Michael Sunnaa, Thomas Bernier, Ahmet Afsin Oktay","doi":"10.1007/s11886-024-02129-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11886-024-02129-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally and is closely associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review examines the interplay between obesity, T2DM, and CVD, highlighting the increasing prevalence and economic burden of these conditions.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Pharmacologic therapies, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, show promise in substantial weight loss and subsequent reduction of adverse cardiovascular events in obese individuals with and without diabetes. Obesity significantly contributes to the development of insulin resistance and T2DM, further escalating CVD risk. The common co-occurrence of these three conditions may involve several other pathophysiological mechanisms, such as chronic inflammation, increased visceral adiposity, and endothelial dysfunction. Until recently, lifestyle modifications and bariatric surgery had been the primary methods for weight loss and mitigating obesity-associated cardiovascular risk. Newer pharmacological options have led to a paradigm shift in our approach to obesity management as they provide substantial benefits in weight loss, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk reduction.</p>","PeriodicalId":10829,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"1309-1320"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142132081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ardel J Romero Pabón, Olivier F Clerc, Shilpa Vijayakumar, Sarah A M Cuddy, Sharmila Dorbala
{"title":"Recent Advances in Positron Emission Tomography Radiotracers to Image Cardiac Amyloidosis.","authors":"Ardel J Romero Pabón, Olivier F Clerc, Shilpa Vijayakumar, Sarah A M Cuddy, Sharmila Dorbala","doi":"10.1007/s11886-024-02114-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11886-024-02114-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cardiac amyloidosis includes a group of protein-misfolding diseases characterized by fibril accumulation within the extracellular space of the myocardium and cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac amyloidosis has high mortality. Emerging radionuclide techniques have helped us to better understand disease pathogenesis, prognostication, and treatment response in cardiac amyloidosis. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recent advances in molecular imaging of cardiac amyloidosis using amyloid PET radiotracers. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple single center studies have shown that amyloid PET radiotracers allow definitive diagnosis and quantification of cardiac amyloid burden. These amyloid targeting tracers may provide means to improve early disease detection, risk stratification and treatment monitoring. Amyloid PET imaging may inform definitive imaging-based diagnosis for therapeutic decisions, risk stratification, and treatment monitoring. More research in unselected cohorts of patients with suspected cardiac amyloidosis is needed to optimize the clinical implementation of amyloid PET imaging.</p>","PeriodicalId":10829,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"1153-1162"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141970761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tina K Reddy, Samar A Nasser, Anuhya V Pulapaka, Constance M Gistand, Keith C Ferdinand
{"title":"Tackling the Disproportionate Burden of Resistant Hypertension in US Black Adults.","authors":"Tina K Reddy, Samar A Nasser, Anuhya V Pulapaka, Constance M Gistand, Keith C Ferdinand","doi":"10.1007/s11886-024-02115-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11886-024-02115-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Elevated blood pressure is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the US. Older individuals, Black adults, and those with comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, have higher levels of uncontrolled and resistant hypertension. This review focuses on resistant hypertension, specifically in the US Black population, including potential benefits and limitations of current and investigational agents to address the disparate toll.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>There is a necessity to implement public health measures, including early screening, detection, and evidence-based hypertension treatment with lifestyle, approved and investigational agents. The evidence highlights the importance of implementing feasible and cost-effective public health measures to advocate for early screening, detection, and appropriate treatment of hypertension. A team-based approach involving physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, social workers, and clinic staff to implement proven approaches and the delivery of care within trusted community settings may mitigate existing disparities.</p>","PeriodicalId":10829,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"1163-1171"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538188/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142132080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christoph Höchsmann, James L Dorling, Carl J Lavie, Peter T Katzmarzyk
{"title":"Healthy Lifestyle and Cardiac Rehabilitation for Weight Loss.","authors":"Christoph Höchsmann, James L Dorling, Carl J Lavie, Peter T Katzmarzyk","doi":"10.1007/s11886-024-02130-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11886-024-02130-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Considerable current interest is directed at pharmacological agents for producing significant weight loss. However, healthy lifestyle choices can also lead to clinically meaningful weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>In this review, we summarize the recent research from our PROmoting Successful Weight Loss in Primary CarE in Louisiana (PROPEL) randomized controlled trial and review previous data on the potential benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training (CRET) programs to produce weight loss and improvements in CVD risk factors. Although obesity medications are becoming extremely attractive for secondary and even primary CVD prevention, high-intensity non-pharmacological therapies with healthy lifestyle choices reviewed herein can also lead to substantial health improvements in patients with obesity, including improvements in body weight and other body composition parameters as well as overall CVD risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":10829,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reports","volume":" ","pages":"1321-1327"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142125017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}