Current Cardiology Reviews最新文献

{"title":"SGLT2 Inhibitors in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Sex-Specific Cardiovascular Outcomes.","authors":"Ramzi Ibrahim, Rahmeh Al-Asmar, Hashim AlHammouri, Mahmoud Abdelnabi, Beani Forst, Hoang Nhat Pham, Patrick Sarkis, Steven J Lester, Chadi Ayoub, Kwan Lee, Julie Rosenthal, Reza Arsanjani","doi":"10.2174/011573403X394902250911111958","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X394902250911111958","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Sex-based differences in outcomes among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate sex-specific differences in cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HFrEF receiving SGLT2 inhibitors alongside guidelinedirected medical therapy (GDMT).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX global research network. Adults with HFrEF treated with SGLT2is and GDMT were stratified by sex. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline demographics, comorbidities, medications, and laboratory data. Primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and acute heart failure (HF) events; secondary outcomes included hospitalizations, arrhythmias, renal outcomes, and advanced therapies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After PSM, 17,408 male and 17,408 female patients were analyzed. Male patients had lower odds of acute HF events (aOR: 0.949; 95% CI: 0.909-0.991), all-cause hospitalizations (aOR: 0.933; 95% CI: 0.895-0.973), and renal failure (aOR: 0.915; 95% CI: 0.870-0.962). No significant differences were observed in all-cause mortality (aOR: 1.003; 95% CI: 0.926-1.087) or heart transplantation, although LVAD use was more frequent in males (aOR: 1.416; 95% CI: 1.053-1.905).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings highlighted potential sex-based disparities in outcomes for patients with HFrEF on SGLT2is. Differential prescribing patterns, comorbidity burden, or timing of therapy initiation may contribute to observed differences.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Among HFrEF patients treated with SGLT2is, males experienced lower risks of HF events, hospitalizations, and renal failure compared to females, despite similar mortality. Further research is needed to understand and address sex-specific disparities in HFrEF management.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145231694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Heart of Psoriasis: Cardiovascular Alterations and Common Inflammatory Mechanisms.","authors":"Elpidio Santillo, Luciano Marini, Lucio Cardinali","doi":"10.2174/011573403X412277250911072530","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X412277250911072530","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This mini-review aims to investigate the shared pathophysiological mechanisms linking psoriasis to cardiovascular disease (CVD), with a particular emphasis on electrocardiographic and echocardiographic alterations in individuals affected by psoriasis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted for studies published between January 1980 and June 2025. The search included clinical trials, observational studies, reviews, and meta-analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The pathogenesis of psoriasis shares several key features with CVD, particularly systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Psoriasis patients frequently exhibit electrocardiographic abnormalities, such as arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF), and structural heart changes, such as left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. These cardiovascular changes are often observed even in the absence of clinically evident heart disease.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Psoriasis significantly contributes to cardiovascular risk, even in patients without manifest CVD. Chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic disturbances are key factors contributing to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in these individuals. Furthermore, the presence of psoriatic arthritis may exacerbate these associations, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the disease.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Early detection and management of cardiovascular alterations in patients with psoriasis are essential for mitigating their long-term cardiovascular burden. Targeting shared inflammatory pathways holds promise as a therapeutic approach to improve both dermatological and cardiovascular health in this patient population.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145184763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cardiopulmonary Remodeling In Nondiabetic Patients with Systolic Heart Failure Using Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.","authors":"Fatemeh Chichagi, Elahe Meftah, Rahem Rahmati, Fatemeh Zarimeidani, Arian Tavasol, Kimiya Ghanbari Mardasi, Negar Omidi","doi":"10.2174/011573403X377983250904004839","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X377983250904004839","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a class of antidiabetic drugs that have demonstrated cardiovascular risk improvement in patients with heart failure. Current evidence suggests that they can also reduce mortality, hospitalization, and renal disease progression. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cardiac reverse remodeling potential of SGLT2 inhibitors in nondiabetic heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We systematically searched various databases, including Web of Science, Pub- Med/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, and ProQuest. After screening, five randomized controlled trials were retrieved from the initial search (8442 citations).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The meta-analysis revealed statistically significant and positive effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on left ventricular mass and function, cardiac matrix and cells, and cardiopulmonary fitness.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>SGLT2 inhibitor users experienced a reduction in left ventricular (LV) mass (mean difference (MD): -20.06 grams, confidence interval (CI) 95%: -24.94 to -10.18, p-value< 0.01), LV mass index (MD: -9.79 g/m2, CI 95%: -13.47 to -6.11, p-value < 0.01), LV end diastolic volume (MD: -17.42 ml, CI 95%: -29.00 to -5.83, p-value < 0.01), and LV end systolic volume (MD: -17.30 ml, CI 95%: -34.35 to -0.25, p-value: 0.05). Correspondingly, cardiac extracellular volume (MD: -1.47, CI 95%: -2.49 to -0.46, p-value < 0.01), cardiac cellular volume (MD: - 7.74, CI 95%: -12.30 to -3.19, p-value< 0.01), and cardiac matrix volume (MD: -5.33 ml, CI 95%: -8.33 to -2.33, p-value< 0.01) significantly decreased. Markers of cardiorespiratory fitness, including maximal oxygen consumption (VO2) (MD: 1.58 ml/kg/min, CI 95%: 0.60 to 2.55, pvalue< 0.01) and the minute ventilation (VE)/carbon dioxide consumption (VCO2) slope (MD: - 1.64, CI 95%: -3.18 to -0.09, p-value: 0.04), also improved. Moreover, LV ejection fraction indicated a statistically and clinically negligible rise (MD: 2.97 %, CI 95%: -0.24 to 6.19, p-value: 0.07).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The meta-analysis supports the potential role of SGLT2 inhibitors in enhancing LV function and reducing LV mass in HFrEF patients. These drugs can benefit HFrEF patients by improving pulmonary function and oxygenation. Treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors may be effective for outcomes associated with pulmonary and left ventricular function.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Left Main Revascularization in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Ioannis Gialamas, Konstantinos Kalogeras, Panteleimon Pantelidis, Georgios E Zakynthinos, Antonios Lysandrou, Efstratios Katsianos, Athina Goliopoulou, Maria Ioanna Gounaridi, Nikolaos Vythoulkas-Biotis, Ourania Katsarou, Evangelos Oikonomou, Gerasimos Siasos, Manolis Vavuranakis","doi":"10.2174/011573403X396917250910215747","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X396917250910215747","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis compares percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as revascularization strategies for patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL was conducted, with a pre-registered study protocol registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024496529). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of allcause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or ischemia-driven revascularization. Secondary endpoints included each component of MACCE and 30-day all-cause mortality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven studies were analyzed, including five cohort studies and two subanalyses of randomized clinical trials, encompassing 3,475 patients. PCI was associated with a higher incidence of MACCE (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-1.79), driven by allcause mortality (HR: 1.38; 95% CI 1.07-1.78), MI (HR: 1.75; 95% CI 1.17-2.62), and ischemiadriven revascularization (HR: 3.22; 95% CI 2.10-4.93). There were no differences in stroke rates (HR: 0.70; 95% CI 0.40-1.22) or 30-day all-cause mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.92; 95% CI 0.35-2.41).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>While previous studies have reported conflicting evidence regarding the noninferiority of PCI to CABG in patients with LMCAD, our pooled analysis demonstrates an increased incidence of MACCE in the PCI group, primarily driven by higher rates of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven revascularization. The findings suggest that CKD may play a role in clinical outcomes comparable to diabetes in multivessel disease and should be a key factor in revascularization decisions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CABG is associated with superior long-term outcomes compared to PCI in patients with LMCAD and CKD. However, dedicated randomized controlled trials stratified by CKD stage are essential to guide optimal treatment strategies in this high-risk population.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145085323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Narrative Review: Advancements in Heart Failure Diagnosis and Management using Artificial Intelligence: A New Era of Patient Care.","authors":"Sunchandandeep Singh Brar, Meenakshi Reddy Yathindra, Juan Sebastian Arias Arango, Erika Aguirre Gutierrez, Fawaz Aldoohan, Princejeet Singh Chahal, Apo Youssef, Mahima Srinidhi Narra, Mahesh Babu Tatineni, Jorge Manuel Aldea Saldaña, Gabriel Ramírez Torres, Pallavi Shekhawat, Vyapti Dave","doi":"10.2174/011573403X369978250818060357","DOIUrl":"10.2174/011573403X369978250818060357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heart Failure (HF) is a prevalent medical illness worldwide that affects millions and is a substantial economic burden. Its epidemiological impact is on the rise due to factors such as the ageing of the population, increasing rates of diabetes and hypertension, and better survival post-myocardial infarction. Some limitations in HF management include diagnostic challenges, sudden progression of the disease, and rising rates of readmission. Continuous monitoring and limited therapeutic interventions add further complexity to care. Artificial Intelligence(AI) is essential in health care and has provided solutions for improving HF management. Techniques like machine learning and deep learning enhance clinical decision-making and patient care. AI helps physicians diagnose HF more precisely through the analysis of imaging and electrocardiograms. Additionally, the patients' risk is calculated using various AI algorithms to develop personalized treatments for each individual. AI will help healthcare providers identify problems early and select appropriate therapies, leading to better outcomes. Further areas for improvement include enhanced data integration, predictive accuracy, patient engagement, data privacy and ethics, as well as integration with clinical workflows. AI technologies will continue to evolve in managing and treating HF; ongoing exploration and development are crucial for its optimization. This review outlines the current progress and potential of AI in the future to ensure better patient care and healthcare practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145063683","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pompe Disease: A Review of Diagnosis, Molecular Genetics, and Treatment Management.","authors":"Najlae Adadi, Mohamed Yassine El Brouzi","doi":"10.2174/011573403X377990250818051032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X377990250818051032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Pompe disease, a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder, results from mutations in the GAA gene that lead to deficient acid alpha-glucosidase activity and glycogen accumulation in various tissues.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This review employs the diagnostic approach to the disease, encompassing enzymatic assays and molecular genetics, with a focus on genotype-phenotype correlations and regionspecific mutations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over 500 mutations in the GAA gene, including missense, nonsense, insertions, deletions, and splicing defects, contribute to varying levels of enzyme deficiency, accounting for the diverse clinical manifestations of Pompe disease.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Current therapies, including Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), are the cornerstone treatments for Pompe disease, utilizing recombinant human alpha-glucosidase to restore enzyme activity and reduce glycogen accumulation in lysosomes. While ERT significantly improves survival, cardiomyopathy, and respiratory function, its limited uptake in skeletal muscle and immunogenicity pose challenges. Innovations include immune tolerance protocols and nextgeneration enzymes to enhance skeletal muscle delivery. Gene therapy emerges as a promising alternative, leveraging viral vectors to deliver functional GAA genes, thereby enabling sustained endogenous enzyme production and addressing limitations of ERT. Preclinical and early-phase trials demonstrate efficacy, reduced immunogenicity, and enhanced skeletal muscle uptake; however, challenges, such as vector immunogenicity and cost, remain. Thus, genetic counseling is essential for family planning and managing emotional and psychosocial challenges related to this disease.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This article highlights advances and challenges in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of Pompe disease, providing a comprehensive resource for clinicians and researchers.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145063670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhanced Echocardiographic Assessment of the Aortic Root Structure: A Comparative Study of the Application of CT-3D Printing and Traditional Methods in the Teaching Context.","authors":"Guobing Hu","doi":"10.2174/011573403X391410250825054101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X391410250825054101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Echocardiographic assessment of the aortic root structure is critical with regard to efforts to diagnose and manage aortic valve diseases. However, traditional teaching methods often fail to provide the necessary depth and practical experience for residents. This study addresses this knowledge gap by exploring the value of applying computed tomography 3-dimensional (CT-3D) printing in the context of teaching echocardiographic assessment of the aortic root structure.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between January 1, 2022, and November 30, 2024, thirty residents in the Ultrasound Department of our hospital were recruited and randomly divided into a 3D printing group and a traditional teaching group. Participants in the 3D printing group used CT-3D printed aortic root models, whereas those in the traditional teaching group relied on standard methods. The theoretical knowledge and operational skills of participants in both groups were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants in the two groups did not differ significantly in terms of their theoretical knowledge. However, participants in the 3D printing group outperformed those in the traditional teaching group in terms of their operational skills; the 3D printing group also exhibited higher levels of teaching effectiveness satisfaction (all P<0.05).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our results revealed that the use of CT-3D printed models can result in improved operational skills and increased teaching satisfaction, echoing the findings reported by other studies that have revealed enhanced learning outcomes as a result of the integration of 3D printing into medical education Conclusion: The use of CT-3D printed models significantly improved operational skill training and teaching satisfaction in the context of education in the echocardiographic assessment of the aortic root structure.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144999847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the Protective Effects of Pioglitazone on Radiation-Induced Cardiac Injury in an In Vivo Model: A Biochemical and Histopathological Investigation.","authors":"Fereshteh Talebpour Amiri, Fatemeh Jalali-Zefrei, Ehsan Zamani, Asma'a H Mohamed, Aynaz Sourati, Mohammad Shourmij, Mehrsa Majdayeen, Arsalan Salari, Zobin Souri, Soghra Farzipour","doi":"10.2174/011573403X388076250807224407","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X388076250807224407","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>RIHD is a significant complication in cancer radiotherapy, caused by oxidative stress and tissue damage. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of PGZ pretreatment against RIHD by assessing oxidative stress markers, enzyme levels, biochemical parameters, and cardiac tissue changes in a mouse model.</p><p><strong>Materials & methods: </strong>72 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into eight groups: control, PGZ (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg), IR (8 Gy), and IR + PGZ (at three doses). PGZ was administered daily for 10 days before exposure to RT on Day 11. 24 hours post-irradiation, cardiac tissues were analyzed for MDA levels, GPX and GSH concentrations, and serum markers including LDH and CPK. Histopathological examination was performed at 1 week and 1 month after irradiation to evaluate early inflammatory changes and late fibrosis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results showed GPX activity increased by 28.2% and 48.4%, and GSH levels rose by 37.6% and 52.9% at doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg PGZ. MDA levels decreased by 40.35% and 52.63% at doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg, respectively. Serum LDH was reduced by 36.2% at 30 mg/kg. Tissue damage was significantly mitigated, with reductions of 88.9% at one week and 91.2% at one month. Fibrosis reduction was 23.5%, 41.5%, and 53.3% for 10, 20, and 30 mg doses.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings highlight PGZ's potential to protect against RIHD via antioxidant enhancement; however, further clinical validation and exploration of long-term safety are essential.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PGZ shows promise in reducing RIHD by enhancing antioxidants and decreasing tissue damage, warranting further clinical investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144854827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Association between β-Thalassemia Major (β-TM) and Cardiac Complications: Recent Insights.","authors":"Jalal Taneera, Hussein S Huwaijah, Reem Qannita, Ayah Alalami, Ayah Dib, Alaa AlHajji, Amani Alhajji, Reem El-Tahrawi, Mohamed A Saleh, Mahmoud M Ramadan, Ahmed S Ibrahim, Firdos Ahamd, Mawieh Hamad","doi":"10.2174/011573403X376074250630065253","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X376074250630065253","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>β-thalassemia Major (β-TM) is a severe hereditary disorder characterized by insufficient synthesis of β-globin chains, resulting in chronic anemia and lifelong dependence on regular blood transfusions. Despite advancements in therapeutic modalities, cardiac complications, including atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary hypertension, continue to be significant contributors to morbidity and mortality among β-TM patients. These persistent cardiovascular risks underscore the urgent need for early, accurate detection and the implementation of personalized assessment strategies to improve patient outcomes. The prevalence of cardiac complications is notably high, with studies reporting affected individuals in up to 71% of the β-TM population. This highlights cardiac pathology as a predominant clinical concern in this population. The primary underlying mechanism is iron overload, predominantly resulting from chronic transfusional therapy. Excess iron accumulates in the myocardium, leading to myocardial siderosis, the development of dilated cardiomyopathy, and an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMR), particularly T2* imaging, remains the gold standard for quantifying myocardial iron deposition and guiding therapeutic interventions. Emerging biomarkers, such as Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) and galectin-3, have shown potential for early detection of cardiac involvement and risk stratification, with the prospect of improving clinical outcomes through timely and targeted interventions. This review aims to discuss the prevalence and pathophysiology of cardiac complications in β-thalassemia major (β-TM), delineate risk factors, including serum ferritin levels, iron chelation therapy, age, genetic predispositions, and splenectomy, and evaluate current diagnostic and monitoring strategies. Furthermore, the utility of novel biomarkers, including follistatin and other emerging candidates, for early detection and prognosis is discussed, highlighting their potential to facilitate personalized management approaches that may reduce cardiac morbidity and mortality. In conclusion, integrating advanced imaging modalities such as cMR, novel biomarker profiling, and individualized risk stratification, considering ferritin levels, genetic factors, and splenectomy status, may significantly enhance early detection and intervention strategies, ultimately mitigating the burden of cardiac complications in β-TM.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144815955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Rare Presentation of Left Ventricular False Tendon Across the Mitral Valve Connecting the Left Atrium and Ventricle: A Case Report.","authors":"Fazeela Ansari, Alma AlFakhori, Montaser Nabeeh Al Smady, Mohamed Kasem, Ahmed Adel Hassan","doi":"10.2174/011573403X395039250725103753","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011573403X395039250725103753","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cardiac False tendons are anatomical variants of fibromuscular structures that generally should not exist in the heart. The left ventricular tendon, which crosses the left ventricular cavity, is typically seen in most cases of false cardiac tendons; however, our case differs from other cardiac false tendons. This case involves a fibrous tendon that spans the mitral valve, connecting the left atrium and ventricle. This unusual presentation has only been documented once. Based on our knowledge and research, this is the first documented occurrence in the United Arab Emirates and the second incident worldwide.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 12-year-old girl presented to an outpatient clinic with palpitations as her main complaint. After transthoracic echocardiography, it was suggested that a false tendon was passing through the mitral valve to connect the left atrium and left ventricle. We performed a transesophageal echo to confirm the diagnosis, and the results were identical to those of the transthoracic echocardiography. Since the uncommon false tendon only caused mild symptoms, an extensive multidisciplinary meeting was held, and we opted to manage the patient conservatively and monitor them annually at the outpatient cardiology clinic.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this uncommon case presentation, accurately diagnosing the condition and establishing a treatment and follow-up plan are crucial for understanding similar cases in the future. This variant of false tendons across the mitral valve appears to be a benign anatomical structural variant, comparable to other false tendons in the heart. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to link false tendons to increased cardiac morbidity and mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":10832,"journal":{"name":"Current Cardiology Reviews","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144793658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}