Liviu Moraru, O. Mirea, Despina Toader, M. Berceanu, Sorina Soldea, Alexandru Munteanu, Ionut Donoiu, Victor Raicea
{"title":"Lower Limit of Normality of Segmental Multilayer Longitudinal Strain in Healthy Adult Subjects","authors":"Liviu Moraru, O. Mirea, Despina Toader, M. Berceanu, Sorina Soldea, Alexandru Munteanu, Ionut Donoiu, Victor Raicea","doi":"10.3390/jcdd11040102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11040102","url":null,"abstract":"Speckle tracking echocardiography is an advanced imaging technique that allows for a more detailed assessment of cardiac global and regional function. Reference values for segmental longitudinal layered strain (subendocardial, mid-myocardial, and subepicardial) are scarce, limiting the clinical use of these measurements in clinical practice. Two hundred consecutive Caucasian healthy subjects (mean age = 37 ± 11 years) were enrolled in the study. The mean values of global longitudinal strain (GLS) for endocardial (Endo), mid-myocardial (Myo) and epicardial (Epi) layers were −22.9 ± 2.7, −20.0 ± 2.4 and −17.5 ± 2.1, respectively. The GLSEndo/GLSMyo ratio was 1.1 ± 0.05, while the GLSEndo/GLSEpi ratio was 1.3 ± 0.05. The apical strain-sparing ratio was >1 in 10% of the subjects (endocardium) and 7% (mid-myocardium). The lower limits for segmental LS were as follows: for endocardial LS, −10% (basal), −12% (mid), −14% (apical); for mid-myocardial LS, −10% −10% (basal), −10% (mid), −10% (apical); and for epicardial LS, −7% (basal), −8% (mid), −8% (apical). The findings of this study provide data regarding the lower limit of normality of LS for each LV segment and suggest, for practical considerations, that an LS value below 10% should be considered abnormal in any segment. Further larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings.","PeriodicalId":502527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"108 24","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140370574","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}
M. Silvetti, D. Colonna, Fulvio Gabbarini, Giulio Porcedda, Alessandro Rimini, A. D'Onofrio, L. Leoni
{"title":"New Guidelines of Pediatric Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: What Is Changing in Clinical Practice?","authors":"M. Silvetti, D. Colonna, Fulvio Gabbarini, Giulio Porcedda, Alessandro Rimini, A. D'Onofrio, L. Leoni","doi":"10.3390/jcdd11040099","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11040099","url":null,"abstract":"Guidelines are important tools to guide the diagnosis and treatment of patients to improve the decision-making process of health professionals. They are periodically updated according to new evidence. Four new Guidelines in 2021, 2022 and 2023 referred to pediatric pacing and defibrillation. There are some relevant changes in permanent pacing. In patients with atrioventricular block, the heart rate limit in which pacemaker implantation is recommended was decreased to reduce too-early device implantation. However, it was underlined that the heart rate criterion is not absolute, as signs or symptoms of hemodynamically not tolerated bradycardia may even occur at higher rates. In sinus node dysfunction, symptomatic bradycardia is the most relevant recommendation for pacing. Physiological pacing is increasingly used and recommended when the amount of ventricular pacing is presumed to be high. New recommendations suggest that loop recorders may guide the management of inherited arrhythmia syndromes and may be useful for severe but not frequent palpitations. Regarding defibrillator implantation, the main changes are in primary prevention recommendations. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, pediatric risk calculators have been included in the Guidelines. In dilated cardiomyopathy, due to the rarity of sudden cardiac death in pediatric age, low ejection fraction criteria were demoted to class II. In long QT syndrome, new criteria included severely prolonged QTc with different limits according to genotype, and some specific mutations. In arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, hemodynamically tolerated ventricular tachycardia and arrhythmic syncope were downgraded to class II recommendation. In conclusion, these new Guidelines aim to assess all aspects of cardiac implantable electronic devices and improve treatment strategies.","PeriodicalId":502527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"10 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140374840","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":"Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm: Different Modes of Presentation and Techniques of Repair","authors":"Thierry Carrel","doi":"10.3390/jcdd11040100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11040100","url":null,"abstract":"A sinus of valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is an asymmetrical dilatation of the aortic root located between the aortic valve anulus and the sino-tubular junction. Congenital weakness of the elastic lamina in the aortic media layer or trauma and infection as acquired events are the most principal causes of SVA. Presentation may be acute when rupture has occurred or SVA may be discovered fortuitously on echocardiography or CT scan when patients are examined because of unspecific chest pains, dyspnea or arrhythmias. Although endovascular treatment has been performed successfully in individual cases, surgical closure of the aneurysm aiming at preservation of the aortic valve whenever possible is the established procedure. This short report emphasizes the fact that individual treatment is required when SVA need to be operated, depending on the presentation, the location and the size of the finding. Surgery may consist of simple patch closure, bilateral tunnel closure (entry and exit) or more radical operation like Bentall in case the whole aortic root should be addressed. Overall results are excellent, independently of the clinical presentation (acute or elective) with a mortality approaching zero.","PeriodicalId":502527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"20 24","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140375589","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}
Shahana Hussain, Neil Srinivasan, Syed Ahsan, Nikolaos Papageorgiou
{"title":"The Role of Risk Factor Modification in Atrial Fibrillation: Outcomes in Catheter Ablation","authors":"Shahana Hussain, Neil Srinivasan, Syed Ahsan, Nikolaos Papageorgiou","doi":"10.3390/jcdd11040097","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11040097","url":null,"abstract":"The management of atrial fibrillation has evolved significantly over the last ten years with advancements in medical and catheter ablation approaches, but these have limited success when used in isolation. Trends in the management of lifestyle modifications have surfaced, as it is now better understood that modifiable risk factors contribute significantly to the development and propagation of atrial fibrillation, as well as failure of treatment. International guidelines have integrated the role of lifestyle modification in the management of atrial fibrillation and specifically in the persistent form of atrial fibrillation; these guidelines must be addressed prior to considering catheter ablation. Effective risk factor modification is critical in increasing the likelihood of an arrhythmia-free survival following catheter ablation.","PeriodicalId":502527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":" 86","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140384562","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}
O. Isailă, Victor Eduard Stoian, I. Fulga, A. Piraianu, S. Hostiuc
{"title":"The Relationship between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness as a Potential Marker of Cardiovascular Risk: A Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis","authors":"O. Isailă, Victor Eduard Stoian, I. Fulga, A. Piraianu, S. Hostiuc","doi":"10.3390/jcdd11040098","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11040098","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Objectives: Thyroid dysfunction is known to have significant consequences on the cardiovascular system. The correlation between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been frequently evaluated in clinical studies in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of this association through a meta-analysis. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, MedLine, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the keywords ‘subclinical hypothyroidism and carotid intima-media thickness’, from the beginning of each database until January 2023. We established the inclusion and exclusion criteria and considered studies that met the inclusion criteria. We used Jamovi for statistical analysis of the data. Results: We identified 39 observational studies that met the inclusion criteria, with 3430 subjects: 1545 SCH and 1885 EU. Compared to euthyroid subjects (EU), subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) had significantly increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) values; the estimated average mean difference was 0.08 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.10), p < 0.01, I2 = 93.82%. After the sensitivity analysis, a total of 19 from the 39 abovementioned studies were analyzed, with most studies showing a positive association between SCH and thickening of the carotid wall; the estimated average mean difference was 0.04 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.07), p = 0.03, I2 = 77.7. In addition, female sex, advanced age, and high cholesterol levels statistically significantly influenced this association. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicates a significant positive association between SCH and increased CIMT, but with some limitations.","PeriodicalId":502527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":" 14","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140383724","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}
P. Iyngkaran, Wania Usmani, Zahra Bahmani, Fahad Hanna
{"title":"Burden from Study Questionnaire on Patient Fatigue in Qualitative Congestive Heart Failure Research","authors":"P. Iyngkaran, Wania Usmani, Zahra Bahmani, Fahad Hanna","doi":"10.3390/jcdd11040096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11040096","url":null,"abstract":"Mixed methods research forms the backbone of translational research methodologies. Qualitative research and subjective data lead to hypothesis generation and ideas that are then proven via quantitative methodologies and gathering objective data. In this vein, clinical trials that generate subjective data may have limitations, when they are not followed through with quantitative data, in terms of their ability to be considered gold standard evidence and inform guidelines and clinical management. However, since many research methods utilise qualitative tools, an initial factor is that such tools can create a burden on patients and researchers. In addition, the quantity of data and its storage contributes to noise and quality issues for its primary and post hoc use. This paper discusses the issue of the burden of subjective data collected and fatigue in the context of congestive heart failure (CHF) research. The CHF population has a high baseline morbidity, so no doubt the focus should be on the content; however, the lengths of the instruments are a product of their vigorous validation processes. Nonetheless, as an important source of hypothesis generation, if a choice of follow-up qualitative assessment is required for a clinical trial, shorter versions of the questionnaire should be used, without compromising the data collection requirements; otherwise, we need to invest in this area and find suitable solutions","PeriodicalId":502527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":" 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140385426","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}
P. Adamidis, M. Florentin, E. Liberopoulos, A. Koutsogianni, Georgia Anastasiou, G. Liamis, Haralampos Milionis, F. Barkas
{"title":"Association of Alkaline Phosphatase with Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Dyslipidemia: A 6-Year Retrospective Study","authors":"P. Adamidis, M. Florentin, E. Liberopoulos, A. Koutsogianni, Georgia Anastasiou, G. Liamis, Haralampos Milionis, F. Barkas","doi":"10.3390/jcdd11020060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11020060","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Aim: Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity has been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We aimed to investigate the association of ALP with ASCVD in patients with dyslipidemia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including consecutive adults with dyslipidemia followed-up for ≥3 years (from 1999 to 2022) in the outpatient Lipid Clinic of Ioannina University General Hospital, Greece. The primary endpoint was the association between baseline ALP and incident ASCVD after adjusting for traditional risk factors (i.e., sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia), baseline ASCVD, and lipid-lowering treatment. ALP levels were stratified by tertiles as follows: low: <67 U/L, middle: 67–79 U/L, high: ≥79 U/L. Results: Overall, 1178 subjects were included; 44% were males, and their median age was 57 years (range: 49–65). During a 6-year median follow-up (interquartile range: IQR: 4–9), 78 new ASCVD events (6.6%) occurred. A statistically significant association between baseline ALP levels and incident ASCVD was demonstrated (Odds Ratio, OR: 6.99; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 2.29–21.03, p = 0.001). Subjects in the highest ALP tertile had the highest odds for ASCVD when compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.24–4.41, p = 0.008). Conclusions: The present study indicates an association between ALP and the development of ASCVD in patients with dyslipidemia, which underscores the potential of ALP as a predictive tool or a therapeutic target in the realm of ASCVD prevention within this population.","PeriodicalId":502527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"3 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139773974","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}
Chun Shing Kwok, A. I. Qureshi, Maximillian Will, Konstantin Schwarz, G. Lip, J. Borovac
{"title":"Structural Complications following ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2016 to 2020","authors":"Chun Shing Kwok, A. I. Qureshi, Maximillian Will, Konstantin Schwarz, G. Lip, J. Borovac","doi":"10.3390/jcdd11020059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11020059","url":null,"abstract":"ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a life-threatening emergency that can result in cardiac structural complications without timely revascularization. A retrospective study from the National Inpatient Sample included all patients with a diagnosis of STEMI between 2016 and 2020. Primary outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LoS), and healthcare costs for patients with and without structural complications. There were 994,300 hospital admissions included in the analysis (median age 64 years and 32.2% female). Structural complications occurred in 0.78% of patients. There was a three-fold increase in patients with cardiogenic shock (41.6% vs. 13.6%) and in-hospital mortality (30.6% vs. 10.7%) in the group with structural complications. The median LoS was longer (5 days vs. 3 days), and the median cost was significantly greater (USD 32,436 vs. USD 20,241) for patients with structural complications. After adjustments, in-hospital mortality was significantly greater for patients with structural complications (OR 1.99, 95%CI 1.73–2.30), and both LoS and costs were greater. There was a significant increase in mortality with ruptured cardiac wall (OR 9.16, 95%CI 5.91–14.20), hemopericardium (OR 3.20, 95%CI 1.91–5.35), and ventricular septal rupture (OR 2.57, 95%CI 1.98–3.35) compared with those with no complication. In conclusion, structural complications in STEMI patients are rare but potentially catastrophic events.","PeriodicalId":502527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"84 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139774834","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}
P. Adamidis, M. Florentin, E. Liberopoulos, A. Koutsogianni, Georgia Anastasiou, G. Liamis, Haralampos Milionis, F. Barkas
{"title":"Association of Alkaline Phosphatase with Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Dyslipidemia: A 6-Year Retrospective Study","authors":"P. Adamidis, M. Florentin, E. Liberopoulos, A. Koutsogianni, Georgia Anastasiou, G. Liamis, Haralampos Milionis, F. Barkas","doi":"10.3390/jcdd11020060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11020060","url":null,"abstract":"Background and Aim: Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity has been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We aimed to investigate the association of ALP with ASCVD in patients with dyslipidemia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including consecutive adults with dyslipidemia followed-up for ≥3 years (from 1999 to 2022) in the outpatient Lipid Clinic of Ioannina University General Hospital, Greece. The primary endpoint was the association between baseline ALP and incident ASCVD after adjusting for traditional risk factors (i.e., sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia), baseline ASCVD, and lipid-lowering treatment. ALP levels were stratified by tertiles as follows: low: <67 U/L, middle: 67–79 U/L, high: ≥79 U/L. Results: Overall, 1178 subjects were included; 44% were males, and their median age was 57 years (range: 49–65). During a 6-year median follow-up (interquartile range: IQR: 4–9), 78 new ASCVD events (6.6%) occurred. A statistically significant association between baseline ALP levels and incident ASCVD was demonstrated (Odds Ratio, OR: 6.99; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 2.29–21.03, p = 0.001). Subjects in the highest ALP tertile had the highest odds for ASCVD when compared with those in the lowest tertile (OR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.24–4.41, p = 0.008). Conclusions: The present study indicates an association between ALP and the development of ASCVD in patients with dyslipidemia, which underscores the potential of ALP as a predictive tool or a therapeutic target in the realm of ASCVD prevention within this population.","PeriodicalId":502527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"246 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139833647","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}
Chun Shing Kwok, A. I. Qureshi, Maximillian Will, Konstantin Schwarz, G. Lip, J. Borovac
{"title":"Structural Complications following ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: An Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2016 to 2020","authors":"Chun Shing Kwok, A. I. Qureshi, Maximillian Will, Konstantin Schwarz, G. Lip, J. Borovac","doi":"10.3390/jcdd11020059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11020059","url":null,"abstract":"ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a life-threatening emergency that can result in cardiac structural complications without timely revascularization. A retrospective study from the National Inpatient Sample included all patients with a diagnosis of STEMI between 2016 and 2020. Primary outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LoS), and healthcare costs for patients with and without structural complications. There were 994,300 hospital admissions included in the analysis (median age 64 years and 32.2% female). Structural complications occurred in 0.78% of patients. There was a three-fold increase in patients with cardiogenic shock (41.6% vs. 13.6%) and in-hospital mortality (30.6% vs. 10.7%) in the group with structural complications. The median LoS was longer (5 days vs. 3 days), and the median cost was significantly greater (USD 32,436 vs. USD 20,241) for patients with structural complications. After adjustments, in-hospital mortality was significantly greater for patients with structural complications (OR 1.99, 95%CI 1.73–2.30), and both LoS and costs were greater. There was a significant increase in mortality with ruptured cardiac wall (OR 9.16, 95%CI 5.91–14.20), hemopericardium (OR 3.20, 95%CI 1.91–5.35), and ventricular septal rupture (OR 2.57, 95%CI 1.98–3.35) compared with those with no complication. In conclusion, structural complications in STEMI patients are rare but potentially catastrophic events.","PeriodicalId":502527,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease","volume":"339 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139834550","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}