Vessel plusPub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2021.122
Annet S. Kuruvilla, So Agha, Ashutosh Yaligar, H. Tannous, A. Mclarty, A. L. Shroyer, Thomas V. Bilfinge
{"title":"A literature review: pre-/post-operative atrial fibrillation for thoracic aortic aneurysm procedures","authors":"Annet S. Kuruvilla, So Agha, Ashutosh Yaligar, H. Tannous, A. Mclarty, A. L. Shroyer, Thomas V. Bilfinge","doi":"10.20517/2574-1209.2021.122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2021.122","url":null,"abstract":"Atrial fibrillation (AF) is among the most frequent cardiac surgical arrhythmias documented. The global AF prevalence is estimated at over 33 million cases, with estimates ranging up to 6.1 million cases in the United States. Among cardiac surgical patients, the risk factors for new-onset post-operative AF (POAF) include Caucasian race with increased prevalence documented in older men. Due to trends of earlier thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) detection and treatment, it is timely to review the AF association with adverse TAA clinical outcomes. Towards this goal, a comprehensive PubMed literature review was performed. For this initial Medline literature search, the MeSH search strategy included “thoracic aortic aneurysm” and “atrial fibrillation”. Based on the pertinent articles identified, the limited literature available for preoperative TAA AF and the predictors of POAF following TAA procedures were reviewed. Given only a handful of publications addressing these pre-/post-operative AF topics were identified using this very broad initial search approach, a knowledge chasm exists–as very little is known about TAA patients with pre-operative or new-onset post-operative AF. Given the paucity of evidence-based information available, clinically relevant TAA-specific research questions have been raised to guide future TAA AF-related investigations.","PeriodicalId":75299,"journal":{"name":"Vessel plus","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67654901","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}
Vessel plusPub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2021.139
S. Novotny, Julia Dokko, Xiaoyue Zhang, So Agha, Ashutosh Yaligar, Natalie K. Kolba, Vineet Tummala, P. Parikh, A. Pryor, H. Tannous, A. L. Shroyer, Thomas Bilfinger
{"title":"Preoperative atrial fibrillation/flutter impact on risk-adjusted repeat aortic intervention patients","authors":"S. Novotny, Julia Dokko, Xiaoyue Zhang, So Agha, Ashutosh Yaligar, Natalie K. Kolba, Vineet Tummala, P. Parikh, A. Pryor, H. Tannous, A. L. Shroyer, Thomas Bilfinger","doi":"10.20517/2574-1209.2021.139","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2021.139","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Impacts of pre-operative atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF/AFL) upon repeat aortic valve replacement (r-AVR) patients’ risk-adjusted short-term outcomes is unknown. Methods: From 2005-2018, New York State AF/AFL versus non-AF/AFL adults’ risk-adjusted r-AVR outcomes were compared. Primary endpoints included the Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ 30-day operative mortality or major morbidity (MM) composite and 30-day readmission (READMIT); the MM sub-components were secondary endpoints. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated AF/AFL impact upon these endpoints while holding other factors constant. Results: Of 36,783 adults initially undergoing aortic valve replacement, 334 subsequently underwent r-AVR. Within this r-AVR group, 42.4% of repeat surgical (r-SAVR) patients had AF/AFL; 50.4% of repeat transcatheter (viv-TAVR) patients had AF/AFL. R-SAVR AF/AFL patients were older and had more comorbidities than those without AF/AFL. Viv-TAVR AF/AFL patients were similar to those without AF/AFL except for lower rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Comparing risk-adjusted r-AVR outcomes, AF/AFL did not impact MM [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23, 0.66-2.28, P = 0.512] or READMIT (OR, 95% CI: 1.15, 0.60-2.19, P = 0.681). Black race (OR, 95% CI: 2.89, 1.01-8.32, P = 0.049) and Elixhauser mortality score (OR, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.04-1.10, P < 0.0001) predicted MM risk. Cerebrovascular disease (OR, 95% CI: 2.54, 1.23-5.25, P = 0.012) predicted READMIT risk, while viv-TAVR was protective compared to r-SAVR (OR, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.21-0.91, P = 0.027). Conclusion: AF/AFL was not associated with risk-adjusted short-term r-AVR outcomes. Black race, Elixhauser mortality score, and cerebrovascular disease predicted adverse outcomes.","PeriodicalId":75299,"journal":{"name":"Vessel plus","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67655080","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}
Vessel plusPub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2021.31
Cornelia Lee
{"title":"Unique contribution of one patient advocacy organization in advancing cerebral cavernous malformation awareness and research","authors":"Cornelia Lee","doi":"10.20517/2574-1209.2021.31","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2021.31","url":null,"abstract":"Advocacy organizations have long played a role in advancing care and research for patients affected by rare disease. Angioma Alliance has served traditional functions of organizing scientific meetings and creating shared resources like a tissue bank and a patient registry. Uniquely, the organization has employed creative patient engagement methods like subsidized genetic testing as well as targeting special populations to expand research participation and understanding of the illness. Special populations include those with CCM3 mutations, the CCM1 Common Hispanic Mutation, and Black patients.","PeriodicalId":75299,"journal":{"name":"Vessel plus","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67655198","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}
Vessel plusPub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2021.79
N. Lamberti, E. Tsolaki, F. Guerzoni, N. Napoli, L. Traina, Giovanni Piva, V. Gasbarro, P. Zamboni, S. Straudi, R. Manfredini, F. Manfredini
{"title":"Survival and clinical outcomes of diabetic peripheral artery disease patients following a pain-free home-based walking program","authors":"N. Lamberti, E. Tsolaki, F. Guerzoni, N. Napoli, L. Traina, Giovanni Piva, V. Gasbarro, P. Zamboni, S. Straudi, R. Manfredini, F. Manfredini","doi":"10.20517/2574-1209.2021.79","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2021.79","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: We retrospectively examined the impact on the rate of survival of pain-free home-based exercise in diabetic peripheral artery disease patients compared to patients receiving usual care. Methods: In total, 202 patients at Fontaine’s Stage II with diabetes were studied. Half were enrolled in a structured home-based exercise program (E), whereas the other half received walking advice as the active control group (C). Long-term clinical outcomes at five years were gathered from the Emilia-Romagna Health Service Registry, with survival probability selected as the primary outcome. Results: At baseline, the two groups did not differ for any demographic or clinical characteristics. High adherence to the program was recorded in Group E (88% of home-walking sessions executed, with an average distance walked during the program of 174 km). After five years, a survival rate of 90% for Group E and 60% for Group C was observed, with a significantly (P < 0.001) higher mortality risk for Group C [Hazard ratio (HR) = 3.92]. Additionally, among secondary outcomes, Group E showed a significantly (P = 0.048) lower rate of peripheral revascularizations than Group C (15% vs. 24%, respectively; HR = 1.91), all-cause hospitalizations (P = 0.007; 61% vs. 80%, HR = 1.58), and amputations (P = 0.049; 6% vs. 13%, HR = 2.47). In a Cox multivariate-proportional regression model of the entire population, the predictors of survival probability were age (HR = 1.05), Charlson index (HR = 1.24), lower ankle-brachial index (HR = 6.66), and control group (HR = 4.99). Conclusion: A simple sustainable program aimed at improving mobility of diabetic patients with claudication at high cardiovascular risk was associated with better survival and long-term clinical outcomes.","PeriodicalId":75299,"journal":{"name":"Vessel plus","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67655423","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}
Vessel plusPub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2021.94
Raj Sahulee, Jaclyn McKinstry
{"title":"Pharmacologic therapies for the low cardiac output syndrome in children after cardiac surgery: evidence of their efficacy and trends in their use","authors":"Raj Sahulee, Jaclyn McKinstry","doi":"10.20517/2574-1209.2021.94","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2021.94","url":null,"abstract":"The low cardiac output syndrome describes the phenomenon of the reduction of cardiac output that can occur following cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. If unrecognized or untreated, this condition can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Along with non-pharmacologic therapies, pharmacologic agents used to help manage the low cardiac output syndrome include catecholamine inotropes, inodilators, systemic vasodilators, pulmonary vasodilators, and other classes of medications. We summarize the rationale and key evidence supporting the use of these therapies in children. In addition, utilizing provider surveys and registry reviews, we describe the current trends in the use of these medications and the variation demonstrated between providers and centers. Given the heterogeneous etiology of low cardiac output syndrome, successful management requires that pharmacologic therapies be tailored to the physiologic derangements of each patient.","PeriodicalId":75299,"journal":{"name":"Vessel plus","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67655885","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}
Vessel plusPub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2022.22
T. Tolstik, A. Bogatyreva, A. Grechko, Y. Oishi, A. Markin
{"title":"Features of mitochondrial dynamics in monocytes in inflammatory and metabolic disorders","authors":"T. Tolstik, A. Bogatyreva, A. Grechko, Y. Oishi, A. Markin","doi":"10.20517/2574-1209.2022.22","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2022.22","url":null,"abstract":"Mitochondria do not exist as separate formations in the cell; they form a homogeneous network in which the processes of division and fusion continuously occur. A shift in this balance, as well as mitochondrial dysfunction, leads to the development of chronic and metabolic disorders. Metabolic changes in mitochondria control the formation and differentiation of monocytes. Pro-inflammatory activation of monocytes/macrophages leads to a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation and an increase in mitochondrial fusion. To date, the molecular mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial dynamics to control life and death in monocytes are not well understood. In addition, there is ample evidence that abnormal mitochondrial metabolism is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Mitochondrial stress and damage contribute to cell death, metabolic disorders, and inflammation. In this review, we consider in detail the involvement of mitochondrial processes in the development of pathologies and discuss how mitochondria can be therapeutically affected. Attention is also drawn to possible diagnostic studies that target mitochondrial dynamics of disorders in monocytes.","PeriodicalId":75299,"journal":{"name":"Vessel plus","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67655949","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}
Vessel plusPub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2021.40
M. Abdel-Halim, A. Mahmoud, Gaafar Ragab
{"title":"Cutaneous manifestations of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis","authors":"M. Abdel-Halim, A. Mahmoud, Gaafar Ragab","doi":"10.20517/2574-1209.2021.40","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2021.40","url":null,"abstract":"Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a distinct group of systemic vasculitis with severe multi-organ involvement. It includes three types: granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Cutaneous manifestations are present at the time of presentation in around 35% of cases and are more frequently encountered in EGPA than in GPA or MPA. They can also occur during the course of the disease or mark a disease relapse. They can be classified into specific or non-specific according to the presence or absence of vasculitis, whether or not associated with granuloma, in skin biopsies. The most common presentation of vasculitic skin lesions in AAV is palpable purpura. Other manifestations include hemorrhagic blisters, tender subcutaneous nodules, livedo reticularis/racemosa, painful ulcers that may mimic pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), and digital gangrenes. A wide range of non-specific cutaneous manifestations can occur in association with AAV including urticarial rash, prurigo, sterile pustules, and oral lesions. The presence of cutaneous lesions is usually associated with severe organ involvement and systemic manifestations. Since skin lesions in AAV can occur in other types of vasculitis and in other disorders, attributing them to AAV requires meticulous clinical, laboratory, and serological correlation. Awareness of cutaneous lesions of AAV is important for all physicians working in the field of systemic vasculitis as a skin biopsy may provide an easy clue to diagnose AAV in such cases.","PeriodicalId":75299,"journal":{"name":"Vessel plus","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67655206","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}
Vessel plusPub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2021.138
Nicole Rademacher, Cordell Spellman, G. Almassi, M. W. V. Ballmoos
{"title":"Stroke risk and anticoagulation in the setting of post-cardiac surgery atrial fibrillation: a systematic review of the literature","authors":"Nicole Rademacher, Cordell Spellman, G. Almassi, M. W. V. Ballmoos","doi":"10.20517/2574-1209.2021.138","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2021.138","url":null,"abstract":"Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) affects up to 50% of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. It remains unclear to what extent POAF increases the stroke risk and whether anticoagulation is warranted in this setting. The primary objective of this review was to conduct a systematic review of the evidence for a correlation between POAF and stroke. Further, we sought to evaluate the published evidence on anticoagulation in the setting of POAF to prevent stroke. To this end, we performed a comprehensive literature search to identify studies on POAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with stroke as an outcome. To date, eight meta-analyses providing pooled estimates of the stroke risk associated with POAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery have been published. The reported pooled odds ratios range from 1.36 to 4.09 for unadjusted estimates. Additionally, five studies were identified that evaluated the impact of anticoagulation on stroke in the setting of POAF. Of these, three supported the use of anticoagulants, and two studies were inconclusive. This systematic review did not find strong supporting evidence that POAF is causally related to stroke, despite a strong correlation with comorbidities and all-cause mortality in the literature. Available evidence to date suggests an elevated risk of bleeding with no clear reduction in stroke or other thromboembolic events when anticoagulation is initiated in the setting of POAF. An upcoming randomized clinical trial by the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network group will hopefully provide clarification on the recommendations for anticoagulation in the setting of POAF after cardiac surgery.","PeriodicalId":75299,"journal":{"name":"Vessel plus","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67655544","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}
Vessel plusPub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2021.91
P. Rao
{"title":"Echocardiography: an overview - part I","authors":"P. Rao","doi":"10.20517/2574-1209.2021.91","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2021.91","url":null,"abstract":"This review describes principles of echocardiography and Doppler, outlines the techniques of echo-Doppler studies, presents methods of assessment of pressure in the pulmonary artery, reviews methodology for appraisal of ventricular function, and demonstrates the usefulness of echo in evaluating multiple neonatal issues including distressed neonate, infant of a diabetic mother, tracheo-esophageal fistula, Down syndrome, and cardiomegaly.","PeriodicalId":75299,"journal":{"name":"Vessel plus","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67655787","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}
Vessel plusPub Date : 2022-01-01DOI: 10.20517/2574-1209.2021.102
Anouk F. J. Geraets, S. Köhler, M. Schram
{"title":"Vascular and metabolic risk factors of late-life depression","authors":"Anouk F. J. Geraets, S. Köhler, M. Schram","doi":"10.20517/2574-1209.2021.102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20517/2574-1209.2021.102","url":null,"abstract":"Late-life depression (LLD) is a common complex mood disorder with high comorbidity of both psychiatric and physical diseases, cognitive decline, and increased mortality. The mechanisms underlying LLD are incompletely understood. The heterogeneity of depression complicates research into the underlying mechanisms, and factors involved in LLD may differ from those involved in early-life depression. This narrative review provides an overview of (micro-)vascular and metabolic factors involved in the development of LLD. Evidence suggests that cerebral small vessel disease, generalized microvascular dysfunction, and metabolic risk factors, including diabetes and inflammation, may contribute to the development of LLD, while the role of neurodegeneration needs further in-depth investigation. Accordingly, vascular and metabolic factors may provide promising targets for the prevention and improvement of treatment of LLD. Guidelines to screen for LLD in cardiovascular care need further implementation, as do integrated care approaches that treat LLD and diabetes jointly. However, intervention studies are needed to assess which interventions are appropriate and most effective in clinical practice.","PeriodicalId":75299,"journal":{"name":"Vessel plus","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"67654177","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}