Identification of Ischemic Stroke Patients Based on Plasma Concentrations of Extracellular Vesicles.

Patients presenting with stroke symptoms suffer from either ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIA), or "stroke mimics," which include benign headaches, epilepsy, and vestibular disorders. As ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients require different medical treatments, early identification of the underlying cause of symptoms is essential for tailored and urgent medical intervention. This study investigates whether extracellular vesicles (EVs), present in peripheral blood of patients presenting with stroke symptoms, can be used to identify patients with ischemic stroke.

Plasma levels of NO-related pathway molecules to predict post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation major adverse cardiovascular events: a prospective, multicenter study.

Introduction: Aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with alterations in the concentrations of nitric oxide (NO)-related pathway molecules, including arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA).

Aim: We aimed to determine the effect of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on the concentrations of arginine, ADMA, and SDMA and to evaluate their predictive value for post-TAVI outcomes.

Material And Methods: In total, 128 patients with AS referred for TAVI were enrolled in the study.

Imaging modalities used in follow-up after coil embolization of splenic artery aneurysm - a systematic review.

Purpose: Endovascular procedures have become the method of choice for treating splenic artery aneurysms (SSAs). However, there is no consensus regarding the intervals and imaging methods for follow-up examinations in patients with true SAAs treated with coil embolisation. We aimed to evaluate the utility of digital subtraction angiography (DSA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and duplex ultrasound (DUS) for follow-up screening of patients with SAAs treated with coil embolisation.

Validation of the COAPT risk score in Polish patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair of severe, functional mitral regurgitation: a multicenter, observational study.

Background: The COAPT risk score, developed based on the COAPT trial, is a tool to predict the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure (HFH) within two years after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of mitral regurgitation using a MitraClip device. We aimed to validate the Score in a Polish population.

Methods: Patients with severe mitral regurgitation who underwent TEER with MitraClip at three cardiology centers in Poland between November 2015 and February 2023 were included.

Procedural characteristics and outcomes of patients undergoing Impella-assisted high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions in the IMPELLA-PL registry.

Background: Impella is a catheter-based, continuous blood flow left ventricle assist device used in selected patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (HR PCI). We aimed to evaluate outcomes in patients undergoing Impella-assisted HR-PCI and identify independent predictors of 12-month mortality.

Methods: Consecutive HR-PCI patients enrolled in the national, multicentre, retrospective IMPELLA-PL registry (n = 253) in 20 Polish interventional cardiological centres from October 2014 until December 2021 were included in the analysis.

Patient-tailored stent: are we there yet?

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become a routine revascularization strategy. PCI outcome is affected by patient- and procedure-related factors. Stent design has evolved to overcome the risk of thrombosis and restenosis associated with stent implantation.

EASY OR NOT. European-Asian Six countries Yearly consensus On Recent guidelines: arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, chronic coronary syndromes, and peripheral artery diseases. Novel Or conventional Treatment options for these patients. Position Paper 2024.

The 2024 guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) refer to four very important therapeutic areas: arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, chronic coronary syndromes and peripheral artery disease. The ESC countries and their institutional members share a common goal of reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death worldwide. Experts from these six countries - three from Europe and three from Asia - gathered at the annual meeting to briefly present the epidemiological situation regarding selected issues addressed in the 2024 ESC guidelines, and to create a document highlighting the significant progress in pharmacotherapy.

Targeting factor XI as a compromise between thrombosis and bleeding.

Thromboembolic diseases have long been a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, necessitating advances in anticoagulant drugs. Heparins, vitamin K inhibitors, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are well-established drug classes that help prevent thromboembolic complications. While effective, they pose significant risks during long-term therapy, including bleeding, osteoporosis, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and the need for frequent monitoring and dose adjustments.

Drug-coated balloons in percutaneous coronary interventions: existing evidence and emerging hopes.

Drug-coated balloons (DCB) have been developed as an alternative to drug-eluting stents (DES) as a part of the "leave nothing behind" strategy following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). DCBs facilitate revascularization and delivery of an antiproliferative agent directly to a coronary artery lesion, without the need for DES implantation. Subsequently, DCBs promote positive vascular remodeling and allow for a shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy.

Short- and long-term outcomes of Impella-protected, high-risk, elective PCI in patients with multivessel coronary disease and low ejection fraction - Polish Impella Registry.

Background: The Impella percutaneous mechanical circulatory support device provides improved support in treating patients with high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (HR-PCI) or in cardiogenic shock. IMPELLA-PL is a multicenter registry developed to share clinical data and experiences using Impella technology in Poland. The retrospective analysis conducted in this study aims to fill the knowledge gap of Impella performance in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (≤30%) treated with HR-PCI.

Thrombin generation and clot lysis time to predict outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established treatment method in patients with severe aortic stenosis at high surgical risk. TAVI might reduce thrombin generation and fibrin clot resistance to lysis. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of thrombin generation and clot lysis time on TAVI outcomes.

Addressing 'Residual Congestion' to Improve Prognosis After Acute Heart Failure Decompensation.

Congestion is the hallmark and the main therapeutic target in patients with decompensated heart failure (HF). Residual clinical congestion is defined as a high left ventricular diastolic pressure associated with signs and symptoms of HF, such as dyspnoea, rales and oedema, persisting despite guideline-directed medical treatment. Residual congestion in the predischarge and early post-discharge phase is the major risk factor for HF readmission and mortality.

Extracellular Vesicle-Derived miRNAs in Ischemic Stroke: Roles in Neuroprotection, Tissue Regeneration, and Biomarker Potential.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the most common causes of death and disability worldwide. Despite its prevalence, knowledge about pathophysiology and diagnostic methods remains limited. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are released from cellular membranes constitutively, as well as after activation or damage, may contain various intracellular particles, including microRNAs (miRNAs/miR).

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation reduces plasma concentrations of TMAO and indoxyl sulfate: A prospective, multicenter cohort study.

Background: Intestinal microbial metabolites, such as trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and indoxyl sulfate (IS), have been suggested as markers for the progression of aortic stenosis (AS). However, the impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on these intestinal bacterial metabolites has not been evaluated in a multicenter clinical study. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of TAVI on plasma levels of intestinal bacterial metabolites and to assess the predictive value of these metabolites for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following TAVI.

Sex-Specific Differences in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Treated with Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty.

Several studies describe the sex-specific differences in cardiovascular diseases. However, there is still limited research reporting the difference between men and women with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) treated with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA). The aim of this study was to evaluate sex-specific differences in patients with CTEPH treated with BPA.

Branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair decreases platelet reactivity and platelet-rich thrombus formation - a prospective, cohort study.

Appropriate platelet function determines both the perioperative haemostasis and the risk of postoperative thrombotic complications in patients undergoing branched endovascular repair (bEVAR) of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA). We aimed to assess the effect of bEVAR on platelet function and the predictive value of preoperative platelet function for postoperative bleeding. We measured platelet function using impedance aggregometry and total thrombus-formation analysis system in 50 consecutive patients, with TAAA undergoing elective bEVAR.

Effect of aspirin dosage on oxidative stress and platelet reactivity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (APRICOT): randomized controlled trial.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) triggers oxidative stress and platelet activation. High acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) dose might mitigate the transient proinflammatory state. We compared the effect of three ASA dosages on post-CABG platelet reactivity, oxidative stress, and serum CD39 and CD73 levels.

Plasma leukocyte-derived extracellular vesicles are related to target vessel revascularization in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Introduction: In multivessel coronary disease, interventional therapy is recommended to improve symptoms and survival. Inflammatory activation is postulated as one of the coronary atherosclerosis progression risk factors and prognostic indicators of surgical intervention. Counts of plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets are elevated in patients with inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis-based cardiovascular diseases.

Atrial fibrillation versus atrial myopathy in thrombogenesis: Two sides of the same coin?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial myopathy are recognized contributors to cardiovascular morbidity, particularly ischemic stroke. AF poses an elevated risk of thrombogenesis due to irregular heart rhythm leading to blood stasis and clot formation. Atrial myopathy, marked by structural and functional alterations in the atria, is emerging as a crucial factor influencing thromboembolic events, independently of AF.

The role of lipoprotein(a) in atrial fibrillation: a systematic review.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent form of cardiac arrhythmia worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, emphasizing the need to develop novel biomarkers. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) has recently been widely investigated as a potential risk factor for various cardiovascular conditions, including AF.

Association between standardized management algorithm and outcomes of patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions included in the IMPELLA-PL registry.

Introduction: Impella CP is a percutaneous left ventricular assist device used in selected patients undergoing high‑risk percutaneous coronary interventions (HR‑PCIs). To improve outcomes of Impella‑supported HR‑PCI, institutional Impella programs have been developed.

Objectives: We evaluated the association between the use of a standardized periprocedural management algorithm and outcomes of patients undergoing HR‑PCI included in the national IMPELLA‑PL registry.

The role of MicroRNAs in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: A systematic review.

Background: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare inherited heart condition with structural and functional abnormalities of the right ventricle. Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs, miRs) could be a solution in detecting ARVC earlier, more commonly, and in a less invasive way.

Aims: We aimed to systematically review the current knowledge about the role of miRNAs in ARVC.