Importance of Imaging Assessment Criteria in Predicting the Need for Post-Dilatation in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation with a Self-Expanding Bioprosthesis.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revolutionized the treatment of severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). Balloon post-dilatation (PD) remains an important procedural step to optimize valve function by resolving incomplete valve expansion, which may lead to paravalvular regurgitation and other potentially adverse effects. There are only limited data on the predictors, incidence, and clinical impact of PD during TAVI.

Parabolic flight as a space-flight analogon impacts angiogenesis and lipid metabolism.

This study aimed to examine the effects of weightlessness and microgravity, induced by parabolic flight, on specific biomarkers associated with angiogenesis, lipid homeostasis, and cardiovascular diseases, including angiogenin (ANG), angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT-1), angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor subunit AA (PDGF-AA). 14 healthy volunteers (mean age: 28.9 years; 6 females) participated in short-term sessions of weightlessness and microgravity using parabolic flights.

TAVI Success Is More Than Just the Valve: CT-Derived Sarcopenia as a Major Determinant of Long-Term Survival.

Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by progressive skeletal muscle loss, is a silent yet powerful marker associated with survival, yet its impact on long-term outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains underestimated. While frailty has been recognized as a main factor of resilience and recovery, the role of muscle integrity is frequently overlooked. This study explores whether computed tomography (CT)-derived psoas muscle area (PMA) and psoas muscle area index (PMI) are key predictors of post-TAVI survival.

Paradoxical clinical outcomes of severe versus very severe aortic valve stenosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation? a propensity score matched analysis and review of literature.

Background: Very severe aortic stenosis (VSAS) is a critical condition with unfavourable clinical outcomes if left untreated or treated by surgical valve replacement. In contrast, after transcatheter valve implantation (TAVI) outcomes seem to be similar or - paradoxically - even better compared to severe aortic stenosis (SAS), as indicated by previous studies.

Methods: Data of patients from a single centre who underwent TAVI were retrospectively analysed.

Diagnostic value and clinical impact of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients after sudden cardiac arrest: a retrospective study.

Introduction: Cardiac MRI (CMRI) is an important investigation in cases of unclear cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). It demonstrates diagnostic utility in assessing reversibility and tissue scar burden and ultimately aids in further treatment planning.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of all adult patients referred for CMRI after SCA between 2007 and 2022 by local intensive care units in our institution was performed.

The Prognostic Value of Tricuspid Annular Dimensions in TAVI Patients: A CT-Based Retrospective Analysis of Risk Stratification and Long-Term Outcomes.

: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has transformed the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS), particularly in high-risk patients. However, comorbidities such as pulmonary hypertension (PH) and secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) contribute to adverse outcomes. Tricuspid annulus (TA) dilatation (TAD), a key marker of right ventricular dysfunction, has been associated with PH and TR progression.

Endothelial Activation and Stress Index-A Novel and Simple Prognostic Tool in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Risk stratification in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains challenging despite existing models. The Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX), originally developed for hematological conditions, has shown promise in various medical fields as a predictor of adverse outcomes. EASIX, calculated from lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, and platelet count, reflects endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation.

Very severe aortic valve stenosis: Diagnostic value of computed tomography aortic valve calcium scoring.

Background: (A) Very severe aortic valve stenosis (VSAS; Vmax ≥ 5 ​m/s, MPG ≥60 ​mmHg) is a critical condition with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Guidelines regard VSAS as one criterion for considering valve replacement in asymptomatic patients. (B) Guidelines recommend the use of aortic valve calcium (AVC) scoring as a parameter to differentiate between moderate and severe aortic valve stenosis (SAS).

Can Radiological Renal Artery Parameters Predict Acute Kidney Injury in Infective Endocarditis Surgery?-From Imaging to Outcomes.

Infective endocarditis (IE) poses significant challenges in cardiovascular medicine, often necessitating valvular surgery to manage severe complications. Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a notable complication affecting patient outcomes. While clinical and procedural factors have been well studied, the role of radiological renal artery parameters in AKI risk remains underexplored.

Visual grading of valvular regurgitation is inferior to measurement - results from the VIAVA-study (VIsual Assessment of VAlvular Regurgitation).

While the visual estimation of systolic left ventricular function by experienced examiners closely aligns with quantitative methodologies, the accuracy of visual estimation in determining the severity of valvular regurgitation using colour flow Doppler assessment of native heart valves remains largely unexplored. This study analysed the ability of 262 physicians to visually estimate the severity of 12 native valve regurgitations by grading colour Doppler transthoracic echocardiography loops in an online questionnaire. The assessments of the participants were compared to standardized quantitative evaluations conducted by certified echocardiography experts.

ACEF score and lactate: lifeline predictors in endocarditis valve procedures: insights from a single-center study.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of routinely collected laboratory parameters, specifically lactate, troponin-T, and CK-MB, in predicting mortality in patients with surgically treated endocarditis. Additionally, the study evaluated the effectiveness of two mortality scores, EuroSCORE II and ACEF II Score, in this clinical context.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 130 patients diagnosed with endocarditis who underwent surgery at a single tertiary center over nine years.

The Silent Threat: A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Impact of Prediabetes on ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Survival-A Call to Action!

Prediabetes is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated, yet it poses significant cardiovascular risks. This study investigates the impact of prediabetes on short- and long-term survival outcomes in patients who experienced ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In this retrospective, single-center cohort study, we evaluated 725 STEMI patients stratified into non-diabetic, prediabetic, and diabetic groups based on HbA1c levels at presentation.

Harmonizing Heartbeats: The Mosaic of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Responders-A Comprehensive Exploration of Diverse Criteria and Predictors.

Heart failure (HF) remains a challenging healthcare issue necessitating innovative therapies like cardiac resynchronization-defibrillation therapy (CRT-D). However, the definition of a CRT-D response lacks uniformity, impeding effective clinical evaluation. This study explores diverse CRT-D responder definitions encompassing functional, echocardiographic and laboratory criteria.

Insulin-like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 2 in Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis and Pulmonary Hypertension: A Gender-Based Perspective.

Severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) are life-threatening cardiovascular conditions, necessitating early detection and intervention. Recent studies have explored the role of Insulin-like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 2 (IGF-BP2) in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Understanding its involvement may offer novel insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets for these conditions.

Beyond the Valve: Incidence, Outcomes, and Modifiable Factors of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Infective Endocarditis Undergoing Valve Surgery-A Retrospective, Single-Center Study.

: Infective endocarditis (IE) often requires surgical intervention, with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), posing a significant concern. This retrospective study aimed to investigate AKI incidence, its impact on short-term mortality, and identify modifiable factors in patients with IE scheduled for valve surgery. : This single-center study enrolled 130 consecutive IE patients from 2013 to 2021 undergoing valve surgery.

Deciphering the Role of microRNAs: Unveiling Clinical Biomarkers and Therapeutic Avenues in Atrial Fibrillation and Associated Stroke-A Systematic Review.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). miRNAs have been implicated in a variety of cardiovascular and neurological diseases, such as myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathies of various geneses, rhythmological diseases, neurodegenerative illnesses and strokes. Numerous studies have focused on the expression of miRNA patterns with respect to atrial fibrillation (AF) or acute ischemic stroke (AIS) However, only a few studies have addressed the expression pattern of miRNAs in patients with AF and AIS in order to provide not only preventive information but also to identify therapeutic potentials.

Radiological Parameters for the Detection of Pulmonary Hypertension in Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis and Their Influence on Mortality: Does Sex Matter?

Echocardiography has long been established as the primary noninvasive method for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). In recent years, radiological methods for diagnosing PH have been investigated. Measurements such as the computed tomography angiography (CTA)-derived pulmonary artery (PA) diameter and PA diameter/body surface area (PA/BSA) have shown promising results regarding their diagnostic strength.

Large Bouncing Mass in the Right Atrium: Metastasis of Malignant Melanoma.

This paper presents a rare case of malignant melanoma metastasizing to the heart, highlighting the diagnostic journey, therapeutic considerations, and clinical implications. Enhanced awareness of atypical metastases aids early recognition and treatment strategies for improved patient care. Comprehensive understanding of cardiac involvement in melanoma contributes to better outcomes and clinical decision making.

MicroRNA-30d-5p-A Potential New Therapeutic Target for Prevention of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy after Myocardial Infarction.

(1) Background and Objective: MicroRNAs (miRs) are biomarkers for assessing the extent of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) and important predictors of clinical outcome in heart failure. Overexpression of miR-30d-5p appears to have a cardioprotective effect. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate whether miR-30d-5p could be used as a potential therapeutic target to improve post-MI adverse remodeling.

Biomarkers of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence in Patients with Paroxysmal or Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Following External Direct Current Electrical Cardioversion.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with atrial remodeling, cardiac dysfunction, and poor clinical outcomes. External direct current electrical cardioversion is a well-developed urgent treatment strategy for patients presenting with recent-onset AF. However, there is a lack of accurate predictive serum biomarkers to identify the risks of AF relapse after electrical cardioversion.

Impact of cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for typical atrial flutter and heart failure in the elderly-results of a retrospective multi-center study.

Introduction: While in the CASTLE-AF trial, in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, interventional therapy using pulmonary vein isolation was associated with outcome improvement, data on cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (CTIA) in atrial flutter (AFL) in the elderly is rare.

Methods: We included 96 patients between 60 and 85 years with typical AFL and heart failure with reduced or mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF/HFmrEF) treated in two medical centers. 48 patients underwent an electrophysiological study with CTIA, whereas 48 patients received rate or rhythm control and guideline-compliant heart failure therapy.