Agreement of Fractional Flow Reserve Estimated by Computed Tomography With Invasively Measured Fractional Flow Reserve: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the ratio of blood pressure measured distal to a stenosis and pressure proximal to a stenosis. FFR can be estimated noninvasively using computed tomography (CT) although the usefulness of this technique remains controversial. This meta-analysis evaluated the agreement of FFR estimated by CT (FFR-CT) with invasively measured FFR. The study also evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of FFR-CT, defined as the ability of FFR-CT to classify lesions as hemodynamically significant (invasive FFR ≤0.8) or insignificant (invasive FFR >0.8). METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-three studies reporting on 7291 blood vessels from 5236 patients were included. A moderate positive linear relationship between FFR-CT and invasively measured FFR was observed (Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.67). Agreement between the 2 measures increased as invasively measured FFR values approached 1. The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of FFR-CT were 82.2%, 80.9%, and 83.1%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of 90% could be demonstrated for FFR-CT values >0.90 and <0.49. The diagnostic accuracy of off-site tools was 79.4% and the diagnostic accuracy of on-site tools was 84.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The agreement between FFR-CT and invasive FFR is moderate although agreement is highest in vessels with FFR-CT >0.9. Diagnostic accuracy varies widely with FFR-CT value but is above 90% for FFR-CT values >0.90 and <0.49. Furthermore, on-site and off-site tools have similar performance. Ultimately, FFR-CT may be a useful adjunct to CT coronary angiography as a gatekeeper for invasive coronary angiogram.

[Cardiac CT in 2024]. / CT cardiaque en 2024.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) has now become an established tool in the diagnostic process for patients suspected of coronary artery disease. In light of rapid technological development, CCTA has evolved into an imaging modality providing both anatomical and functional information to guide patient management. In this article, we describe the role of cardiac CT in assessing atherosclerotic plaque, chest pain evaluation, cardiovascular risk stratification, planning and guiding coronary intervention, as well as structural heart diseases.

Le scanner coronarien est actuellement un outil reconnu dans le processus diagnostique des patients chez qui on suspecte une maladie coronarienne. Bénéficiant d'un développement technologique rapide et procurant des informations tant morphologiques que fonctionnelles, le CT cardiaque devient une modalité d'imagerie incontournable pour orienter la prise en charge des patients. Dans cet article, nous décrivons le rôle du CT cardiaque dans l'évaluation de la plaque d'athérosclérose, des douleurs thoraciques, de la stratification du risque cardiovasculaire, de la planification et du guidage de l'intervention coronarienne, ainsi que des maladies cardiaques structurelles.

Computed Tomography-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: Comparison of Cervical Computed Tomography Angiography, Transverse Process of Atlas, and Styloid Process Localization to Styloid Process Localization Alone.

BACKGROUND: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a condition that causes simultaneous headache and facial pain. The treatment for GPN is similar to the treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. Craniotomy microvascular decompression (MVD) or radiofrequency (RF) therapy is needed if conservative treatment with oral drugs fails. Therefore, the choice of radiofrequency therapy target is essential when treating GPN. However, finding the glossopharyngeal nerve simply by styloid process positioning is challenging. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, clinical research study. SETTING: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medical Center, Jiaxing, China. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects of computed tomography (CT)-guided RF treatments on GPN when the triple localization of cervical CT, the transverse process of the atlas, and the styloid process is used to those achieved when the treatments are guided by the styloid process alone. METHODS: From August 2016 to December 2019, 19 cases of GPN neuralgia were treated by radiofrequency under the guidance of CT guided by the styloid process only. (These patients comprised the single localization (SL) of styloid process group, in whom the target of the RF treatments was the posterior medial side of half of the styloid process). From January 2020 to December 2022, 16 cases of GPN were treated by RF under the guidance of CT with cervical CTA (CT angiography), the transverse process of the atlas, and the styloid process. (These patients were placed in the TL group, in whom the target of RF therapy was the gap between the internal carotid artery and the internal jugular vein behind the horizontal styloid process at the lower edge of the transverse process of the atlas). Two percent lidocaine was injected subcutaneously at the needle insertion site, and a stylet with a 21-gauge blunt RF needle (model: 240100, manufacturer: Englander Medical Technology Co., Ltd.) was slowly advanced toward the target. After that, an RF probe was introduced, then low (2 Hz)- and high (50 Hz)-frequency currents of the RF instrument (model: PMG-230, Canada Baylis company) were applied to stimulate. A successful test was defined as a 0.5-1.0 mA current stimulation that could induce the original pain area in the pharynx, the inner ear, or both, without any abnormal irritation of the vagus or accessory nerves. If the first test was unsuccessful, then in the SL group, the needle tip's position was adjusted to the distal end of the styloid process, and in the triple localization (TL) group, the needle tip depth's was fine-tuned. A continuous RF treatment was given after a successful test. The RF temperature was 95ºC for 180 seconds. The time that the first puncture reached the target, the puncture paths, the success rate of the first test, the time that the glossopharyngeal nerve was found, the frequency of adjustments to the position of the RF needle, the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, and the therapeutic effects were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic data such as age, medical history, lateral classification, and pain score between the groups, but the TL group had a higher proportion of women than did the SL group. All patients' puncture targets were identified according to the designed puncture path before the operation. There was no difference between the 2 groups in the time of the first puncture to the target (5.05 ± 1.22 vs. 5.82 ± 1.51, P = 0.18), and the designed puncture depth (3.65 ± 0.39 vs. 4.04 ± 0.44). The difference in puncture angles (13.48 ± 3.56 vs. 17.84 ± 3.98, P < 0.01) was statistically significant, and in 8 cases in the SL group, the glossopharyngeal nerve could not be found after 60 minutes of testing, so the RF treatment was terminated. Meanwhile, this problem occurred in only 2 cases in the TL group. There were 3 cervical hematoma cases and 2 cases of transient hoarseness and cough in the SL group, whereas the TL group had, respectively, 0 and one cases of those issues. There was no death in either group. LIMITATIONS: More clinical data should be collected in future studies. CONCLUSION: When using RF as a treatment for GPN, the glossopharyngeal nerve is easier to find by using the triple positioning of the cervical CTA, the transverse process of the atlas and the styloid process as the target to determine the anterior medial edge of the internal carotid artery behind the styloid process at the level of the lower edge of the atlas transverse process. The glossopharyngeal nerve is more difficult to locate when only the posterior medial edge of the styloid process is targeted. The single-time effective rate of 180 seconds of RF ablation at 90ºC for GPN can reach 87.5% (14/16), suggesting the treatment's potential for clinical application.

[Giant coronary aneurysm incidentally detected on transthoracic echocardiography in a patient with previous Bentall procedure]. / Riscontro incidentale di aneurisma coronarico gigante tramite ecocardiogramma transtoracico in esiti di pregresso intervento di Bentall.

Coronary artery aneurysms represent a rare pathology (0.2-4.9% of patients undergoing coronary angiography) that may reach considerable size. The clinical presentation is various, manifesting as acute coronary syndrome or, conversely, remaining silent lifelong. We here report the case of an incidental finding by transthoracic echocardiography of a paracardiac mass of considerable size in a patient with vasculopathy that underwent a Bentall procedure for acute aortic dissection 18 years earlier. On thoracic computed tomography angiography, a 62 mm-sized giant aneurysm located in the proximal right coronary artery was evidenced. The optimal treatment of patients affected by coronary artery aneurysms remains debated; therefore, the therapeutic strategy should be individualized considering the etiology, clinical presentation, anatomical characteristics and concomitant presence of obstructive coronary artery disease.

Comparison of three diagnostic strategies for suspicion of pulmonary embolism: planar ventilation-perfusion scan (V/Q), CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and single photon emission CT ventilation-perfusion scan (SPECT V/Q): a protocol of a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a challenge to diagnose and when missed, exposes patients to potentially fatal recurrent events. Beyond CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and planar ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan, single photon emission CT (SPECT) V/Q emerged a new diagnostic modality of scintigraphic acquisition that has been reported to improve diagnostic performances. To date, no management outcome study or randomised trial evaluated an algorithm based on SPECT V/Q for PE diagnosis. We present the design of a randomised multicentre, international management study comparing SPECT V/Q with validated strategies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We will include a total of 3672 patients with suspected PE requiring chest imaging, randomised into three different groups, each using a different diagnostic strategy based on SPECT V/Q, CTPA and planar V/Q scan. Randomisation will be unbalanced (2:1:1), with twice as many patients in SPECT V/Q arm (n=1836) as in CTPA and planar V/Q arms (n=918 in each). Our primary objective will be to determine whether a diagnostic strategy based on SPECT V/Q is non-inferior to previously validated strategies in terms of diagnostic exclusion safety as assessed by the 3-month risk of thromboembolism in patients with a negative diagnostic workup. Secondary outcomes will be the proportion of patients diagnosed with PE in each arm, patients requiring additional tests, the incidence of major and clinically relevant non-major bleeding and the incidence and cause of death in each arm. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial is funded by a grant from Brest University Hospital and by INVENT. The study protocol was approved by Biomedical Research Ethics Committee. The investigator or delegate will obtain signed informed consent from all patients prior to inclusion in the trial. Our results will inform future clinical practice guidelines and solve the current discrepancy between nuclear medicine guidelines and clinical scientific society guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02983760.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography-Derived Modified Duke Index Is Associated with Peri-Coronary Fat Attenuation Index and Predicts Severity of Coronary Inflammation.

Background and Objectives: The modified Duke index derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) was designed to predict cardiovascular outcomes based on the severity of coronary stenosis. However, it does not take into consideration the presence or severity of peri-coronary inflammation. The peri-coronary fat attenuation index (FAI) is a novel imaging marker determined by CCTA which reflects the degree of inflammation in the coronary tree in patients with coronary artery disease. To assess the association between the modified Duke index assessed by CCTA, cardiovascular risk factors, and peri-coronary inflammation in the coronary arteries of patients with coronary artery disease. Materials and Methods: One hundred seventy-two patients who underwent CCTA for typical angina were assigned into two groups based on the modified Duke index: group 1-patients with low index, ≤3 (n = 107), and group 2-patients with high index, >3 (n = 65). Demographic, clinical, and CCTA data were collected for all patients, and FAI analysis of coronary inflammation was performed. Results: Patients with increased values of the modified Duke index were significantly older compared to those with a low index (61.83 ± 9.89 vs. 64.78 ± 8.9; p = 0.002). No differences were found between the two groups in terms of gender distribution, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or smoking history (all p > 0.5). The FAI score was significantly higher in patients from group 2, who presented a significantly higher score of inflammation compared to the patients in group 1, especially at the level of the right coronary artery (FAI score, 20.85 ± 15.80 vs. 14.61 ± 16.66; p = 0.01 for the right coronary artery, 13.85 ± 8.04 vs. 10.91 ± 6.5; p = 0.01 for the circumflex artery, 13.26 ± 10.18 vs. 11.37 ± 8.84; p = 0.2 for the left anterior descending artery). CaRi-Heart® analysis identified a significantly higher risk of future events among patients with a high modified Duke index (34.84% ± 25.86% vs. 16.87% ± 15.80%; p < 0.0001). ROC analysis identified a cut-off value of 12.1% of the CaRi-Heart® risk score for predicting a high severity of coronary lesions, with an AUC of 0.69. Conclusions: The CT-derived modified Duke index correlates well with local perilesional inflammation as assessed using the FAI score at different levels of the coronary circulation.

Peri-coronary fat attenuation index combined with high-risk plaque characteristics quantified from coronary computed tomography angiography for risk stratification in new-onset chest pain individuals without acute myocardial infarction.

This study aims to evaluate the role of the peri-coronary Fat Attenuation Index (FAI) and High-Risk Plaque Characteristics (HRPC) in the assessment of coronary heart disease risk. By conducting coronary CT angiography and coronary angiography on 217 patients with newly developed chest pain (excluding acute myocardial infarction), their degree of vascular stenosis, FAI, and the presence and quantity of HRPC were assessed. The study results demonstrate a correlation between FAI and HRPC, and the combined use of FAI and HRPC can more accurately predict the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Additionally, the study found that patients with high FAI were more prone to exhibit high-risk plaque characteristics, severe stenosis, and multiple vessel disease. After adjustment, the combination of FAI and HRPC improved the ability to identify and reclassify MACE. Furthermore, the study identified high FAI as an independent predictor of MACE in patients undergoing revascularization, while HRPC served as an independent predictor of MACE in patients not undergoing revascularization. These findings suggest the potential clinical value of FAI and HRPC in the assessment of coronary heart disease risk, particularly in patients with newly developed chest pain excluding acute myocardial infarction.

Application of Quantitative Assessment of Coronary Atherosclerosis by Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a pivotal tool for diagnosing and risk-stratifying patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent advancements in image analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have enabled the comprehensive quantitative analysis of coronary atherosclerosis. Fully quantitative assessments of coronary stenosis and lumen attenuation have improved the accuracy of assessing stenosis severity and predicting hemodynamically significant lesions. In addition to stenosis evaluation, quantitative plaque analysis plays a crucial role in predicting and monitoring CAD progression. Studies have demonstrated that the quantitative assessment of plaque subtypes based on CT attenuation provides a nuanced understanding of plaque characteristics and their association with cardiovascular events. Quantitative analysis of serial CCTA scans offers a unique perspective on the impact of medical therapies on plaque modification. However, challenges such as time-intensive analyses and variability in software platforms still need to be addressed for broader clinical implementation. The paradigm of CCTA has shifted towards comprehensive quantitative plaque analysis facilitated by technological advancements. As these methods continue to evolve, their integration into routine clinical practice has the potential to enhance risk assessment and guide individualized patient management. This article reviews the evolving landscape of quantitative plaque analysis in CCTA and explores its applications and limitations.

Diagnosis of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Using Proton-Density Magnetic Resonance Angiography: A Comparison With High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography.

OBJECTIVE: Differentiating intracranial aneurysms from normal variants using CT angiography (CTA) or MR angiography (MRA) poses significant challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of proton-density MRA (PD-MRA) compared to high-resolution time-of-flight MRA (HR-MRA) in diagnosing aneurysms among patients with indeterminate findings on conventional CTA or MRA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we included patients who underwent both PD-MRA and HR-MRA from August 2020 to July 2022 to assess lesions deemed indeterminate on prior conventional CTA or MRA examinations. Three experienced neuroradiologists independently reviewed the lesions using HR-MRA and PD-MRA with reconstructed voxel sizes of 0.253 mm3 or 0.23 mm3, respectively. A neurointerventionist established the gold standard with digital subtraction angiography. We compared the performance of HR-MRA, PD-MRA (0.253-mm3 voxel), and PD-MRA (0.23-mm3 voxel) in diagnosing aneurysms, both per lesion and per patient. The Fleiss kappa statistic was used to calculate inter-reader agreement. RESULTS: The study involved 109 patients (average age 57.4 ± 11.0 years; male:female ratio, 11:98) with 141 indeterminate lesions. Of these, 78 lesions (55.3%) in 69 patients were confirmed as aneurysms by the reference standard. PD-MRA (0.253-mm3 voxel) exhibited significantly higher per-lesion diagnostic performance compared to HR-MRA across all three readers: sensitivity ranged from 87.2%-91.0% versus 66.7%-70.5%; specificity from 93.7%-96.8% versus 58.7%-68.3%; and accuracy from 90.8%-92.9% versus 63.8%-69.5% (P ≤ 0.003). Furthermore, PD-MRA (0.253-mm3 voxel) demonstrated significantly superior per-patient specificity and accuracy compared to HR-MRA across all evaluators (P ≤ 0.013). The diagnostic accuracy of PD-MRA (0.23-mm3 voxel) surpassed that of HR-MRA and was comparable to PD-MRA (0.253-mm3 voxel). The kappa values for inter-reader agreements were significantly higher in PD-MRA (0.820-0.938) than in HR-MRA (0.447-0.510). CONCLUSION: PD-MRA outperformed HR-MRA in diagnostic accuracy and demonstrated almost perfect inter-reader consistency in identifying intracranial aneurysms among patients with lesions initially indeterminate on CTA or MRA.

Aortic geometry and long-term outcome in patients with a repaired coarctation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare aortic morphology between repaired coarctation patients and controls, and to identify aortic morphological risk factors for hypertension and cardiovascular events (CVEs) in coarctation patients. METHODS: Repaired coarctation patients with computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were included, followed-up and compared with sex-matched and age-matched controls. Three-dimensional aortic shape was reconstructed using patients' CTA or MRA, or four-dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance in controls, and advanced geometrical characteristics were calculated and visualised using statistical shape modelling. In patients, we examined the association of geometrical characteristics with (1) baseline hypertension, using multivariable logistic regression; and (2) cardiovascular events (CVE, composite of aortic complications, coronary artery disease, ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure hospitalisation, stroke, transient ischaemic attacks and cardiovascular death), using multivariable Cox regression. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method selected the most informative multivariable model. RESULTS: Sixty-five repaired coarctation patients (23 years (IQR 19-38)) were included, of which 44 (68%) patients were hypertensive at baseline. After a median follow-up of 8.7 years (IQR 4.8-15.4), 27 CVEs occurred in 20 patients. Aortic arch dimensions were smaller in patients compared with controls (diameter p<0.001, wall surface area p=0.026, volume p=0.007). Patients had more aortic arch torsion (p<0.001) and a higher curvature (p<0.001). No geometrical characteristics were associated with hypertension. LASSO selected left ventricular mass, male sex, tortuosity and age for the multivariable model. Left ventricular mass (p=0.014) was independently associated with CVE, and aortic tortuosity showed a trend towards significance (p=0.070). CONCLUSION: Repaired coarctation patients have a smaller aortic arch and a more tortuous course of the aorta compared with controls. Besides left ventricular mass index, geometrical features might be of importance in long-term risk assessment in coarctation patients.

Edema of the upper extremity on the unaffected side in unilateral breast cancer patients.

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) occurs usually on the affected side, and its cause and pathophysiology are well known. However, the cause of edema of the upper extremity on the unaffected side is barely known. It is often considered to be chemotherapy-induced general edema, and clinical evaluation is rarely performed in these patients. This study aimed to present the clinical characteristics of unilateral breast cancer patients with edema of upper extremity on the unaffected side, and to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and medical interventions. This study retrospectively analyzed the medical records of unilateral breast cancer patients complaining edema of upper extremity on the unaffected side, from January 2020 to May 2021. Lymphoscintigraphy was used to assist in confirming the diagnosis of lymphedema, and Doppler ultrasonography or 3D computed tomography angiography were performed to differentiate vascular problems. Fourteen patients were enrolled in the study. Seven, 3, and 4 patients had edema of both upper extremities, edema of the upper extremity on the unaffected side only, and edema of all extremities, respectively. None of the 4 patients with edema of all extremities showed abnormal findings on examination. In patients with edema in the upper extremity on the unaffected side alone, lymphatic flow dysfunction was seen in 2 patients, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was diagnosed in 1. In patients with edema of both upper extremities, lymphatic flow dysfunction was seen in 2 patients, and DVT was diagnosed in 3. One patient had DVT and accompanying lymphatic flow dysfunction. Lymphedema and DVT were diagnosed in a number of patients with edema of the upper extremity on the unaffected side, and lymphedema can occur without direct injury to the lymphatic flow system. Therefore, clinicians should not overlook the fact that diseases that require early diagnosis and treatment can occur in patients with edema of the unaffected upper extremity.

Predicting major adverse cardiovascular events within 3 years by optimization of radiomics model derived from pericoronary adipose tissue on coronary computed tomography angiography: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Coronary inflammation induces changes in pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) can be detected by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Our aim was to investigate whether different PCAT radiomics model based on CCTA could improve the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 3 years. METHODS: This retrospective study included 141 consecutive patients with MACE and matched to patients with non-MACE (n = 141). Patients were randomly assigned into training and test datasets at a ratio of 8:2. After the robust radiomics features were selected by using the Spearman correlation analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, radiomics models were built based on different machine learning algorithms. The clinical model was then calculated according to independent clinical risk factors. Finally, an overall model was established using the radiomics features and the clinical factors. Performance of the models was evaluated for discrimination degree, calibration degree, and clinical usefulness. RESULTS: The diagnostic performance of the PCAT model was superior to that of the RCA-model, LAD-model, and LCX-model alone, with AUCs of 0.723, 0.675, 0.664, and 0.623, respectively. The overall model showed superior diagnostic performance than that of the PCAT-model and Cli-model, with AUCs of 0.797, 0.723, and 0.706, respectively. Calibration curve showed good fitness of the overall model, and decision curve analyze demonstrated that the model provides greater clinical benefit. CONCLUSION: The CCTA-based PCAT radiomics features of three major coronary arteries have the potential to be used as a predictor for MACE. The overall model incorporating the radiomics features and clinical factors offered significantly higher discrimination ability for MACE than using radiomics or clinical factors alone.

Computed Tomography Angiography Characteristics of Thin-Cap Fibroatheroma in Patients With Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: It was recently reported that thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) detected by optical coherence tomography was an independent predictor of future cardiac events in patients with diabetes. However, the clinical usefulness of this finding is limited by the invasive nature of optical coherence tomography. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) characteristics of TCFA have not been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to investigate CTA characteristics of TCFA in patients with diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with diabetes who underwent preintervention CTA and optical coherence tomography were included. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed for plaques on CTA. TCFA was assessed by optical coherence tomography. Among 366 plaques in 145 patients with diabetes, 111 plaques had TCFA. The prevalence of positive remodeling (74.8% versus 50.6%, P<0.001), low attenuation plaque (63.1% versus 33.7%, P<0.001), napkin-ring sign (32.4% versus 11.0%, P<0.001), and spotty calcification (55.0% versus 34.9%, P<0.001) was significantly higher in TCFA than in non-TCFA. Low-density noncalcified plaque volume (25.4 versus 15.7 mm3, P<0.001) and remodeling index (1.30 versus 1.20, P=0.002) were higher in TCFA than in non-TCFA. The presence of napkin-ring sign, spotty calcification, high low-density noncalcified plaque volume, and high remodeling index were independent predictors of TCFA. When all 4 predictors were present, the probability of TCFA increased to 82.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The combined qualitative and quantitative plaque analysis of CTA may be helpful in identifying TCFA in patients with diabetes. REGISTRATION INFORMATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04523194.

Regional Distribution of Extracellular Volume Quantified by Cardiac CT in Aortic Stenosis: Insights Into Disease Mechanisms and Impact on Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular volume fraction (ECV) is a marker for myocardial fibrosis and infiltration, can be quantified using cardiac computed tomography (ECVCT), and has prognostic utility in several diseases. This study aims to map out regional differences in ECVCT to obtain greater insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of ECV expansion and its clinical implications. METHODS: Three prospective cohorts were included: patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and coexisting AS and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis were referred for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement and had ECG-gated CT angiography and Technetium-99m-labelled 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid scintigraphy to differentiate between the 2 cohorts. Controls had CT angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrating no significant coronary artery disease or infarction. Global and regional ECVCT was analyzed, and its association with mortality was assessed for patients with AS. RESULTS: In 199 patients, controls (n=65; 66% male), AS (n=115), and coexisting AS and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (n=19) had a global ECVCT of 26.1 (25.0-27.8%) versus 29.1 (27.5-31.1%) versus 37.4 (32.5-46.6%), respectively; P<0.001. Across cohorts, ECVCT was higher at the base (versus apex), the inferoseptum (versus anterolateral wall), and the subendocardium (versus subepicardium); P<0.05 for all. Among patients with AS, epicardial ECVCT, rather than any other regional value or global ECVCT, was the strongest predictor of mortality at a median of 3.9 (max 6.3) years (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.08-1.36]; P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Regional differences in ECVCT suggest a predilection for fibrosis and amyloid infiltration at the base, subendocardium, inferior wall, and septum more than the anterior and lateral myocardium. ECVCT can predict long-term mortality with the subepicardium demonstrating the strongest discriminatory power. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifiers: NCT03029026 and NCT03094143.

[Effect of statins on severity of coronary artery lesion and clinical prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of statins on the severity of coronary artery lesion in patients with coronary heart disease, and to analyze the risk factors of clinical prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 156 patients with coronary heart disease and completed the second re-examination of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) who were admitted to the department of cardiovascular medicine of Peking University People's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were collected. According to whether they took statins regularly according to the doctor's instructions after being diagnosed with coronary heart disease based on the first CCTA examination, the patients were divided into statin group and non-statin group, and the clinical characteristics of the two groups and the results of the second re-examination of CCTA were compared and analyzed. According to whether the patients had major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) within 3-5 years after diagnosis of coronary heart disease, the patients were divided into MACCE group and non-MACCE group, and the clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors related to the adverse prognosis (occurrence of MACCE) of patients with coronary heart disease. RESULTS: (1) A total of 156 patients with coronary heart disease were enrolled, including 113 patients (72.44%) in the statin group and 43 patients (27.56%) in the non-statin group. Except for low density lipoprotein (LDL) and serum creatinine (SCr), there was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index (BMI), basic diseases, smoking history, the first CCTA display of coronary artery lesions and plaque characteristics, the interval between the two CCTA and other laboratory indicators between the two groups. Compared with the non-statin group, the statin group had a significant reduction in the overall increase rate of coronary artery stenosis score (Gensini score) in the CCTA re-examination and the incidence of MACCE [Gensini score increase rate: 25.66% (29/113) vs. 46.51% (20/43), incidence of MACCE: 9.73% (11/113) vs. 30.23% (13/43), both P < 0.05]. (2) Among 156 patients with coronary heart disease, 24 cases (15.38%) experienced MACCE within 3-5 years after diagnosis, while 132 cases (84.62%) did not experience MACCE. The proportion of patients in the MACCE group who regularly took statins after diagnosis was significantly lower than that in the non-MACCE group [45.83% (11/24) vs. 77.27% (102/132), P < 0.01], and D-dimer and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were significantly higher than those in the non-MACCE group [D-dimer (µg/L): 148.50 (101.25, 314.75) vs. 88.10 (59.03, 132.12), HbA1c: 6.45% (6.20%, 7.93%) vs. 6.10% (5.81%, 6.92%), both P < 0.05]. Compared with the non-MACCE group, in the first CCTA examination of patients in the MACCE group, the total percentage of atheroma volume (PAV), fibrous-fat PAV, necrotic core PAV and Gensini score were significantly increased [total PAV: 43.05% (29.19%, 60.60%) vs. 24.57% (16.94%, 39.09%), fibrous-fat PAV: 18.61% (8.48%, 26.44%) vs. 6.81% (4.16%, 12.57%), necrotic core PAV: 5.96% (2.98%, 8.71%) vs. 2.29% (1.47%, 4.36%), Gensini score: 30.25 (23.50, 38.30) vs. 19.50 (13.20, 31.10), all P < 0.05]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that regular use of statins [odds ratio (OR) = 0.282, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.110-0.727, P = 0.008], D-dimer (OR = 1.011, 95%CI was 1.005-1.017, P < 0.001), necrotic core PAV (OR = 1.323, 95%CI was 1.120-1.563, P = 0.001) and Gensini score (OR = 1.038, 95%CI was 1.004-1.073, P = 0.028) were independent risk factors for MACCE within 3-5 years after diagnosis in patients with coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with coronary heart disease, D-dimer, necrotic core PAV, and Gensini scores should be closely monitored. Statins can effectively alleviate the severity of coronary artery disease and reduce the occurrence of MACCE in patients with coronary artery disease.

Orbital doppler ultrasound as an ancillary test for diagnosing brain death: A prospective, single blind comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TDUS), computed tomography angiography (CTA), and transcranial Doppler ultrasound to detect cerebral blood flow are among the adjunctive tests in diagnosing brain death. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of orbital doppler ultrasound (ODUS). METHODS: This prospective, single-blind study included 66 patients for whom brain death was to be diagnosed. Primary outcome measures were ODUS measurements, Ophthalmic artery peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistive indices (RI) measurements recorded during the brain death determination process. Secondary outcome measures were computed tomography angio (CTA), transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TDUS), and demographic data. RESULTS: This study investigating the effectiveness of ODUS in diagnosing brain death provided diagnostic success with 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity compared to CT angiography. It was noted that anatomical variations may limit its use. CONCLUSION: ODUS was found to have high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of clinical brain death. It may assist in early prognostic assessment and shorten patient follow-up and diagnostic processes.

Automated Prediction of Proximal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusions in Noncontrast Brain Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND: Early identification of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in patients with ischemic stroke is crucial for timely interventions. We propose a machine learning-based algorithm (JLK-CTL) that uses handcrafted features from noncontrast computed tomography to predict LVO. METHODS: We included patients with ischemic stroke who underwent concurrent noncontrast computed tomography and computed tomography angiography in seven hospitals. Patients from 5 of these hospitals, admitted between May 2011 and March 2015, were randomly divided into training and internal validation (9:1 ratio). Those from the remaining 2 hospitals, admitted between March 2021 and September 2021, were designated for external validation. From each noncontrast computed tomography scan, we extracted differences in volume, tissue density, and Hounsfield unit distribution between bihemispheric regions (striatocapsular, insula, M1-M3, and M4-M6, modified from the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score). A deep learning algorithm was used to incorporate clot signs as an additional feature. Machine learning models, including ExtraTrees, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, support vector machine, and multilayer perceptron, as well as a deep learning model, were trained and evaluated. Additionally, we assessed the models' performance after incorporating the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores as an additional feature. RESULTS: Among 2919 patients, 83 were excluded. Across the training (n=2463), internal validation (n=275), and external validation (n=95) datasets, the mean ages were 68.5±12.4, 67.6±13.8, and 67.9±13.6 years, respectively. The proportions of men were 57%, 53%, and 59%, with LVO prevalences of 17.0%, 16.4%, and 26.3%, respectively. In the external validation, the ExtraTrees model achieved a robust area under the curve of 0.888 (95% CI, 0.850-0.925), with a sensitivity of 80.1% (95% CI, 72.0-88.1) and a specificity of 88.6% (95% CI, 84.7-92.5). Adding the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score to the ExtraTrees model increased sensitivity (from 80.1% to 92.1%) while maintaining specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Our algorithm provides reliable predictions of LVO using noncontrast computed tomography. By enabling early LVO identification, our algorithm has the potential to expedite the stroke workflow.

Association between pre-treatment computed tomography findings and post-treatment persistent decrease in lung perfusion blood volume.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pre-treatment CT findings in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and determine the imaging findings associated with residual hypoperfused segments in post-treatment lung perfused blood volume (LPBV). We evaluated 91 patients with acute PE who underwent dual-energy CT before and after treatment. The location of thrombi (proximal or distal) and patency of the pulmonary artery (occlusive or non-occlusive) were recorded using pre-treatment computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Residual hypoperfusion was defined as a perfusion-decreased area seen in both the pre- and post-treatment LPBVs. The association of the location of the thrombus and vascular patency of pre-treatment CTPA with residual hypoperfusion on a segmental and patient basis was examined. In the segment-based analysis, the proportion of residual hypoperfusion in the proximal group was significantly higher than that in the peripheral group (33/125 [26.4%] vs. 9/87 [10.3%], P = 0.004). Patient-based analysis also showed that the proportion of residual hypoperfusion in patients with pre-treatment proximal thrombus was significantly higher than those without (16/42 [38.1%] vs. 3/25 (12.0%); P = 0.022). Pre-treatment vascular patency was not significantly associated with residual hypoperfusion (P > 0.05). Therefore, careful follow-up is necessary, especially in patients with proximal thrombi.

Analysis of clinical features and prognostic factors in Takayasu arteritis involving pulmonary hypertension: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Multiple takayasu arteritis (TA) is a chronic nonspecific large to medium vasculitis disease that mainly accumulates the aorta and its branches. Pulmonary vascular disease is often seen as stenosis and occlusion, and patients may show no moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study aims to summarize the clinical characteristics and analysis of prognostic factors in patients with PH caused by TA. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with aortitis involving the pulmonary artery by pulmonary arteriography or pulmonary artery and total aortic computed tomography arteriography (CTA). All patients underwent detailed clinical assessment, laboratory data collection, and analysis of imaging data. Patients were followed up and factors affecting the prognosis of the pulmonary arteries were analyzed. RESULTS: Most of the patients' complaints were chest tightness, shortness of breath, decreased activity tolerance, hemoptysis and chest pain. 56.90% of the patients were in at the time of admission. Echocardiographic estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure was 90.39 ±â€…22.87 mm Hg. In terms of laboratory tests, 39.66%% of the patients had elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and amino-terminal natriuretic peptide precursor on admission. In terms of imaging, all patients had pulmonary artery involvement, which was combined with aortic involvement in 31.03%. Nuclide lung perfusion/ventilation imaging of the patients revealed multiple perfusion defects/absences in the segmental and subsegmental distribution of the lungs. Univariate Cox regression model analysis suggested that patients' WHO functional class at admission, age ≧ 51 years at the time of consultation, and amino-terminal natriuretic peptide precursor ≧ 3500 pg/mL were factors affecting the prognosis. Further multifactorial Cox regression model analysis suggested amino-terminal natriuretic peptide precursor ≧ 3500 pg/mL was an independent predictor of poor prognosis with a hazard ratio (HR) value of 5.248. CONCLUSION: Electrocardiogram and echocardiogram may suggest an increased right heart load; some patients have elevated serum inflammatory indexes. Characteristic imaging manifestations include widening of the main pulmonary artery, multiple pulmonary segmental and subsegmental stenoses.