CCTA-based CABG SYNTAX Score: a tool to evaluate completeness of coronary segment revascularization after bypass surgery.

To describe the updated coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA)-based coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) anatomic SYNTAX Score (aSS) and assess its utility and reproducibility for assessing the completeness of revascularization after CABG. The CCTA-CABG aSS is a visual assessment using CCTA post-CABG which quantifies the failure in effectively grafting stenotic coronary segments, and therefore assesses the completeness of surgical revascularization. It is calculated by subtracting the aSS of successfully anastomosed coronary segments from the aSS of the native coronary tree. The inter-observer reproducibility of the CCTA-CABG aSS was evaluated in 45 consecutive patients with three-vessel disease with or without left main disease who underwent a CCTA 30 days (± 7 days) after CABG. The CCTA-CABG aSS was evaluated in 45 consecutive patients with 117 bypass grafts and 152 anastomoses. The median native coronary aSS was 35.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 27.0-41.0], whilst the median CCTA-CABG aSS was 13.0 (IQR 9.0-20.5). The inter-observer level of agreement for the native coronary aSS and the CCTA-CABG aSS were both substantial with respective Kappas of 0.67 and 0.61. The CCTA-CABG aSS was feasible in all patients who underwent CABG for complex coronary artery disease with substantial inter-observer reproducibility, and therefore can be used to quantify the completeness of revascularization after CABG.

Myocardial infarction in a child with multiple coronary aneurysms and neurofibromatosis type 1.

Vascular involvement in neurofibromatosis type 1 has been described, although coronary artery disease is rare. Data about clinical presentation and natural history are anecdotal. This is the first case of myocardial infarction due to coronary aneurysms in a 13-year-old boy with neurofibromatosis type 1. We discuss pathophysiology, diagnostic images, and therapeutic management of this rare association.

Modeling the effect of COVID-19 disease on the cardiac function: a computational study

BackgroundThe effect of COVID-19 on the cardiac function and on the vascular system increases the morbidity and mortality of infected subjects with cardiovascular diseases. ObjectivesTo provide preliminary results on cardiac global outcomes (such as cardiac output, ventricular pressures) obtained by means of computational models in plausible scenarios characterized by COVID-19. MethodsWe considered a lumped parameters computational model of the cardiovascular system, which models, from the mechanical point of view, the systemic and pulmonary circulations, the four cardiac valves and the four heart chambers, through mathematical equations of the underlying physical processes. To study the effect of COVID-19, we varied the heart rate, the contractility and the pulmonary resistances in suitable ranges. ResultsOur computations on individuals with both otherwise normal and impaired cardiac functions revealed that COVID-19 worsen cardiac function, as shown by a decrease of some cardiac biomarkers values such as cardiac output and ejection fraction. In the case of existing impaired cardiac function, the presence of COVID-19 lead to values outside the normal ranges. ConclusionsComputational models revealed to be an effective tool to study the effect of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system. Such effect could be significant for patients with impaired cardiac function. This is especially useful to perform a sensitivity analysis of the hemodynamics for different conditions. CONDENSED ABSTRACTEmerging studies address how COVID-19 infection might impact the cardiovascular system. This relates particularly to the development of myocardial injury, acute coronary syndrome, myocarditis, arrhythmia, and heart failure. Prospective treatment approach is advised for these patients. By the assessment of conventional important biomarkers obtained with new sources as a 0-dimentional computational model, we propose a new study protocol as an effective method to evaluate short-term prognosis. The clinical protocol proposed will help to rapidly identify which patients require intensive monitoring, diagnostic strategy and most adequate therapy.