Comparison of Coronary Artery Calcium and Quantitative Coronary Plaque in Predicting Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease: Subgroup Analysis of the CLARIFY Study.

Background: Agatston coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a strong predictor of mortality. However, the relationship between CAC and quantitative calcified plaque volume (CPV), which is measured on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), is not well understood. Furthermore, there is limited evidence evaluating the difference between CAC versus CPV and CAC versus total plaque volume (TPV) in predicting obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: This study included 147 subjects from the CLARIFY registry, a multicentered study of patients undergoing assessment using CCTA and CAC score as part of acute and stable chest pain evaluation. Automated software service (Cleerly.Inc, Denver, CO, USA) was used to evaluate the degree of vessel stenosis and plaque quantification on CCTA. CAC was measured using the standard Agatston method. Spearman correlation and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic ability of CAC, CPV and TPV in detecting obstructive CAD. Results: Results demonstrated a very strong positive correlation between CAC and CPV (r=0.76, p=0.0001) and strong correlation between CAC and TPV (r=0.72, p<0.001) at per-patient level analysis. At per-patient level analysis, the sensitivity of CAC (68%) is lower than CPV (77%) in predicting >50% stenosis, but negative predictive value is comparable. However, the sensitivity of TPV is higher compared with CAC in predicting >50% stenosis, and the negative predictive value of TPV is also higher. Conclusion: CPV and TPV are more sensitive in predicting the severity of obstructive CAD compared with the CAC score. However, the negative predictive value of CAC is comparable to CPV, but is lower than TPV. This study elucidates the relationship between CAC and quantitative plaque types, and especially emphasizes the differences between CAC and CPV which are two distinct plaque measurement techniques that are utilized in predicting obstructive CAD.

Exploring the relationship between epicardial fat and coronary plaque burden and characteristics: insights from cardiac ct imaging.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) may enhance the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the relationship between EAT density (a maker of local inflammation) and coronary plaque characteristics in stable CAD patients. This study included 123 individuals who underwent coronary artery calcium scan and coronary CT angiography to evaluate CAD. Plaque characteristics were analyzed by semi-automated software (QAngio, Leiden, Netherlands). Non-contrast CT scans were used to measure EAT density (HU) and volume (cc) (Philips, Cleveland, OH). Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the association of EAT density and volume with different plaque types. The mean (SD) age was 59.4±10.1 years, 53% were male, the mean (SD) EAT density was -77.2±4.6 HU and the volume was 118.5±41.2 cc. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, EAT density was associated with fibrous fatty (FF) plaque (p<0.03). A 1 unit increase in HU was associated with a 7% higher FF plaque, and lower EAT density is independently associated to FF plaque. The association between EAT density and fibrous (p=0.08), and total noncalcified (p=0.09) plaque trended toward but did not reach significance. There was no association between EAT volume and any plaque type. These results suggest that inflammatory EAT may promote coronary atherosclerosis. Therefore, non-contrast cardiac CT evaluation of EAT quality can help better assess cardiovascular risk.

Effect of Colchicine on Progression of Known Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients with STable CoROnary Artery Disease CoMpared to Placebo (EKSTROM) Trial - Rationale and Design.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality in the United States. Despite lifestyle modification and traditional risk factor control residual inflammatory risk remains an untreated concern. Colchicine is an oral, medication that has been used for gout, mediterranean fever and pericarditis for decades. In recent trials, colchicine has been shown to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events, however the mechanism of benefit remains unclear. The objective of the randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled EKSTROM trial is to evaluate the effects of colchicine 0.5mg/day on atherosclerotic plaque. METHODS: Eighty-four participants will be enrolled after obtaining informed consent and followed for 12 months. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to colchicine 0.5mg/day or placebo in a 1:1 fashion as add-on to their standard of care. All participants will undergo coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) at baseline and at 12 months. RESULTS: As of November 2023, the study is 100% enrolled with an expected end of study by the second quarter of 2024. The primary endpoint is change in low attenuation plaque volume as measured by CCTA. Secondary endpoints include change in volume of different plaque types (including total atheroma volume, noncalcified plaque volume, dense calcified plaque volume, remodeling index), change in inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-18, hs-CRP), change in pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation, change in epicardial adipose tissue volume and attenuation and change in brachial flow mediated dilation. CONCLUSION: EKSTROM is the first randomized study to assess the effects of colchicine on plaque progression, pericoronary and epicardial fat. EKSTROM will provide important information on the mechanistic effects of colchicine on the cardiovascular system.

Colchicine and plaque: A focus on atherosclerosis imaging.

Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory medication, classically used to treat a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases. More recently, colchicine has proven itself a key pharmacotherapy in cardiovascular disease (CVD) management, atherosclerotic plaque modification, and coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment. Colchicine acts on many anti-inflammatory pathways, which translates to cardiovascular event reduction, plaque transformation, and plaque reduction. With the FDA's 2023 approval of colchicine for reducing cardiovascular events, a novel clinical pathway opens. This advancement paves the route for CVD management that synergistically merges lipid lowering approaches with inflammation inhibition modalities. This pioneering moment spurs the need for this manuscript's comprehensive review. Hence, this paper synthesizes and surveys colchicine's new role as an atherosclerotic plaque modifier, to provide a framework for physicians in the clinical setting. We aim to improve understanding (and thereby application) of colchicine alongside existing mechanisms for CVD event reduction. This paper examines colchicine's anti-inflammatory mechanism, and reviews large cohort studies that evidence colchicine's blossoming role within CAD management. This paper also outlines imaging modalities for atherosclerotic analysis, reviews colchicine's mechanistic effect upon plaque transformation itself, and synthesizes trials which assess colchicine's nuanced effect upon atherosclerotic transformation.

Spontaneous tumour lysis secondary to gastric adenocarcinoma.

We present a case of a man in his 70s who presented with worsening rectal and back pain associated with weight loss, dyspnoea and brownish discolouration of urine. Physical examination noted abdominal distention and epigastric tenderness. Laboratory investigations revealed acute kidney injury, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia and hyperuricaemia. Contrast CT of the abdomen/pelvis showed multiple, low-density masses throughout the liver, suspicious for metastatic disease. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated a large, fungating, infiltrative and ulcerated mass in the gastric body and lesser curvature of the stomach. Surgical pathology confirmed invasive moderately differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. He met both the laboratory and clinical criteria for spontaneous tumour lysis syndrome (STLS) as per the Cairo-Bishop criteria. He was managed with aggressive fluid hydration, rasburicase and allopurinol, resulting in improvement in his renal function and laboratory findings. STLS of solid organ tumours, especially gastric adenocarcinoma, is rare and requires early detection with timely management to ensure favourable outcomes.

Prevalence of Aortic Valve Calcium and the Long-Term Risk of Incident Severe Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is a principal mechanism underlying aortic stenosis (AS). OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the prevalence of AVC and its association with the long-term risk for severe AS. METHODS: Noncontrast cardiac computed tomography was performed among 6,814 participants free of known cardiovascular disease at MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) visit 1. AVC was quantified using the Agatston method, and normative age-, sex-, and race/ethnicity-specific AVC percentiles were derived. The adjudication of severe AS was performed via chart review of all hospital visits and supplemented with visit 6 echocardiographic data. The association between AVC and long-term incident severe AS was evaluated using multivariable Cox HRs. RESULTS: AVC was present in 913 participants (13.4%). The probability of AVC >0 and AVC scores increased with age and were generally highest among men and White participants. In general, the probability of AVC >0 among women was equivalent to men of the same race/ethnicity who were approximately 10 years younger. Incident adjudicated severe AS occurred in 84 participants over a median follow-up of 16.7 years. Higher AVC scores were exponentially associated with the absolute risk and relative risk of severe AS with adjusted HRs of 12.9 (95% CI: 5.6-29.7), 76.4 (95% CI: 34.3-170.2), and 380.9 (95% CI: 169.7-855.0) for AVC groups 1 to 99, 100 to 299, and ≥300 compared with AVC = 0. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of AVC >0 varied significantly by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. The risk of severe AS was exponentially higher with higher AVC scores, whereas AVC = 0 was associated with an extremely low long-term risk of severe AS. The measurement of AVC provides clinically relevant information to assess an individual's long-term risk for severe AS.

Impact of COVID-19 on Acute Myocardial Infarction: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis.

COVID-19 has been associated with a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction and related complications. We sought to assess the impact of COVID-19 diagnosis on hospitalizations with an index admission of AMI. The National inpatient sample 2020 was queried for hospitalizations with an index admission of AMI, further stratified for admissions with and without COVID-19. The 2 groups' mortality, procedure, and complication rates were compared using suitable statistical tests. Multivariate regression analysis was further performed to study the impact of COVID-19 on mortality as the primary outcome and length of stay and total hospital cost as secondary outcomes. A total of 555,540 admissions for AMI were identified, of which 5818 (1.04%) had concomitant COVID-19. Hospitalizations in the COVID-19 cohort of both groups had a lower procedure rate for coronary angiography. Thrombolysis use was higher in the STEMI patients with COVID-19. Most cardiac complications in AMI patients were higher when infected with SARS-CoV-2. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that COVID-19 led to higher odds of mortality and total length of stay in AMI hospitalizations. COVID-19 portends a worse prognosis in hospitalizations with AMI. These admissions have a significantly higher mortality rate and increased complications.

Long-Term Outcome of the First Completely Leadless Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in the United States.

Completely leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy is feasible with the combination of Micra AV pacemaker (Medtronic Inc) and WiSE-CRT (EBR Inc) systems. Several reports have highlighted this combination in Europe. This case report presents a 1- year follow-up the first reported concomitant use of the leadless systems in the United States. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Outcomes in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated by in-hospital cardiac arrest based on management strategy.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) complicating non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) based on management strategy. METHODS: We used National Inpatient Sample (2000-2017) to identify adults with NSTEMI (not undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting) and concomitant IHCA. The cohort was stratified based on use of early (hospital day 0) or delayed (≥hospital day 1) coronary angiography (CAG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and medical management. Outcomes included incidence of IHCA, in-hospital mortality, adverse events, length of stay, and hospitalization costs. RESULTS: Of 6,583,662 NSTEMI admissions, 375,873 (5.7 %) underwent early CAG, 1,133,143 (17.2 %) received delayed CAG, 2,326,391 (35.3 %) underwent PCI, and 2,748,255 (41.7 %) admissions were managed medically. The medical management cohort was older, predominantly female, and with higher comorbidities. Overall, 63,085 (1.0 %) admissions had IHCA, and incidence of IHCA was highest in the medical management group (1.4 % vs 1.1 % vs 0.7 % vs 0.6 %, p < 0.001) compared to early CAG, delayed CAG and PCI groups, respectively. In adjusted analysis, early CAG (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.67 [95 % confidence interval {CI} 0.65-0.69]; p < 0.001), delayed CAG (aOR 0.49 [95 % CI 0.48-0.50]; p < 0.001), and PCI (aOR 0.42 [95 % CI 0.41-0.43]; p < 0.001) were associated with lower incidence of IHCA compared to medical management. Compared to medical management, early CAG (adjusted OR 0.53, CI: 0.49-0.58), delayed CAG (adjusted OR 0.34, CI: 0.32-0.36) and PCI (adjusted OR 0.19, CI: 0.18-0.20) were associated with lower in-hospital mortality (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Early CAG and PCI in NSTEMI was associated with lower incidence of IHCA and lower mortality among NSTEMI-IHCA admissions.

Encapsulated Calcified Hematoma Mimicking a Cardiac Tumor, Diagnosed 25 Years Post-Traumatic Injury.

A 45-year-old man presented with nonspecific symptoms caused by a mass compressing the right ventricle. Cardiac computed tomography accurately predicted the operative and pathologic appearance of the mass, and the final diagnosis of an encapsulated cardiac hematoma was confirmed by pathologic examination. This condition is infrequent and mimics a cardiac tumor. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Addressing Cardiovascular Risk Across the Arc of a Woman's Life: Sex-Specific Prevention and Treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women in the United States of America. Despite this, women are underdiagnosed, less often receive preventive care, and are undertreated for CVD compared to men. There has been an increase in sex-specific risk factors and treatments over the past decade; however, sex-specific recommendations have not been included in the guidelines. We aim to highlight recent evidence behind the differential effect of traditional risk factors and underscore sex-specific risk factors with an intention to promote awareness, improve risk stratification, and early implementation of appropriate preventive therapies in women. RECENT FINDINGS: Women are prescribed fewer antihypertensives and lipid-lowering agents and receive less cardiovascular care as compared to men. Additionally, pregnancy complications have been associated with increased cardiovascular mortality later in life. Findings from the ARIC study suggest that there is a perception of lower risk of cardiovascular disease in women. The SWEDEHEART study which investigated sex differences in treatment, noted a lower prescription of guideline-directed therapy in women. Women are less likely to be prescribed statin medications by their providers in both primary and secondary prevention as they are considered lower risk than men, while also being more likely to decline and discontinue treatment. A woman's abnormal response to pregnancy may serve as her first physiological stress test which can have implications on her future cardiovascular health. This was supported by the CHAMPs study noting a higher premature cardiovascular risk after maternal complications. Adverse pregnancy outcomes have been associated with a 1.5-4.0 fold increase in future cardiovascular events in multiple studies. In this review, we highlight the differences in traditional risk factors and their impact on women. Furthermore, we address the sex-specific risk factors and pregnancy-associated complications that increase the risk of CVD in women. Adherence to GDMT may have implications on overall mortality in women. An effort to improve early recognition of CVD risk with implementation of aggressive risk factor control and lifestyle modification should be emphasized. Future studies should specifically report on differences in outcomes between males and females. Increased awareness and knowledge on sex-specific risks and prevention are likely to lower the prevalence and improve outcomes of CVD in women.

Artificial intelligence using a deep learning versus expert computed tomography human reading in calcium score and coronary artery calcium data and reporting system classification.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) applied to cardiac imaging may provide improved processing, reading precision and advantages of automation. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score testing is a standard stratification tool that is rapid and highly reproducible. We analyzed CAC results of 100 studies in order to determine the accuracy and correlation between the AI software (Coreline AVIEW, Seoul, South Korea) and expert level-3 computed tomography (CT) human CAC interpretation and its performance when coronary artery disease data and reporting system (coronary artery calcium data and reporting system) classification is applied. METHODS: A total of 100 non-contrast calcium score images were selected by blinded randomization and processed with the AI software versus human level-3 CT reading. The results were compared and the Pearson correlation index was calculated. The CAC-DRS classification system was applied, and the cause of category reclassification was determined using an anatomical qualitative description by the readers. RESULTS: The mean age was age 64.5 years, with 48% female. The absolute CAC scores between AI versus human reading demonstrated a highly significant correlation (Pearson coefficient R  = 0.996); however, despite these minimal CAC score differences, 14% of the patients had their CAC-DRS category reclassified. The main source of reclassification was observed in CAC-DRS 0-1, where 13 were recategorized, particularly between studies having a CAC Agatston score of 0 versus 1. Qualitative description of the errors showed that the main cause of misclassification was AI underestimation of right coronary calcium, AI overestimation of right ventricle densities and human underestimation of right coronary artery calcium. CONCLUSION: Correlation between AI and human values is excellent with absolute numbers. When the CAC-DRS classification system was adopted, there was a strong correlation in the respective categories. Misclassified were predominantly in the category of CAC = 0, most often with minimal values of calcium volume. Additional algorithm optimization with enhanced sensitivity and specificity for low values of calcium volume will be required to enhance AI CAC score utilization for minimal disease. Over a broad range of calcium scores, AI software for calcium scoring had an excellent correlation compared to human expert reading and in rare cases determined calcium missed by human interpretation.

In-Hospital cardiac arrest complicating ST-elevation myocardial Infarction: Temporal trends and outcomes based on management strategy.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the relationship of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) management strategy and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). AIMS: To investigate the trends and outcomes of IHCA in STEMI by management strategy. METHODS: Adult with STEMI complicated by IHCA from the National Inpatient Sample (2000-2017) were stratified into early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (day 0 of hospitalization), delayed PCI (PCI ≥ day 1), or medical management (no PCI). Coronary artery bypass surgery was excluded. Outcomes of interest included in-hospital mortality, adverse events, length of stay, and hospitalization costs. RESULTS: Of 3,967,711 STEMI admissions, IHCA was noted in 102,424 (2.6%) with an increase in incidence during this study period. Medically managed STEMI had higher rates of IHCA (3.6% vs 2.0% vs 1.3%, p < 0.001) compared to early and delayed PCI, respectively. Revascularization was associated with lower rates of IHCA (early PCI: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.44 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43-0.44], p < 0.001; delayed PCI aOR 0.33 [95% CI 0.32-0.33], p < 0.001) compared to medical management. Non-revascularized patients had higher rates of non-shockable rhythms (62% vs 35% and 42.6%), but lower rates of multiorgan damage (44% vs 52.7% and 55.6%), cardiogenic shock (28% vs 65% and 57.4%) compared to early and delayed PCI, respectively (all p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was lower with early PCI (49%, aOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.17-0.18), and delayed PCI (50.9%, aOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.17-0.19) (p < 0.001) compared to medical management (82.5%). CONCLUSION: Early PCI in STEMI impacts the natural history of IHCA including timing and type of IHCA.

Plaque Progression Differences Between Apixaban and Rivaroxaban in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Measured With Cardiac Computed Tomography and Plaque Quantification.

BACKGROUND: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been associated with less calcification and coronary plaque progression than warfarin. Whether different DOACs have different effects on coronary plaque burden and progression is not known. We compared the 12-month effects of apixaban and rivaroxaban on plaque characteristics and vascular morphology in patients with atrial fibrillation through quantitative cardiac computed tomographic angiography. STUDY QUESTION: In patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation using apixaban or rivaroxaban, are there differences in plaque quantification and progression measured with cardiac computed tomography? STUDY DESIGN: This is a post hoc analysis of 2 paired prospective, single-centered, randomized, open-label trials with blinded adjudication of results. In total, 74 patients were prospectively randomized in parallel trials: 29 to apixaban (2.5-5 mg BID) and 45 to rivaroxaban (20 mg QD). Serial cardiac computed tomographic angiography was performed at baseline and 52 weeks. MEASURES AND OUTCOMES: Comprehensive whole-heart analysis was performed for differences in the progression of percent atheroma volume (PAV), calcified plaque (CP) PAV, noncalcified plaque (NCP) PAV, positive arterial remodeling (PR) ≥1.10, and high-risk plaque (Cleerly Labs, New York, NY). RESULTS: Both groups had progression of all 3 plaque types (apixaban: CP 8.7 mm 3 , NCP 69.7 mm 3 , and LD-NCP 27.2 mm 3 ; rivaroxaban: CP 22.9 mm 3 , NCP 66.3 mm 3 , and LD-NCP 11.0 mm 3 ) and a total annual plaque PAV change (apixaban: PAV 1.5%, PAV-CP 0.12%, and PAV-NCP 0.92%; rivaroxaban: PAV 2.1%, PAV-CP 0.46%, and PAV-NCP 1.40%). There was significantly lower PAV-CP progression in the apixaban group compared with the rivaroxaban group (0.12% vs. 0.46% P = 0.02). High-risk plaque characteristics showed a significant change in PR of apixaban versus rivaroxaban ( P = 0.01). When the propensity score weighting model is applied, only PR changes are statistically significant ( P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In both groups, there is progression of all types of plaque. There was a significant difference between apixaban and rivaroxaban on coronary calcification, with significantly lower calcific plaque progression in the apixaban group, and change in positive remodeling. With weighted modeling, only PR changes are statistically significant between the 2 DOACs.

Major Global Coronary Artery Calcium Guidelines.

This review summarizes the framework behind global guidelines of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk assessment, for applications in both the clinical setting and preventive therapy. By comparing similarities and differences in recommendations, this review identifies most notable common features for the application of CAC presented by different cardiovascular societies across the world. Guidelines included from North America are as follows: 1) the 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease; and 2) the 2021 Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidemia for Prevention of Adult Cardiovascular Disease. The authors also included European guidelines: 1) the 2019 European Society for Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidemias; and 2) the 2016 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Guidelines. In this comparison, the authors also discuss: 1) the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Guidelines on CAC; 2) the Chinese Society of Cardiology Guidelines; and 3) the Japanese Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases. Last, they include statements made by specialty societies including the National Lipid Association, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Utilizing an in-depth review of clinical evidence, these guidelines emphasize the importance of CAC in the primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. International guidelines all empower a dynamic clinician-patient relationship and advocate for individualized discussions regarding disease management and pharmacotherapy treatment. Some differences in precise coronary artery calcium score intervals, risk cut points, treatment thresholds, and stratifiers of specific patient subgroups do exist. However, international guidelines employ more similarities than differences from both a clinical and functional perspective. Understanding the parallels among international coronary artery calcium guidelines is essential for clinicians to correctly adjudicate personalized statin and aspirin therapy and further medical management.

Contemporary Management of Concomitant Cardiac Arrest and Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Myocardial Infarction.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) and cardiac arrest (CA) are the most life-threatening complications of acute myocardial infarction. Although there is a significant overlap in the pathophysiology with approximately half the patients with CS experiencing a CA and approximately two-thirds of patients with CA developing CS, comprehensive guideline recommendations for management of CA + CS are lacking. This paper summarizes the current evidence on the incidence, pathophysiology, and short- and long-term outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by concomitant CA + CS. We discuss the hemodynamic factors and unique challenges that need to be accounted for while developing treatment strategies for these patients. A summary of expert-based step-by-step recommendations to the approach and treatment of these patients, both in the field before admission and in-hospital management, are presented.

Contemporary use of coronary artery calcium for the allocation of aspirin in light of the 2022 USPSTF guideline recommendations.

Aspirin has been a cornerstone for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease for decades, however its use in primary prevention has been challenged in recent years. The 2022 USPSTF guidelines lowered the recommendation for the use of aspirin in primary prevention based on the recent trials that demonstrated a low to neutral benefit and an increased bleeding risk with the use of aspirin in primary prevention. However, these trials enrolled patients at a relatively low risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and higher bleeding risk which could have contributed to the negative results of the trials. ASCVD prevention is ideal when therapies are personalized based on individual risk. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a robust marker of atherosclerosis and reliably predicts the ASCVD risk in a graded fashion. Several studies have demonstrated the use of a CAC≥100 to identify patients who will benefit from the use of aspirin in primary prevention. Furthermore, a CAC=0 identifies patients in whom aspirin would lead to net harm. In the continuum of risk from primary to secondary prevention, CAC is likely to identify the level of risk that warrants aspirin use in patients with subclinical ASCVD. The ACC/AHA 2019 primary prevention guidelines recommend the use of CAC to reclassify risk and guide personalized allocation of statins and aspirin. Although the USPSTF has not endorsed the use of CAC in the past, given an extensive body of evidence for use of CAC to guide primary preventive therapies including aspirin, it seems reasonable to use CAC to identify the level of plaque burden at which the benefit of aspirin outweighs its risk in clinical practice and personalize theallocation of aspirin in primary prevention. Future studies and randomized trials assessing the role of preventive therapies should use CAC score for risk stratification.

Serial Changes in Troponin I in COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Myocarditis.

A 63-year-old woman presented with atypical chest pain after a third dose of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine. Serial cardiac troponin measurements were performed to evaluate the trajectory of her time-concentration curve which showed a typical myocarditis curve with rapid normalization. The diagnosis of myocarditis was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and follow-up imaging showed resolution. All symptoms resolved with weeks.

Coronary computed tomography angiography evaluation of plaque morphology and its relationship to HDL and total cholesterol to HDL ratio.

BACKGROUND: While population studies have demonstrated that high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL (TC/HDL) improve cardiovascular risk prediction, the mechanism by which these parameters protect the cardiovascular system remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the HDL-C level and the total cholesterol to HDL (TC/HDL) ratio with the morphology of coronary artery plaque as determined by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 190 subjects with stable coronary artery disease. Semi-automated plaque analysis software was utilized to quantify plaque and plaque volumes are presented as total atheroma volume normalized (TAVnorm). Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the association of HDL-C and TC/HDL ratio with coronary plaque volumes. RESULTS: Of the 190 subjects the average (SD) age was 58.9 (9.8) years, with 63% being male. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, HDL- C (>40 mg/dl) is inversely associated with fibrous (p = 0.003), fibrous fatty (p = 0.007), low attenuation plaque (LAP) (p = 0.007), total non-calcified plaque (TNCP) (p = 0.002) and total plaque (TP)(p = 0.004) volume. Furthermore, the TC/HDL ratio (> 4.0) is associated with fibrous (p = 0.047) and total non-calcified plaque (p = 0.039), but not with fibrofatty, LAP, dense calcified plaque, or TP volume. CONCLUSION: There is a strong association between low HDL-C levels and increasing TC/HDL ratio with certain types of coronary plaque characteristics, independent of traditional risk factors. The findings of this study suggest mechanistic evidence supporting the protective role of HDL-C and the TC/HDL ratio's clinical relevance in coronary artery disease management.

Assessment of left main coronary artery disease: a comparison between invasive and noninvasive.

Left main coronary artery disease has significant therapeutic as well as prognostic implications. The presence of left main coronary artery stenosis is strongly associated with poor short- and long-term prognoses. Accurate identification of left main stenosis is extremely important since it would be the main factor to guide management. There are several modalities used to determine the presence of atherosclerosis and the degree of stenosis in a left main coronary artery. Newer modalities allow for an accurate evaluation of left main stenosis and atherosclerosis. In this review, we go through different invasive and noninvasive modalities to diagnose left main stenosis, shedding more light into coronary computed tomography angiography, and its accuracy in this specific diagnosis.