MedWorm: Angiography

Early invasive versus conservative strategies for unstable angina and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in the stent era.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:22:03 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Compared to a conservative strategy for UA/NSTEMI, an invasive strategy is associated with reduced rates of refractory angina and rehospitalization in the shorter term and myocardial infarction in the longer term. However, the invasive strategy is associated with a doubled risk of procedure-related heart attack and increased risk of bleeding and procedural biomarker leaks. Available data suggest that an invasive strategy may be particularly useful in those at high risk for recurrent events. PMID: 20238333 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

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Limb-shaking transient ischaemic attacks in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion: a case-control study

Brain — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:20:01 +0100

In conclusion, limb-shaking transient ischaemic attacks in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion can be recognized by their short duration, are often accompanied by paresis and precipitated by rising or exercise and are indicative of an impaired haemodynamic state of the brain. (Source: Brain)

Fontan operation: a technique in evolution

Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Cardiovascular — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:46:08 +0100

CONCLUSION: Intracardiac TCPA was associated with lower postoperative morbidity and is currently our preferred technique. (Source: Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Cardiovascular)

Coronary “Reverse” Steal Phenomenon: Secret Passageway Out of Castle

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:00:33 +0100

A 46-year-old man without significant previous medical history was admitted to our hospital with chest pain. His electrocardiogram revealed an anterior myocardial infarction, and he was immediately taken to the catheterization laboratory for emergent angiography. Angiography showed total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery immediately distal to first diagonal branch. Additionally, a coronary fistula stemming from the proximal circumflex artery and draining to pulmonary artery was noted (A, Online Video 1). We decided to treat the left anterior descending artery lesion, and balloon angioplasty with stenting was performed. Surprisingly, after complete alleviation of the lesion, repeat angiograms showed that the fistula had vanished (B, Online Video 2). A coronary angiogram with ...

Spontaneous Recanalization of a Coronary Artery After Thrombotic Occlusion: In Vivo Demonstration With Optical Coherence Tomography

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:00:32 +0100

A 50-year-old man with a recent embolic stroke was referred by a neurologist for abnormal electrocardiography results consistent with large anterior myocardial infarction. Echocardiogram results showed akinesis of the anteroapical left ventricular wall without obvious mural thrombus and an ejection fraction of 45%. There was no evidence of an intracardiac shunt. Coronary angiography revealed irregular linear filling defects in the mid left anterior descending artery (A) (line 1 and 2 indicate the length of optical coherence tomography pullback). Optical coherence tomography showed multiple channels surrounding a larger central lumen (B, arrowheads). The channels were seen to communicate both with each other and with the larger central lumen (D to G). Proximally and distally, they converged...

Impact of Stent Overlap on Angiographic and Long-Term Clinical Outcome in Patients Undergoing Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:00:25 +0100

Conclusions: DES overlap occurs in >10% of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in routine clinical practice and is associated with impaired angiographic and long-term clinical outcome, including death or myocardial infarction. (Sirolimus-Eluting Versus Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents for Coronary Revascularization; NCT00297661). (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

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Coronary Artery Graft Dilatation Aided by Multidetector Computed Tomography [CASE STUDIES]

Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:53:54 +0100

We describe a successful case of percutaneous coronary intervention for occluded coronary artery bypass grafts with the aid of multidetector computed tomography. (Source: Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals)

Bailout Stenting Successful Treatment For Infants With Constricted Aortas

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Cardiac interventionalists and surgeons at University Clinic in Leuven, Belgium have achieved successful stent implantation and follow-up coarctectomy in premature infants suffering from aortic coarctation. Full findings are published in the March issue of Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, the official journal of The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. Aortic coarctation is a common congenital condition characterized by a narrowing of the aorta, a major blood vessel leaving the heart... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Bailout Stenting Successful Treatment For Infants With Constricted Aortas

Cardiovascular / Cardiology News From Medical News Today — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Cardiac interventionalists and surgeons at University Clinic in Leuven, Belgium have achieved successful stent implantation and follow-up coarctectomy in premature infants suffering from aortic coarctation. Full findings are published in the March issue of Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, the official journal of The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions... (Source: Cardiovascular / Cardiology News From Medical News Today)

Cardiac arrest in the left lateral decubitus position and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation during neurosurgery: a case report

Journal of Anesthesia — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 06:49:25 +0100

Abstract Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the lateral position during noncardiac surgery has been described in only a few reports in the past. Here, we report a case of cardiac arrest in a 61-year-old man undergoing microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia in the left lateral decubitus position. During the initial 5 min of CPR, chest compression was performed in this position by two rescuers; one from the chest and the other from the back, pushing simultaneously. Because ventricular arrhythmia was refractory to conventional CPR even after placing the patient back to the supine position, extracorporeal life support was introduced in the operating room by using the femoro–femoral approach (right atrio-femoral veno-arterial bypass). This alter...

The Venlafaxine "Heart Revenge:" A Short Report

Clinical Cardiology — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A 40-year-old white woman with a history of venlafaxine abuse was admitted to our emergency department within 3 days after attempting suicide. On admission, blood pressure was 140/85 mm Hg with 70 beats per minute. The resting 12-lead ECG showed a significant ST-segment elevation in the anterolateral leads consistent with acute anterolateral myocardial infarction (anterolateral AMI). Noninvasive monitoring of blood oxygen saturation showed 97% while she was breathing room air. Laboratory findings showed the increase of troponin I up to 16 µg/L (normal range, 0-0.05 µg/L) and creatine kinase MB subunit levels up to 166 U/L (normal range, 0-25 U/L). An emergency coronary angiogram was normal. Venlafaxine is generally prescribed for the treatment of major depression, as well as, generalized...

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The association between effort-reward imbalance and coronary atherosclerosis in a Chinese sample

American Journal of Industrial Medicine — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Previous studies of job strain and coronary heart disease (CHD) have produced mixed findings. We aimed to examine the association between job stress evaluated by the effort-reward imbalance (ERI) model and coronary atherosclerosis assessed by coronary angiography in a Chinese sample.Three-hundred twenty participants accepting coronary angiography for the first time were enrolled in series. Job stressors were evaluated by the ERI model. The presence and severity of CHD were assessed by measuring the coronary artery stenosis (the presence of >50% luminal stenosis in one or more major coronary arteries). The association between job stressors and CHD was examined by multivariate analysis.Compared with the low-level group, high-level effort, overcommitment, and ERI increased CHD risk with odds ...

Fundus autofluorescence and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings of leopard spots in nanophthalmic uveal effusion syndrome

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:27:46 +0100

Conclusions Simultaneous imaging of the fundus with multiple modalities including OCT, FAF, FA, and ICGA indicates that leopard spots in the fundus of uveal effusion syndrome may show hyperautofluorescence and correspond to focal thickening of the RPE layer by SD-OCT. This imaging method may help elucidate the pathology of various fundus lesions in vivo. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00417-010-1352-7Authors Tetsuhiko Okuda, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science Department of Ophthalmology 13-1 Takara-machi Kanazawa Ishikawa Prefecture 920-8641 JapanTomomi Higashide, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science Department of Ophthalmology 13-1 Takara-machi Kanazawa Ishikawa Prefecture 920-8641 JapanYuka Wakaba...

Cardiogoniometric parameters for detection of coronary artery disease at rest as a function of stenosis localization and distribution

Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:31:11 +0100

Abstract Cardiogoniometry (CGM), a spatiotemporal electrocardiologic 5-lead method with automated analysis, may be useful in primary healthcare for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) at rest. Our aim was to systematically develop a stenosis-specific parameter set for global CAD detection. In 793 consecutively admitted patients with presumed non-acute CAD, CGM data were collected prior to elective coronary angiography and analyzed retrospectively. 658 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 405 had CAD verified by coronary angiography; the 253 patients with normal coronary angiograms served as the non-CAD controls. Study patients—matched for age, BMI, and gender—were angiographically assigned to 8 stenosis-specific CAD categories or to the controls. One CGM para...

Coronary CT Angiography Identifies High-Risk Diabetics

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:52:17 +0100

In diabetic patients without known coronary artery disease, computed tomographic (CT) angiography can identify patients at high risk for "hard" cardiac events, German researchers report in a March 3rd online paper in Diabetes Care. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Combined non-invasive anatomical and functional assessment with MSCT and MRI for the detection of significant coronary artery disease in patients with an intermediate pre-test likelihood

Heart — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:24:39 +0100

Conclusion The anatomical and functional data obtained with MSCT and MRI are complementary for the assessment of coronary artery disease. These findings support the sequential or combined assessment of anatomy and function. (Source: Heart)

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Gender perspective on risk factors, coronary lesions and long-term outcome in young patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Heart — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:24:39 +0100

Conclusions STEMI below age 46 is a more rare condition in women than in men and more often related to cardiovascular risk factors. More than 90% of both men and women had coronary lesions, in women more often single vessel lesions. Female sex is associated with higher in-hospital mortality, while long-term mortality is low without difference between genders. (Source: Heart)

Pertinence of Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Octogenarians

Angiology — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:46:14 +0100

Conclusion: Myocardial perfusion imaging in octogenarians is as accurate in diagnosing CAD as it is in younger people. (Source: Angiology)

Coronary CTA quality dips in patients with high calcium scores

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

ATLANTA - The diagnostic accuracy of coronary CT angiography (CTA) appears (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

Bailout stenting successful treatment for infants with constricted aortas

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

(Wiley-Blackwell) Cardiac interventionalists and surgeons at University Clinic in Leuven, Belgium have achieved successful stent implantation and follow-up coarctectomy in premature infants suffering from aortic coarctation. Full findings are published in the March issue of Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions, the official journal of The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Coronary CTA finds plenty of plaque in runners

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

ATLANTA - When doctors looked at the coronary CT angiography (CTA) studies (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

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Incidental Findings of Persistent Primitive Trigeminal Artery on 3-Dimensional Time-of-Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography at 3.0 T: An Analysis of 25 Cases

Journal of Neuroimaging — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study is to evaluate the efficacy of 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D-TOF MRA) at 3.0 T for the detection and classification of PPTA based on a large case series. Between June 2007 and October 2008, 4,650 patients underwent magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) examination at 3.0 T in our hospital. MRA was performed using 3D-TOF with volume rendering (VR) and maximum intensity projection (MIP) technique. The PPTA was classified according to the Saltzman classification system. The occurrence of cerebral vascular diseases accompanying PPTA was studied. Among the 4,650 patients with MRA examined, 25 were identified as having PPTA; the prevalence of PPTA was .54%. The Saltzman classification of PPTAs was as follows: type I, 24%; type II, 16%; type III, 60%. S...

Beta-Blocker Prescription Among Japanese Cardiologists and Its Effect on Various Outcomes.

Circulation Journal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Despite the low prescription rate of beta-blockers for CAD patients among Japanese physicians, the continuation rate was relatively high. Lipophilic beta-blockers may be a better choice than hydrophilic beta-blockers in terms of mortality risk, although a randomized control study would need to be conducted to verify this assertion. PMID: 20234099 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation Journal)

Journal Scan: 2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Thoracic Aortic Disease: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Radiology, American Stroke Association, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Vascular Medicine (J Am Coll Cardiol 2010;Mar 16:[Epub ahead of print].)

Cardiosource — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:00:08 +0100

(Source: Cardiosource)

Embolization of Acute Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Resistant to Endoscopic Treatment: Results and Predictors of Recurrent Bleeding

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:49:07 +0100

Abstract Acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal (UGI) hemorrhage is a frequent complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The most common cause of UGI bleeding is peptic ulcer disease, but the differential diagnosis is diverse and includes tumors; ischemia; gastritis; arteriovenous malformations, such as Dieulafoy lesions; Mallory-Weiss tears; trauma; and iatrogenic causes. Aggressive treatment with early endoscopic hemostasis is essential for a favorable outcome. However, severe bleeding despite conservative medical treatment or endoscopic intervention occurs in 5–10% of patients, requiring surgery or transcatheter arterial embolization. Surgical intervention is usually an expeditious and gratifying endeavor, but it can be associated with high o...

Study Shows Superior Efficacy For TAXUS(R) Express(R) Stents At One Year Compared To Bare-Metal Stents In Diabetic Patients Experiencing Heart Attack

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) announced results from an analysis of one-year subset data from the HORIZONS AMI trial assessing the impact of diabetes on clinical and angiographic outcomes in heart attack patients treated with the TAXUS® Express2™ Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent System or the Express® bare-metal stent... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Study Shows Superior Efficacy For TAXUS(R) Express(R) Stents At One Year Compared To Bare-Metal Stents In Diabetic Patients Experiencing Heart Attack

Diabetes News From Medical News Today — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Risk of reintervention after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair

British Journal of Surgery — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The role of symptomatic presentation in directing reintervention after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) was investigated.All patients undergoing infrarenal EVAR between 2001 and 2009 were studied. Those needing reintervention were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic presentations. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to calculate freedom from reintervention, and log rank tests for subgroup analyses. Multivariable analysis identified risk factors for reintervention.The study included 553 patients with a mean(s.d.) age of 75(7) years and aneurysm diameter of 65(13) mm. The 30-day mortality rate was 2·5 per cent. Median follow-up was 31 (range 1-97) months. There were 86 reinterventions in 69 (12·5 per cent) of 553 patients; 41 presented with symptoms and 28 were asymptoma...

Intravitreal bevacizumab alone versus in combination with photodynamic therapy for the treatment of neovascular maculopathy in patients aged 50 years or older: 1-year results of a prospective clinical study

Acta Ophthalmologica — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The results of our 12-month prospective study indicate that intravitreal bevacizumab alone has similar efficacy and safety to bevacizumab plus PDT for treatment of patients with neovascular AMD, even treatment-naïve patients. The addition of PDT did not assist in reducing the required total number of bevacizumab injections. (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

Risk of reintervention after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

The British Journal of Surgery — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION:: Most patients requiring reintervention presented symptomatically. A high-risk subgroup may be identifiable to rationalize a postoperative surveillance programme. Copyright (c) 2010 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 20235086 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The British Journal of Surgery)

2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Thoracic Aortic Disease: Executive Summary. A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Radiology, American Stroke Association, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Vascular Medicine.

Circulation — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hiratzka LF, Bakris GL, Beckman JA, Bersin RM, Carr VF, Casey DE, Eagle KA, Hermann LK, Isselbacher EM, Kazerooni EA, Kouchoukos NT, Lytle BW, Milewicz DM, Reich DL, Sen S, Shinn JA, Svensson LG, Williams DM PMID: 20233781 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation)

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2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Thoracic Aortic Disease. A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Radiology, American Stroke Association, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Vascular Medicine.

Circulation — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hiratzka LF, Bakris GL, Beckman JA, Bersin RM, Carr VF, Casey DE, Eagle KA, Hermann LK, Isselbacher EM, Kazerooni EA, Kouchoukos NT, Lytle BW, Milewicz DM, Reich DL, Sen S, Shinn JA, Svensson LG, Williams DM PMID: 20233780 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation)

Carotid Artery Stenting With Proximal Cerebral Protection for Patients With Angiographic Appearance of String Sign

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:59:21 +0100

Conclusions Carotid stenting under proximal cerebral protection seems to be a feasible and safe procedure to manage patients with severe carotid stenosis in presence of angiographic string sign. Further prospective trials are required to prove efficacy of CAS in larger study populations. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions)

Fractional Flow Reserve and Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Patients With Angiographic Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:59:21 +0100

Conclusions Myocardial perfusion imaging with single-photon emission computed tomography has poor concordance with FFR and tends to underestimate or overestimate the functional importance of coronary stenosis seen at angiography in comparison with FFR in patients with multivessel disease. These findings might have important consequences in using MPI to determine the optimal revascularization strategy in patients with multivessel coronary disease. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions)

Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:59:21 +0100

Conclusions Prior CABG patients with STEMI are less likely to undergo acute reperfusion, have worse angiographic outcomes following primary PCI, and higher 90-day mortality. These findings are especially applicable when the IRA was a bypass graft. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions)

Adjunctive Transcutaneous Ultrasound With Thrombolysis: Results of the PLUS (Perfusion by ThromboLytic and UltraSound) Trial

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:59:21 +0100

Conclusions Thrombolysis plus TUS failed to improve 60-min TIMI flow grade or ST-segment resolution versus thrombolysis alone. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions)

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Atraumatic convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage: Clinical presentation, imaging patterns, and etiologies

Neurology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:00:56 +0100

Conclusion: Convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage is an important subtype of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid bleeding with diverse etiologies, though a reversible vasoconstriction syndrome appears to be a common cause in patients 60 years or younger whereas amyloid angiopathy is frequent in patients over 60. These observations require confirmation in future studies. (Source: Neurology)

Contrast sensitivity after intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy for myopic choroidal neovascularization

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:54:58 +0100

Conclusions Improvements in Pelli-Robson CS scores were observed during the first year after IVR/IVB in eyes with mCNV. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Retinal DisordersDOI 10.1007/s00417-010-1341-xAuthors Sarah Moussa, The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Retinology and Biomicroscopic Laser Surgery Vienna AustriaSiamak Ansari-Shahrezaei, The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Retinology and Biomicroscopic Laser Surgery Vienna AustriaEva Smretschnig, The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Retinology and Biomicroscopic Laser Surgery Vienna AustriaStefan Hagen, The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Retinology and Biomicroscopic Laser Surgery Vienna AustriaKerstin Steindl-Kuscher, The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Retinology and Biomicroscopic Laser Surgery Vienna AustriaIlse Kre...

Rare angiographic and echocardiographic findings of an aortic arch interruption in a patient with differential cyanosis

European Heart Journal — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:45:22 +0100

(Source: European Heart Journal)

Women with acute coronary syndrome are less invasively examined and subsequently less treated than men

European Heart Journal — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:45:22 +0100

Conclusion Women with ACS are approached in a much less aggressively invasive way and receive less interventional treatment than men even after adjusting for differences in comorbidity and number of significant stenoses. (Source: European Heart Journal)

Influence of bone marrow stem cells on left ventricle perfusion and ejection fraction in patients with acute myocardial infarction of anterior wall: randomized clinical trial: Impact of bone marrow stem cell intracoronary infusion on improvement of microcirculation

European Heart Journal — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:45:22 +0100

Conclusion In our study, BMSC intracoronary transplantation in patients with anterior AMI did not result in increase in EF. Slight improvement of myocardial perfusion was noticed in the BMSC group. This finding may indicate better microcirculation enhanced by BMSCs, but small number of patients allow for hypothesis rather than final statement. (Source: European Heart Journal)

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Increasing Use of CT Angiography in Interventional Study Sites: The IMS III Experience [LETTERS]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:24:08 +0100

(Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

Occurrence and Predictors of Futile Recanalization following Endovascular Treatment among Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Multicenter Study [INTERVENTIONAL]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:24:07 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Futile recanalization is a relatively common occurrence following endovascular treatment, particularly among elderly patients and those with severe neurologic deficits. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

Late Adverse Events in Coiled Ruptured Aneurysms with Incomplete Occlusion at 6-Month Angiographic Follow-Up [INTERVENTIONAL]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:24:07 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In this study of patients with coiled ruptured aneurysms with incomplete occlusion at 6 months, a strategy of imaging follow-up and retreatment when possible leads to a low incidence of serious adverse events. Rebleeding and progressive mass effect of the aneurysm were responsible for these events, not complications from additional treatment or angiographic follow-up. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

3D C-Arm Conebeam CT Angiography as an Adjunct in the Precise Anatomic Characterization of Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas [INTERVENTIONAL]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:24:07 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: 3D C-arm conebeam CT angiography is a useful adjunct to 2D DSA in the anatomic characterization of SDAVFs. The technique allowed improved visualization of the vascular anatomy of the SDAVFs and clearer definition of their spatial relationships to adjacent structures. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

Overlying Fluoroscopy and Preacquired CT Angiography for Road-Mapping in Cerebral Angiography [INTERVENTIONAL]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:24:07 +0100

We describe our preliminary experience using a road-mapping procedure that involves combining preacquired CTA with real-time fluoroscopy. This maneuver facilitates navigation in supra-aortic vessels from the arch to skull base levels. It requires less contrast than is used for traditional road-mapping while potentially reducing the hazard of thromboembolic events associated with direct catheterization. The accuracy of registration between the 2 volume datasets seems satisfactory for clinical practice. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

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Platelet Aggregation in Intracranial Stents May Mimic In-Stent Restenosis [INTERVENTIONAL]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:24:07 +0100

We report the case of an early ISR that was due to platelet aggregation despite correct observance of a standard antiplatelet regimen. Biologic testing showed clopidogrel inefficiency, and ISR disappeared on angiography after a loading dose of clopidogrel. This result suggested that the arterial lumen reduction was due to platelet aggregation rather than in-stent myointimal hyperplasia. This observation emphasizes the importance of verifying the efficacy of clopidogrel before placing a stent. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

C-Arm CT Measurement of Cerebral Blood Volume in Ischemic Stroke: An Experimental Study in Canines [BRAIN]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:24:07 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: CBV measurements made with C-arm CT compare well with ones made with PCT. While further work is required both to fully validate the technique and to define its ultimate clinical value, it appears that it offers a feasible method for assessing CBV in the angiography suite. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

In Vivo Experimental Intracranial Aneurysm Models: A Systematic Review [RESEARCH PERSPECTIVES]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:24:06 +0100

SUMMARY: Animal models are necessary to develop and test innovations in aneurysm therapy before clinical introduction. This review aims at identifying the most likely candidates for standardizing preclinical testing of aneurysm devices. We systematically searched electronic databases for publications on animal aneurysm models from 1961–2008 to assess the methodologic quality of the studies and collect data on the patency and angiographic and pathologic outcomes of treatments. There has been a steady increase in the annual number of publications with time. Species that were most frequently used were dogs, rabbits, and rodents, followed by swine. Most publications are single-laboratory studies with variables and poorly validated outcome measures, a small number of subjects, and limited...

New risk score tool more accurately predicts patients' risk for cardiac disease and death, study finds

ScienceDaily Headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

By combining patients' Framingham Risk Score with new Intermountain Risk Score, researchers found that they were 30 percent more likely to correctly determine a woman's risk, and 57 percent more likely to determine a man's risk for a cardiovascular problem or death within 30 days of an angiography. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Endeavor Stent: 5-Year Data Show Safety and Efficacy Advantage

News from Angioplasty.Org — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:40:00 +0100

The presentation at today's American College of Cardiology meeting of the 5-Year clinical results from ENDEAVOR III, along with the results of Medtronic's (NYSE: MDT) pooled Endeavor Trials Program, offers what may be a new paradigm for judging clinical trial results. Especially when taken together with recent findings from such studies as FAME and ODESSA, angiographic late lumen loss, one of the standards by which the performance of drug-eluting stents initially has been judged, may not be as significant a factor as once thought. (Source: News from Angioplasty.Org)

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Abdominal CT Exams May Reveal Patients at Higher Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:56:56 +0100

A small study of patients who have had both abdominal CT scans and coronary angiography found that abdominal aortic calcification is a predictor of obstructive coronary disease. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Spontaneous Deterioration of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia to Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in the Absence of Heart Disease

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is usually associated with a good prognosis. This is a case of a 57-year woman who presented with supraventricular tachycardia that spontaneously deteriorated to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT). The PVT terminated without treatment after 16 seconds. Extensive cardiac evaluation including echocardiography, stress testing, coronary angiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any structural heart disease. Electrophysiology testing demonstrated typical AVNRT which was successfully treated with cryoablation. The clinical ventricular tachycardia could not be reproduced despite the use of an aggressive induction protocol and isoproterenol. Postablation, exercise treadmill testing did not provoke any tachyarrhyth...

Abdominal CT exams may reveal patients at higher risk for cardiovascular disease

theHeart.org — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:15:58 +0100

Endovascular Management of Peripheral Vascular Trauma

Seminars in Interventional Radiology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:18:21 +0100

Semin intervent Radiol 2010; 27: 038-043DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247887ABSTRACTEndovascular interventions (EVIs) are an important adjunct to open surgical management of peripheral vascular injuries. In appropriate situations, EVIs decrease operative time, estimated blood loss, and iatrogenic complications when compared with similar surgical cohorts by limiting surgical dissection in traumatized operative fields. In situations where definitive repair is not possible with EVIs, endovascular techniques permit control of hemorrhage or damage and facilitate open surgical repair. EVIs for peripheral vascular injury have proven effective in three anatomic regions: the neck, subclavian, and lower-extremity regions. The interventional radiologist should become familiar with the physical and personnel r...

Cardiac release and kinetics of cytokines after elective bare metal coronary stenting

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:27:11 +0100

Abstract The study was designed to assess the cardiac release kinetics of the cytokines interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor-necrosis-factor-α (TNF-α) in patients with significant stenosis of the ramus interventricularis anterior. Ten patients were treated by bare metal stent implantation, 11 patients who underwent a diagnostic coronary angiography without intervention served as a control group. Cytokines paired blood samples were withdrawn from the coronary sinus and a peripheral vein immediately before and 1, 2, 6 h after the intervention. Myocardial ischemia was monitored by means of cardiac lactate metabolism and 12-lead electrocardiogram. After coronary intervention IL-6 gradually increased from a common baseline level of 1.34 ± 1....

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Case report: acute thrombotic occlusion and pseudoaneurysm of the brachial artery diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound after nondiagnostic angiography

Clinical Rheumatology — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:25:45 +0100

We present an atypical case of acute thrombosis of the brachial artery, which could not be diagnosed by conventional angiography, but was identified successfully with Doppler ultrasound. We also briefly discuss the issues surrounding vascular imaging in this case and overview the strengths and weaknesses of available imaging modalities. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s10067-010-1419-1Authors Joshua F. Baker, VA Medical Center and the University of Pennsylvania Division of Rheumatology Philadelphia PA USALevon N. Nazarian, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Department of Radiology Philadelphia PA USAJeffrey W. Olin, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine New York City NY USASally Pullman-Mooar, VA Medical Center and the University of Pennsylvania Division of R...

Cerebral Venous and Dural Sinus Thrombosis

Klinische Neuroradiologie — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:30:26 +0100

Abstract Cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis (CVST) constitutes a rare but important cause of stroke. It occurs in all age groups, but affects predominately young and middle-aged females. Three subtypes of CVST can be differentiated: sinus thrombosis (ST), deep cerebral venous thrombosis (DCVT), and cortical vein thrombosis (CVT). Both DCVT and CVT can present either in isolated forms or – more often – in combination with an ST. The symptoms of CVST are highly variable, thus, diagnosis is often made with a considerable delay. This review first presents a short summary of the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical signs, and prognosis of CVST. Then, the authors focus on the neuroradiologic diagnosis of this disease, and give an overview of the diagnostic value of mag...

MRI-determined carotid artery flow velocities and wall shear stress in a mouse model of vulnerable and stable atherosclerotic plaque

Magnetic Resonance Materials in Physics, Biology and Medicine — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:29:38 +0100

Conclusions Flow velocities and wall shear stress were successfully measured in this mouse model of stable and unstable plaque. The presented tools can be used to provide valuable insights in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10334-010-0200-4Authors Glenda S. van Bochove, Eindhoven University of Technology Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering PO Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The NetherlandsRoel Straathof, Eindhoven University of Technology Biomedical NMR, Department of Biomedical Engineering PO Box 513 5600 MB Eindhoven The NetherlandsRob Krams, London Imperial College Department of Bioengineering London UKKlaas Nicolay, Eindhoven University of Technology Biomedical NMR, Department of ...

Family history is strong predictor of obstructive coronary artery disease using CCTA

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Henry Ford Health System) In the largest study of its kind to date using cardiac computed tomography angiography, people with a family history of early signs of coronary artery disease are at higher risk of developing obstructive coronary artery disease and plaque in their arteries, Henry Ford Hospital researchers say. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Study: New risk score tool more accurately predicts patients' risk for cardiac disease and death

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Intermountain Medical Center) By combining patients' Framingham Risk Score with new Intermountain Risk Score, researchers found that they were 30 percent more likely to correctly determine a woman's risk, and 57 percent more likely to determine a man's risk for a cardiovascular problem or death within 30 days of an angiography. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Transradial Hands-On Learning Labs Offered by Terumo at American College of Cardiology Meeting

News from Angioplasty.Org — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0100

Terumo Interventional Systems is sponsoring two days of hands-on training in the transradial approach to angiography and angioplasty for attendees of this year's American College of Cardiology 59th Scientific Sessions in Atlanta, Georgia. Building on its industry-leading transradial education focus, these sessions will be held in Lab #3636 on Sunday, March 14 and Monday, March 15 from 9:00am - 4:30pm. (Source: News from Angioplasty.Org)

Whole-Body MR Imaging in a Multimodality World: Current Applications, Limitations, and Future Potential for Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Imaging

Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:20:45 +0100

This article reviews clinical status, and technical limitations and future prospects of this exciting technology. In particular, it describes technical aspects of magnetic resonance (MR) angiography, MR lymphography, and, in particular, total-body MR imaging.[...]© Thieme Medical PublishersGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology)

Coronary blood flow and perfusion pressure during coronary angiography in patients with ongoing mechanical chest compression: A report on 6 cases

Resuscitation — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:14:49 +0100

Abstract: Patients with pulseless electrical activity or refractory ventricular fibrillation have a very bad prognosis. Coronary angiography and angioplasty may be required to restore an effective circulation, but this must be performed whilst chest compressions are continued. The LUCAS chest compression device is suitable for this purpose. So far there are no reports on the effect of this device on coronary circulation in humans. We monitored the coronary perfusion pressure assessed invasively as the difference between the diastolic pressures at the coronary ostium and right atrium, and compared these pressures with coronary flow graded using the TIMI scale in 6 patients. In 4 out of 6 we found a satisfactory coronary artery perfusion pressure and TIMI grade 3 flow (normal) on coronary an...

MRI-determined carotid artery flow velocities and wall shear stress in a mouse model of vulnerable and stable atherosclerotic plaque.

Magma — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Flow velocities and wall shear stress were successfully measured in this mouse model of stable and unstable plaque. The presented tools can be used to provide valuable insights in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. PMID: 20229088 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Magma)

Management of bleeding from pseudoaneurysms following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:04:42 +0100

CONCLUSION: Bleeding pseudoaneurysms are among the most serious and fatal complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Diagnostic angiography has been preferred over endoscopy and is rapidly becoming the standard therapeutic treatment for bleeding pseudoaneurysms. PMID: 20222168 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

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Volcano Announces Activities at the ACC 2010

News from Angioplasty.Org — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:45:00 +0100

The company announced its activities today at Annual Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Conference taking place in Atlanta from March 14th to March 16th. Presentations and new product launches will continue Volcano's mission to demonstrate the limitations of angiography and the value of IVUS, FFR and OCT. (Source: News from Angioplasty.Org)

Study Questions Frequency Of Heart Angiograms

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

A recent study raises questions about the frequency of doctors' use of elective heart angiograms, which showed no disease in almost 40 percent of patients. BusinessWeek reports: "Doctors may be sending patients too quickly for elective angiograms to detect heart disease, exposing them to radiation and driving up U.S. health-care costs, a study suggests. An analysis of records of about 400,000 patients concluded that 37... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study Questions Frequency Of Heart Angiograms

Cardiovascular / Cardiology News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

A recent study raises questions about the frequency of doctors' use of elective heart angiograms, which showed no disease in almost 40 percent of patients. BusinessWeek reports: "Doctors may be sending patients too quickly for elective angiograms to detect heart disease, exposing them to radiation and driving up U.S. health-care costs, a study suggests... (Source: Cardiovascular / Cardiology News From Medical News Today)

[Transient subclavian artery spasm observed during percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.]

Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi arsivi — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:50:04 +0100

Authors: Karakurt O, Kılıç H, Akdemir R A 68-year-old man with a history of two coronary artery bypass operations was admitted with acute inferior myocardial infarction (AMI) and cardiogenic shock. The electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in leads D2, D3, and aVF. Coronary angiography demonstrated a 75% thrombotic stenosis in the right coronary artery (RCA), 90-99% stenosis in the intermediate coronary artery, and plaques in the circumflex artery. While assessing the patency of bypass grafts, a 99% stenosis was noted in the distal subclavian artery. The culprit artery was deemed to be the RCA, and after direct stenting, TIMI III flow was achieved. Ten days later, stent implantation was performed for the intermediate coronary artery, at which time distal subcla...

Split right coronary artery: a report of two cases.

Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi arsivi — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:50:04 +0100

We present two cases (59-year-old male, 50-year-old female) who sought treatment for exercise-induced angina pectoris. Coronary angiography revealed a split RCA in both cases. In the first case, the RCA consisted of two well-developed arteries bifurcating immediately after its origin from the sinus of Valsalva. In the second case, the RCA split from adjacent ostia into two major arteries almost identical in size. In both cases, the split RCAs had a parallel course. Both patients were scheduled to receive medical treatment and had an uneventful follow-up of 15 and 11 months, respectively. PMID: 20215842 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi arsivi)

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[Evaluation of unresponsiveness to standard high-dose gamma globulin therapy in Kawasaki disease.]

Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi arsivi — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:50:04 +0100

CONCLUSION: The incidence of unresponsiveness to treatment was markedly high in KD patients who had coronary artery involvement on admission. PMID: 20215838 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Turk Kardiyoloji Dernegi arsivi)

Eponym

European Journal of Pediatrics — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:48:45 +0100

Abstract Scimitar syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly, characterized by partial or complete anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of the right or left lung into the inferior vena cava. The syndrome is commonly associated with hypoplasia of the right lung, pulmonary sequestration, persisting left superior vena cava, and dextroposition of the heart. The pathogenesis of the syndrome is unclear, but it seems to originate from a basic developmental disorder of the entire lung bud early in embryogenesis. Two main forms of scimitar syndrome have been described. Signs and symptoms can start during infancy (infantile form) or beyond (childhood/adult form). The infantile form generally presents within the first 2 months of life with tachypnea, recurrent pneumonia, failure to th...

Dispatch: Big Anti-Soda, Trade Center $, Angiography, Nicotine, Graphic Images

Health Facts and Fears — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

A week ago, we posed the question to Dispatch readers: who provides the millions of dollars used to promote a soda tax with commercials during the Olympics? Crain& rsquo;s New York has the answer ... (Source: Health Facts and Fears)

Too many invasive heart tests given, study finds

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A troublingly high number of U.S. patients who are given angiograms to check for heart disease turn out not to have a significant problem, according to the latest study to suggest Americans get an excess of medical tests. The researchers said the... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

In-Hospital and 12-Month Postprocedural Clinical Outcome of Coronary Bifurcational Lesion Treatment with the Endeavor Stent

Journal of Interventional Cardiology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:ZES can be used for bifurcation lesions using the PTS technique with a high rate of intraprocedural success; however, frequency of TLR is high, especially for stents with a diameter [le]3 mm. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;**:1[ndash]7) (Source: Journal of Interventional Cardiology)

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Outcome of coronary plaque burden: a 10-year follow-up of aggressive medical management

Cardiovascular Ultrasound — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: : The effect of aggressive medical therapy on quantitative coronary plaque burden is not generally known, especially in ethnic Chinese. AIMS: We reasoned that Cardiac CT could conveniently quantify early coronary atherosclerosis in our patient population, and hypothesized that serial observation could differentiate the efficacy of aggressive medical therapy regarding progression and regression of the atherosclerotic process, as well as evaluating the additional impact of life-style modification and the relative effects of the application of statin therapy.MethodS: We employed a standardized Cardiac CT protocol to serially scan 113 westernized Hong Kong Chinese individuals (64 men and 49 women) with chest pain and positive coronary risk factors. In all cases included for this se...

High-resolution ex vivo magnetic resonance angiography: a feasibility study on biological and medical tissues

BMC Physiology - Latest articles — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Ex vivo MRA provides high-resolution of fresh tissue and delineates fine structures that we were not able to visualise using CT. We found that the use of our clinical imaging systems provided MRA which took advantage over CT angiography in its ability to visualize vessel configuration while avoiding interfering signals from adjacent bones. Interestingly, we found that vascular tissue becomes leaky when formalin-fixed, leading to increased permeability and extracellular leakage of MR contrast agent. (Source: BMC Physiology - Latest articles)

Sustained VEGF Delivery Via PLGA Nanoparticles Promotes Vascular Growth.

American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, sustained VEGF delivery via PLGA nanoparticles shows promise for encouraging blood vessel growth in tissue engineering and cardiovascular medicine applications. Key words: tissue engineering, nanoparticle, angiogenesis, arteriogenesis. PMID: 20228260 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Physiology. Heart and Circulatory Physiology)

Living near a major roadway linked with coronary atherosclerosis

theHeart.org — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:45:37 +0100

Individuals living within 100 m of major roadway were more than three times as likely to have coronary atherosclerosis detected by angiography as those who lived farther away. For complete story visit theheart.org. (Source: theHeart.org)

Invasive heart tests overused in U.S.: study

CBC | Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:21:42 +0100

A high number of U.S. patients given angiograms to check for heart disease turn out not to have a significant problem, according to the latest study to suggest Americans get an excess of medical tests. (Source: CBC | Health)

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Doctors Often Order Heart Test But No Disease Is Found

NPR Health and Science — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:04:17 +0100

Most patients without known heart disease who get coronary angiograms don't have clogged arteries after all, a large study finds. The results cast doubt on the usefulness of the expensive test in about 200,000 cases a year.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us (Source: NPR Health and Science)

Common Heart Test Often Fails To Find Disease

NPR Health and Science — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:04:00 +0100

Occlusion of a Large Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation in a Paediatric Patient using Multiple Vascular Plugs

Heart, Lung & Circulation — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:57:55 +0100

We describe the successful occlusion of a large PAVM in a paediatric patient using multiple Amplatzer vascular plugs. (Source: Heart, Lung & Circulation)

The Value of Dual-source 64-Slice CT Coronary Angiography in the Assessment of Patients Presenting to an Acute Chest Pain Service

Heart, Lung & Circulation — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:57:53 +0100

Conclusions: The CTCA findings were significantly correlated with those of selective angiography and with troponin status and increased the ascertainment of coronary artery disease in a cohort of patients at low risk for clinically significant ischaemic heart disease. (Source: Heart, Lung & Circulation)

Coronary Artery Anatomy and Apical Sparing in Apical Ballooning Syndrome: Implications for Diagnosis and Aetiology

Heart, Lung & Circulation — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:57:53 +0100

Conclusion: Moderate or severe coronary artery stenosis may co-exist in a small proportion of patients with ABS. Exclusion of these patients will underestimate the true incidence of ABS. The prevalence of “wrap-around” LAD is similar in ABS and non-ABS patients. Apical sparing in ABS is more consistent with aetiological hypotheses implicating LV stunning due to acutely elevated LV wall stress, rather than single or multi-vessel coronary spasm. (Source: Heart, Lung & Circulation)

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Noninvasive Detection of Vulnerable Plaques: Are We There Yet?

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:54:41 +0100

This study is provocative indeed, considering that, up to now, the diagnosis of vulnerable plaque (VP) (defined as those at higher risk for future rupture/thrombosis) has been elusive (). In fact, despite the use of sophisticated and highly accurate intracoronary diagnostic techniques (intravascular ultrasound, virtual histology, elastography, thermography, coronary angioscopy, and optical coherence tomography) the identification of VP has been not only a moving target but also clinically unreliable (). Currently, with invasive techniques, unique insights on plaque characteristics including morphology, composition, physiologic properties, and even measurements of local temperature, macrophage content and fibrous cap thickness can be obtained; yet we cannot accurately predict their prognosi...

Reply

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:54:41 +0100

We thank Dr. Alfonso for interest in our manuscript and very insightful comments. We agree that feasibility of noninvasive identification of plaques vulnerable to rupture might have significant clinical implications, and clarify here the methodological issues raised. As described in our paper (), acute coronary syndromes (ACS) included acute myocardial infarction with the elevation of troponin level and unstable angina without troponin elevation. Our report characterized the plaques that resulted in ACS and excluded the lesions already subjected to intervention or those selected for intervention. As noted in the report, 3 patients developed ACS involving the previously treated lesion and were excluded from the analysis. Also, target lesion could not be identified in 8 patients with ACS, be...

Myeloperoxidase and C-Reactive Protein Have Combined Utility for Long-Term Prediction of Cardiovascular Mortality After Coronary Angiography

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:54:38 +0100

Conclusions: MPO accurately predicted cardiovascular mortality risk in coronary angiography patients. Considering MPO and CRP together may improve long-term risk assessment and CAD patient outcomes. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

Too Many Heart Tests Done, Some Say

WDSU.com - Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:23:39 +0100

Some doctors think that others need to do a better job choosing which patients get an angiogram. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

Low Yield Seen for Elective Coronary Angiography

Physician's First Watch current issue — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:21 +0100

(Source: Physician's First Watch current issue)

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U.S. study: Too many invasive heart tests given

CTV Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:48:19 +0100

Obstructive Disease Not Found on Most Angiograms (CME/CE, with audio)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:43:01 +0100

For patients without known heart disease, the diagnostic yield of coronary angiography appears to be low, researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

Study: Too Many Invasive Heart Tests Given

Health News: CBSNews.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:54:57 +0100

Researchers Say There Is a Troublingly High Number of Patients Who Are Given Unnecessary Angiograms (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Preoperative coronary risk assessment with dual-source CT in patients undergoing noncoronary cardiac surgery

La Radiologia Medica — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:48:46 +0100

Conclusions Coronary evaluation with DSCT is able to rule out the presence of coronary disease in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery, without the need for coronary angiography confirmation. Patients with significant stenosis or nondiagnostic image quality should be referred for coronary angiography. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Cardiac Radiology/CardioradiologiaDOI 10.1007/s11547-010-0543-yAuthors V. Buffa, Ospedale San Camillo-Forlanini Dipartimento di Radiologia Cardiovascolare Roma ItalyC.N. De Cecco, Ospedale San Camillo-Forlanini Dipartimento di Radiologia Cardiovascolare Roma ItalyL. Cossu, Ospedale San Camillo-Forlanini Dipartimento di Cardiochirurgia Roma ItalyS. Fedeli, Ospedale San Camillo-Forlanini Dipartimento di Radiologia Cardiovascolare Ro...

Impact of tube current in the quantitative assessment of acute reperfused myocardial infarction with 64-slice delayed-enhancement CT: a porcine model

La Radiologia Medica — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:48:46 +0100

Conclusions Tube current does not significantly affect infarction area, image quality or contrast resolution of DE imaging with CT. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Cardiac Radiology/CardioradiologiaDOI 10.1007/s11547-010-0541-0Authors C. Martini, Academic Hospital/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Department of Radiology and Cardiology Parma ItalyE. Maffei, Academic Hospital/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Department of Radiology and Cardiology Parma ItalyA. Palumbo, Academic Hospital/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Department of Radiology and Cardiology Parma ItalyA. Weustink, Erasmus Medical Center Department of Radiology and Cardiology Rotterdam The NetherlandsT. Baks, Erasmus Medical Center Department of Radiology and Cardiology Rotterdam The NetherlandsA. ...

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Prospective study comparing two iodine concentrations for multidetector computed tomography of the pancreas

La Radiologia Medica — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:48:45 +0100

Conclusions The higher iodine concentration leads to greater contrast enhancement of abdominal vessels and organs in pancreatic CTA. Detection and demarcation of hypovascular pancreatic carcinoma was not found to be improved by the higher iodine concentration. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Abdominal Radiology/Radiologia AddominaleDOI 10.1007/s11547-010-0544-xAuthors Y. Liu, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital No.197, Ruijin Er Road Shanghai 200025 ChinaX.Q. Xu, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital No.197, Ruijin Er Road Shanghai 200025 ChinaX.Z. Lin, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital No.197, Ruijin Er R...

Journal Scan: Endovascular Stenting for Vertebral Artery Stenosis (J Am Coll Cardiol 2010;55:538-542.)

Cardiosource — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

One-hundred five patients from 1995-2006 with symptomatic VAS (112 arteries, 71% male) underwent stent placement for extracranial (91%) and intracranial (9%), primarily in the V1 segment (83%). By angiography, 57 patients (54%) had bilateral VAS, 71 patients (68%) had concomitant carotid disease, an. . . (Source: Cardiosource)

Noninvasive testing adds little to risk-factor screening for predicting obstructive CAD

theHeart.org — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100

An NCDR study of diagnostic yield of coronary angiography finds only about a third of patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization have obstructive disease. For complete story visit theheart.org. (Source: theHeart.org)

Study: Too many heart patients get angiograms

USATODAY.com Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:01:24 +0100

A troublingly high number of U.S. patients who are given angiograms to check for heart disease turn out not to have a significant ... (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

NEJM Feature: Are too many angiograms being performed on patients w/o CAD?

Cardiovascular Business News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:02:31 +0100

Slightly more than one-third of patients without known disease, who underwent elective cardiac catheterization, had obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) out of nearly 400,000 patients at 663 sites, based on study findings published March 11 in the New England Journal of Medicine. However, in an interview, Timothy D. Henry, MD, from Minneapolis Heart Institute, said that when reviewing the study’s data in its entirety, it appears that most practices are performing these procedures properly. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

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NEJM Feature: Are too many angiograms being performed on patients w/o CAD?

Health Imaging News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:02:31 +0100

NEJM Feature: Are too many angiograms being performed on patients w/o CAD?

Health Imaging News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:02:31 +0100

Treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration with a variable ranibizumab dosing regimen and one-time reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy: the TORPEDO trial at 2 years

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:47:26 +0100

Conclusion Combined PDT and ranibizumab injection the same day was well tolerated in all patients. Eighty-four percent of patients had stable or improved vision at month 24. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Retinal DisordersDOI 10.1007/s00417-009-1256-6Authors Leigh Spielberg, University Hospital Leuven Department of Ophthalmology Kapucijnenvoer 33 3000 Leuven BelgiumAnita Leys, University Hospital Leuven Department of Ophthalmology Kapucijnenvoer 33 3000 Leuven Belgium Journal Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental OphthalmologyOnline ISSN 1435-702XPrint ISSN 0721-832X (Source: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology)

Too Many Low-Risk Patients Given Invasive Heart Tests

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:05:00 +0100

NEW YORK (AP) - A troublingly high number of U.S. patients who are given angiograms to check for heart disease turn out not to have a significant problem, according to the latest study to suggest Americans get an excess of medical tests. The... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

Too Many Patients Given Angiograms

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:05:00 +0100

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Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography revealed active thoracic bleeding

Journal of Medical Ultrasonics — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:46:09 +0100

Abstract A 61-year-old woman with a hepatocellular carcinoma located in the subphrenic region was treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) under artificial pleural effusion. During RFA, B-mode ultrasonography showed a swirling high echoic lesion in the artificial pleural effusion. A real-time scan performed using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) revealed a jet-like extravasation of contrast medium and pooling of microbubbles in the pleural cavity, which were confirmed by angiography. CEUS successfully identified the site of bleeding and can be regarded an effective tool for detecting active bleeding in an emergency. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Ultrasound Image of the MonthDOI 10.1007/s10396-010-0257-8Authors Takaaki Sugihara, Tottori University School...

Clinical characteristics of intermediate uveitis in Tunisian patients

International Ophthalmology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:46:08 +0100

Abstract To analyze the pattern of intermediate uveitis (IU) in a referral center in Tunisia, North Africa. A retrospective, descriptive study of 87 consecutive patients (145 eyes) examined at the Department of Ophthalmology of Monastir (Tunisia) from January 1996 to August 2008. All patients underwent an extensive ocular and systemic history, a complete ophthalmic examination, and fluorescein angiography. Standard diagnostic criteria of IU were employed. The mean follow-up period was 43.2 months (range, 4–65 months). The mean age at diagnosis of IU was 29.1 years (range, 5–54 years). The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.6. Both eyes were affected in 58 patients (66.7%). The best-corrected visual acuity at onset of uveitis ranged from light perception t...

Gender-related differences in outcome after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty and glycoprotein IIb–IIIa inhibitors: insights from the EGYPT cooperation

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:34:54 +0100

This study shows that in patients with STEMI treated by primary angioplasty, female gender is associated with higher mortality rate in comparison with men, and this is mainly due to their higher clinical and angiographic risk profiles. In fact, female sex did not emerge as an independent predictor of mortality. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11239-010-0451-yAuthors Giuseppe De Luca, Eastern Piedmont University Division of Cardiology, Maggiore della Carità Hospital Novara ItalyC. Michael Gibson, Harvard Medical School Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston USAMariann Gyöngyösi, Medical University of Vienna Department of Cardiology Vienna AustriaUwe Zeymer, Herzzentrum Ludwigshafen Division of Cardiology Ludwigshafen GermanyDariusz Dudek, Jagiellonian University II...

Study suggests too many low-risk patients given invasive heart tests, docs need better methods

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:01:00 +0100

NEW YORK (AP) — A troublingly high number of U.S. patients who are given angiograms to check for heart disease turn out not to have a significant problem, according to the latest study to suggest Americans get an excess of medical tests. The... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

Image fusion of coronary CT angiography and cardiac perfusion MRI: a pilot study

European Radiology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:19:09 +0100

Conclusion The introduced tool enables image fusion of CTCA and CMR data sets and allows for correct superposition of the coronary arteries derived from CTCA onto the corresponding myocardial segments derived from CMR. The method facilitates the comprehensive assessment of the functionally relevant CAD by the exact allocation of culprit coronary stenoses to corresponding myocardial defects at a low radiation dose. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CardiacDOI 10.1007/s00330-010-1746-2Authors Paul Stolzmann, University Hospital Zurich Institute of Diagnostic Radiology Zurich SwitzerlandHatem Alkadhi, University Hospital Zurich Institute of Diagnostic Radiology Zurich SwitzerlandHans Scheffel, University Hospital Zurich Institute of Diagnostic Radiology Zurich Swit...

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Imaging of pulmonary vein anatomy using low-dose prospective ECG-triggered dual-source computed tomography

European Radiology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:19:07 +0100

Conclusion Imaging of pulmonary vein anatomy is feasible using prospective ECG-triggered sequential data acquisition at end-systole regardless of heart rate or rhythm at the benefit of low radiation dose. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CardiacDOI 10.1007/s00330-010-1744-4Authors Philipp Blanke, University Hospital Freiburg Department of Diagnostic Radiology Hugstetter Str. 55 79104 Freiburg GermanyTobias Baumann, University Hospital Freiburg Department of Diagnostic Radiology Hugstetter Str. 55 79104 Freiburg GermanyMathias Langer, University Hospital Freiburg Department of Diagnostic Radiology Hugstetter Str. 55 79104 Freiburg GermanyGregor Pache, University Hospital Freiburg Department of Diagnostic Radiology Hugstetter Str. 55 79104 Freiburg Germany J...

Coronary Artery Anatomy in Complete Transposition with Situs Solitus and Dextrocardia

Pediatric Cardiology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:49:47 +0100

Abstract The coronary artery anatomy of complete transposition with situs solitus/levocardia (CTSSL) has been well elucidated in the current era of arterial switch operation. However, coronary artery for complete transposition with situs solitus/dextrocardia (CTSSD) has never been documented. Coronary anatomy of transposition and aortopulmonary rotation were identified by angiography or surgical intervention from 1988 to 2007 at our hospital. The degree of aortopulmonary rotation was defined by the aortic sinus pattern on lateral angiogram. Apicocaval ipsilaterality was defined as situs solitus/dextrocardia or situs inversus/levocardia. The coronary artery anatomy in 3 cases of CTSSD was analyzed and correlated with those patients having transposition with the same coronar...

Radiology: CT angiography proves cost-effective in chest pain diagnosis strategy

Health Imaging News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:42:06 +0100

A coronary CT angiography-only approach -- when factoring in a $20,000 threshold level for cost per correct diagnosis and $50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year -- is the most cost-effective diagnostic strategy for the evaluation of patients presenting with stable chest pain without known coronary artery disease (CAD) with intermediate CAD prevalence, according to a decision analysis study published in the March issue of Radiology. (Source: Health Imaging News)

Radiology: CT angiography proves cost-effective in chest pain diagnosis strategy

Health Imaging News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:42:06 +0100

Radiology: CT angiography proves cost-effective in chest pain diagnosis strategy

Cardiovascular Business News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:42:06 +0100

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Long-term study of vascular perfusion effects following arteriovenous sheathotomy for branch retinal vein occlusion

Acta Ophthalmologica — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: PPV with AVS is a safe procedure, and adjunctive IVT had no additional effects on vascular perfusion. Successful decompressive surgery was followed by disappearance of collateral vessels at the BRVO blockage site and was a clinical marker for intravascular reperfusion. Long-term epiretinal gliosis and subfoveal photoreceptor atrophy limited functional and visual recovery. (Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)

Low Diagnostic Yield of Elective Coronary Angiography

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this national registry of data on cardiac catheterization, only 38% of elective, diagnostic coronary angiograms showed obstructive lesions, and 39% of angiograms were interpreted as showing no disease. The findings indicate a relatively low diagnostic yield of elective coronary angiography, a procedure that exposes patients to substantial radiation. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

CME: Low Diagnostic Yield of Elective Coronary Angiography

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Comparison by Optical Coherence Tomography of Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents With Sirolimus-Eluting Stents Implanted in One Coronary Artery in One Procedure:

Circulation Journal — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Compared with SES, PES had a non-uniform and larger neointimal thickness with fewer uncovered struts, and more peri-strut low-density areas. PMID: 20215698 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation Journal)

Evaluation of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy by Multidetector Computed Tomography and Whole-Heart Magnetic Resonance Coronary Angiography.

Circulation Journal — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: MDCT, especially 64-detector CT, is feasible for detecting CAV, whereas MRCA currently shows limited sensitivity. PMID: 20215697 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation Journal)

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Hematuria: An uncommon presentation of Glanzmann's thrombasthenia-Lessons learnt

Indian Journal of Urology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:12:01 +0100

Krishnamoorthy Sriram, Kumar Santosh, Kekre NitinIndian Journal of Urology 2010 26(1):115-117A 55-year-old man with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia had recurrent episodes of gross painless hematuria for the past 30 years. His last episode of hematuria occurred a month ago, associated with pain in the right loin and was diagnosed to have a right mid-ureteric calculus. Under adequate platelet cover, he underwent right ureteroscopy. Postoperatively, he had persistent significant hematuria that did not improve despite repeated platelet transfusions. Factor VIIa was also transfused, without much benefit. A ureteroscopy was done, which identified bleeding from within the renal pelvis. CT angiogram confirmed the rupture of an artery supplying the interpole segment of the right kidney. Bleeding ...

Unusual Features of Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The American Journal of Cardiology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:57:20 +0100

In conclusion, apical HC in a teaching hospital without a specialized HC clinic and in a predominantly Caucasian population is a disease of the elderly. Documented late morphologic evolution is not uncommon, with a high incidence of coronary fistulae and morbid atrial fibrillation. (Source: The American Journal of Cardiology)

Comparison of Outcomes Between Zotarolimus- and Sirolimus-Eluting Stents in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction

The American Journal of Cardiology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:57:18 +0100

In conclusion, SESs provided superior angiographic outcomes, translating into better clinical outcomes and negating any change in STEMI patient safety profiles compared to ZESs. (Source: The American Journal of Cardiology)

Rcadia’s CCTA computer-aided detection software nets CE Mark

Cardiovascular Business News — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:03:31 +0100

Rcadia Medical Imaging has been issued a CE Mark for its computer-aided detection software--the COR Analyzer system--that helps identify patients with significant coronary artery disease by an analysis of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) studies. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Rcadia’s CCTA computer-aided detection software nets CE Mark

Health Imaging News — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:03:31 +0100

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Rcadia’s CCTA computer-aided detection software nets CE Mark

Health Imaging News — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:03:31 +0100

Choriocapillary blood propagation in normal volunteers and in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:49:02 +0100

Conclusion Using this new approach, various choroidal dye propagation patterns were observed in normal volunteers and in patients with CSC. A video of subtracted images allowed evaluation of the dynamics of dye propagation in the choroid–choriocapillaris. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Continuous anti-VEGF treatment with ranibizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: 6-month results

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:49:02 +0100

Conclusions Continuous monthly intravitreal ranibizumab is safe and well tolerated in eyes with PCV. Preliminary results show stabilisation of vision, resolution of subretinal haemorrhage and a decrease in macular oedema. Polypoidal lesions decreased in 4/12 (33%) eyes, but branching choroidal vessels persisted. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Torpedo maculopathy

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:49:02 +0100

Conclusion Torpedo maculopathy is an apparently congenital hypopigmented torpedo-shaped lesion of the temporal macula. Although it may result in a corresponding visual-field defect, these non-foveal lesions do not affect central visual acuity. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Biomarker Helps Predict Death Risk in Coronary Angiography

Modern Medicine — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Myeloperoxidase predicts the risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients who undergo coronary angiography, and considering myeloperoxidase and C-reactive protein together may be useful for long-term risk assessment, according to research published in the March 16 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Total homocysteine in patients with angiographic coronary artery disease correlates with inflammation markers.

Thrombosis and Haemostasis — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schroecksnadel K, Grammer TB, Boehm BO, März W, Fuchs D Moderate hyperhomocysteinaemia is considered as an independent risk marker for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Earlier, increased homocysteine production was detected in stimulated immunocompetent cells in vitro, and several markers of inflammation like neopterin or C-reactive protein (CRP) were demonstrated as significant indicators of cardiovascular risk. The relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD), homocysteine metabolism and markers of immune activation and inflammation was investigated in a population of 1717 patients undergoing coronary angiography, recruited as participants of the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study. 1325 patients (77.2%) suffered from coronary artery diseas...

Clinical Benefits of Noninvasive Testing: Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography as a Test Case

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:00:50 +0100

(Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging)

Coronary Venous Aneurysm in Patients Without Cardiac Arrhythmia as Detected by MDCT: An Anatomic Variant or a Pathologic Entity

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:00:49 +0100

Conclusions Coronary vein aneurysms (especially the fusiform type) were seen in up to 10% of patients with no history of cardiac arrhythmia and can be well visualized on computed tomography angiograms. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Imaging)

34. Transcranial Doppler sonography for confirming diagnosis of brain death

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:13:04 +0100

The cerebral circulatory arrest (CCA) is the final step that leads to the irreversible loss of all brain functions and ultimately to the brain death. In contrast to the cerebral angiography, Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) is a noninvasive method that can detect CCA and can be easily performed at the bedside. In patients who have received sedatives, those with metabolic derangements or who are hypothermic TCD is more reliable than electroencephalography. Waveform abnormalities documented by the TCD occur when intracranial pressure increases above the mean arterial pressure and are indicative of CCA. The TCD criteria for CCA include the presence one of the following patterns: (1) biphasic oscillating flow (“to and fro” movement), (2) systolic spikes of low velocity without a flow ...

21. MR perfusion imaging in diagnostics of brain pathologies

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:13:03 +0100

The knowledge of parameters which describe oxygen and nutrients supply to tissues is essential from standpoint of diagnostics and follow-up of pathologies of brain. Due to their low spatial resolution MR angiographic techniques cannot visualize blood flow inside bulk tissue. In order to obtain the hemodynamic parameters which describe perfusion, MR perfusion imaging use drop in tissue signal during the first pass of contrast agent. Decrease in MR signal is proportional to intravascular concentration of contrast agent, which provides basis for calculation of regional cerebral volume (rCBV), regional cerebral flow (rCBF) and mean transition time (MTT) and corresponding maps of these parameters. Such maps can pinpoint to changes in perfusion of brain tissue which can be consequence or cause o...

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2. Diagnosis of brain death: The role of neurophysiological methods

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:13:02 +0100

The diagnosis of brain death (BD) relies on prerequisites (the cause of coma must be identified and be sufficient to produce BD), on the clinical evaluation (non-reactive coma, loss of brainstem reflexes, apnea), and on confirmatory tests, which can be subdivided into neurophysiological tests (electroencephalogram: EEG, evoked potentials: EPs) and assessment of brain circulation (four-vessel angiography, radioisotopic techniques, intracranial Doppler). Clinical neurophysiology has sometimes been reproached not to provide assessment of the whole brain. It should be mentioned that the same reproach can be heaped on all other diagnostic methods, including clinical examination and angiographic techniques. This argumentation underlines the flaws of a purely phenomenological approach of BD. We a...

4. MR perfusion imaging in diagnostics of brain pathologies

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:13:02 +0100

The knowledge of parameters which describe oxygen and nutrients supply to tissues is essential from standpoint of diagnostics and follow-up of pathologies of brain. Due to their low spatial resolution MR angiographic techniques cannot visualize blood flow inside bulk tissue. MR perfusion imaging is technique which use drop in tissue signal during the first pass of contrast agent in order to obtain the haemodynamic parameters which describe perfusion. Calculation of those values requires determination of time course of change of agent concentration in both tissue and feeding artery. Decrease in MR signal is proportional to intravascular concentration of contrast agent, which provides basis for calculation of regional cerebral volume (rCBV), regional cerebral flow (rCBF) and mean transition ...

CTA Superior to Exercise Testing for Evaluation of Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:04:17 +0100

Exercise testing is sensitive for coronary artery disease when ST-segment changes, angina, and hemodynamic variables are considered - but it's still not as sensitive as computed tomographic angiography (CTA), a study from Denmark shows. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

X-ray computed tomography of the heart

British Medical Bulletin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:36:34 +0100

Introduction Cardiac imaging is an emerging application of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). This review summarizes the current capabilities, possible applications, limitations and developments of cardiac CT. Sources of data Relevant publications in peer reviewed literature and national and international guidelines are used to discuss important issues in cardiac CT imaging. Areas of agreement and controversy There is broad consensus that coronary CT angiography is indicated in patients with an intermediate pre-test probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) when other non-invasive tests have been equivocal. In this context, CT can reliably exclude significant CAD. Cardiac CT also has an established role in the evaluation of bypass grafts and suspected coronary anomalies. Radiat...

Effectively Evaluating The Hemodynamics Of Gastric Varices

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Gastric varices (GV) are an important complication of portal hypertension. As an almost atraumatic method, computed tomography (CT) angiography has been used widely to show the portal vein system. However, the collateral circulation of GV in different locations has been reported only rarely. A research article published on February 28, 2010 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology addresses this problem... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Effectively Evaluating The Hemodynamics Of Gastric Varices

GastroIntestinal News From Medical News Today — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Gastric varices (GV) are an important complication of portal hypertension. As an almost atraumatic method, computed tomography (CT) angiography has been used widely to show the portal vein system. However, the collateral circulation of GV in different locations has been reported only rarely... (Source: GastroIntestinal News From Medical News Today)

Asymptomatic uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after cesarean section

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report an asymptomatic postpartum woman with uterine artery pseudoaneurysm after CS. We also provide a review of published reports of pseudoaneurysm after CS. A 31-year-old Japanese woman underwent CS, in which the uterine incision was extended laterally. Routine postoperative evaluation with vaginal ultrasound on postpartum day 6 revealed a parauterine mass with a maximum diameter of 49 mm with swirling flow. Selective angiography confirmed this mass as a uterine artery pseudoaneurysm. Uterine artery embolization was performed with success. Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm should be listed as a differential diagnosis of pelvic mass after CS. (Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research)

Non-gadolinium-enhanced 3-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography for the evaluation of thoracic aortic disease: a preliminary experience.

Texas Heart Institute Journal — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:20:04 +0100

In conclusion, NC-MRA is a useful alternative for evaluation and follow-up of thoracic aortic disease, especially for patients with poor intravenous access or contraindications to gadolinium use. PMID: 20200628 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Texas Heart Institute Journal)

Variation in High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels over 24 Hours in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

Texas Heart Institute Journal — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:20:04 +0100

Authors: Koc M, Karaarslan O, Abali G, Batur MK Limited, controversial data exist regarding changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels over short times and the importance of detecting these changes in patients who have coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the variation of hs-CRP levels and their association with the severity of CAD in patients with stable CAD.We measured morning, midday, evening, and midnight hs-CRP levels in 124 patients (94 with CAD, 30 with normal coronary arteries), who were evaluated via coronary angiography and Gensini scoring. Patients were divided into 3 groups (normal coronary arteries, mild CAD, or severe CAD) according to Gensini score.Temporal hs-CRP levels varied significantly-the highest mean concentrations were found in the ...

Evaluation of a pig femoral head osteonecrosis model

BioMed Central — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Optical and CT imaging analyses revealed that in this present pig model the ligatures around the femoral neck were the primary cause of induction of avascular osteonecrosis. Since the vessels surrounding the femoral neck are comprised of the branches of the medial and the lateral femoral circumflex vessels, together with the extracapsular arterial ring and the lateral epiphyseal arteries, augmentation of blood circulation in those arteries will improve pathogenetic alterations in the necrotic femoral head. Our pig model can be used for further femoral head osteonecrosis studies. (Source: BioMed Central)

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Predictors of embolization during protected renal artery angioplasty and stenting: Role of antiplatelet therapy

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Capture of DE and specifically platelet DE are common during protected renal stenting using a filter-type EPD. Abciximab use, and potentially combined thienopyridine and abciximab use, decreased the rate of platelet rich DE; however, only abciximab improved renal function at 1-month. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions)

Winning from Boosting Good Cholesterol (RVXCF, RVX, PFE, AZN, MRK)

BioHealth Investor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:13:34 +0100

BioHealthInvestor usually sticks to US companies or at least sticks to ADRs for investors. But sometimes there is a much larger bit of data either north of the border or in Europe. There is a company called Resverlogix Corp. which trades in Canada under the ticker ‘RVX’ and the stock also trades in the US on the Pink Sheets under the ticker ‘RVXCF.’ The stock is soaring today after Bloomberg gave a very positive article highlighting the merits of the company’s RVX-208. This potential drug candidate is targeting atherosclerosis in acute coronary syndrome patients. The target is to raise HDL levels to effectively reverse arterial plaque buildup. The company noted that there are approximately 350 million patients that require treatment for atheroscl...

Duplex ultrasonography, magnetic resonance angiography, and computed tomography angiography for diagnosis and assessment of symptomatic, lower limb peripheral arterial disease: systematic review

BMJ Online First — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:49:26 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

Varian Medical Systems To Highlight Leading Solutions For Digital X-Ray Imaging At The ECR Annual Meeting

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: VAR), X-Ray Products, will be showcasing its full line of PaxScan® X-ray image detectors for filmless imaging at the European Congress of Radiology Annual (ECR) meeting in Vienna, Austria from March 4 - 8, 2010. Varian will also highlight X-ray tubes for fluoroscopy, angiography, cardiology and cone-beam CT imaging. "Varian's PaxScan® line is the broadest selection of digital X-ray imaging detectors in the industry," said Steve Kimmel, Vice President Marketing for Varian X-Ray Products... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)