Invasive fractional-flow-reserve prediction by coronary CT angiography using artificial intelligence vs. computational fluid dynamics software in intermediate-grade stenosis.

Coronary computed angiography (CCTA) with non-invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) calculates lesion-specific ischemia when compared with invasive FFR and can be considered for patients with stable chest pain and intermediate-grade stenoses according to recent guidelines. The objective of this study was to compare a new CCTA-based artificial-intelligence deep-learning model for FFR prediction (FFR) to computational fluid dynamics CT-derived FFR (FFR) in patients with intermediate-grade coronary stenoses with FFR as reference standard. The FFR model was trained with curved multiplanar-reconstruction CCTA images of 500 stenotic vessels in 413 patients, using FFR measurements as the ground truth.

Design, manufacturing and testing of a green non-isocyanate polyurethane prosthetic heart valve.

The sole effective treatment for most patients with heart valve disease is valve replacement by implantation of mechanical or biological prostheses. However, mechanical valves represent high risk of thromboembolism, and biological prostheses are prone to early degeneration. In this work, we aim to determine the potential of novel environmentally-friendly non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) for manufacturing synthetic prosthetic heart valves.

Protective Effect of Ticagrelor Against Infective Endocarditis Induced by Virulent in Mice.

In addition to its potent antiplatelet activity, ticagrelor possesses antibacterial properties against gram-positive bacteria. We wondered whether the typical clinical dosage of ticagrelor could prevent the development of infective endocarditis caused by highly virulent . Ticagrelor prevented vegetation formation in a mouse model of inflammation-induced endocarditis.

Exercise-induced myocardial T1 increase and right ventricular dysfunction in recreational cyclists: a CMR study.

Purpose: Although cardiac troponin I (cTnI) increase following strenuous exercise has been observed, the development of exercise-induced myocardial edema remains unclear. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) native T1/T2 mapping is sensitive to the pathological increase of myocardial water content. Therefore, we evaluated exercise-induced acute myocardial changes in recreational cyclists by incorporating biomarkers, echocardiography and CMR.

Bioactive surface coating for preventing mechanical heart valve thrombosis.

Background: Prosthetic heart valves are the only treatment for most patients with severe valvular heart disease. Mechanical valves, made of metallic components, are the most long-lasting type of replacement valves. However, they are prone to thrombosis and require permanent anticoagulation and monitoring, which leads to higher risk of bleeding and impacts the patient's quality of life.

Abduction Arthro-Fluoroscopy in Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder.

This technical note describes a method of diagnosing adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder based on the real-time study of abduction movement under fluoroscopy control after opacification of the joint cavity with contrast media. This movement passively or actively shows a limitation of the abduction, a scapulohumeral block, or a weak or even an absence of rolling of the humeral head in the glenoid cavity, transforming the abduction into a shoulder elevation.

Pulmonary Artery Sling Blurs the Distal Trachea on Frontal Chest Radiography.

The pulmonary artery sling can be suspected on frontal chest radiography, not only by ancillary findings like lobe/lung emphysema or persisting atelectasis, but also blurring of the distal trachea or carina.

Differential Biological Effects of Dietary Lipids and Irradiation on the Aorta, Aortic Valve, and the Mitral Valve.

Aims: Dietary cholesterol and palmitic acid are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affecting the arteries and the heart valves. The ionizing radiation that is frequently used as an anticancer treatment promotes CVD. The specific pathophysiology of these distinct disease manifestations is poorly understood.

Regular Dietary Intake of Palmitate Causes Vascular and Valvular Calcification in a Rabbit Model.

Palmitic acid (PA) and oleic acid (OA) are two main dietary fatty acids. Dietary intake of PA has been associated with cardiovascular disease risk, and the effect of OA remains uncertain. Our study aimed to assess the effect of a short-term intake of lard, as source of PA and OA, on aorta and aortic valve.

Case Series: Pulmonary Artery Intramural Hematoma in Stanford Type A Acute Aortic Dissection.

Diagnosing acute ascending aortic dissection in patients with equivocal radiologic data may rely on associated findings such as pulmonary artery intramural hematoma. The immediate diagnosis of aortic dissection is paramount in its management. Its diagnosis may be challenging on computed tomography when the intimal flap, pathognomonic of dissection, is not readily visualized.

Synthesis of ticagrelor analogues belonging to 1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines and study of their antiplatelet and antibacterial activity.

Based on the recent observation that the antiplatelet agent ticagrelor and one of its metabolite exert bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria, a series of 1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines structurally related to ticagrelor were synthesized and examined as putative antiplatelet and antibacterial agents. The aim was to assess the possibility of dissociating the two biological properties and to find novel 1,2,3-triazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidines expressing antiplatelet activity and devoid of in vitro antibacterial activity. The new compounds synthesized were known metabolites of ticagrelor as well as structurally simplified analogues.

Dexfenfluramine and Pergolide Cause Heart Valve Disease via Valve Metabolic Reprogramming and Ongoing Matrix Remodeling.

Several clinical reports indicate that the use of amphetaminic anorectic drugs or ergot derivatives could cause valvular heart disease (VHD). We sought to investigate whether valvular lesions develop in response to long-term oral administration of these drugs and to identify drug-targeted biological processes that may lead to VHD. Treatment of New Zealand White rabbits with pergolide, dexfenfluramine, or high-dose serotonin for 16 weeks induced valvular alterations characterized by extracellular matrix remodeling.

Systemic versus Pulmonary Bleeding in Lung Infection: Value of CT in Two Cases.

Bronchial and pulmonary artery aneurysms are rare causes of hemoptysis in the course of lung infection, for which early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent fatal bleeding. Depending on patient condition, these occurrences are amenable to computed tomography (CT) to determine both the cause of hemoptysis and the bleeding site in order to plan the most effective bleeding-control procedure. In this report, we illustrate the importance of the bleeding site identification using CT in two cases of infection-related hemoptysis.

Value of Relative Myocardial Perfusion at MRI for Fractional Flow Reserve-Defined Ischemia: A Pilot Study.

Correcting the perfusion in areas distal to coronary stenosis (risk) according to that of normal (remote) areas defines the relative myocardial perfusion index, which is similar to the fractional flow reserve (FFR) concept. The aim of this study was to assess the value of relative myocardial perfusion by MRI in predicting lesion-specific inducible ischemia as defined by FFR. Forty-six patients (33 men and 13 women; mean [± SD] age, 61 ± 9 years) who underwent adenosine perfusion MRI and FFR measurement distal to 49 coronary artery stenoses during coronary angiography were retrospectively evaluated.