Left ventricular function and volumes from gated [N]-ammonia positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging: A prospective head-to-head comparison against CMR using a hybrid PET/MR device.

Background: Positron emission tomography (PET) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) can be used to evaluate left ventricular (LV) volumes and function. We performed a head-to-head comparison of LV function and volumes obtained simultaneously using [N]-ammonia-PET and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), with the latter serving as the reference standard.

Methods And Results: In this prospective study, 51 patients underwent [N]-ammonia-PET MPI and CMR using a hybrid PET/MR device.

Coronary artery lumen volume index as a marker of flow-limiting atherosclerosis-validation against N-ammonia positron emission tomography.

Objectives: Coronary artery volume indexed to left myocardial mass (CAVi), derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), has been proposed as an indicator of diffuse atherosclerosis. We investigated the association of CAVi with quantitative flow parameters and its ability to predict ischemia as derived from N-ammonia positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (PET-MPI).

Methods: Sixty patients who underwent hybrid CCTA/PET-MPI due to suspected CAD were retrospectively included.

Splenic switch-off as a novel marker for adenosine response in nitrogen-13 ammonia PET myocardial perfusion imaging: Cross-validation against CMR using a hybrid PET/MR device.

Background: No methodology is available to distinguish truly reduced myocardial flow reserve (MFR) in positron emission tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (PET MPI) from seemingly impaired MFR due to inadequate adenosine response. The adenosine-induced splenic switch-off (SSO) sign has been proposed as a potential marker for adequate adenosine response in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). We assessed the feasibility of detecting SSO in nitrogen-13 ammonia PET MPI using SSO in CMR as the standard of reference.

Validation of deep-learning image reconstruction for coronary computed tomography angiography: Impact on noise, image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

Background: Advances in image reconstruction are necessary to decrease radiation exposure from coronary CT angiography (CCTA) further, but iterative reconstruction has been shown to degrade image quality at high levels. Deep-learning image reconstruction (DLIR) offers unique opportunities to overcome these limitations. The present study compared the impact of DLIR and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo (ASiR-V) on quantitative and qualitative image parameters and the diagnostic accuracy of CCTA using invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as the standard of reference.

Association between reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration & coronary heart disease.

Background & Objectives: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) facilitates neuronal survival, differentiation and synaptic connectivity and affects neurotransmission throughout the brain. However, it has also a modulatory role in energy homeostasis, obesity and cardiovascular function. Obesity, high body mass index (BMI) and dyslipidaemia, among other factors, contribute to coronary heart disease (CHD) development.

The influence of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and catechol -methyltransferase gene polymorphism on the efficacy of insulin detemir therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Type II diabetes is an important health problem with a complex connection to obesity, leading to a broad range of cardiovascular complications. Insulin therapy often results in weight gain and does not always ensure adequate glycemic control. However, previous studies reported that insulin detemir is an efficient long-acting insulin with a weight sparing effect.