Exhaled Breath Analysis Using Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry and Disease Severity in Heart Failure.

Exhaled breath volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are elevated in heart failure (HF). The ability of VOCs to predict long term cardiovascular mortality and morbidity has not been independently verified. In 55 patients admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), we measured exhaled breath acetone and pentane levels upon admission and after 48 h of diuresis.

Ascending aorta mechanics and dimensions in aortopathy - from science to application.

The ascending aorta has a unique microstructure and biomechanical properties that allow it to absorb energy during systole and return energy during diastole (Windkessel effect). Derangements in aortic architecture can result in changes to biomechanics and inefficiencies in function. Ultimately biomechanical failure may occur resulting in aortic dissection or rupture.

Loeys-Dietz syndrome: Intermediate-term outcomes of medically and surgically managed patients.

Objectives: Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is an aggressive connective tissue disorder associated with increased risk of aortic dissection and aneurysm rupture at an early age and smaller aortic diameters. We report our experience with LDS to better understand its natural history and treatment outcomes and help establish treatment guidelines.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with LDS who underwent medical or surgical treatment at Cleveland Clinic before April 27, 2017.

Massive aggrecan and versican accumulation in thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection.

Proteoglycan accumulation is a hallmark of medial degeneration in thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD). Here, we defined the aortic proteoglycanome using mass spectrometry, and based on the findings, investigated the large aggregating proteoglycans aggrecan and versican in human ascending TAAD and a mouse model of severe Marfan syndrome. The aortic proteoglycanome comprises 20 proteoglycans including aggrecan and versican.

Breath analysis in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive and devastating condition characterized by vascular cell proliferation and is associated with several metabolic derangements. We hypothesized that metabolic derangements in PAH can be detected by measuring metabolic by-products in exhaled breath.

Methods: We collected breath and blood samples from patients with PAH at the time of right-sided heart catheterization (n=31) and from healthy control subjects (n=34).

Cardiovascular biomarkers in exhaled breath.

With each breath that we exhale, thousands of molecules are expelled in our breath, giving individuals a "breath-print" that can tell a lot about them and their state of health. Breath analysis is rapidly evolving as the new frontier in medical testing. The end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century have arguably witnessed a revolution in our understanding of the constituents of exhaled breath and the development of the field of breath analysis and testing.