Assessing diagnostic accuracy of intravascular imaging for functionally significant coronary stenosis: updated findings from a meta-analysis.

Background: Accurate discrimination of functionally significant coronary stenosis using intravascular imaging remains uncertain, particularly with regard to vessel size. This meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic performance of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for identifying functionally significant coronary stenosis as confirmed by fractional flow reserve (FFR).

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar identified studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of IVUS and OCT by minimal luminal area (MLA) with FFR as the reference standard.

The impact of vaccination status on post-acute sequelae in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors using a multi-disciplinary approach: An observational single center study.

Background: COVID-19 vaccines reduced mortality, hospitalizations and ICUs admissions. Conversely, the impact of vaccination on Long COVID-19 syndrome is still unclear. This study compared the prevalence of post-acute sequelae at short and long-term follow-up among hospitalized unvaccinated and vaccinated COVID-19 survivors through a multidisciplinary approach.

Celiac Disease and Inflammatory Cardiomyopathies: Exploring the Heart-Gut Axis.

: Celiac disease (CD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events, especially inflammatory heart diseases. We aimed to gather evidence on the association between CD and inflammatory CV diseases, including pericarditis and myocarditis, and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. : The PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies assessing the prevalence and the long-term outcomes of patients with CD and inflammatory CV diseases.

Invasive and conservative management of elderly patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and adjusted observational studies.

Background: Elderly patients are often under-represented in studies about coronary revascularization in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and undertreated in clinical practice. We sought to evaluate differences in outcomes between an initial invasive or conservative strategy in this subset of patients, METHODS: The analysis was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and adjusted observational studies comparing an invasive and conservative strategy in old patients with ACS were systematically identified.

Impact of Small Aortic Annuli on the Performance of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Bioprostheses: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Recent Studies.

A metanalysis of available randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing self-expanding (SE) and balloon-expandable (BE) bioprostheses in patients with small aortic annulus and aortic stenosis for short- and midterm hemodynamic and clinical outcomes was performed. A total of 21 studies with a total 8,647 patients (SE: n = 4,336 patients vs BE: n = 4,311 patients) were included. SE bioprostheses had a lower postoperative mean gradient at 30 days (Mean Difference [MD] -5.

The Role of High-Sensitivity Troponin T Regarding Prognosis and Cardiovascular Outcome across Heart Failure Spectrum.

Cardiac troponin release is related to the cardiomyocyte loss occurring in heart failure (HF). The prognostic role of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) in several settings of HF is under investigation. The aim of the study is to assess the prognostic role of intrahospital hs-cTnT in patients admitted due to HF.

Comparison between Imaging and Physiology in Guiding Coronary Revascularization: A Meta-Analysis.

: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a widely used revascularization strategy for coronary artery disease. The choice between imaging-guided and physiology-guided PCI has been a subject of debate. This meta-analysis aims to systematically compare outcomes between imaging and physiology-guided PCI and management of intermediate coronary lesions (ICLs).

Increased prevalence of high-risk coronary plaques in metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease patients: A meta-analysis.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA) can assess both the extent and the features of coronary plaques. We aimed to gather evidence about the prevalence and features of coronary plaques among MASLD patients.

Sizing SGLT2 Inhibitors Up: From a Molecular to a Morpho-Functional Point of View.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), or gliflozins, have recently been shown to reduce cardiovascular death and hospitalization in patients with heart failure, representing a revolutionary therapeutic tool. The purpose of this review is to explore their multifaceted mechanisms of actions, beyond their known glucose reduction power. The cardioprotective effects of gliflozins seem to be linked to the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and to an action on the main metabolic pathways.

Impact of diabetes on long-term outcomes of bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention. An analysis from the BIFURCAT registry.

Background: It is still unclear the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) in complex coronary lesions treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) which themselves are at increased incidence of adverse events.

Methods: BIFURCAT registry encompassed patients treated with PCI for coronary bifurcation lesion from the COBIS III and the RAIN registry. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major cardiovascular adverse event (MACE), a composite and mutual exclusive of all-cause death or myocardial infarction (MI) or target-lesion revascularization (TLR).

Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA): Focus on Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction and Genetic Susceptibility.

Among the most common causes of death worldwide, ischemic heart disease (IHD) is recognized to rank first. Even if atherosclerotic disease of the epicardial arteries is known as the leading cause of IHD, the presence of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) is increasingly recognized. Notwithstanding the increasing interest, MINOCA remains a puzzling clinical entity that can be classified by distinguishing different underlying mechanisms, which can be divided into atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic.