Prognostic value of multimodality imaging in the contemporary management of cardiac sarcoidosis.

Background: Echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging play key roles in the diagnosis and management of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), but the relative value of each modality in predicting outcomes has yet to be determined. This study sought to determine the prognostic importance of multimodality imaging data over and above demographic characteristics and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods: Consecutive patients newly diagnosed with CS were included.

Ascertaining the prognostic role of cardiac resynchronisation therapy in cardiac sarcoidosis: A comparison with ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) has demonstrated short and long-term benefit in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), including ischaemic (ICM) and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding its role in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS).

Methods: Consecutive CS patients with CRT and baseline left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF)≤40 referred to one specialist hospital in London between November 2008-March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed.

Outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in cardiac sarcoidosis patients with a range of ejection fractions.

Aims: In cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) patients, the benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains unclear. We sought to assess the short-term and long-term effects of CRT in CS patients with a range of left ventricular (LV) ejection fractions (LVEFs).

Methods: Consecutive CS patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; LVEF ≤ 40%), mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF; LVEF 41%-49%) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; LVEF ≥ 50) treated with CRT under the care of a tertiary UK centre between 2008 and 2023 were reviewed.

Emergence and evolution of standardization systems in medical biology laboratories.

Introduction: The history of standardization relating to the activities of medical laboratories traces the development of quality system standards in the world, and their evolution.

Content: In this study, we have included the key benchmarks that represent the stages of the quality system's evolution in recent decades. Accreditation of medical laboratories has become compulsory in most countries, regarding national or international standards.

The role of infliximab in treating refractory cardiac sarcoidosis. Case series and systematic review of literature.

Cardiac sarcoidosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Immunosuppressive treatment focuses on suppressing myocardial inflammation, which can lead to major adverse events especially when progressing to fibrosis. Conventional management usually includes steroids and steroid sparing agents such as methotrexate and azathioprine.

Characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with sarcoidosis admitted for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in the United States: a propensity matched analysis from the National Inpatient Sample.

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterised by non-caseating granulomas. Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) normally causes conduction abnormalities, ventricular arrhythmias, and heart failure. Little is known about the characteristics and impact of sarcoidosis in patients admitted with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Role of serial F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in determining the therapeutic efficacy of immunosuppression and clinical outcome in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis.

Background: Myocardial inflammation and perfusion defects detected by F-fludeoxyglucose (FDG) and Rubidium-82 positron emission tomography (PET) may be associated with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). The role of serial quantitative PET in determining the effect of treatment on myocardial inflammation and clinical outcomes is yet to be defined.

Methods: Newly diagnosed CS patients with active myocardial inflammation (maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) ≥ 2.

Prevalence, characteristics and clinical impact of work-related musculoskeletal pain in echocardiography.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP) is increasingly recognised in cardiac ultrasound practice. WRMSP can impact workforce health, productivity and sustainability. We sought to investigate the prevalence, characteristics and clinical impact of WRMSP.

Racial disparities among patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and arrhythmias in the United States: A propensity matched-analysis from the national inpatient sample database 2016-2020.

Background: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is frequently associated with conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias. In this study, we aim to evaluate racial disparities in the frequency of arrhythmias, and associated co-morbidities, among patients with CS.

Methods: White and African American (AA) patients diagnosed with CS were identified and compared from the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database whilst adjusting for confounders via logistic regression models.

Echocardiography versus Cardiac MRI for Measurement of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Individuals with Cancer and Suspected Cardiotoxicity.

Purpose To compare left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measured with echocardiography and cardiac MRI in individuals with cancer and suspected cardiotoxicity and assess the potential effect on downstream clinical decision-making. Materials and Methods In this prospective, single-center observational cohort study, participants underwent same-day two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography and cardiac MRI between 2011 and 2021. Participants with suboptimal image quality were excluded.

Viability and Outcomes With Revascularization or Medical Therapy in Ischemic Ventricular Dysfunction: A Prespecified Secondary Analysis of the REVIVED-BCIS2 Trial.

Importance: In the Revascularization for Ischemic Ventricular Dysfunction (REVIVED-BCIS2) trial, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) did not improve outcomes for patients with ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. Whether myocardial viability testing had prognostic utility for these patients or identified a subpopulation who may benefit from PCI remained unclear.

Objective: To determine the effect of the extent of viable and nonviable myocardium on the effectiveness of PCI, prognosis, and improvement in left ventricular function.

Predictors of outcome in a contemporary cardiac sarcoidosis population: Role of brain natriuretic peptide, left ventricular function and myocardial inflammation.

Aims: Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a potentially fatal condition that varies in its clinical presentation. Here, we describe baseline characteristics at presentation along with prognosis and predictors of outcome in a sizable and deeply phenotyped contemporary cohort of CS patients.

Methods And Results: Consecutive CS patients seen at one institution were retrospectively enrolled after undergoing laboratory testing, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and F-flourodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) at baseline.

Torrential mitral regurgitation following right ventricular apical pacing in rheumatic mitral valve disease: a case report.

Background: Mitral regurgitation may develop or worsen following right ventricular apical pacing due to dyssynchronous left ventricular contraction. Pre-existing secondary mitral annular dilation is a well-recognized and important contributing factor. This description of pacing-induced torrential mitral regurgitation in the setting of rheumatic mitral valve disease is a rare case in which a primary mitral valve lesion was the antecedent mechanism.

The Role of Echocardiography in the Contemporary Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Comprehensive Review.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a rare inflammatory disorder characterised by the presence of non-caseating granulomas within the myocardium. Contemporary studies have revealed that 25-30% of patients with systemic sarcoidosis have cardiac involvement, with detection rates increasing in the era of advanced cardiac imaging. The use of late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance and fluorodeoxy glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging has superseded endomyocardial biopsy for the diagnosis of CS.

Comparative effectiveness of exercise electrocardiography versus exercise echocardiography in women presenting with suspected coronary artery disease: a randomized study.

Aims: There is a paucity of randomized diagnostic studies in women with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). This study sought to assess the relative value of exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) compared with exercise electrocardiography (Ex-ECG) in women with CAD.

Methods And Results: Accordingly, 416 women with no prior CAD and intermediate probability of CAD (mean pre-test probability 41%), were randomized to undergo either Ex-ECG or ESE.

Aortic dissection presenting as a stroke: a case report.

Aortic dissection is an uncommon yet frequently fatal illness. Patients generally present with tearing chest pain with possible acute hemodynamic instability. Hence, early diagnosis and intervention is critical for survival.