Pathological findings at invasive assessment in MINOCA: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Pathological mechanisms of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) are heterogeneous, with an unknown impact on prognosis, and often remain unrecognised in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic impact of pathological findings by invasive coronary angiography (ICA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and coronary function testing in MINOCA.

Methods: Studies published until August 2023 were searched on PubMed and SCOPUS and included if reporting the prevalence of patients with non-obstructive coronary arteries (NObs-CA; 1-49% coronary stenosis) versus normal coronary arteries (NCA; 0% coronary stenosis) by ICA, pathological findings by OCT, and/or coronary vasomotor tests in MINOCA.

Noninvasive Assessment in Takotsubo Syndrome: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a transient left ventricular dysfunction whose diagnosis can be challenging due to its resemblance to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Despite the growing recognition of TTS, acute complications and long-term mortality rates are comparable to those observed in AMI patients. In this context, a systematic diagnostic approach is imperative for an accurate patient assessment, with due consideration of the distinctive characteristics and optimal timing of each imaging modality.

Impact of Newly Diagnosed Cancer on Bleeding Events in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

Background: In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the association between cancer and cardioembolic or bleeding risk during oral anticoagulant therapy still remains unclear.

Purpose: We aimed to assess the impact of cancer present at baseline (CB) or diagnosed during follow-up (CFU) on bleeding events in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for non-valvular AF (NVAF) compared with patients without CB or CFU, respectively.

Methods: All consecutive patients with NVAF treated with DOACs for stroke prevention were enrolled between January 2017 and March 2019.

Spectrum of electrocardiographic abnormalities in a large cohort of cardiac masses.

Background: Cardiac masses represent a heterogeneous clinical scenario. Potential electrocardiographic (ECG) red flags of malignancy remain to be investigated.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the spectrum of ECG abnormalities in a large cohort of cardiac masses and to evaluate potential red flags suggestive of malignancy.

Myocardial strain of the left ventricle by speckle tracking echocardiography: From physics to clinical practice.

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a reliable imaging technique of recognized clinical value in several settings. This method uses the motion of ultrasound backscatter speckles within echocardiographic images to derive myocardial velocities and deformation parameters, providing crucial insights on several cardiac pathological and physiological processes. Its feasibility, reproducibility, and accuracy have been widely demonstrated, being myocardial strain of the various chambers inserted in diagnostic algorithms and guidelines for various pathologies.

[Periprocedural myocardial injury and infarction after myocardial revascularization: incidence, clinical features and prognosis].

Myocardial revascularization, either percutaneous or surgical, is the cornerstone of chronic and acute ischemic coronary artery disease therapy. Periprocedural myocardial injury and infarction are possible complications of these procedures. Several pathogenetic mechanisms have been proposed in the setting of percutaneous (distal embolism, vasospasm, obstruction of a minor vessel) or surgical revascularization (prolonged ischemic time, early graft failure, arrhythmia or severe hypotension during the procedure).

Performance of Prognostic Scoring Systems in MINOCA: A Comparison among GRACE, TIMI, HEART, and ACEF Scores.

: the prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is not benign; thus, prompting the need to validate prognostic scoring systems for this population. : to evaluate and compare the prognostic performance of GRACE, TIMI, HEART, and ACEF scores in MINOCA patients. : A total of 250 MINOCA patients from January 2017 to September 2021 were included.

Sex- and age-related differences in outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction: MINOCA vs. MIOCA.

Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of sex on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients' clinical presentation and outcomes, comparing those with non-obstructive and obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA vs. MIOCA).

Methods And Results: We enrolled 2455 patients with AMI undergoing coronary angiography from January 2017 to September 2021.

Sex-Related Disparities in Cardiac Masses: Clinical Features and Outcomes.

Background: Cardiac masses (CM) represent a heterogeneous clinical scenario, and sex-related differences of these patients remain to be established.

Purpose: To evaluate sex-related disparities in CMs regarding clinical presentation and outcomes.

Material And Methods: The study cohort included 321 consecutive patients with CM enrolled in our Centre between 2004 and 2022.