Kounis Syndrome in Clinical Practice: Insights from Clinical Case Series and Mechanistic Pathways.

Kounis syndrome (KS) is a rare condition where hypersensitivity reactions trigger coronary vasospasm, destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, or stent thrombosis, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its overlap with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the absence of specific guidelines. This study reviews cases of KS from the Institute of Cardiovascular Disease to highlight clinical presentations, triggers, and treatment strategies. We analyzed four cases of KS treated at our institution between 2019 and 2024.

Impact of Newly Diagnosed Left Bundle Branch Block on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients with STEMI.

: This study assessed the long-term prognostic implications of newly developed left bundle branch block (LBBB) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and a single coronary lesion, following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Among 3526 patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction between January 2011 and December 2013, 42 were identified with STEMI, a single coronary lesion, and newly diagnosed LBBB. A control group of 42 randomly selected STEMI patients without LBBB was also included.

Beyond Blood Sugar: How Left Atrium Strain Predicts Cardiac Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.

Speckle tracking echocardiography is an innovative imaging technique that evaluates myocardial motion, including the function of the left atrium (LA). The assessment of the left atrium's function across its dimensions can have diagnostic and prognostic roles in various cardiovascular conditions. Left atrial strain has been recognized as a valuable predictor of mortality and cardiovascular incidents in the general population across various conditions.

Evaluating Long-Term Outcomes in STEMI Patients with New Left Bundle Branch Block: The Impact of Modifiable Risk Factors.

: Coronary artery disease, a leading global cause of death, highlights the essential need for early detection and management of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors to prevent further coronary events. : This study, conducted at a major tertiary academic PCI-capable hospital in Romania from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013, prospectively analyzed 387 myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) patients to assess the long-term management of modifiable risk factors. This study particularly focused on patients with new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) and compared them with a matched control group without LBBB.

Cardiac and Renal Fibrosis, the Silent Killer in the Cardiovascular Continuum: An Up-to-Date.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often coexist and have a major impact on patient prognosis. Organ fibrosis plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardio-renal syndrome (CRS), explaining the high incidence of heart failure and sudden cardiac death in these patients. Various mediators and mechanisms have been proposed as contributors to the alteration of fibroblasts and collagen turnover, varying from hemodynamic changes to the activation of the renin-angiotensin system, involvement of FGF 23, and Klotho protein or collagen deposition.

Patient-Related Factors Predicting Stent Thrombosis in Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.

Over the past four decades, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) safety and efficacy have significantly improved, particularly with the advent of the drug-eluting stent (DES). First-generation DESs reduced in-stent restenosis rates and targeted lesion revascularization; however, safety issues emerged, due to high incidences of stent thrombosis (ST) linked to death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization. Second-generation DESs were developed to overcome these issues, reducing late-thrombotic-event risk while maintaining anti-restenosis efficacy.

A Systematic Review on the Risk Modulators of Myocardial Infarction in the "Young"-Implications of Lipoprotein (a).

The presence of a myocardial infarction at a younger age is of special interest, considering the psychological and socioeconomic impact, as well as long-term morbidity and mortality. However, this group has a unique risk profile, with less traditional cardiovascular risk factors that are not well studied. This systematic review aims to evaluate traditional risk factors of myocardial infarction in the "young", highlighting the clinical implications of lipoprotein (a).

From Classic to Modern Prognostic Biomarkers in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Despite all the important advances in its diagnosis and treatment, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still one of the most prominent causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of patients at high risk of poor outcomes through the measurement of various biomarker concentrations might contribute to more accurate risk stratification and help to guide more individualized therapeutic strategies, thus improving prognoses. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the role and applications of cardiac biomarkers in risk stratification and prognostic assessment for patients with myocardial infarction.