Optimal long-term anticoagulation after acute pulmonary embolism: current state of the art and a look into the near future.

Purpose Of Review: This review aims to summarize the current state of the art and future directions in optimal long-term anticoagulation following acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

Recent Findings: Actual studies and guidelines underscore the preference for direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) in standard therapeutic doses for maintenance therapy post-PE, while considering patient-specific factors and dose-reduction criteria. Risk stratification should always include the assessment of concomitant trigger- or risk factors regarding their strength and persistence.

Impact of familiarity with the format of the exam on performance in the OSCE of undergraduate medical students - an interventional study.

Background: Assessments, such as summative structured examinations, aim to verify whether students have acquired the necessary competencies. It is important to familiarize students with the examination format prior to the assessment to ensure that true competency is measured. However, it is unclear whether students can demonstrate their true potential or possibly perform less effectively due to the unfamiliar examination format.

Hepatocyte growth factor as indicator for subclinical atherosclerosis.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic cytokine mainly produced by mesenchymal cells. After endothelial damage by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), HGF is produced and released into the circulation in response. Due to this mechanism HGF has been proposed as possible clinical biomarker for clinical as well as subclinical atherosclerosis.

Increasing Soluble P-Selectin Levels Predict Higher Peripheral Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression.

Background And Aims: The adhesion molecule P-selectin is expressed by endothelial cells and platelets. It is involved in platelet activation and leukocyte adhesion, both important processes in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Our study was designed to assess the predictive value of soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) on the progression of peripheral atherosclerosis.

The angiogenic neuropeptide catestatin exerts beneficial effects on human coronary vascular cells and cardiomyocytes.

Introduction: Myocardial infarction (MI) induces irreversible tissue damage, eventually leading to heart failure. Exogenous induction of angiogenesis positively influences ventricular remodeling after MI. Recently, we could show that therapeutic angiogenesis by the neuropeptide catestatin (CST) restores perfusion in the mouse hind limb ischemia model by the induction of angio-, arterio- and vasculogenesis.

Inverse Correlation of Cholesterol Efflux Capacity with Peripheral Plaque Volume Measured by 3D Ultrasound.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a systemic multifocal illness called atherosclerosis that causes artery constriction and blockage. By causing cholesterol to build up in the artery wall, hypercholesterolemia is a major factor in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic plaque development. Reverse cholesterol transport is the process of transporting cholesterol from the periphery back to the liver through cholesterol efflux mediated by high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

High baseline fetuin-A levels are associated with lower atherosclerotic plaque progression as measured by 3D ultrasound.

Background And Aims: The glycoprotein fetuin-A has anti-inflammatory effects, increases insulin resistance and plays an important role in calcium metabolism. The aim of our study was to assess the predictive value of fetuin-A on atherosclerotic plaque progression in comparison to the established cardiovascular biomarker high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).

Methods: In this prospective, single center-, cohort study, we included 194 patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor or established cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Effect of chronic kidney disease and sex on carotid and femoral plaque volume as measured by three-dimensional ultrasound.

Introduction: Previously, we reported the association between cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) and the presence of cardiovascular disease with peripheral atherosclerosis. In this paper, we specifically aimed to investigate the association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and sex with carotid and femoral plaque volume.

Materials And Methods: 404 patients (median age 64; 57% men) with at least 1 CVRF or established cardiovascular disease where included into the study.

Association of Food and Alcohol Consumption with Peripheral Atherosclerotic Plaque Volume as Measured by 3D-Ultrasound.

Background: Food patterns and alcohol consumption influence the risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and a healthy nutrition is essential for the prevention of CVD. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of nutrition and alcohol consumption on peripheral atherosclerotic plaque volume (PV) using an innovative 3D ultrasound approach.

Methods: In this prospective, single centre study we included 342 patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor or established CVD.

NGAL Correlates with Femoral and Carotid Plaque Volume Assessed by Sonographic 3D Plaque Volumetry.

Background/objectives: Inflammation represents a cornerstone in the development of atherosclerosis and early detection is essential to avoid cardiovascular events. Biomarkers like interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, or high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) have been investigated intensively in this field. Since they have several limitations, additional biomarkers are needed for cardiovascular risk stratification.

Early onset of menopause is associated with increased peripheral atherosclerotic plaque volume and progression.

Background And Aims: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in western countries. One risk factor unique to women is the menopausal status. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the onset of menopause (MP) on the extent and progression of atherosclerotic plaque volume (PV).

Influence of Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Carotid and Femoral Atherosclerotic Plaque Volume as Measured by Three-Dimensional Ultrasound.

Background: Atherosclerosis is a systemic multifocal disease with a preference for the branching points of the arteries. In this study, we quantitatively measured carotid and femoral plaque volume in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and/or established atherosclerotic disease using a 3D ultrasound technique.

Methods: In this prospective, single-centre study, we included 404 patients (median age 64; 56.

Dabigatran Added to Dual Antiplatelet Therapy to Treat a Left Ventricular Thrombus in an 87 Year Old Patient With Myocardial Infarction and Very High Bleeding Risk.

A left ventricular (LV) thrombus is detected in approximately 5-10% of patients after myocardial infarction (MI). If left untreated, these LV thrombi carry a significant risk of complications including embolic stroke. According to current guidelines, anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is recommended to treat a LV thrombus.

Incidental finding of an absent left common carotid artery.

We describe a case of a young woman evaluated for Raynaud's phenomenon in whom an extremely rare variation, the absence of the left common carotid artery, was incidentally detected as an isolated finding. The detection of vascular anomalies may be important for future endovascular or surgical interventions.