Ticagrelor use in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: one year follow up in a community hospital.

Background: Current guidelines from American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend ticagrelor over clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We have observed many patients being switched from ticagrelor to clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in our hospital. Our goal is to evaluate the use rate of ticagrelor and categorize the reasons for non-use.

Is obstructive sleep apnea associated with ventricular tachycardia? A retrospective study from the National Inpatient Sample and a literature review on the pathogenesis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a known independent risk factor for a multiple cardiovascular morbidities and mortality. The association of OSA and ventricular arrhythmias is less well understood. The aim of this analysis is to study the relationship between OSA and ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Recurrent Pseudomonas aortic root abscess complicating mitral valve endocarditis.

We report on a man with Pseudomonas aeruginosa endocarditis causing an aortic root abscess. He underwent surgery with a homograft aortic root replacement and insertion of a tissue aortic valve. The patient then manifested recurrent aortic root infection and respiratory arrest, and eventually succumbed to sepsis.

Interobserver reliability in the assessment of coronary stenoses by multidetector computed tomography.

Objective: To determine the interobserver reliability for grading coronary stenosis severity with coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA).

Methods: Five readers independently reviewed 40 CCTA studies, first the axial images alone, then in combination with multiplanar reconstructions. The stenosis severity in each segment was scored on a 5-point scale.

The role of calcium score and CT angiography in the medical management of patients with normal myocardial perfusion imaging.

Background: Individuals with normal myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) may still have substantial coronary artery disease (CAD), which would benefit from aggressive medical therapy. The role of coronary artery calcium-score (CAC) and/or coronary CT Angiography (CTA) to identify additional treatment candidates in this population is unknown.

Methods: Ninety-four patients completed the study protocol and underwent CAC and CTA after MPI.