The impact of revascularization on myocardial blood flow as assessed by positron emission tomography.

Purpose: Revascularization aims to improve myocardial perfusion. However, changes in regional artery-specific quantitative perfusion after revascularization have not been systematically investigated. It is unclear whether artery-specific thresholds for coronary flow capacity (CFC) and/or relative perfusion predict improved stress perfusion after revascularization.

Pathophysiology and Prevention of Heart Disease in Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a public health problem worldwide, and it has large implications for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this article, we discuss the etiology and pathophysiology of CVD in DM including the effects of abnormal glucose homeostasis, genetic factors, epigenetics, apoptosis, common pathophysiological mechanisms shared by both DM and CVD, and contributions of other comorbidities. We then cover the pathogenesis of both atherosclerotic disease and cardiomyopathy in relation to DM.

Valvular Heart Disease in Cancer Patients: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management.

Cardiac valvular disease as consequence of radiation and chemotherapy during treatment for malignancy is growing in its awareness. While the overwhelming emphasis in this population has been on the monitoring and preservation of left ventricular systolic function, we are now developing a greater appreciation for the plethora of cardiac sequelae beyond this basic model. To this end many institutions across the country have developed cardio-oncology programs, which are collaborative practices between oncologists and cardiologists in order to minimize a patient's cardiovascular risk while allowing them to receive the necessary treatment for their cancer.

Rituximab-Induced Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Rituximab has rarely been associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We report the case of a patient in whom rituximab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat lymphomas of B-cell origin, induced ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Case Report: A 46-year-old male patient diagnosed with stage II non-Hodgkin lymphoma presented to the emergency department with acute crushing, substernal chest pain that radiated to his back 1 day after a chemotherapy infusion with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone.

Risk assessment and management of anthracycline and HER2 receptor inhibitor-induced cardiomyopathy.

With the advent and increased use of chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy, cancer survival rates have increased. With increased survival, both acute and chronic cardiotoxic adverse effects have emerged. The growing need for managing the treatment of individuals with chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity has led to the formation of cardio-oncology programs throughout the United States.