Impact of a dedicated cardiac protocol on diagnosis of infective endocarditis in patients undergoing [F]-FDG-thoracic digital-PET/CT - Effects of expertise level.

Background: This study aimed to assess the impact of dedicated cardiac protocol (DCP) on diagnostic accuracy of state-of-the-art digital [F]-FDG-PET/CT in infective endocarditis (IE) and the intra-individual comparison of the performance with that of conventional whole-body approach (WBA) and to analyze the effects of the expertise level of the investigators.

Methods: 44 patients suspected for IE underwent digital-FDG-PET/CT after overnight fasting. Each three consultants and trainees reread PET images blinded to the examination approach and clinical information.

Association of In-Hospital Hemoglobin Drop With Decreased Myocardial Salvage and Increased Long-Term Mortality in Patients With Acute ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background Anemia and blood loss occur often in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In-hospital hemoglobin drop is associated with 1-year mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, data on the effect of hemoglobin reduction on myocardial salvage and long-term outcomes are scarce.