The Effect of Severe Coronary Calcification on Diagnostic Performance of Computed Tomography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve Analyses in People with Coronary Artery Disease.

Background: Negative CCTA can effectively exclude significant CAD, eliminating the need for further noninvasive or invasive testing. However, in the presence of severe CAD, the accuracy declines, thus necessitating additional testing. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of noninvasive cFFR derived from CCTA, compared to ICA in detecting hemodynamically significant stenoses in participants with high CAC scores (>400).

The role of magnetic resonance imaging and the expression of MMP-9 protein in the analysis of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy: a prospective pilot study.

Components of carotid atherosclerotic plaque can be analysed preoperatively by non-invasive advanced imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein (MMP-9), which has a potential role in remodelling of atherosclerotic plaques, can be analysed immunohistochemically. The aim of the present prospective pilot study is to analyse histological characteristics and expression of MMP-9 in carotid plaques of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to investigate the correlation with preoperative clinical symptoms and MRI features.

Reperfusion therapy in a patient with early recurrence of ischemic stroke.

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has a high risk of recurrence, particularly in the early stage. Recurrent ischemic stroke (RIS) is associated with adverse neurological outcomes but the phenomenon of early RIS in the endovascular thrombectomy era has not been frequently discussed. We report a case addressing this issue.

Comparing image quality of single- and dual-energy computed tomography of the brain.

Purpose: Weighted average dual-energy computed tomography (DE-CT) reconstructions are considered a proxy of standard CT images of the brain, recommended for routine clinical use and used as a reference standard in DE-CT research. However, their image quality has not been assessed, which was the aim of our study.

Methods: Images from 81 consecutive patients who underwent both non-contrast single-energy (SE)-CT and DE-CT of the brain on the same scanner were retrospectively evaluated.

A simple prognostic model for assessing in-hospital mortality risk in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure.

Background An assessing of the in-hospital mortality risk for an emergency hospitalized patient with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is challenging task. Simple formula can help. Methods On the base of six indicators identified in derivation group, simple formula for assessing the risk for in-hospital mortality of ADHF patients was derived and later tested in validation group.

Endovascular Management of Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Aneurysm - Adequate Access is Essential for Success - Case Report.

Background: An aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) with a diameter of 2.2 cm was found incidentally on an ultrasound (US) examination in a 26-year-old woman. The only known risk factor was an intracranial aneurysm that was found on her grandmother's autopsy.

Endothelial dysfunction as assessed with magnetic resonance imaging - A major determinant in chronic heart failure.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a clinical syndrome resulting from interaction of different structure and functional disturbances leading to decreased heart ability to ensure adequate supply of oxygenized blood to tissues and ensure adequate metabolic needs in the cases of normal or increased afterload. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a pathological condition characterized by general imbalance of all major endothelial mechanisms with key role in development and progression of atherosclerotic disease. ED has been associated with most cardiovascular risk factors.

Successful Treatment of Acute Aortic Dissection Type Stanford A Presenting as Limb Ischemia, Successfully Treated with Operative and Endovascular Procedures.

We report a successful treatment of unusual case of a 48 year old male patient with acute aortic dissection type Stanford A that expanded into left common and external iliac artery diagnosed by MSCT angiography, presenting as a single leg paresis, without symptoms of a chest or back pain. Patient was operated with conventional ascending aortic replacement. Patient had no known prior medical condition.

Coexistence of left internal carotid agenesis, klippel-feil syndrome and postaxial polydactyly.

Background: Internal carotid artery agenesis is a rare anomaly that can be clinically asymptomatic. Klippel-Feil syndrome is a skeletal malformation characterized by vertebral fusion. Presence of postaxial polydactyly is suggestive of an underlying syndrome.

Comparison between carotid stenting and carotid endarterectomy in early outcome.

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a widely used method in prevention of stroke for carotid artery stenosis as an alternative to surgical treatment. Initial studies reveal higher morbidity and mortality rates for CAS than acceptable standards for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The aim of this study was to compare results in a series of CAS with concurrent risk-matched group of CEA patients.

Early identification of patients with the risk for postoperative carotid restenosis development.

Multiple randomized trials over the last decade for both symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis have proven the efficacy of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in reducing the risk of stroke. The aim of this prospective non-randomizing cohort study was to determine the incidence of carotid arteries restenosis after CEA as well as to ascertain the clinical and etiological characteristics for the development of restenosis. Treatment data from 178 KBC Rijeka patients that had undergone CEA in the period 1.