Unexpected Clinically Relevant Findings Detected via Computed Tomography in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis Who Are Candidates for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

The detection of unexpected findings (UF) during CT scans of patients undergoing TAVR is frequent; however, it is unclear whether such findings have a clinical impact on the TAVR pathway. We conducted a retrospective, single-center observational study enrolling patients who were candidates for TAVR. All enrolled patients underwent a CT scan before valve implantation.

Impact of Pre-Treatment Comorbidity Burden on Survival in Patients Receiving Venetoclax Plus Hypomethylating Agents.

Expectation of survival of patients receiving HMA + VEN is influenced by pre-treatment comorbidity burden.

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) relationship in patients with chronic or stabilized acute coronary syndromes.

Aims: To investigate the influence of index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) on fractional flow reserve (FFR) and adenosine-induced hyperemia (ΔPd/Pa-FFR) in patients with chronic (CCS) or stabilized acute coronary syndromes (ACS), utilizing various IMR threshold values.

Methods: Data were extracted from two ongoing Italian registries involving patients with CCS or stabilized ACS who underwent a #FullPhysiology approach [Pd/Pa, FFR, IMR, coronary flow reserve (CFR)] by bolus thermodilution technique in the left anterior descending artery. Correlations between IMR and both FFR and ΔPd/Pa-FFR were analyzed both globally and within three IMR-defined groups: Group 1 (IMR <25), Group 2 (25 ≤ IMR <40), and Group 3 (IMR ≥40).

Prognostic value of left atrioventricular coupling index in heart failure.

Aims: To investigate the distribution of left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) among patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<50% and to explore its association with the combined endpoint of all-cause death or HF hospitalization at long term follow-up.

Methods And Results: Patients with HF and LVEF<50% undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were evaluated. Patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter were excluded.

Evaluating the feasibility of modern external beam radiotherapy as an alternative approach to brachytherapy in endometrial cancer treatment: A systematic review.

Purpose: This systematic review aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of using modern external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as alternative approaches to brachytherapy (BRT) in adjuvant treatment of endometrial cancer (EC).

Material And Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The research question was framed using the PICO method, focusing on patients with EC [P] and comparing modern EBRT techniques (IMRT, VMAT, SBRT) [I] vs.

The Impact of Neurological Complications in Endocarditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with significant neurological complications (NCs). The impact of neurological sequelae due to IE, however, is not well characterized. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine whether patients who experienced NCs from IE had worse outcomes compared to those without neurological complications.

Session-by-Session Prediction of Anti-Endothelial Growth Factor Injection Needs in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using Optical-Coherence-Tomography-Derived Features and Machine Learning.

Background/objectives: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a retinal disorder leading to irreversible central vision loss. The pro-re-nata (PRN) treatment for nAMD involves frequent intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medications, placing a burden on patients and healthcare systems. Predicting injections needs at each monitoring session could optimize treatment outcomes and reduce unnecessary interventions.

Urgent Coronary Angiography Following Cardiac Surgery: Insights from a High-Volume Cardiac Surgery Center.

Background: Post-operative myocardial infarction is a possible complication following cardiac surgery. Data on the incidence, predictors and prognosis of urgent coronary angiography (UCA) after cardiac surgery are scarce.

Aims (objectives): This study aims to report in hospital and 1-year follow-up outcomes of a recent large cohort of patients undergoing UCA after cardiac surgery.

Coronary angiography: a review of the state of the art and the evolution of angiography in cardio therapeutics.

Traditionally, coronary angiography was restricted to visual estimation of contrast-filled lumen in coronary obstructive diseases. Over the previous decades, considerable development has been made in quantitatively analyzing coronary angiography, significantly improving its accuracy and reproducibility.  Notably, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) holds promise for further enhancing diagnostic accuracy and predictive capabilities.

Real-world adoption of left bundle branch area pacing: Insights from the Conduction-System pacing Italian Network Group (C-SING).

Background And Objective: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is increasingly used for treating bradycardia and heart failure. However, real-world data are limited. The Conduction-System Pacing Italian Network Group (C-SING) collected prospective data on LBBAP procedures in a nationwide context.

Application of Artificial Intelligence Models to Predict the Onset or Recurrence of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is one of the major causes of vision impairment that affect millions of people worldwide. Early detection of nAMD is crucial because, if untreated, it can lead to blindness. Software and algorithms that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) have become valuable tools for early detection, assisting doctors in diagnosing and facilitating differential diagnosis.

Impact of intravascular ultrasound for coronary bifurcations treated with last generations stents: insights from the BIFURCAT-ULTRA registry.

Background: Bifurcation lesions are associated with higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Aim: To investigate the impact of imaging-guided PCI in a real-world population with coronary bifurcation lesions.

Methods: From the ULTRA-BIFURCAT registry, we compared IVUS vs.

Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation with or without on-site cardiac surgery: The TRACS trial.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as an effective and safe treatment for patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis. The indication to TAVI should be agreed upon by a Heart Team, and the procedure should be performed in centers with on-site cardiac surgery. However, TAVI complications requiring emergent cardiac surgery (ECS) have become very rare.

Invasive Versus Conservative Strategy in Older Adults ≥75 Years of Age With Non-ST-segment-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Older adults with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome are less likely to undergo an invasive strategy compared with younger patients. Randomized controlled trials traditionally exclude older adults because of their high burden of geriatric conditions.

Methods And Results: We searched for randomized controlled trials comparing invasive versus medical management or a selective invasive (conservative) strategy for older patients (age≥75 years) with non-ST-segment-elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Laryngotracheal and esophageal functional reconstruction using a single anterolateral thigh flap.

The main goal for treatment of locally advanced thyroid carcinoma invading the laryngotracheal and esophageal complex, is radical surgical excision and reconstruction of a functional aerodigestive tract. We describe a challenging surgical technique in which a wide laryngotracheal and esophageal defect was functionally reconstructed using a single anterolateral thigh flap. This can represent a good option for a tailored functional reconstruction of extended defects of the aerodigestive tract.

Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Elderly Patients: A Narrative Review through Decisional Crossroads.

Diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) pose particular challenges in elderly patients. When high troponin levels are detected, the distinction between non-ischemic myocardial injury (NIMI), type 1, and type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) is the necessary first step to guide further care. However, the assessment of signs of ischemia is hindered in older patients, and no simple clinical or laboratory tool proved useful in this discrimination task.