Altered fibrin clot properties and elevated von Willebrand factor are associated with progression to permanent atrial fibrillation: A cohort study.

Background: The role of a prothrombotic state in atrial fibrillation (AF) progression to permanent arrythmia (PerAF) is unclear. Formation of denser and poorly lysable fibrin clots has been observed in AF patients also with sinus rhythm in association with higher stroke risk. We investigated whether altered fibrin clot properties and other prothrombotic state markers may contribute to AF transition to PerAF.

Endothelial Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Allow to Differentiate Between Various Endotypes of INOCA: A Multicentre, Prospective, Cohort Study.

Ischemia and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) might be due to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), vasospastic angina (VSA) or both. We compared plasma concentration of various extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patients with different INOCA endotypes. Patients were divided into those with INOCA (CMD, VSA, mixed CMD + VSA) and non-anginal chest pain.

Family History of Stroke Is Associated with Large- and Small-Vessel Etiology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Several studies have investigated the association between family history of stroke (FHS) and stroke etiology, recurrence, or mortality; however, the results have been discrepant. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis to further evaluate the associations.

Materials And Methods: We searched Scopus database using the term "family history" AND "stroke" up to December 2023 to identify observational studies and systematic reviews reporting both the prevalence of FHS and the rates of stroke etiology or recurrence or mortality.

Percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcation coronary lesions using optimised angiographic guidance: the 18th consensus document from the European Bifurcation Club.

The 2023 European Bifurcation Club (EBC) meeting took place in Warsaw in October, and the latest evidence for the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to optimise percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) on coronary bifurcation lesions (CBLs) was a major focus. The topic generated deep discussions and general appraisal on the potential benefits of IVUS and OCT in PCI procedures. Nevertheless, despite an increasing recognition of IVUS and OCT capabilities and their recognised central role for guidance in complex CBL and left main PCI, it is expected that angiography will continue to be the primary guidance modality for CBL PCI, principally due to educational and economic barriers.