Protocol for Improving Care by FAster risk-STratification through use of high sensitivity point-of-care troponin in patients presenting with possible acute coronary syndrome in the EmeRgency department (ICare-FASTER): a stepped-wedge cluster randomised quality improvement initiative.

Introduction: Clinical assessment in emergency departments (EDs) for possible acute myocardial infarction (AMI) requires at least one cardiac troponin (cTn) blood test. The turn-around time from blood draw to posting results in the clinical portal for central laboratory analysers is ~1-2 hours. New generation, high-sensitivity, point-of-care cardiac troponin I (POC-cTnI) assays use whole blood on a bedside (or near bedside) analyser that provides a rapid (8 min) result.

Thoracic aortic microcalcification activity in combined positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Introduction: Non-invasive detection of pathological changes in thoracic aortic disease remains an unmet clinical need particularly for patients with congenital heart disease. Positron emission tomography combined with magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MRI) could provide a valuable low-radiation method of aortic surveillance in high-risk groups. Quantification of aortic microcalcification activity using sodium [F]fluoride holds promise in the assessment of thoracic aortopathies.

CT Attenuation of Periaortic Adipose Tissue in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Purpose To assess periaortic adipose tissue attenuation at CT angiography in different abdominal aortic aneurysm disease states. Materials and Methods In a retrospective observational study from January 2018 to December 2022, periaortic adipose tissue attenuation was assessed at CT angiography in patients with asymptomatic or symptomatic (including rupture) abdominal aortic aneurysms and controls without aneurysms. Adipose tissue attenuation was measured using semiautomated software in periaortic aneurysmal and nonaneurysmal segments of the abdominal aorta and in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue.

Quantifying sodium [F]fluoride uptake in abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Background: Aortic microcalcification activity is a recently described method of measuring aortic sodium [F]fluoride uptake in the thoracic aorta on positron emission tomography. In this study, we aimed to compare and to modify this method for use within the infrarenal aorta of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Methods: Twenty-five patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms underwent an sodium [F]fluoride positron emission tomography and computed tomography scan.

What should we do about Coronary Calcification on Thoracic CT?

Purpose: Coronary artery calcification is a frequent incidental finding on thoracic computed tomography (CT) performed for non-cardiac indications. On electrocardiogram-gated cardiac CT, it is an established marker of coronary artery disease and is associated with increased risk of subsequent cardiac events.

Materials And Methods: This review discusses the current evidence and guidelines regarding the reporting of coronary artery calcification on non-electrocardiogram-gated thoracic CT performed for non-cardiac indications.

Clinical Relevance of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Beyond Coronary Artery Stenosis.

Background:  The capabilities of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) have advanced significantly in the past decade. Its capacity to detect stenotic coronary arteries safely and consistently has led to a marked decline in invasive diagnostic angiography. However, CCTA can do much more than identify coronary artery stenoses.

Informing prevention of stillbirth and preterm birth in Malawi: development of a minimum dataset for health facilities participating in the DIPLOMATIC collaboration.

Objective: The global research group, DIPLOMATIC (Using eviDence, Implementation science, and a clinical trial PLatform to Optimise MATernal and newborn health in low Income Countries), aims to reduce stillbirths and preterm births and optimise outcomes for babies born preterm. Minimum datasets for routine data collection in healthcare facilities participating in DIPLOMATIC (initially in Malawi) were designed to assist understanding of baseline maternal and neonatal care processes and outcomes, and facilitate evaluation of improvement interventions and pragmatic clinical trials.

Design: Published and grey literature was reviewed alongside extensive in-country consultation to define relevant clinical best practice guidance, and the existing local data and reporting infrastructure, to identify requirements for the minimum datasets.

Computed tomography aortic valve calcium scoring for the assessment of aortic stenosis progression.

Objective: CT quantification of aortic valve calcification (CT-AVC) is useful in the assessment of aortic stenosis severity. Our objective was to assess its ability to track aortic stenosis progression compared with echocardiography.

Methods: Subjects were recruited in two cohorts: (1) a where patients underwent repeat CT-AVC or echocardiography within 4 weeks and (2) a where patients underwent annual CT-AVC and/or echocardiography.