bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rising utilization of coronary CT angiography across Europe over the last decade: insights from a large prospective European registry
Authors: Foldyna B , Uhlig J , Mayrhofer T , Natale L , Vliegenthart R , Lotz J , Salgado R , Francone M , Nikolaou K , Bamberg F , Maintz D , Maurovich-Horvat P , Thiele H , Hoffmann U , Gutberlet M 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background/Introduction
The recently updated 2019 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes endorse the use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for exclusion of obstructive coronary artery disease in patients with a low clinical likelihood (Class I, LOE B). Higher demand for CCTA requires broad availability, inevitably involving smaller healthcare providers, such as non-academic hospitals and private practices. Nevertheless, most published data on CCTA image quality and safety rely on exams performed in high-volume academic centers, and little is known about CCTA in non-academic settings.

Purpose
To investigate the utilization of CCTA across Europe over the last decade, focusing on differences between academic and non-academic centers.

Methods
We included patients with stable chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) who received CCTA and were included in the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology MR/CT registry 01/2010–01/2020. We compared CT equipment, image quality, radiation dose, the incidence of periprocedural adverse events, patient characteristics, and CCTA findings between academic (high volume university hospitals) and non-academic centers (non-academic hospitals and private practices).

Results
Overall, 64,317 patients (41.2% women; age 60±13 years) from 212 sites across 19 European countries were included. Academic centers submitted most cases in 2010—2014 (51.6%), whereas non-academic centers accounted for 71.3% of records in 2015–2020. While non-academic centers used less advanced technology, radiation dose remained low (4.54 [interquartile range (IQR) 2.28–6.76] mSv) with a 30% decline of high-dose scans (&gt;7 mSv) over time. Diagnostic image quality was reported in 97.7% of cases, and the rate of acute scan-related events was low (0.4%) (Figure 1). From 2010–2014 to 2015–2020, CCTA nearly doubled in patients with low to intermediate pretest-probability, women &gt;50, and 40–60 years old men (Figure 2). CAD presence and extent decreased slightly over time (prevalence: 2010–2014: 41.5% vs. 2015–2020: 40.6%), (multi-vessel disease in those with CAD: 2010–2014: 61.9% vs. 2015–2020: 55.9%; all p&lt;0.01).

Conclusion
CCTA expands rapidly to non-academic centers across Europe, increasing availability while maintaining relatively low radiation dose, high diagnostic image quality, and safety. Broad availability of high-quality CCTA is essential for a successfully implementation of the recently updated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Changes in CCTA utilizationChanges in patient characteristics
Epicardial adipose tissue volume is associated with low-attenuation plaque volume in subjects with or without increased visceral fat: a 3-vessel coronary artery analysis with CT angiography
Authors: Otsuka K , Ishikawa H , Yamaura H , Shirasawa K , Kasayuki N 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Low-attenuation plaque (LAP) with a CT value of less than or equal 30 HU on coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a marker of high-risk plaque features that leads to future acute coronary syndromes. Perivascular and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) have been shown to be associated with progression of high-risk coronary plaques through metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms. However, association of EAT with LAP volume in three coronary arteries in subjects with or without visceral obesity remain unclear.

Aims
This study aimed to investigate the association of EAT volume (EAV) and coronary 3-vessel LAP volume in subjects with or without visceral obesity who underwent CCTA.

Methods
Patients who underwent CCTA without known coronary artery disease were included in the study (525 patients). Study subjects were classified as having non-obstructive or obstructive coronary artery disease according to the degree of coronary artery stenosis on CCTA. The plaque volume and EAV of the main vessel of the left anterior descending artery, left circumflex artery, and right coronary artery were measured with VINCENT software. Coronary plaque composition was classified as calcified plaque (CP, &gt;150HU), noncalcified plaque (NCP, 30–150HU), and Lap (&lt;30HU). The %LAP volume of the three coronary arteries was classified into quartiles. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with the %LAP volume.

Results
Compared with subjects without increase visceral fat, subjects with increased visceral fat had a significantly higher BMI, a greater total plaque volume, a greater total %LAP volume, a greater EAV, and a lower mean CT value of EAT. A significant correlation was observed between EAV and %LAP volume (R=0.24, p&lt;0.001). EAV (odds ratio; 1.83, 95% confidence interval 1.071–3.141, p-value 0.027) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 1.76, 95%confidence interval 1.042–3.000, p-value 0.034) appeared to be independent predictors of %LAP volume (Q4), when adjusted by age, gender, BMI&gt;25 kg/m2, visceral fat &gt;100cm2, LogCRP, coronary artery calcium score&gt;300, and obstructive coronary artery disease requiring revascularization.

Conclusion
This study suggests that LAP volume, which reflects the high-risk plaques in the three coronary arteries, is associated with EAV in subjects with or without increased visceral fat. Further research is needed whether pharmacological therapeutic intervention enables the prevention of coronary plaque progression and destabilization through the reduction of EAV in patients.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
C-reactive protein velocity predicts microvascular pathology after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Holzknecht M , Tiller C , Reindl M , Lechner I , Troger F , Mayr A , Brenner C , Klug G , Bauer A , Metzler B , Reinstadler S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The role of C-reactive protein velocity (CRPv) as an early and sensitive marker of an excessive inflammatory response in the setting of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is only poorly understood.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate, in patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the association of CRPv with microvascular infarct pathology.

Methods
This prospective cohort study included a total of 316 patients with STEMI undergoing PCI. CRPv was defined as the difference between CRP 24±8h and CRP at hospital admission, divided by the time (in h) that have passed during the two examinations. The association of biomarker levels with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-determined microvascular obstruction (MVO) was evaluated. CMR was performed at a median of 3 [interquartile range 2–4] days after PCI.

Results
After adjustment for cardiac troponin T (cTnT), culprit lesion location and TIMI-flow post-PCI, CRPv (odds ratio 3.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72–6.57; p&lt;0.001) remained significantly associated with the occurrence of MVO. CRPv (area under the curve [AUC] 0.76, 95% CI 0.71–0.81; p&lt;0.001) was a better predictor for MVO compared to 24h CRP (AUC difference: 0.03, p=0.002). The addition of CRPv to peak cTnT resulted in a higher AUC for MVO prediction than peak cTnT alone (AUC 0.86, 95% CI 0.82–0.90; p&lt;0.001 vs. AUC 0.84, 95% CI 0.79–0.88; p&lt;0.001. AUC difference: 0.02, p=0.042).

Conclusions
In patients with STEMI treated with primary PCI, CRPv was associated with microvascular infarct pathology with a predictive value incremental to cTnT, suggesting CRPv as an early and sensitive biomarker for more severe infarct pathology and outcome.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. ROC analysis for the prediction of MVO.CRPv (median) and clinical outcome.
The gray zone of myocardial fibrosis is a better predictor of ventricular arrhythmias than total myocardial fibrosis in patients with previous myocardial infarction
Authors: Lopes P , Freitas P , Ferreira A , Sousa J A , Rocha B , Cunha G , Cavaco D , Abecasis J , Carmo P , Saraiva C , Morgado F , Chotalal D , Feliciano S , Mendes M , Adragao P 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Current sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification relies heavily on the assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but markers that could refine risk assessment are needed. Total fibrosis mass (TFM) and “gray zone” of myocardial fibrosis (GZF) on late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) have been proposed as potential arrhythmogenic substrates. The aim of our study was to determine whether TFM and GZF can predict the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with previous myocardial infarction.

Methods
We performed a single centre retrospective study enrolling all consecutive patients with previous myocardial infarction undergoing LGE-CMR before implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation for primary or secondary prevention. TFM and GZF were defined as myocardial tissue with signal-intensities &gt;6 SD and 2–6 SD above the mean of reference myocardium, respectively. The primary endpoint was a composite of sudden arrhythmic death, appropriate ICD shock, ventricular fibrillation (VF), or sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) as detected by the device.

Results
A total of 55 patients (mean age 62±12 years, 87% male, mean LVEF 30% ± 8%) were included. During a mean follow-up period of 34±15 months, 10 patients reached the primary endpoint (8 appropriate ICD shock, 2 sustained VT or VF). Patients who attained the primary endpoint had similar TFM (28.6g ± 14.5 vs. 23.1g ± 14.5; P=0.283) but larger GZF (25.3g ± 11.0 vs 15.6g ± 7.3; P=0.001). After adjustment for LVEF, GZF remained independently associated with the composite arrhythmic endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.17; P=0.005), whereas TFM did not (aHR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.98–1.06; P=0.394). Decision tree analysis identified 16.4g of GZF as the best cut-off to predict life-threatening arrhythmic events. The primary endpoint occurred in 9 out of the 22 patients (41%) with GZF &gt;16.4g, but in only 1 of the 33 patients (3%) with GZF ≤16.4g – Figure.

Conclusions
The extent of GZF seems to be a better predictor of ventricular arrhythmias than TFM. This LGE-CMR parameter may be useful to identify a subgroup of patients with previous myocardial infarction at an increased risk of life-threatening arrhythmic events.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Correlation between automatic and manual methods of right ventricle and left atrium strain quantification
Authors: Remior P , Monivas V , Garcia-Rodriguez D , Mirelis J G , Navarro S , Borrego A , Cavero-Gibanel M A , Martinez-Mingo A , Sanchez-Gomez A , Garcia-Gomez S , Mingo S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Myocardial strain quantification by speckle-tracking of the right ventricle (RV) and left atrium (LA) can be performed by manual or automatic methods.

Purpose
The objective of our study is to evaluate the degree of correlation between manual measurement method and automatic software used in our imaging laboratory, in a population of healthy individuals and patients with cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR).

Methods
Fifty-seven individuals were included, 30 patients with ATTR and 27 healthy volunteers, who underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) from January to December 2019. Classic echocardiographic parameters and myocardial deformation were obtained according to the ASE/ EACVI guidelines. Global and free wall longitudinal strain of the RV (RVGLS, RVFWLS) and LA global strain (LAGS) analysis were obtained using speckle-tracking with two different software: QLAB Philips 10.7 and AutoSTRAIN Tomtec. Measurements analysis was performed by two experienced echocardiographers. Correlation and reproducibility analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively.

Results
Seventy-two percent were male and average age was 63±20 years. Linear correlation of RVGLS, RVFWLS and LAGS measurements with both methods reached statistical significance (table). This correlation was stronger and more reliable in the case of the LAGS. The attached figure shows the correlation between the different software in both groups.

Conclusions
AutoSTRAIN Tomtec automatic measurement method had higher reliability and correlation comparing to manual measurements performed by QLAB 10.7, especially in LA measurements. The obtained results, the application speed and the less operator's dependence of this automatic software support its routine use for RV and LA strain quantification.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Correlation and reproducibility resultsLinear regression lines
Cardiac involvement in patients recovered from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19): a systematic review
Authors: Shafiabadi N , Rastad H , Mozafarybazargany M , Talakoob H , Karim H 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
About 47.3 million people have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Manifestations of cardiac involvement have been noted in a significant number of patients in the acute phase. There are increasing concerns that some of these cardiac sequels may persist beyond the acute phase. If untreated, the sustained cardiac injury, especially myocarditis and fibrosis, could have severe consequences. Recent studies have assessed the presence of cardiac involvement using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging during the post-acute phase.

Purpose
We present a systematic review of studies assessing evidence of cardiac involvement in patients recovered from COVID-19 during the post-acute phase using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) Imaging.

Methods
We reported this study in accordance with PRISMA. A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), and Google scholar databases using Boolean operators and the relevant key terms covering COVID-19, Cardiac injury, CMR, and follow-up. Retrieved articles were included based on predefined eligibility criteria.

Results
Of 1406 articles retrieved from the initial search, 11 items, 9 cohort, and 2 case series studies met our eligibility criteria. The rate of raised T1 (reported in 6 articles) in patients recovered from COVID-19 varied across studies from 5% to73%. In 4 out of 9 studies, raised T2 was detected in any patients, and in remained studies, its rate ranged from 2% to 60%. In most of the included studies, LGE (myocardial or pericardial) was observed in COVID-19 survivors, ranged from 7.0% to 100%. Myocardial LGE mainly had nonischemic patterns. None of the cohort studies observed myocardial LGE in “healthy” controls. Most studies found that patients who recovered from COVID-19 had significantly a greater mean (SD) T1 and T2 compared to participants in the control group.

Conclusion
Our systematic review study found evidence of subclinical and clinical myocardial and pericardial involvement in patients recovered from COVID-19.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Comprehensive strain analysis in oncological patients undergoing thoracic radiotherapy: 1-year follow-up of a prospective study comparing proton vs. photon beam therapy
Authors: Cordova-Madera S N , Garcia-Bello L , Bruno G , Di Stefano C , Quintero-Martinez J A , Laack N , Corbin K , Whitaker T , Pellikka P , Herrmann J , Mutter R , Villarraga H R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a promising radiotherapeutic method by which the proton Bragg peak may be exploited to reduce the dose to non-target normal tissues, when compared with the conventional photon treatment (PhT).

Purpose
To evaluate the mechanical function of the left ventricle by endocardial longitudinal (GLS-basic strain), circumferential (GCS) and radial strain (GRS) and systolic (SRs) and early diastolic (SRe) strain rate following thoracic radiotherapy.

Methods
Between March 2016 and March 2017, 58 patients with breast or thoracic cancer scheduled to receive radiotherapy were enrolled prospectively and, underwent 2D-STE echocardiography with basic (GLS) and comprehensive (GCS, GRS,GLSRs, GCSRs, GRSRs, GLSRe, GCSRe, GRSRe parameters) analysis at pre-treatment, mid-treatment, end of treatment, 3 month and 1 year follow-up. LVEF was calculated by the biplane Simpson technique. Shapiro-Wilk's test was performed to evaluate the normal distribution of the data. Comparison between groups was performed with Student's t-test or Wilcoxon test for quantitative variables and with Chi-Square test or Fisher's exact test for qualitative variables. Tukey-Kramer method was used to compare means during follow up. A p-value &lt;0.05 was assumed as the level of statistical significance.

Results
Mean age was 53.3±10.9 years and 91.3% were women. PBT was used to treat 38 patients; PhT in 20. The median of the mean heart dose was lower with PBT than PhT (79±92 vs 829±1121 cGy, respectively [P&lt;.001]). No significant changes in LVEF or GLS for PBT or PhT were seen. Comprehensive strain analysis showed changes in endocardial longitudinal, radial, and circumferential early diastolic strain rate (SRe) in patients undergoing photon beam (PhT) up to one year of follow up (Table 1). No changes were detected in the PBT group. All other variables were non-significant (Not shown).

Conclusion
This is the first longitudinal study, with a one-year follow-up, that shows the relaxation properties of LV are compromised during PhT but not PBT. These findings should be followed in time to evaluate their influence on overall heart function.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Table 1
Left atrial strain for predicting arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation ablation: cardiac magnetic resonance rapid strain vs. feature tracking strain
Authors: Hopman L H G , Mulder M J , Van Der Laan A , Bhagirath P , Demirkiran A , Von Bartheld M B , Kemme M J B , Van Rossum A C , Allaart C P , Gotte M J W 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Global left atrial (LA) strain is a predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Recently, novel rapid LA strain assessment approaches have emerged: LA long axis strain and LA AV junction strain. Currently, it remains unknown whether these rapid strain approaches can predict AF recurrence after AF ablative therapy and hence may be a simple alternative for the cumbersome LA feature tracking strain analysis.

Purpose
The present study focusses on the predictive value of different atrial strain quantification methods in relation to AF recurrence after PVI. Rapid LA strain analysis is compared to LA feature tracking strain in AF patients.

Methods
A total of 58 AF patients (78% paroxysmal AF, 64% male, mean age 61±7 years) undergoing first radiofrequency PVI ablation were included. Prior to ablation, all patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging being in sinus rhythm. LA rapid strain (long axis strain and AV junction strain) and LA feature tracking strain were derived from 2-chamber and 4-chamber cine CMR images. All patients were routinely followed up for arrhythmia recurrence through 12-lead ECGs, mobile-based one-lead ECGs, and/or Holter monitoring.

Results
After one year follow-up, arrhythmia recurrence (after the 90-day blanking period) was observed in 21 patients (36%), occurring after a median of 159 (119–320) days. LA long axis strain, AV junction strain, and feature tracking strain were all significantly reduced in patients with AF recurrence compared to patients without AF recurrence (long axis strain: −19.96±11.03% vs. −28.18±9.93%, P=0.005; AV junction strain: −18.08±9.69% vs. −25.60±8.79%, P=0.004; feature tracking strain: −12.54±4.16% vs. −15.94±3.50%, P=0.002, respectively, figure A to C). ROC analysis identified LA feature tracking strain as having the highest area under the curve (AUC) for predicting AF recurrence after ablative therapy (AUC: 0.75 for LA feature tracking strain, 0.71 for LA long axis strain, 0.70 for AV junction strain, figure D). Both LA rapid strain methods had a significant correlation with LA feature tracking strain (LA long axis strain vs. LA feature tracking strain, r=0.76, P&lt;0.001 and LA AV junction strain vs. LA feature tracking strain, r=0.77, P&lt;0.001).

Conclusion
LA rapid strain and LA feature tracking strain both have clinically relevant predictive power for prediction of AF recurrence after index PVI in AF patients. Considering the ease of LA rapid strain analysis, this method may be a valuable parameter to assess in clinical practice.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1
Left ventricular blood flow energetics after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction associate with left ventricular remodeling
Authors: Demirkiran A , Garg P , Geest R J , Berkhof H J , Nijveldt R , Greenwood J P , Plein S 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Myocardial infarction (MI) leads to complex changes in left ventricular (LV) haemodynamics. It remains unknown how four-dimensional (4D) acute changes in LV blood flow kinetic energy (KE) affect LV remodeling. We hypothesized that LV blood flow energetics are independently associated with adverse LV-remodeling.

Methods
In total, 69 revascularised ST-segment elevation MI patients were enrolled. All patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) examination within 2 days of the index event and at 3-month. CMR examination included cine, late gadolinium enhancement, and whole-heart 4D flow acquisitions. CMR analysis included: LV volumes, function, infarct size (indexed to body surface area), microvascular obstruction (MVO), two-dimensional, retrospective valve tracking derived mitral inflow metrics, and 4D blood flow KE components (Fig. 1). Adverse LV-remodeling was defined and categorized according to increase in LV end-diastolic volume: 10% (mild), 15% (moderate), and 20% (severe).

Results
Twenty-four patients (35%) developed mild, 17 patients (25%) moderate, 11 patients (16%) severe LV remodeling. Demographics and clinical history were comparable between patients with/without LV remodeling. In univariable logistic regression analysis, A-wave KE was associated with mild, moderate, and severe LV remodeling (p=0.03, p=0.02, p=0.02, respectively), whereas infarct size was associated with only mild LV remodeling (p=0.02). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, whilst the infarct size and A-wave KE were identified as independent markers for mild LV remodeling (p=0.03, p=0.09, respectively), A-wave KE was the only independent marker regarding moderate and severe LV remodeling (both, p&lt;0.01). In ROC analysis for A-wave KE to be associated with the presence of adverse LV remodeling, the area under the curve was 0.67 for mild (p=0.02), 0.70 for moderate (p=0.01), 0.71 for severe (p=0.03) LV remodeling.

Conclusion
In patients with STEMI, LV hemodynamics assessment by LV blood flow KE demonstrated an incremental value to predict adverse LV-remodeling. A-wave KE early after acute MI had an independent effect on adverse LV remodeling.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the British Heart Foundation [FS/10/62/28409 to S.P.] and Dutch Technology Foundation (STW), project number 11626 (JW, ME).