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Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2024Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is the latest and most intriguing technology for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, due to its capability to generate irreversible and... (Review)
Review Comparative Study
Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is the latest and most intriguing technology for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, due to its capability to generate irreversible and cardiomyocytes-selective electroporation of cell membranes by delivering microsecond-lasting high-voltage electrical fields, leading to high expectations. The first trials to assess the clinical success of PFA, reported an arrhythmia-free survival at 1-year of 78.5%, while other trials showed less enthusiastic results: 66.2% in paroxysmal and 55.1% in persistent AF. Nevertheless, real world data are encouraging. The isolation of pulmonary veins with PFA is easily achieved with 100% acute success. Systematic invasive remapping showed a high prevalence of durable pulmonary vein isolation at 75 and 90 days (range 84-96%), which were significatively lower in redo procedures (64.3%). The advent of PFA is prompting a reconsideration of the role of the autonomic nervous system in AF ablation, as PFA-related sparing of the ganglionated plexi could lead to the still undetermined effect on late arrhythmias' recurrences. Moreover, a new concept of a blanking period could be formulated with PFA, according to its different mechanism of myocardial injury, with less inflammation and less chronic fibrosis. Finally, in this review, we also compare PFA with thermal energy.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Humans; Recurrence; Catheter Ablation; Incidence; Pulmonary Veins
PubMed: 38793000
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050817 -
Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.) May 2024The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of and complications resulting from temporal bone fractures in adult and pediatric patients evaluated for... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of and complications resulting from temporal bone fractures in adult and pediatric patients evaluated for cranio-facial trauma in an emergency setting.
METHODS
A retrospective blinded analysis of CT scans of a series of 294 consecutive adult and pediatric patients with cranio-facial trauma investigated in the emergency setting was conducted. Findings were compared between the two populations. Preliminary reports made by on-call residents were compared with the retrospective analysis, which was performed in consensus by two experienced readers and served as reference standard.
RESULTS
CT revealed 126 fractures in 116/294 (39.5%) patients, although fractures were clinically suspected only in 70/294 (23.8%); < 0.05. Fractures were longitudinal, transverse and mixed in 69.5%, 10.3% and 19.8% of cases, respectively. Most fractures were otic-sparing fractures (95.2%). Involvement of the external auditory canal, ossicular chain and the osseous structures surrounding the facial nerve was present in 72.2%, 8.7% and 6.3% of cases, respectively. Temporal bone fractures extended into the venous sinuses/jugular foramen and carotid canal in 18.3% and 17.5% of cases, respectively. Vascular injuries (carotid dissection and venous thrombosis) were more common in children than in adults (13.6% versus 5.3%); however, the observed difference did not reach statistical significance. 79.5% of patients with temporal bone fractures had both brain injuries and fractures of the facial bones and cranial vault. Brain injuries were more common in adults (90.4%) than in children (63.6%), = 0.001. Although on-call residents reliably detected temporal bone fractures (sensitivity = 92.8%), they often missed trauma-associated ossicular dislocation (sensitivity = 27.3%).
CONCLUSIONS
Temporal bone fractures and related complications are common in patients with cranio-facial trauma and need to be thoroughly looked for; the pattern of associated injuries is slightly different in children and in adults.
Topics: Humans; Temporal Bone; Male; Female; Adult; Child; Retrospective Studies; Skull Fractures; Adolescent; Middle Aged; Child, Preschool; Aged; Young Adult; Aged, 80 and over; Infant; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Facial Injuries; Prevalence; Emergency Service, Hospital; Craniocerebral Trauma; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38787016
DOI: 10.3390/tomography10050056 -
Cells May 2024Arteries and veins develop different types of occlusive diseases and respond differently to injury. The biological reasons for this discrepancy are not well understood,...
Arteries and veins develop different types of occlusive diseases and respond differently to injury. The biological reasons for this discrepancy are not well understood, which is a limiting factor for the development of vein-targeted therapies. This study contrasts human peripheral arteries and veins at the single-cell level, with a focus on cell populations with remodeling potential. Upper arm arteries (brachial) and veins (basilic/cephalic) from 30 organ donors were compared using a combination of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics, flow cytometry, and histology. The cellular atlases of six arteries and veins demonstrated a 7.8× higher proportion of contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in arteries and a trend toward more modulated SMCs. In contrast, veins showed a higher abundance of endothelial cells, pericytes, and macrophages, as well as an increasing trend in fibroblasts. Activated fibroblasts had similar proportions in both types of vessels but with significant differences in gene expression. Modulated SMCs and activated fibroblasts were characterized by the upregulation of , , , and . Activated fibroblasts also expressed , , and and were confirmed by F2R/CD90 flow cytometry. Activated fibroblasts from veins were the top producers of collagens among all fibroblast populations from both types of vessels. Venous fibroblasts were also highly angiogenic, proinflammatory, and hyper-responders to reactive oxygen species. Differences in wall structure further explain the significant contribution of fibroblast populations to remodeling in veins. Fibroblasts are almost exclusively located outside the external elastic lamina in arteries, while widely distributed throughout the venous wall. In line with the above, ECM-targeted proteomics confirmed a higher abundance of fibrillar collagens in veins vs. more basement ECM components in arteries. The distinct cellular compositions and transcriptional programs of reparative populations in arteries and veins may explain differences in acute and chronic wall remodeling between vessels. This information may be relevant for the development of antistenotic therapies.
Topics: Humans; Single-Cell Analysis; Arteries; Veins; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Vascular Remodeling; Fibroblasts; Male; Female; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38786017
DOI: 10.3390/cells13100793 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports May 2024Renal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between the renal arteries and venous system. Arteriovenous fistulas account for 70%-80% of renal...
Renal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between the renal arteries and venous system. Arteriovenous fistulas account for 70%-80% of renal arteriovenous abnormalities, often resulting from iatrogenic injuries. While most renal AVMs are asymptomatic, hematuria is a common symptom caused by AVM rupture into the renal calyces. Angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis, but noninvasive imaging techniques like ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging are commonly used for initial evaluation. Most renal AVMs are managed conservatively. Symptomatic patients typically undergo endovascular embolization, the preferred treatment, while surgery is reserved for unstable patients or those with complex vascular anatomy. We present a case of a 32-year-old man with renal AVMs following a motor vehicle accident. The patient initially received unsuccessful endovascular embolization but achieved successful treatment through open fistula ligation. This case highlights the challenges in managing renal AVMs and the importance of considering alternative interventions when initial treatments prove ineffective.
PubMed: 38784198
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae302 -
Perfusion May 2024Large cannulae can increase cannula-related complications during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). Conversely, the ability for small cannulae...
BACKGROUND
Large cannulae can increase cannula-related complications during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). Conversely, the ability for small cannulae to provide adequate support is poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate a range of cannula sizes and VA ECMO flow rates in a simulated patient under various disease states.
METHODS
Arterial cannulae sizes between 13 and 21 Fr and drainage cannula sizes between 21 and 25 Fr were tested in a VA ECMO circuit connected to a mock circulation loop simulating a patient with severe left ventricular failure. Systemic and pulmonary hypertension, physiologically normal, and hypotension were simulated by varying systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances (SVR and PVR, respectively). All cannula combinations were evaluated against all combinations of SVR, PVR, and VA ECMO flow rates.
RESULTS
A 15 Fr arterial cannula combined with a 21 Fr drainage cannula could provide >4 L/min of total flow and a mean arterial pressure of 81.1 mmHg. Changes in SVR produced marked changes to all measured parameters, while changes to PVR had minimal effect. Larger drainage cannulae only increased maximum circuit flow rates when combined with larger arterial cannulae.
CONCLUSION
Smaller cannulae and lower flow rates could sufficiently support the simulated patient under various disease states. We found arterial cannula size and SVR to be key factors in determining the flow-delivering capabilities for any given VA ECMO circuit. Overall, our results challenge the notion that larger cannulae and high flows must be used to achieve adequate ECMO support.
PubMed: 38783767
DOI: 10.1177/02676591241256502 -
Cureus Apr 2024Congestive hepatopathy (CH), stemming from compromised hepatic venous flow or heightened intrahepatic pressure, represents a significant consequence of cardiovascular... (Review)
Review
Congestive hepatopathy (CH), stemming from compromised hepatic venous flow or heightened intrahepatic pressure, represents a significant consequence of cardiovascular conditions like congestive heart failure (CHF). This review of literature encapsulates the core aspects of this condition, characterized by hepatic congestion, cellular injury, and impaired liver function. Diagnostic challenges arise due to symptoms mirroring primary liver diseases. Management revolves around addressing the underlying cause and mitigating fluid retention. This review of literature provides a snapshot of CH's complexity, emphasizing its clinical implications and the need for comprehensive understanding in clinical practice.
PubMed: 38779242
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58766 -
BMC Cardiovascular Disorders May 2024Surgery remains the primary treatment modality for thymic carcinoma, with adjuvant radiotherapy being recommended to effectively mitigate local recurrence and metastasis...
INTRODUCTION
Surgery remains the primary treatment modality for thymic carcinoma, with adjuvant radiotherapy being recommended to effectively mitigate local recurrence and metastasis rates subsequent to incomplete or complete resection. Chemoradiotherapy has the potential to induce coronary artery occlusion, thereby potentially impacting patients' long-term survival rates. The existing literature currently lacks comprehensive research on the lesion characteristics of coronary artery injury resulting from chemoradiotherapy.
CASE PRESENTATION
The male patient, aged 55, was admitted to the hospital due to recurrent chest tightness and pain persisting for one week. Notably, the patient had previously undergone curative resection surgery for thymic carcinoma seven years ago. After the surgical procedure, the patient underwent a course of adjuvant chemotherapy comprising docetaxel and platinum. 11 months later, imaging examination diagnosed tumor recurrence, and concurrent chemoradiotherapy was administered at a total dose of 62 Gy/31F for planning gross target volume (PGTV) and 54 Gy/31F for planning target volume (PTV) with 2 cycles of paclitaxel and cisplatin. Re-admission of the patient occurred after a 7-year interval subsequent to the completion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy, leading to a subsequent diagnosis of acute non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Following administration of antiplatelet, anticoagulant, and anti-myocardial ischemia therapy, coronary angiography revealed the presence of a bifurcation lesion at the distal end of the left main trunk. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examination demonstrated significant negative remodeling of both the main trunk and its branches at the bifurcation site, characterized by minimal atherosclerotic plaque components.
CONCLUSIONS
Chemoradiotherapy may induce damage to endothelial cells, resulting in an inflammatory response. Negative remodeling of blood vessels is likely to occur, primarily characterized by vasoconstriction but with less atherosclerotic plaque burden. Routine stent implantation in negatively remodeled areas may lead to vascular rupture, necessitating intravascular imaging examination.
Topics: Humans; Male; Thymus Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Time Factors; Thymoma; Coronary Angiography; Vascular System Injuries; Coronary Vessels; Chemoradiotherapy
PubMed: 38778265
DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03948-2 -
Technology in Cancer Research &... 2024This prospective study aims to evaluate acute irradiation-induced xerostomia during radiotherapy by utilizing the normalized iodine concentration (NIC) derived from...
This prospective study aims to evaluate acute irradiation-induced xerostomia during radiotherapy by utilizing the normalized iodine concentration (NIC) derived from energy spectrum computed tomography (CT) iodine maps. In this prospective study, we evaluated 28 patients diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. At 4 distinct stages of radiotherapy (0, 10, 20, and 30 fractions), each patient underwent CT scans to generate iodine maps. The NIC of both the left and right parotid glands was obtained, with the NIC at the 0-fraction stage serving as the baseline measurement. After statistically comparing the NIC obtained in the arterial phase, early venous phase, late venous phase, and delayed phase, we chose the late venous iodine concentration as the NIC and proceeded to analyze the variations in NIC at each radiotherapy interval. Using the series of NIC values, we conducted hypothesis tests to evaluate the extent of change in NIC within the parotid gland across different stages. Furthermore, we identified the specific time point at which the NIC decay exhibited the most statistically significant results. In addition, we evaluated the xerostomia grades of the patients at these 4 stages, following the radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) xerostomia evaluation standard, to draw comparisons with the changes observed in NIC. The NIC in the late venous phase exhibited the highest level of statistical significance ( < .001). There was a noticeable attenuation in NIC as the RTOG dry mouth grade increased. Particularly, at the 20 fraction, the NIC experienced the most substantial attenuation ( < .001), a significant negative correlation was observed between the NIC of the left, right, and both parotid glands, and the RTOG evaluation grade of acute irradiation-induced xerostomia ( < .001, = -0.46; < .001, = -0.45; < .001, = -0.47). The critical NIC values for the left, right, and both parotid glands when acute xerostomia occurred were 0.175, 0.185, and 0.345 mg/ml, respectively, with AUC = 0.73, AUC = 0.75, and AUC = 0.75. The NIC may be used to evaluate changes in parotid gland function during radiotherapy and acute irradiation-induced xerostomia.
Topics: Humans; Xerostomia; Male; Parotid Gland; Female; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Middle Aged; Adult; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Aged; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Iodine; Prospective Studies; Radiation Injuries; Radiotherapy Dosage
PubMed: 38773777
DOI: 10.1177/15330338241256814 -
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2024Paget-Schroetter syndrome, the venous variant of thoracic outlet syndrome, is an uncommon presentation of deep vein thrombosis. In patients with Paget-Schroetter...
Paget-Schroetter syndrome, the venous variant of thoracic outlet syndrome, is an uncommon presentation of deep vein thrombosis. In patients with Paget-Schroetter syndrome, the subclavian vein is compressed within the thoracic outlet as a result of repetitive and vigorous arm motions. Repeated endothelial injury leads to stasis in flow and eventual thrombus formation in the subclavian vein and its tributaries. This report highlights the case of an active and otherwise healthy 46-year-old patient who presented with swelling and pain of his right upper extremity after a run and was found to have multiple, effort-induced thrombi involving the right subclavian, axillary, brachial, and basilic veins. The unusual clinical picture of Paget-Schroetter syndrome and its presentation commonly in the demographic of young, healthy individuals make it a diagnosis likely overlooked and unfamiliar to many in the clinical setting.
PubMed: 38764913
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X241253731 -
Journal of the American Heart... May 2024This study aims to investigate the temporal and spatial patterns of structural brain injury related to deep medullary veins (DMVs) damage.
BACKGROUND
This study aims to investigate the temporal and spatial patterns of structural brain injury related to deep medullary veins (DMVs) damage.
METHODS AND RESULTS
This is a longitudinal analysis of the population-based Shunyi cohort study. Baseline DMVs numbers were identified on susceptibility-weighted imaging. We assessed vertex-wise cortex maps and diffusion maps at both baseline and follow-up using FSL software and the longitudinal FreeSurfer analysis suite. We performed statistical analysis of global measurements and voxel/vertex-wise analysis to explore the relationship between DMVs number and brain structural measurements. A total of 977 participants were included in the baseline, of whom 544 completed the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (age 54.97±7.83 years, 32% men, mean interval 5.56±0.47 years). A lower number of DMVs was associated with a faster disruption of white matter microstructural integrity, presented by increased mean diffusivity and radial diffusion (β=0.0001 and SE=0.0001 for both, =0.04 and 0.03, respectively), in extensive deep white matter (threshold-free cluster enhancement <0.05, adjusted for age and sex). Of particular interest, we found a bidirectional trend association between DMVs number and change in brain volumes. Specifically, participants with mild DMVs disruption showed greater cortical enlargement, whereas those with severe disruption exhibited more significant brain atrophy, primarily involving clusters in the frontal and parietal lobes (multiple comparison corrected <0.05, adjusted for age, sex, and total intracranial volume).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings posed the dynamic pattern of brain parenchymal lesions related to DMVs injury, shedding light on the interactions and chronological roles of various pathological mechanisms.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Cerebral Veins; Longitudinal Studies; China; White Matter; Adult; Aged
PubMed: 38761086
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.034145