The role of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of malignant tumors.

Cytopathology and histopathology play a key role in the process of diagnosing oncological diseases and premalignant conditions. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is one of the techniques used for obtaining biopsy of a wide variety of body tissues, causing patients minimal discomfort. Therefore, it is often considered to be the best strategy for investigating and diagnosing some precancerous or potential malignant lesions. Being successful as a means of confirming the clinical suspicion of metastatic recurrence in the cases of an already known cancer, the interest has further focused on the preliminary diagnosis of various types of benign or malignant tumors. In cases of inoperable tumors, this technique is useful for formulating the final diagnosis. FNA biopsy proved its effectiveness as a highly accurate, cost-effective, and safe technique, with potential high diagnostic yield. Immunohistochemistry, used as an additional tool to classical histopathological examination, remains a very practical and reliable technique that promises good results especially in determining the site of origin within metastatic disease.

Efficiency of sFlt-1/PlGF Ratio in Preeclampsia Diagnosis.

Background and Objectives: Preeclampsia is a health issue characterized by a new onset of hypertension after 20 weeks of gestation and proteinuria. This is a multiple organ disorder and is associated with significant maternal and fetal mortality. Material and Methods: The study is a prospective one and included 69 pregnant women (17 with hypertension without criteria for PE, 26 with severe PE and 26 with moderate PE) with an age of gestation between 24 and 40 weeks. Subjects were chosen from those who referred to the Oradea County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology between January 2020 and December 2022. We collected other characteristics from observation sheets and from patients and we measured the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio after 20 weeks of pregnancy if patients presented with suspected preeclampsia. All the results were collected in Excel analysis by SPSS. Results: In our study, 37.68% had severe preeclampsia, the same percentage had moderate PE and 24.63% presented only with hypertension. The mean of sFLT-1/PlGF for severe preeclampsia was 78.282 ng/mL, and for moderate, it was 50.154 ng/mL. For those who did not have criteria for preeclampsia, it was 29.076 ng/mL. When we compared the values of sFLT-1/PlGF in moderate PE and hypertension, we found that there was a statistically significant difference between this two, and the same conclusion was also obtained for severe PE and hypertension and for severe and moderate PE. Conclusions: This marker can be useful for improving the outcomes for pregnant women with preeclampsia. In addition, for newborns, sFlt-1/PlGF can be helpful because we can correctly and promptly manage a patient affected by this disease before 34 weeks of pregnancy. Our study demonstrates that the correlation between the values of sFlt-1/PlGF and the type of preeclampsia are positive; thus, if the values are high, the pregnant woman likely will develop severe preeclampsia with early onset. In addition, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio has the highest accuracy for differentiating PE patients from pregnant women who did not develop sign and symptoms for preeclampsia. Our results are in line with the conclusions of other studies that researched the association between sFlt-1/PlGF and clinical diagnosis of preeclampsia.

The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS): A predictor of mortality in acute ischemic stroke.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality globally and a main cause of disability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance and utility of the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) as a mortality predictor factor in diabetic vs. non-diabetic patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), correlated with age, monocyte values, and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI). The prospective longitudinal observational study included 340 patients with AIS divided into two groups: diabetics and non-diabetics. ASPECTS was evaluated within the first 24 h after admission to the center. The ASPECTS was lower in the group of diabetic patients on average 4.9 vs. 6.05 (P<0.0001). As the age of the patients increased, the lower the ASPECTS and the higher infarct size, indicating a statistically significant (P<0.0001) result. The optimal correlation was observed between infarct size (ASPECTS) and hs-cTnI serum level [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.3216 to -0.1193; P<0.0001]. Almost 94% of patients who had an ASPECTS higher than 3 points on admission survived, resulting in a favorable outcome and a very good predictability of the score (95% CI: 0.85 to 0.926, P<0.0001). The ASPECTS is a mortality predictor, its value correlating inversely with the severity and evolution of patients, confirming a good predictability with good specificity, sensitivity and area under the curve.

Impact of Three-Dimensional Strain on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events after Acute Myocardial Infarction Managed by Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention-A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) allows simultaneous assessment of multidirectional components of strain. However, there are few data on its usefulness to predict prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The objective of our pilot study was to evaluate the prognostic value of four different 3D-STE parameters (global longitudinal strain (GLS-3D), global circumferential strain (GCS-3D), global radial strain (GRS-3D), and global area strain (GAS)) in AMI, after successful revascularization by primary PCI. METHODS: We enrolled 94 AMI patients (66 ± 13 years, 56% men) who underwent coronary angiography. All patients had been 3D-STE assessed and followed-up for 1 year for the occurrence of MACE. RESULTS: A total of 25 MACE were recorded over follow-up. Cut-off values of -17% for GAS (HR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.39-6.92, p = 0.005), -12% for GCS-3D (HR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.36-6.8, p = 0.006), -10% for GLS-3D (HR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.36-6.78, p = 0.006), and 25% for GRS-3D (HR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.29-6.46, p = 0.009) showed moderate accuracy in MACE prediction. Multivariate regression showed that GAS (HR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.03-1.16), GLS-3D (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.26), and GCS-3D (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.23) remained independent predictors of MACE (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.14 for GAS, and HR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.01-1.2 for GCS-3D). However, post hoc power analysis indicated adequate sample size (power of 80%) only for GAS and GCS-3D for the ROC curve analysis and for GAS, GCS-3D, and GRS-3D for the log-rank test. CONCLUSION: Patients with AMI might benefit from early risk stratification with the aid of 3D-STE measurements, particularly GAS and GCS-3D, but larger studies are necessary to determine the optimal cut-off values to predict MACE.

Can Fetuin A Be Utilized in the Evaluation of Elderly Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction?

BACKGROUND: Lower baseline Fetuin-A (FA) is associated with left ventricular remodeling and cardiovascular death (CVD) at 4 months after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the association between FA levels, incomplete ST segment resolution (STR) following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and early mortality in AMI has not been previously studied. METHODS: We enrolled 100 patients with AMI, which we divided in two groups: 21 patients who suffered sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the first 7 days after PCI and 79 controls. We measured FA, NT-proBNP and troponin levels and correlated them with the occurrence of death in the first week after revascularization. We also tested the cut-off value of FA to determine STR at 90 min after PCI. RESULTS: SCD was most frequently caused by pump failure (n = 10, 47.6%) and ventricular arrhythmias (n = 9, 42.5%). Plasma FA levels correlated with NT-proBNP values (r = -0.47, p = 0.04) and were significantly lower in patients presenting SCD (115 (95-175) vs. 180 (105-250) ng/mL, p = 0.03). Among all three biomarkers, FA was the only one associated with incomplete STR after PCI on the multivariate logistic regression (cut-off value of 175 ng/mL, Se = 74%, Sp = 61.1%). Death rate was highest (n = 16/55, 30%) in patients with FA levels below the cut-off value of 175 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Lower FA is associated with higher early mortality and incomplete STR after primary percutaneous revascularization in patients with AMI. Measurement of FA levels in addition to NT-proBNP, troponin and STR might enable more accurate identification of high-risk patients.

Framing Cause-Effect Relationship of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

The main causes of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are of cardiovascular nature. The interaction between traditional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and non-traditional risk factors (RF) triggers various complex pathophysiological mechanisms that will lead to accelerated atherosclerosis in the context of decreased renal function. In terms of mortality, CKD should be considered equivalent to ischemic coronary artery disease (CAD) and properly monitored. Vascular calcification, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, anemia, and inflammatory syndrome represents the main uremic RF triggered by accumulation of the uremic toxins in CKD subjects. Proteinuria that appears due to kidney function decline may initiate an inflammatory status and alteration of the coagulation-fibrinolysis systems, favorizing acute coronary syndromes (ACS) occurrence. All these factors represent potential targets for future therapy that may improve CKD patient's survival and prevention of CV events. Once installed, the CAD in CKD population is associated with negative outcome and increased mortality rate, that is the reason why discovering the complex pathophysiological connections between the two conditions and a proper control of the uremic RF are crucial and may represent the solutions for influencing the prognostic. Exclusion of CKD subjects from the important trials dealing with ACS and improper use of the therapeutical options because of the declined kidney functioned are issues that need to be surpassed. New ongoing trials with CKD subjects and platelets reactivity studies offers new perspectives for a better clinical approach and the expected results will clarify many aspects.

No-Reflow after PPCI-A Predictor of Short-Term Outcomes in STEMI Patients.

The no-reflow phenomenon following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients is a predictor of unfavorable prognosis. Patients with no-reflow have many complications during admission, and it is considered a marker of short-term mortality. The current research emphasizes the circumstances of the incidence and complications of the no-reflow phenomenon in STEMI patients, including in-hospital mortality. In this case-control study, conducted over two and a half years, there were enrolled 656 patients diagnosed with STEMI and reperfused through PPCI. Several patients (n = 96) developed an interventional type of no-reflow phenomenon. One third of the patients with a no-reflow phenomenon suffered complications during admission, and 14 succumbed. Regarding complications, the majority consisted of arrhythmias (21.68%) and cardiogenic shock (16.67%). The anterior localization of STEMI and the left anterior descending artery (LAD) as a culprit lesion were associated with the highest number of complications during hospitalization. At the same time, the time interval >12 h from the onset of the typical symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI) until revascularization, as well as multiple stents implantations during PPCI, correlated with an increased incidence of short-term complications. The no-reflow phenomenon in patients with STEMI was associated with an unfavorable short-term prognosis.

Acute Coronary Syndromes in Chronic Kidney Disease: Clinical and Therapeutic Characteristics.

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the clinical characteristics of the acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and established prognostic values of the biomarkers and echocardiography. Materials and Methods: 273 patients admitted to the cardiology department of the Clinical County Emergency Hospital of Oradea, Romania, with ACS diagnosis were studied. Two study groups were formed according to the presence of CKD (137 patients with ACS + CKD and 136 with ACS without CKD). Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) threshold was used to assess the stages of CKD. Results: Data regarding the medical history, laboratory findings, biomarkers, echocardiography, and coronary angiography were analysed for both groups. ACS parameters were represented by ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), which revealed a greater incidence in subjects without CKD (43.88%); non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), characteristic for the CKD group (28.47%, with statistically significance p = 0.04); unstable angina and myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, previous stroke, and chronic coronary syndrome were more prevalent in the ACS + CKD group (56.93%, p < 0.01; 41.61%, p < 0.01; 18.25%, p < 0.01; 45.26%, p < 0.01). N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was statistically higher (p < 0.01) in patients with CKD; Killip class 3 was evidenced more frequently in the same group (p < 0.01). Single-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) was statistically more frequent in the ACS without CKD group (29.41%, p < 0.01) and three-vessel CAD or left main coronary artery disease (LMCA) were found more often in the ACS + CKD group (27.01%, 14.6%). Conclusions: Extension of the CAD in CKD subjects revealed an increased prevalence of the proximal CAD, and the involvement of various coronary arteries is characteristic in these patients. Biomarkers and echocardiographic elements can outline the evolution and outcomes of ACS in CKD patients.

Atherosclerosis Burden and Therapeutic Challenges Regarding Acute Coronary Syndromes in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

The major cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease is represented by cardiovascular events. Atherosclerosis is usually initiated by the association of traditional and non-traditional risk factors, and the acute thrombotic complications are more frequent in subjects with reduced glomerular filtration rate. The diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes is challenging due to the increased values of cardiac necrosis enzymes correlated with reduced renal function.

Changes to oral anticoagulant therapy and risk of death over a 3-year follow-up of a contemporary cohort of European patients with atrial fibrillation final report of the EURObservational Research Programme on Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) pilot general registry.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary European data regarding patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) allow us to assess the use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) and long-term outcomes. METHODS: Patients with AF presenting to cardiologists in 9 European Society of Cardiology participating countries were enrolled and followed-up for 3-years. RESULTS: Among the 2119 patients (40.4% female; mean age 69 ±â€¯11 years) the prevalent types of AF at baseline were first-detected (30.5%) and paroxysmal AF (27.0%). The composite of stroke/TIA/peripheral embolism/all-cause death at 3-years occurred in 18.2%, with first detected AF and permanent AF reporting the highest event rates (22.5% and 27.3%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Age, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, restrictive cardiomyopathy, chronic kidney disease and no physical activity were significant predictors of all-cause death. Paroxysmal and persistent AF patients were more likely to be hospitalised than other types of AF (34.1% and 37.9%, p < 0.0001). At follow-up, OAC drugs were used in 80.1% of patients, with non-vitamin K antagonists (NOACs) accounting for 24.3% of patients. OAC treatment at follow-up visits changed throughout time, with a shift from VKA to NOACs reported in 5.4% of the cases, while the reverse shift (from NOACs to VKA) occurred in 8.6%. Discontinuation of OAC was recorded in while in 9.5% of visits. CONCLUSIONS: Patients outcomes at 3-years follow-up differ according to type of AF at baseline, with worse outcomes in patients presenting with first-detected or permanent AF. Changes in the type of OAC use with shifts from NOACs to VKA and vice-versa are not uncommon, as were interruptions of OAC.

Glomerular filtration rate in patients with atrial fibrillation and 1-year outcomes.

We assessed 1-year outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation enrolled in the EurObservational Research Programme AF General Pilot Registry (EORP-AF), in relation to kidney function, as assessed by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In a cohort of 2398 patients (median age 69 years; 61% male), eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m(2)) calculated using the CKD-EPI formula was ≥80 in 35.1%, 50-79 in 47.2%, 30-49 in 13.9% and <30 in 3.7% of patients. In a logistic regression analysis, eGFR category was an independent predictor of stroke/TIA or death, with elevated odds ratios associated with severe to mild renal impairment, ie. eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m(2) [OR 3.641, 95% CI 1.572-8.433, p < 0.0001], 30-49 ml/min/1.73 m(2) [OR 3.303, 95% CI 1.740-6.270, p = 0.0026] or 50-79 ml/min/1.73 m2 [OR 2.094, 95% CI 1.194-3.672, p = 0.0003]. The discriminant capability for the risk of death was tested among various eGFR calculation algorithms: the best was the Cockcroft-Gault equation adjusted for BSA, followed by Cockcroft-Gault equation, and CKD-EPI equation, while the worst was the MDRD equation. In conclusion in this prospective observational registry, renal function was a major determinant of adverse outcomes at 1 year, and even mild or moderate renal impairments were associated with an increased risk of stroke/TIA/death.

'Real-world' management and outcomes of patients with paroxysmal vs. non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in Europe: the EURObservational Research Programme-Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) General Pilot Registry.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has different presentations (first detected, paroxysmal, persistent, permanent), with uncertain impact on outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical presentation, management, and outcome of paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal AFs within the EURObservational Research Programme-Atrial Fibrillation General Pilot Registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: Overall 2589 patients with available 1-year follow-up data were evaluated according to AF type. Patients with paroxysmal AF (26.8%) were younger, had lower prevalence of heart disease (particularly valvular), and major co-morbidities, as well as lower CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and HAS-BLED scores. Patients with first-detected AF (29.9%) had characteristics similar to persistent AF patients (25.9%), but lower use of oral anticoagulants. Patients with permanent AF represented 17.4% of the cohort. At 1 year, the rate of stroke/transient ischaemic attack and thromboembolism was low (0.6-1.0%) and did not differ between paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal AFs. All-cause mortality was higher in non-paroxysmal vs. paroxysmal AF (log rank test, P = 0.0018). Using a multivariable Cox model, non-paroxysmal AF was not an independent predictor of death during follow-up. Independent predictors of death were age, chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, restrictive cardiomyopathy, and physical activity. CONCLUSION: In this 'real-world' contemporary observational registry, patients with non-paroxysmal AF had a worse outcome, in terms of all-cause mortality, which was related to a more severe clinical profile. The risk of stroke at 1 year was relatively low, perhaps reflecting the high rates of anticoagulation use in this cohort.

Age-Related Differences in Presentation, Treatment, and Outcome of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in Europe: The EORP-AF General Pilot Registry (EURObservational Research Programme-Atrial Fibrillation).

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare age-related differences in presentation, treatment, and outcome of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a wide cohort of European subjects. BACKGROUND: AF is the most common sustained arrhythmia in the elderly. METHODS: We evaluated all patients enrolled in the EORP-AF (EURObservational Research Programme-Atrial Fibrillation) General Pilot Registry in 70 centers of 9 European countries. RESULTS: Among 3,119 subjects, 1,051 (33.7%) were age ≥75 years. Permanent AF was significantly more common in the elderly, who had a higher prevalence of hypertension, valvular diseases, chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and prior hemorrhagic event or a transient ischemic attack. Common diagnostic tests were underused in older subjects. Despite their higher stroke risk, the use of oral anticoagulants was significantly lower in the elderly (76.7% vs. 82.8%; p = 0.0012), whereas aspirin and clopidogrel alone or in combination were more often prescribed. Rate control was the management of choice in the older group, with electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation performed less frequently than in the younger age group. Antiarrhythmic drugs were significantly less prescribed in the elderly (29.8% vs. 41.7%; p < 0.0001). At the 1-year follow-up, mortality (11.5% vs. 3.7%; p < 0.0001) and the composite of stroke/transient ischemic attack, systemic thromboembolism, and/or death (13.6% vs. 4.9%; p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the ≥75 years of age cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In older patients, AF is more often associated with comorbidities. Rate control is the preferred therapeutic approach. Despite a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score, the use of oral anticoagulation is suboptimal. In elderly subjects, the rate of adverse events is higher at follow-up.

Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation: clinical correlates, management, and outcomes in the EORP-AF Pilot General Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Atrial fibrillation is often asymptomatic, but outcomes require further characterization. The study objective was to investigate the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with atrial fibrillation who were prospectively enrolled in the EurObservational Research Programme - Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) Pilot General Registry. METHODS: A total of 3119 patients were enrolled, and 1237 (39.7%) were asymptomatic (European Heart Rhythm Association [EHRA] score I). Among symptomatic patients, 963 (51.2%) had mild symptoms (EHRA score II) and 919 (48.8%) had severe or disabling symptoms (EHRA III-IV). Permanent atrial fibrillation was 3-fold more common in asymptomatic patients than in symptomatic patients. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis, male gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.630; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.384-1.921), older age (OR, 1.019; 95% CI, 1.012-1.026), previous myocardial infarction (OR, 1.681; 95% CI, 1.350-2.093), and limited physical activity (OR, 1.757; 95% CI, 1.495-2.064) were associated significantly with asymptomatic (EHRA I) atrial fibrillation. Fully asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (absence of current and previous symptoms) was present in 520 patients (16.7%) and was associated independently with male gender, age, and previous myocardial infarction. Appropriate guideline-based prescription of oral anticoagulants was lower in these patients, and aspirin was prescribed more frequently. Mortality at 1 year was more than 2-fold higher in asymptomatic patients compared with symptomatic patients (9.4% vs 4.2%, P < .0001) and was associated independently with older age and comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease and chronic heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation is common in daily cardiology practice and is associated with elderly age, more comorbidities, and high thromboembolic risks. A higher 1-year mortality was found in asymptomatic patients compared with symptomatic patients.

Sex-related differences in presentation, treatment, and outcome of patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe: a report from the Euro Observational Research Programme Pilot survey on Atrial Fibrillation.

AIMS: Sex differences in the epidemiology and clinical management of AF are evident. Of note, females are more symptomatic and if age >65, are at higher risk of thromboembolism if incident AF develops, compared with males. METHODS AND RESULTS: In an analysis from the dataset of the Euro Observational Research Programme on Atrial Fibrillation (EORP-AF) Pilot survey (n = 3119), we examined sex-related differences in presentation, treatment, and outcome of contemporary patients with AF in Europe.Female subjects were older (P < 0.0001), with a greater proportion aged ≥75 years, with more heart failure and hypertension. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction was more common in females (P < 0.0001), as was valvular heart disease (P = 0.0003). Females were more symptomatic compared with males with a higher proportion being EHRA Class III and IV (P = 0.0012). The more common symptoms that were more prevalent in females were palpitations (P < 0.0001) and fear/anxiety (P = 0.0007). Other symptoms (e.g. dyspnoea, chest pain, fatigue, etc.) were not different between males and females. Health status scores were significantly lower for females overall, specifically for the psychological and physical domains (both P < 0.0001) but not for the sexual activity domain (P = 0.9023). Females were less likely to have electrical cardioversion (18.9 vs. 25.5%, P < 0.0001), and more likely to receive rate control (P = 0.002). Among patients recruited in hospital and discharged alive (n = 2009), documented contraindications to vitamin K antagonist (VKA) were evident in 23.8% of females. A CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 was found in 94.7% of females and 74.6% of males (P < 0.0001), with oral anticoagulants being used in 95.3 and 76.2%, respectively (P < 0.0001). A HAS-BLED score of ≥3 was found in 12.2% of females and 14.5% of males. Independent predictors of VKA use in females on multivariate analysis were CHA2DS2-VASc score (P = 0.0007), lower HAS-BLED score (P = 0.0284), and prosthetic mechanical valves (P = 0.0276). CONCLUSION: The EORP-AF Pilot survey provides contemporary data on sex differences in clinical features and management of AF patients participating in the EORP-AF Pilot registry. Female subjects were older and more symptomatic, compared with males, and were more likely to receive rate control. Also, female patients were at higher stroke risk overall, but oral anticoagulation was used in a high proportion of patients.