Ferritin, inflammation, and iron deficiency in acute heart failure: evidence from the EDIFICA cohort.

BACKGROUND: Ferritin is commonly used to evaluate iron stores and guide therapeutic decisions regarding intravenous iron supplementation. However, in the context of AHF, inflammation-driven upregulation of ferritin might disrupt its correlation with iron stores, restricting iron bioavailability and potentially amplifying the inflammatory response. AIM: This study aims to assess the clinical and prognostic associations of ferritin levels in an AHF cohort and to determine whether the prognostic value of ferritin is influenced by the presence of infection, inflammatory activation, and other markers of iron deficiency. METHODS: The association between ferritin and clinical outcomes (180 days) in AHF was evaluated in a cohort of 526 patients from the EDIFICA registry. RESULTS: The median ferritin plasma concentration at admission was 180 pg/mL. Patients with higher ferritin levels at admission were predominantly men, exhibiting a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease and alcohol consumption, and presenting with lower blood pressure and a higher incidence of clinical infection. Higher ferritin levels were associated with increased risk of the composite of heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death (Tertile 2: HR 1.75; 95% CI 1.10-2.79; p = 0.017; Tertile 3: HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.08-2.97; p = 0.025), independently of classical HF prognostic factors, inflammatory and iron-related markers. No significant associations were found between admission serum iron or transferrin saturation tertiles, iron status categories, or guideline-defined iron deficiency (ID) criteria and the primary composite outcome. However, at discharge, patients who met the criteria for defective iron utilization, low iron storage, or guideline-defined ID had a lower risk of the composite endpoint compared to those with normal iron utilization or who did not meet the guideline-defined ID criteria, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated ferritin levels are independently associated with poor prognosis in AHF. Low ferritin levels are associated with a favorable outcome and do not carry significant value in identifying ID in this population.

International cross-sectional survey on attitudes and practices regarding use of contrast-enhanced ULTRAsound in VASCular surgery: The I-ULTRA-VASC study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to gather attitudes and practices of physicians from different countries regarding the implementation of contrast-enhanced ULTRAsound (CEUS) for vascular diseases in clinical practice as well as in academic research. METHODS: A web-based survey was developed in English, including 35 questions. Two-hundred sixty physicians were invited by email to fill in the survey anonymously on Google Forms using a dedicated link. The survey started on 25th February 2024 and was closed on 13th March 2024 (17 days). A reminder was sent after the first 10 days. In addition to descriptive statistics, sub-analyses of answers according to country of origin (Italy vs other States), years of experience (≤20 years vs > 20 years), and type of institution (Academic/University vs Non-Academic/Private) were also established a priori. RESULTS: A total of 121 practitioners from 20 countries completed our survey (response rate 121/260, 46%). Most responders were males (95/121, 78.5%). Most participants were vascular surgeons (118/121, 97.5%). CEUS was available in 87/121, 70.2% of the centers involved, even though a standardized protocol was present in 54/121, and 44% of surveyed institutions. Italian institutions presented greater CEUS availability (62/72, 86.1% vs 25/49, 51.0%; p = .001) and higher presence of standardized protocols (38/72, 52.8% vs 16/49, 32.6%; p = .022) than foreign institutions. The diagnostic tool was thought to be more useful for carotid artery stenosis in the postoperative phase, while for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in the preoperative phase. For diagnosis and/or preoperative management of carotid stenosis 53/121, 44% of physicians believed that CEUS should be performed only in selected cases, while for AAA 42/121, 35% of them believed that it could be useful only for scientific purposes. Similarly, 99/121, 82% of participants answered that CEUS was usually prescribed in 0%-20% of the cases during the preoperative diagnostic pathway of patients with peripheral arterial disease. No differences between country of origin, years of experience, and type of institution were found for the reported items. There was also 106/121, 88% of respondents agreed upon the need for better integration of CEUS in current guidelines and 114/121, 94% of them upon the need for further studies. CONCLUSIONS: This ULTRA-VASC survey has demonstrated that CEUS is still rarely used in current practice for many vascular diseases despite the availability of this tool in most centers Future studies are needed, as well as enhanced guidance on the proper implementation of CEUS from guidelines.

Brain natriuretic peptide is a long-term cardiovascular predictor in carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: In noncardiac surgery, several biomarkers are known to play a role in predicting long-term complications, such as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction, or death. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is considered a low to medium-risk surgery for carotid stenosis aimed at preventing stroke events. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker with potential prognostic value regarding MACE. Since its role in patients undergoing CEA is unknown, this study aims to assess the potential role of BNP as a short and long-term predictor of all-cause mortality and MACE in patients undergoing CEA. METHODS: From a prospective database, patients who underwent CEA under regional anesthesia (RA) at a tertiary hospital center were enrolled, and a post hoc analysis was conducted. Patients on which BNP levels were measured up to fifteen days before surgery, and two groups based on the BNP threshold (200 pg/mL) were defined and compared. Kaplan Meier survival curves and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were assessed by multivariable Cox regression. The primary outcome was the incidence of long-term MACE and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of AMI and AHF. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients were evaluated. The mean age of the cohort was 71.2 ± 8.7 years, with 71 (79.8%) males, and presented a median follow-up of 30 [13.5-46.4] months. BNP > 200 pg/mL has demonstrated positive predictive value for MACE (aHR: 5.569, confidence interval (CI): 2.441-12.7, p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (aHR: 3.469, CI: 1.315-9.150, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: BNP has been demonstrated to independently predict long-term all-cause mortality, MACE and AMI following CEA. It serves as a low-cost, ready-to-use biomarker, although further studies are necessary.

Superficial temporal artery access for transfemoral or transbrachial carotid artery stenting in selected patients considered unfit for carotid surgery.

BACKGROUND: Transfemoral (TFCAS) or transbrachial carotid artery stenting (TBCAS) is an alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for treatment of high-grade internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. A difficult aortic arch (i.e., type III or bovine arch) and/or a tortuous/stenosed common carotid artery (CCA) are potential reasons for technical failure. This study explores the benefits of superficial temporal artery access (STAA) in aiding TFCAS or TBCAS for patients with challenging anatomical conditions. METHODS: Clinical data of patients who underwent TFCAS or TBCAS using STAA between January and November 2023 were prospectively collected. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, and imaging studies were reviewed. Primary outcomes included 30-day stroke/death and technical success. Secondary outcomes and causes of failures were assessed. RESULTS: Ten patients (mean age: 74 [range: 66-84] years) with difficult aortic arch (N.=2), CCA tortuosity (N.=2), proximal CCA stenosis (N.=2), previous technical TFCAS failure (N.=2) and aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) (N.=2) underwent TFCAS or TBCAS supported by STAA. Successful STAA was possible in eight patients (six facilitated TFCAS and two TBCAS. after TBCAS occurred TIA). In two cases STAA was not successful. There were no deaths or strokes within 30 days, transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurred in one patient. Follow-up Duplex ultrasound confirmed occlusion of the STA in all patients, without clinical consequences. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study suggests that TFCAS/TBCAS supported by STAA is a viable and safe approach when traditional access methods are ineffective and transcarotid artery stenting in not available or not possible. Despite a 20% technical failure in the current series, this technique may be useful for challenging anatomy of the aortic arch, CCA stenosis and tortuosity, and AIOD. When feasible, STAA may be a promising adjunct to TFCAS/TBCAS.

Complications and Technical Success on Upper Limb Vascular Access for Endovascular Repair of Complex Abdominal and Thoraco-abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Catheterization of target vessels (TV) represented by renal visceral vessels are the crucial aspect during fenestrated and branched endovascular repair. This study aims to assess the efficacy and complications associated with upper limb catheterization during complex aneurysm endovascular surgery repair. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted after Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, involving a search across PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science. Primary endpoint was represented by 30-day stroke. Secondary endpoints were target vessels' (TVs) technical success, 30-day mortality, and local access-related complications. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Sixteen observational studies encompassing 4,137 patients were included. The 30-day stroke incidence for upper limb access was 1.4% (95% CI 1.0-1.8%), which was slightly higher than lower limb, despite not statistically significant. Mortality varied between 0 and 6.8%, and local access-related complications occurred in 3.2% (95% CI 1.9-4.4%). Technical success in TV catheterization was 99.2% (95% CI 98.4-100.0%). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate the safety and efficacy of upper limb access for Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair (f/b-EVAR), with low stroke risk, mortality rates, and minimal local complications. Despite the risk of bias, the findings suggest that upper limb access may be beneficial, especially in bailout situations when femoral access fails, offering valuable insights for clinical decision-making.

Gupta Perioperative Risk for Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest Score is a Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk Predictor After Aortoiliac Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Gupta Perioperative Risk for Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Arrest (MICA) is a validated self-explanatory score applied in cardiac or noncardiac surgeries. This study aims to assess the predictive value of the MICA score for cardiovascular events after aortoiliac revascularization. METHODS: This prospective cohort underwent elective aortoiliac revascularization between 2013 and 2021. Patients' demographic, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were registered. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the MICA score using optimal binning. Survival analysis to test for time-dependent variables and multivariate Cox regression analysis for independent predictors were performed. RESULTS: This study included 130 patients with a median follow-up of 55 months. Preoperative MICA score was ≥6.5 in 41 patients. MICA ≥6.5 presented a statistically significant association, with long-term occurrence of acute heart failure (HR = 1.695, 95% CI 1.208-2.379, P = 0.002), major adverse cardiovascular events (HR = 1.222, 95% CI 1.086-1.376, P < 0.001), and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.256, 95% CI 1.107-1.425, P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression confirmed MICA as a significant independent predictor of long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (aHR = 1.145 95% CI 1.010-1.298, P = 0.034) and all-cause mortality (aHR = 1.172 95% CI 1.026-1.339, P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The MICA score is a quick, easy-to-obtain, predictive tool in identifying patients with a higher risk of postaortoiliac revascularization cardiovascular events, such as acute heart failure, major adverse cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. Additional research for the validation of the MICA score in the context of aortoiliac revascularization and specific interventions is necessary.

Blood group is a long-term cardiovascular risk factor after carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: ABO blood group system has been clinically related to an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Preliminary data relating Rhesus (Rh) factor and these outcomes also have been published. Our aim was to analyse the impact of blood group on the short and long-term outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2012 to 2019, patients from a referral centre who underwent CEA for atherosclerotic carotid stenosis were prospectively followed. Our primary outcomes were long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were perioperative complications and myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS). Median follow-up was 50 months (interquartile range 21-69). Time-to-event analysis was used to determine the effect of ABO and Rh groups in long-term outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-four patients were included, with a mean age of 70.1 ± 9.1 years. Eighteen (25.7%) patients with O type and 48 (42.1%) patients with non-O type presented coronary artery disease (odds ratio [OR]: 2.313, 5-95% confidence interval (CI) 1.245-4.297, p = .008). Patients Rh+ presented significantly more congestive heart failure, 23 (14.7%), p = .03. The incidence of MACE in the long-term was higher in non-O patients (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.034; CI: 1.032-4.010, p = .040). Rh- patients, presented a higher incidence of perioperative MINS. However, there was no statistically significant association with long-term risk of MACE. CONCLUSION: The incidence of MACE in long-term analysis was higher in non-O blood type and 30-day MINS was significantly more common amongst Rh- patients. The benefit from a more complete preoperative cardiac study in these patients should be performed.

The effect of the collateral cerebrovascular circulation on tolerance to carotid artery cross-clamping and on early outcome after carotid endarterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The Circle of Willis (CoW) serves as the primary source of contralateral blood supply in patients who undergo carotid artery cross-clamping (CC) for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). It has been suggested that the CoW's anatomy influences CEA outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between the cerebral collateral circulation, a positive awake test for intraoperative neurologic deficit after carotid CC, and postoperative adverse neurologic events. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted searching MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for studies that assessed the cerebral circulation, including CoW variations, using neuroimaging techniques in patients who underwent carotid CC. For the metanalytical incidence, the statistical technique used was weight averaging. Otherwise, descriptive analysis was used due to the excessive heterogeneity of the studies. RESULTS: Eight publications, seven cohort and one case-controlled study, involving 1313 patients who underwent carotid artery CC under loco-regional anesthesia, were included in the systematic review. The incidence of positive awake test in the cohort studies ranged from 4.4% to 19.7%. Carotid artery CC resulted in positive awake test in 5% to 91% of patients with alterations in the anterior portion and in 27% to 74% with alterations in the posterior portion of the CoW. A positive awake test in patients with contralateral carotid stenosis or occlusion ranged from 5.8% to 45.7%. Contralateral carotid stenosis >70% or occlusion were associated with a positive awake test (P < .001). Patients with incomplete CoW did not have statistically significant correlation with intraoperative neurological deficits after CC. Data were insufficient to evaluate the effect of the collateral circulation on early outcome after CEA. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, contralateral carotid artery stenosis or occlusion, but not CoW abnormalities, were associated with a positive awake test after carotid artery CC. Further research is needed to evaluate which specific CoW anomaly predicts neurologic deficit after CC and to confirm association between a positive awake test and clinical outcome after CEA.

Curative criteria for endoscopic treatment of gastric cancer.

Endoscopic treatment, particularly endoscopic submucosal dissection, has become the primary treatment for early gastric cancer. A comprehensive optical assessment, including white light endoscopy, image-enhanced endoscopy, and magnification, are the cornerstones for clinical staging and determining the resectability of lesions. This paper discusses factors that influence the indication for endoscopic resection and the likelihood of achieving a curative resection. Our review stresses the critical need for interpreting the histopathological report in accordance with clinical guidelines and the imperative of tailoring decisions based on the patients' and lesions' characteristics and preferences. Moreover, we offer guidance on managing complex scenarios, such as those involving non-curative resection. Finally, we identify future research avenues, including the role of artificial intelligence in estimating the depth of invasion and the urgent need to refine predictive scores for lymph node metastasis and metachronous lesions.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Sarcopenic Obesity Outcomes: A One-Year Prospective Study in Middle-Aged Women.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is characterised by the confluence of muscle deterioration and high adiposity. When non-surgical interventions prove insufficient, bariatric surgery (BS) becomes the primary approach. This study aimed to address BS effects on SO outcomes 1 year post-surgery among middle-aged women, also considering physical exercise's impact. METHODS: Prospective single-centre study of 140 patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy between November 2019 and December 2022. Participants were categorised into tertiles according to SO's diagnosis and severity (group 1-patients with the most severe SO; group 2-intermediate; group 3-the least severe or without SO), calculated considering the consensus issued by ESPEN and EASO in 2022. Evaluations of clinical and biochemical parameters were conducted before and 12 months after BS, and the variation was used for comparative purposes. Body composition was assessed using bone density scans. Linear regression analysis accounted for both surgery type and baseline body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Before BS, SO prevalence in the overall sample was 89.3%, decreasing to 2.9% after BS. Group 1 had more body fat mass (56.9 vs 54.8 vs 50.7 kg, p < 0.001), total, trunk and leg fat at baseline and a significantly lower total skeletal muscle mass (47.2 vs 49.4 vs 51.8 kg, p < 0.001). One year post-BS, group 1 presented more weight loss (- 39.8 ± 11.4 kg, p = 0.031), BMI reduction (- 15.9 ± 4.6 kg/m2, p = 0.005) and lost more fat mass (- 32.6 vs - 30.5 vs - 27.9 kg, p = 0.005), but not total skeletal muscle mass (- 5.8 vs - 5.9 vs - 6.8 kg, p = 0.130). Remission rates for comorbidities were substantial among all groups, but more marked among patients within group 1 (type 2 diabetes mellitus 75%, hypertension 47.1% and dyslipidemia 52.8%). Engagement in physical exercise of any kind has increased post-BS (33.1% vs 79.1%). CONCLUSION: Despite concerns about malabsorptive mechanisms potentially worsening muscle loss, patients with the most severe SO undergoing BS lost more fat mass while experiencing the smallest reduction in total skeletal muscle mass. Remission rates for comorbidities following BS were notable among all groups.

Serum Prolactin Levels and Mortality in Adults Without Prolactinoma: A Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: Prolactin (PRL) is a highly versatile, multifunctional hormone synthesized and secreted by lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary. Its metabolic role has been extensively studied even in normoprolactinemic populations. Recently, a wealth of observational data have outlined the potential prognostic value of PRL in various clinical settings. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to systematically evaluate and quantitatively synthesize the association between serum PRL levels and risk of mortality in adults without prolactinoma. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted up to June 10, 2023, to identify studies reporting the association of serum PRL levels with clinical outcomes of adults without prolactinoma. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the adjusted hazard ratios [(a)HRs] for all-cause and cardiovascular death (CVD) during follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were deemed eligible reporting the outcomes of adults without prolactinoma, in whom serum PRL levels were measured for risk-stratification. Fourteen studies reported appropriate data for meta-analysis encompassing a total of 23 596 individuals. Each unit of PRL increase was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause (pooled aHR = 1.17 [1.08-1.27]; I2 = 48%) and CV mortality (pooled aHR = 1.54 [1.14-2.09]; I2 = 89%). Individuals belonging to the highest PRL category had significantly higher risk for all-cause (pooled aHR = 1.81 [1.43-2.30]; I2 = 65%) and CV (pooled aHR = 1.59 [1.04-2.42]; I2 = 82%) mortality compared to their lowest-PRL category counterparts. The association between PRL levels and in-hospital death did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: PRL levels seem to be an independent predictor for mortality. Further validation is warranted before its role as a risk-stratification tool can be delineated in clinical practice.

Comparison of interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein for cardiovascular risk assessment: Findings from the MESA study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammation is a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Elevated levels of both high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL6) have been associated with MACE. However, few studies have compared IL6 to hsCRP for cardiovascular risk assessment. Using the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) study cohort, we aim to compare IL6 to hsCRP. METHODS: We divided IL6 and hsCRP by their median values and created 4 groups i.e., low-low, high-low, low-high and high-high. The median follow-up was 14 years. RESULTS: 6614 (97 %) participants had complete baseline IL6 and hsCRP data. The correlation between hsCRP and IL6 was modest (Rho = 0.53). IL6 ≥1.2 pg/mL (median) was present in 3309 participants, and hsCRP ≥1.9 mg/L (median) was present in 3339 participants. Compared to participants with low IL6 and low hsCRP, those with high IL6 and high hsCRP were older (64 vs. 60 years), more frequently women (63 % vs. 45 %), and with more cardiovascular co-morbidities. hsCRP outcome associations lost statistical significance when adjusting for IL6: MACE HR (95 %CI) 1.06 (0.93-1.20), p =0.39, whereas IL6 associations remained significant after adjusting for hsCRP: HR (95 %CI) 1.44 (1.25-1.64), p <0.001. The C-index of Framingham score for did not improve with hsCRP but improved with IL6. Compared to participants with low IL6 and low hsCRP, those with high IL6, regardless of hsCRP, experienced an increased risk of MACE, heart failure and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In a diverse and asymptomatic population, IL6 showed a stronger association with atherosclerotic, heart failure and fatal outcomes than hsCRP.

Prediabetes remission after bariatric surgery: a 4-years follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery leads to weight loss and to cardiometabolic risk improvement. Although prediabetes remission after bariatric surgery is biologically plausible, data on this topic is scarce. We aimed to assess prediabetes remission rate and clinical predictors of remission in a 4 year follow up period. METHODS: Observational longitudinal study including patients with obesity and prediabetes who had undergone bariatric surgery in our centre. Prediabetes was defined as having a baseline glycated haemoglobin (A1c) between 5.7% and 6.4% and absence of anti-diabetic drug treatment. We used logistic regression models to evaluate the association between the predictors and prediabetes remission rate. RESULTS: A total of 669 patients were included, 84% being female. The population had a mean age of 45.4 ± 10.1 years-old, body mass index of 43.8 ± 5.7 kg/m2, and median A1c of 5.9 [5.8, 6.1]%. After bariatric surgery, prediabetes remission rate was 82%, 73%, 66%, and 58%, respectively in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of follow-up. Gastric sleeve (GS) surgery was associated with higher prediabetes remission rate than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery in the 3rd year of follow-up. Men had a higher remission rate than women, in the 1st and 3nd years of follow-up in the unadjusted analysis. Younger patients presented a higher remission rate comparing to older patients in the 3rd year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: We showed a high prediabetes remission rate after bariatric surgery. The remission rate decreases over the follow-up period, although most of the patients maintain the normoglycemia. Prediabetes remission seems to be more significant in patients who had undergone GS, in male and in younger patients.

Perspectives and awareness of endoscopy healthcare professionals on sustainable practices in gastrointestinal endoscopy: results of the LEAFGREEN survey.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is one of healthcare's main contributors to climate change. We aimed to assess healthcare professionals' attitudes and the perceived barriers to implementation of sustainable GI endoscopy. METHODS: The LEAFGREEN web-based survey was a cross-sectional study conducted by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Green Endoscopy Working Group. The questionnaire comprised 39 questions divided into five sections (respondent demographics; climate change and sustainability beliefs; waste and resource management; single-use endoscopes and accessories; education and research). The survey was available via email to all active members of the ESGE and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) in March 2023. RESULTS: 407 respondents participated in the survey (11% response rate). Most participants (86%) agreed climate change is real and anthropogenic, but one-third did not consider GI endoscopy to be a significant contributor to climate change. Improvement in the appropriateness of endoscopic procedures (41%) and reduction in single-use accessories (34%) were considered the most important strategies to reduce the environmental impact of GI endoscopy. Respondents deemed lack of institutional support and knowledge from staff to be the main barriers to sustainable endoscopy. Strategies to reduce unnecessary GI endoscopic procedures and comparative studies of single-use versus reusable accessories were identified as research priorities. CONCLUSIONS: In this survey, ESGE and ESGENA members acknowledge climate change as a major threat to humanity. Further improvement in sustainability beliefs and professional attitudes, reduction in inappropriate GI endoscopy, and rational use of single-use accessories and endoscopes are critically required.

Western outcomes of circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Circumferential endoscopic submucosal dissection (cESD) in the esophagus has been reported to be feasible in small Eastern case series. We assessed the outcomes of cESD in the treatment of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in Western countries. METHODS: We conducted an international study at 25 referral centers in Europe and Australia using prospective databases. We included all patients with ESCC treated with cESD before November 2022. Our main outcomes were curative resection according to European guidelines and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 171 cESDs were performed on 165 patients. En bloc and R0 resections rates were 98.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.0-99.4) and 69.6% (95% CI, 62.3-76.0), respectively. Curative resection was achieved in 49.1% (95% CI, 41.7-56.6) of the lesions. The most common reason for noncurative resection was deep submucosal invasion (21.6%). The risk of stricture requiring 6 or more dilations or additional techniques (incisional therapy/stent) was high (71%), despite the use of prophylactic measures in 93% of the procedures. The rates of intraprocedural perforation, delayed bleeding, and adverse cardiorespiratory events were 4.1%, 0.6%, and 4.7%, respectively. Two patients died (1.2%) of a cESD-related adverse event. Overall and disease-free survival rates at 2 years were 91% and 79%. CONCLUSIONS: In Western referral centers, cESD for ESCC is curative in approximately half of the lesions. It can be considered a feasible treatment in selected patients. Our results suggest the need to improve patient selection and to develop more effective therapies to prevent esophageal strictures.

Incidence of myocardial injury in patients submitted to carotid endarterectomy.

Myocardial injury following noncardiac surgery (MINS) is associated with higher mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event rates in the short- and long-term in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). However, its incidence is still unclear in this subset of patients. Therefore, this systematic review with meta-analysis aims to determine the incidence of MINS in patients undergoing CEA. Three electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for studies assessing the occurrence of MINS in the postoperative setting of patients undergoing CEA. The incidence of MINS was pooled by random-effects meta-analysis, with sources of heterogeneity being explored by meta-regression and subgroup analysis (general anesthesia vs. regional anesthesia). Assessment of studies' quality was performed using National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment Tool, and Risk of Bias 2 tools. Twenty studies were included, with a total of 117,933 participants. Four of them were RCTs, while the remaining were cohort studies. All observational cohorts had an overall high risk of bias, except for Pereira Macedo et al. Three of them had repeated population, thus only data from the most recent one was considered. On the other hand, all RCT had an overall low risk of bias. In patients under regional anesthesia, the incidence of MINS in primary studies ranged between 2% and 15.3%, compared to 0-42.5% for general anesthesia. The meta-analytical incidence of MINS after CEA was of 6.3% [95% CI 2.0-10.6%], but severe heterogeneity was observed (I2=99.1%). MINS appears to be relatively common among patients undergoing CEA. The observed severe heterogeneity points to the need for further larger studies adopting consistent definitions of MINS and equivalent cut-off values.

Polyvascular Disease Influences Long-Term Cardiovascular Morbidity in Carotid Endarterectomy.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Carotid stenosis (CS) is an important cause of ischemic stroke. Secondary prevention lies in performing a carotid endarterectomy (CEA) procedure, the recommended treatment in most cases. When 2 or more vascular regions are simultaneously affected by atherosclerosis, mainly the carotid arteries, coronary arteries, or limb arteries, a multivessel disease polyvascular disease (PVD) is present. This study aims to assess the potential role of PVD as a long-term predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in patients submitted to CEA. METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2021, patients submitted to CEA for carotid stenosis in a tertiary care and referral center were eligible from a prospective database. A posthoc survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve method. The primary outcome was the incidence of long-term MACE and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included acute myocardial infarction (AMI), major adverse limb events (MALE), stroke, and acute heart failure (AHF). RESULTS: A total of 207 patients were enrolled, with a median follow-up of 63 months. The mean age was 70.4 ± 8.9, and 163 (78.7%) were male. There were 65 (31.4%) patients that had 2 arterial vascular territories affected, and 29 (14.0%) patients had PVD in 3 arterial beds. On multivariable analysis, both MACE and all-cause mortality had as independent risk factors age (aHR 1.039, P = 0.003; aHR 1.041, P = 0.019), chronic kidney disease (aHR 2.524, P = 0.003; aHR 3.377, P < 0.001) and PVD2 (aHR 3.381, P < 0.001; aHR 2.665, P = 0.013). PVD1 was only associated with MACE as a statistically significant risk factor (aHR 2.531, 1.439-4.450, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PVD in patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) was revealed to carry a 2-fold increased risk for all-cause mortality and MACE during long-term follow-up. PVD may be a simple yet valuable tool in predicting all-cause mortality, MACE, AMI, and MALE after CEA.