Protecting Vulnerable Patients from Influenza During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Urgent Call to Action for Health Care Professionals.

The 2020-2021 US influenza season, although mild, initially raised concerns about an unprecedented dual threat of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, circulating alongside seasonal influenza viruses. Although everyone is susceptible to influenza infection, adults with chronic health conditions (including heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes) are particularly vulnerable to influenza-related complications including hospitalization, disability, and death-as are older adults (65+ years) and adults in underserved communities, in which rates of chronic health conditions are higher. Many of the chronic health conditions associated with an increased risk of influenza-related hospitalization and mortality are the same conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care professionals must prioritize influenza vaccination for all patients, especially those with chronic health conditions.

Acute Kidney Injury and In-Hospital Mortality after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft versus Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND: Post-procedural acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with significantly increased short- and long-term mortalities, and renal loss. Few studies have compared the incidence of post-procedural AKI and in-hospital mortality between 2 major modalities of revascularization - coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) - and results have been inconsistent. METHODS: We generated a propensity score-matched cohort that includes a total of 286,670 hospitalizations with multi-vessel coronary disease undergoing CABG or PCI (2004-2012) from the National Inpatient Sample database. We compared incidence of AKI, AKI requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT), in-hospital mortality, hospital stay, and charges between CABG and PCI groups. RESULTS: The incidence of AKI after CABG was higher than PCI (8.9 vs. 4.5%, OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.99-2.12, p < 0.001). The incidence of AKI requiring RRT was also higher after CABG (1.1 vs. 0.5%, OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.96-2.34, p < 0.001). Likewise, in-hospital mortality was higher after CABG than PCI (2.0 vs. 1.4%, OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.35-1.52, p < 0.001). Among patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (stages I-IV), those undergoing CABG was associated with 2.0-2.3-fold higher odds of developing AKI than those undergoing PCI. The patients treated with CABG had a significantly longer hospital stay and higher hospital charges. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing CABG are associated with (1) increased risk of developing post-procedural AKI, (2) higher likelihood of receiving RRT, and (3) worse short-term survival. Long-term renal outcome remains to be studied.

Paradoxical progression of atherosclerosis related to low-density lipoprotein reduction and exposure to ezetimibe.

AIMS: Ezetimibe reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) but has complex actions on cholesterol transport and metabolism, and thus, LDL-C reduction may not solely define its overall effects. We explored the relationship between treatment effects and cumulative exposure to ezetimibe, with its effects on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in ARBITER 6-HALTS. METHODS AND RESULTS: This analysis includes the 159 patients randomized to ezetimibe within ARBITER 6-HALTS that completed the final imaging endpoint assessment. Eligibility criteria for ARBITER 6-HALTS included known coronary artery disease (CAD) or high risk for coronary heart disease, and treatment with a statin with LDL-C <100 mg/dL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <50 or 55 mg/dL for men and women, respectively. The mean CIMT was measured in the far wall of the distal common carotid artery. We analysed the univariate and multivariate relationships of the change in CIMT with baseline characteristics, on-treatment effects, and cumulative ezetimibe exposure (treatment duration × dose × adherence). Ezetimibe reduced LDL-C from 84 ± 23 to 66 ± 20 mg/dL. No net effect on CIMT was observed (baseline CIMT 0.898 ± 0.151 mm; net change -0.002 mm; P = 0.52). There was an inverse relationship between LDL-C and change in CIMT such that greater reductions in LDL-C were associated with greater CIMT progression (r = -0.266; P < 0.001). Change in CIMT also had univariate associations with baseline LDL-C, triglycerides (TG), high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and systolic blood pressure and was directly associated with the change in TG and inversely associated with the change in high-sensitive C-reactive protein. Multivariable models controlling for change in LDL-C, cumulative ezetimibe exposure, and baseline and on-treatment variables showed that both increased LDL-C reduction (P = 0.005) and cumulative drug exposure (P = 0.02) were associated with ezetimibe-associated CIMT progression. CONCLUSION: Among CAD and high-risk patients on statin therapy in the ARBITER-6 trial, ezetimibe leads to paradoxical progression of CIMT in association with both greater LDL-C reduction and cumulative drug exposure. These findings may suggest the presence of off-target actions of ezetimibe. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00397657.

Standardized medical terminology for cardiac computed tomography 2023 update: An Expert Consensus Document of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT), American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), American College of Radiology (ACR), North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging (NASCI) and Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) with endorsement by the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASCI), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACI), and the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR).

Since the emergence of cardiac computed tomography (Cardiac CT) at the turn of the 21st century, there has been an exponential growth in research and clinical development of the technique, with contributions from investigators and clinicians from varied backgrounds: physics and engineering, informatics, cardiology, and radiology. However, terminology for the field is not unified. As a consequence, there are multiple abbreviations for some terms, multiple terms for some concepts, and some concepts that lack clear definitions and/or usage. In an effort to aid the work of all those who seek to contribute to the literature, clinical practice, and investigation of the field, the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography updates a standard set of medical terms commonly used in clinical and research activities related to cardiac CT.

Standardized Medical Terminology for Cardiac Computed Tomography 2023 Update: An Expert Consensus Document of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT), American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), American College of Radiology (ACR), North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging (NASCI), and Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) with endorsement by the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (ASCI), the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACI), and the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology (ESCR).

Since the emergence of cardiac computed tomography (Cardiac CT) at the turn of the 21st century, there has been an exponential growth in research and clinical development of the technique, with contributions from investigators and clinicians from varied backgrounds: physics and engineering, informatics, cardiology, and radiology. However, terminology for the field is not unified. As a consequence, there are multiple abbreviations for some terms, multiple terms for some concepts, and some concepts that lack clear definitions and/or usage. In an effort to aid the work of all those who seek to contribute to the literature, clinical practice, and investigation of the field, the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography updates a standard set of medical terms commonly used in clinical and research activities related to cardiac CT. Keywords: Cardiac, CT, Medical Terminology Supplemental material is available for this article. This article is published synchronously in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging and Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. ©2023 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Published by RSNA with permission.

ACCF/AHA methodology for the development of quality measures for cardiovascular technology: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Performance Measures.

Consistent with the growing national focus on healthcare quality, the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have taken a leadership role over the past decade in developing measures of the quality of cardiovascular care by convening a joint ACCF/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures. The Task Force is charged with identifying the clinical topics appropriate for the development of performance measures and with assembling writing committees composed of clinical and methodological experts in collaboration with appropriate subspecialty societies. The Task Force has also created methodology documents that offer guidance in the development of process, outcome, composite, and efficiency measures. Cardiovascular performance measures using existing ACCF/AHA methodology are based on Class I or Class III guidelines recommendations, usually with Level A evidence. These performance measures, based on evidence-based ACCF/AHA guidelines, remain the most rigorous quality measures for both internal quality improvement and public reporting. However, many of the tools for diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease involve advanced technologies, such as cardiac imaging, for which there are often no underlying guideline documents. Because these technologies affect the quality of cardiovascular care and also have the potential to contribute to cardiovascular health expenditures, there is a need for more critical assessment of the use of technology, including the development of quality and performance measures in areas in which guideline recommendations are absent. The evaluation of quality in the use of cardiovascular technologies requires consideration of multiple parameters that differ from other healthcare processes. The present document describes methodology for development of 2 new classes of quality measures in these situations, appropriate use measures and structure/safety measures. Appropriate use measures are based on specific indications, processes, or parameters of care for which high level of evidence data and Class I or Class III guideline recommendations may be lacking but are addressed in ACCF appropriate use criteria documents. Structure/safety measures represent measures developed to address structural aspects of the use of healthcare technology (e.g., laboratory accreditation, personnel training, and credentialing) or quality issues related to patient safety when there are neither guidelines recommendations nor appropriate use criteria. Although the strength of evidence for appropriate use measures and structure/safety measures may not be as strong as that for formal performance measures, they are quality measures that are otherwise rigorously developed, reviewed, tested, and approved in the same manner as ACCF/AHA performance measures. The ultimate goal of the present document is to provide direction in defining and measuring the appropriate use-avoiding not only underuse but also overuse and misuse-and proper application of cardiovascular technology and to describe how such appropriate use measures and structure/safety measures might be developed for the purposes of quality improvement and public reporting. It is anticipated that this effort will help focus the national dialogue on the use of cardiovascular technology and away from the current concerns about volume and cost alone to a more holistic emphasis on value.

Extended-release niacin or ezetimibe and carotid intima-media thickness.

BACKGROUND: Treatment added to statin monotherapy to further modify the lipid profile may include combination therapy to either raise the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level or further lower the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level. METHODS: We enrolled patients who had coronary heart disease or a coronary heart disease risk equivalent, who were receiving long-term statin therapy, and in whom an LDL cholesterol level under 100 mg per deciliter (2.6 mmol per liter) and an HDL cholesterol level under 50 mg per deciliter for men or 55 mg per deciliter for women (1.3 or 1.4 mmol per liter, respectively) had been achieved. The patients were randomly assigned to receive extended-release niacin (target dose, 2000 mg per day) or ezetimibe (10 mg per day). The primary end point was the between-group difference in the change from baseline in the mean common carotid intima-media thickness after 14 months. The trial was terminated early, on the basis of efficacy, according to a prespecified analysis conducted after 208 patients had completed the trial. RESULTS: The mean HDL cholesterol level in the niacin group increased by 18.4% over the 14-month study period, to 50 mg per deciliter (P < 0.001), and the mean LDL cholesterol level in the ezetimibe group decreased by 19.2%, to 66 mg per deciliter (1.7 mmol per liter) (P < 0.001). Niacin therapy significantly reduced LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels; ezetimibe reduced the HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. As compared with ezetimibe, niacin had greater efficacy regarding the change in mean carotid intima-media thickness over 14 months (P = 0.003), leading to significant reduction of both mean (P = 0.001) and maximal carotid intima-media thickness (P < or = 0.001 for all comparisons). Paradoxically, greater reductions in the LDL cholesterol level in association with ezetimibe were significantly associated with an increase in the carotid intima-media thickness (R = -0.31, P < 0.001). The incidence of major cardiovascular events was lower in the niacin group than in the ezetimibe group (1% vs. 5%, P = 0.04 by the chi-square test). CONCLUSIONS: This comparative-effectiveness trial shows that the use of extended-release niacin causes a significant regression of carotid intima-media thickness when combined with a statin and that niacin is superior to ezetimibe. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00397657.)

Niacin: the evidence, clinical use, and future directions.

The use of FDA-approved niacin (nicotinic acid or vitamin B3) formulations at therapeutic doses, alone or in combination with statins or other lipid therapies, is safe, improves multiple lipid parameters, and reduces atherosclerosis progression. Niacin is unique as the most potent available lipid therapy to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and it significantly reduces lipoprotein(a). Through its action on the GPR109A receptor, niacin may also exert beneficial pleiotropic effects independent of changes in lipid levels, such as improving endothelial function and attenuating vascular inflammation. Studies evaluating the impact of niacin in statin-naïve patients on cardiovascular outcomes, or alone and in combination with statins or other lipid therapies on atherosclerosis progression, have been universally favorable. However, the widespread use of niacin to treat residual lipid abnormalities such as low HDL cholesterol, when used in combination with statins among patients achieving very low (<75 mg/dL) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, is currently not supported by clinical outcome trials.

Effect of hybrid iterative reconstruction technique on quantitative and qualitative image analysis at 256-slice prospective gating cardiac CT.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of hybrid iterative reconstruction on qualitative and quantitative parameters at 256-slice cardiac CT. METHODS: Prospective cardiac CT images from 20 patients were analysed. Paired image sets were created using 3 reconstructions, i.e. filtered back projection (FBP) and moderate- and high-level iterative reconstructions. Quantitative parameters including CT-attenuation, noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were determined in both proximal- and distal coronary segments. Image quality was graded on a 4-point scale. RESULTS: Coronary CT attenuation values were similar for FBP, moderate- and high-level iterative reconstruction at 293 ± 74-, 290 ± 75-, and 283 ± 78 Hounsfield units (HU), respectively. CNR was significantly higher with moderate- and high-level iterative reconstructions (10.9 ± 3.5 and 18.4 ± 6.2, respectively) than FBP (8.2 ± 2.5) as was the visual grading of proximal vessels. Visualisation of distal vessels was better with high-level iterative reconstruction than FBP. The mean number of assessable segments among 289 segments was 245, 260, and 267 for FBP, moderate- and high-level iterative reconstruction, respectively; the difference between FBP and high-level iterative reconstruction was significant. Interobserver agreement was significantly higher for moderate- and high-level iterative reconstruction than FBP. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac CT using hybrid iterative reconstruction yields higher CNR and better image quality than FBP. KEY POINTS: • Cardiac CT helps clinicians to assess patients with coronary artery disease • Hybrid iterative reconstruction provides improved cardiac CT image quality • Hybrid iterative reconstruction improves the number of assessable coronary segments • Hybrid iterative reconstruction improves interobserver agreement on cardiac CT.

Developing an action plan for patient radiation safety in adult cardiovascular medicine. Proceedings from the Duke University Clinical Research Institute/American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Think Tank Held on February 28, 2011.

Technological advances and increased utilization of medical testing and procedures have prompted greater attention to ensuring the patient safety of radiation use in the practice of adult cardiovascular medicine. In response, representatives from cardiovascular imaging societies, private payers, government and nongovernmental agencies, industry, medical physicists, and patient representatives met to develop goals and strategies toward this end; this report provides an overview of the discussions. This expert "think tank" reached consensus on several broad directions including: the need for broad collaboration across a large number of diverse stakeholders; clarification of the relationship between medical radiation and stochastic events; required education of ordering and providing physicians, and creation of a culture of safety; development of infrastructure to support robust dose assessment and longitudinal tracking; continued close attention to patient selection by balancing the benefit of cardiovascular testing and procedures against carefully minimized radiation exposures; collation, dissemination, and implementation of best practices; and robust education, not only across the healthcare community but also to patients, the public, and media. Finally, because patient radiation safety in cardiovascular imaging is complex, any proposed actions need to be carefully vetted (and monitored) for possible unintended consequences.

ACCF/SCCT/ACR/AHA/ASE/ASNC/NASCI/SCAI/SCMR 2010 Appropriate Use Criteria for Cardiac Computed Tomography. A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Appropriate Use Criteria Task Force, the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, the American College of Radiology, the American Heart Association, the American Society of Echocardiography, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, the North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

The American College of Cardiology Foundation, along with key specialty and subspecialty societies, conducted an appropriate use review of common clinical scenarios where cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is frequently considered. The present document is an update to the original CCT/cardiac magnetic resonance appropriateness criteria published in 2006, written to reflect changes in test utilization, to incorporate new clinical data, and to clarify CCT use where omissions or lack of clarity existed in the original criteria. The indications for this review were drawn from common applications or anticipated uses, as well as from current clinical practice guidelines. Ninety-three clinical scenarios were developed by a writing group and scored by a separate technical panel on a scale of 1 to 9 to designate appropriate use, inappropriate use, or uncertain use. In general, use of CCT angiography for diagnosis and risk assessment in patients with low or intermediate risk or pretest probability for coronary artery disease was viewed favorably, whereas testing in high-risk patients, routine repeat testing, and general screening in certain clinical scenarios were viewed less favorably. Use of noncontrast computed tomography for calcium scoring was rated as appropriate within intermediate- and selected low-risk patients. Appropriate applications of CCT are also within the category of cardiac structural and functional evaluation. It is anticipated that these results will have an impact on physician decision making, performance, and reimbursement policy, and that they will help guide future research.

Perioperative outcomes in reoperative cardiac surgery guided by cardiac multidetector computed tomographic angiography.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative evaluation with contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomographic angiography (MDCTA) is considered an "appropriate" indication based on expert consensus. We aimed to evaluate how the presurgical evaluation with MDCTA impacts the outcomes after reoperative cardiac surgery (RCS). METHODS: We retrospectively studied 364 patients undergoing RCS between 2004 and 2008, including 137 referred for MDCTA. High-risk CT findings were defined as the presence of right ventricle or aorta <10 mm from the sternum or a bypass graft <10 mm from the sternum crossing the midline. The primary clinical end point was the composite of perioperative death, myocardial infarction (MI), stoke, and hemorrhage-related reoperation. Secondary end points included surgical procedural variables and the perioperative volume of bleeding and of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. RESULTS: Baseline clinical characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Individuals referred for MDCTA showed a trend toward a lower incidence of the composite primary end point (17.5% vs 24.2%, P = .13), primarily related to a significantly lower incidence of perioperative MI (0% vs 5.7%, P = .002). Multidetector computed tomographic angiography was also associated with shorter perfusion (90 vs 110 minutes, P = .002), cross clamp time (63 vs 75 minutes, P = .003), and total time in intensive care unit (103 vs 148 hours, P = .04), and a lower volume of postoperative RBC transfusion (627 vs 824 mL, P = .09). These differences remained significant after adjustment for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score and the performing surgeon. CONCLUSION: The use of MDCTA before RCS was associated with shorter perfusion and cross clamp time, shorter intensive care unit stays, and less frequent perioperative MI.

Decreasing outpatient cardiac catheterization rates associated with cardiology clinic volume but not with increasing cardiac computed tomography utilization.

Cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is an accurate noninvasive test for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD). To investigate whether increasing use of CTA is correlated with left heart catheterization (LHC) rates, we performed a retrospective review of existing outpatient and inpatient catheterization lab and CTA electronic medical records from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2008. Comparing the previous 2 years (July 2004-June 2006) to the 2 years after addition of CTA (July 2006-June 2008), monthly LHC rates decreased 20 +/- 6% (p = 0.08) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) rates decreased 47 +/- 6% (p<0.001). Cardiology clinic volume declined 34%. CTA rates increased 64 +/- 7% (p<0.001). Radionuclide myocardial perfusion scan (MPS) usage remained stable. Despite increased utilization over the past 2 years, CTA was not correlated with significantly reduced LHC rates. The decline of outpatient LHC rates at our institution over 4 years is mainly influenced by decreasing outpatient Cardiology clinic volume.

Does prolonged warfarin exposure potentiate coronary calcification in humans? Results of the warfarin and coronary calcification study.

Warfarin has been shown to accelerate vascular calcification in experimental animals, and possibly humans, through inhibition of the vitamin K-dependent protein matrix gla protein, a potent inhibitor of tissue calcification. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the extent of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in patients without coronary heart disease, currently taking or referred for warfarin therapy. The primary end point was severity of CAC measured by electron beam computed tomography attributed to duration of warfarin use, after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Seventy patients (46 men, mean age 68 +/- 13 years) were enrolled from three groups of warfarin use duration: (1) <6 months (n = 31, mean duration 1 +/- 1 months), (2) 6-24 months (n = 11), and (3) >24 months (n = 28, mean 67 +/- 40 months). Overall, the mean total CAC score (Agatston) was 293 +/- 560: group 1 (175 +/- 285), group 2 (289 +/- 382), and group 3 (426 +/- 789). In univariate analysis, there was a nonsignificant trend to increased CAC with increasing warfarin exposure (P = 0.18). Bivariate analysis revealed no correlation between warfarin duration and CAC score (r = 0.075, P = 0.537). Linear regression for the independent variable coronary calcium score controlling for warfarin treatment duration and intensity (duration of warfarin use months x mean INR), Framingham risk score, and creatinine clearance showed that only the Framingham risk score was associated with CAC (P = 0.001). Among patients without known coronary heart disease, duration of warfarin exposure was not associated with extent of coronary calcification.

Evidence to support aggressive management of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: implications of recent imaging trials.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a "regression particle" based on its unique lipid particle biology. This unique property predicts that, in theory, therapies that raise HDL cholesterol should be able to induce regression of atherosclerosis. Presently, the principle pharmacotherapy for increasing HDL cholesterol is niacin. Niacin has been shown to regress atherosclerosis when used as monotherapy, in combination with a statin, and in combination with nonstatin therapies (including cholesterol-binding resins) and fibrates. Insights into the atherosclerosis benefits of combination lipid-lowering therapy with niacin have come from imaging studies utilizing quantitative coronary angiography, carotid ultrasound, and intravascular ultrasound showing modest inverse correlations between the extent of HDL increase and atherosclerosis regression. Recent adverse atherosclerosis and clinical effects seen with cholesterol ester transfer protein inhibition indicate that HDL-raising effects alone are insufficient to predict clinical benefit of new HDL therapies. Thus, although clinical trial evidence is necessary to understand the full scope of the safety and efficacy profile of novel HDL therapeutics, atherosclerosis imaging will be an important component of preclinical testing of these agents as they emerge and in head-to-head testing of treatment strategies.

Coronary artery calcium screening: current status and recommendations from the European Society of Cardiac Radiology and North American Society for Cardiovascular Imaging.

Current guidelines and literature on screening for coronary artery calcium for cardiac risk assessment are reviewed for both general and special populations. It is shown that for both general and special populations a zero score excludes most clinically relevant coronary artery disease. The importance of standardization of coronary artery calcium measurements by multidetector CT is discussed.