Coronary atherosclerosis profile in patients with end-stage liver disease prior to liver transplantation due to alcoholic fatty liver: a coronary CTA study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the coronary atherosclerosis profile by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) due to alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) evaluated for liver transplantation (LT), in a retrospective matched case-controlled cohort study. METHODS: One hundred forty patients (age 60.6 years ± 9.8, 20.7% females) who underwent coronary CTA were included. Seventy patients with ESLD due to ARLD (ESLD-alc) were propensity score (1:1) matched for age, gender, and the major 5 cardiovascular risk factors with healthy controls. CTA analysis included the following: stenosis severity according to CAD-RADS as (0) = no, (1) minimal < 25%, (2) mild 25-50%, (3) moderate 50-70%, and (4) severe > 70% stenosis, total mixed plaque burden weighted for non-calcified component (G-score) and high-risk plaque criteria (Napkin-Ring, low attenuation plaque, spotty calcification, positive remodeling). RESULTS: Prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was high (84.4%) in the ESLD-alc group but similar to controls. Stenosis severity was similar (CAD-RADS, 1.9 vs. 2.2, p = 0.289). High-grade stenosis (> 70%) was observed in 12.5% of ESLD-alc patients. High-risk plaques were less frequent in the ESLD-alc cohort as compared to controls (4.5% vs. 37.5%, p < 0.001), and total mixed plaque burden was lower (G-score, 4.9 versus 7.4, p = 0.001). Plaque density was lower in controls (56.6HU ± 3.2 vs. 91.3HU ± 4.5, p = 0.007) indicating more lipid-rich in controls, but higher mixed fibro-calcific plaque component in those with alcohol-related ESLD. CONCLUSION: Patients with alcohol-related ESLD exhibit more mixed fibro-calcified plaques but less plaque with high-risk features and less fibro-fatty plaque burden, while total CAD prevalence is high. KEY POINTS: • Patients with ESLD prior to LT have a high total prevalence of CAD and stenosis severity, which is similar to those of healthy controls with an identical cardiovascular risk profile. • Patients with ESLD prior to LT due to alcohol abuse have more calcific but less fibro-fatty plaque and less high-risk plaque. • CTA seems to be a useful imaging technique for risk stratification prior to LT.

Is MRI equivalent to CT in the guidance of TAVR? A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol with contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) for guidance in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) evaluation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Non-contrast three-dimensional (3D) 'whole heart' MRI imaging for aortic annulus sizing and measurements of coronary ostia heights, contrast-enhanced MRI angiography (MRA) for evaluation of transfemoral routes as well as aortoiliofemoral-CTA were performed in 16 patients referred for evaluation of TAVR. Aortic annulus measurements by MRI and CTA showed a very strong correlation (r=0.956, p<0.0001; effective annulus area for MRI 430±74 vs. 428±78 mm2 for CTA, p=0.629). Regarding decision for valve size there was complete consistency between MRI and CTA. Moreover, vessel luminal diameters and angulations of aortoiliofemoral access as measured by MRA and CTA showed overall very strong correlations (r= 0.819 to 0.996, all p<0.001), the agreement of minimal vessel diameter between the two modalities revealed a bias of 0.02 mm (upper and lower limit of agreement: 1.02 mm and -0.98 mm). CONCLUSIONS: In patients referred for TAVR, MRI measurements of aortic annulus and minimal aortoiliofemoral diameters showed good to excellent agreement. Decisions based on MRI measurements regrading prosthesis sizing and transfemoral access would not have modified TAVR-strategy as compared to a CTA-based choice. KEY POINTS: • 'Whole heart' MRI and CTA measurements of aortic annulus correlate very strongly. • MRI- and CTA-based prostheses sizing are in excellent agreement. • MRA and CTA equally guide TAVR access strategy.

Computed tomography versus invasive coronary angiography: design and methods of the pragmatic randomised multicentre DISCHARGE trial.

OBJECTIVES: More than 3.5 million invasive coronary angiographies (ICA) are performed in Europe annually. Approximately 2 million of these invasive procedures might be reduced by noninvasive tests because no coronary intervention is performed. Computed tomography (CT) is the most accurate noninvasive test for detection and exclusion of coronary artery disease (CAD). To investigate the comparative effectiveness of CT and ICA, we designed the European pragmatic multicentre DISCHARGE trial funded by the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union (EC-GA 603266). METHODS: In this trial, patients with a low-to-intermediate pretest probability (10-60 %) of suspected CAD and a clinical indication for ICA because of stable chest pain will be randomised in a 1-to-1 ratio to CT or ICA. CT and ICA findings guide subsequent management decisions by the local heart teams according to current evidence and European guidelines. RESULTS: Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) defined as cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke as a composite endpoint will be the primary outcome measure. Secondary and other outcomes include cost-effectiveness, radiation exposure, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), socioeconomic status, lifestyle, adverse events related to CT/ICA, and gender differences. CONCLUSIONS: The DISCHARGE trial will assess the comparative effectiveness of CT and ICA. KEY POINTS: • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. • Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is the reference standard for detection of CAD. • Noninvasive computed tomography angiography excludes CAD with high sensitivity. • CT may effectively reduce the approximately 2 million negative ICAs in Europe. • DISCHARGE addresses this hypothesis in patients with low-to-intermediate pretest probability for CAD.

Quantitative coronary CT angiography: absolute lumen sizing rather than %stenosis predicts hemodynamically relevant stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the most accurate quantitative coronary stenosis parameter by CTA for prediction of functional significant coronary stenosis resulting in coronary revascularization. METHODS: 160 consecutive patients were prospectively examined with CTA. Proximal coronary stenosis was quantified by minimal lumen area (MLA) and minimal lumen diameter (MLD), %area and %diameter stenosis. Lesion length (LL) was measured. The reference standard was invasive coronary angiography (ICA) (>70 % stenosis, FFR <0.8). RESULTS: 210 coronary segments were included (59 % positive). MLA of ≤1.8 mm2 was identified as the optimal cut-off (c = 0.97, p < 0.001; 95 % CI 0.94-0.99) (sensitivity 90.9 %, specificity 89.3 %) for prediction of functional-relevant stenosis (for MLA >2.1 mm2 sensitivity was 100 %). The optimal cut-off for MLD was 1.2 mm (c = 0.92; p < 0.001; 95 % CI 0.88-95) (sensitivity 90.9, specificity 85.2) while %area and %diameter stenosis were less accurate (c = 0.89; 95 % CI 0.84-93, c = 0.87; 95 % CI 0.82-92, respectively, with thresholds at 73 % and 61 % stenosis). Accuracy for LL was c = 0.74 (95 % CI 0.67-81), and for LL/MLA and LL/MLD ratio c = 0.90 and c = 0.84. CONCLUSIONS: MLA ≤1.8 mm2 and MLD ≤1.2 mm are the most accurate cut-offs for prediction of haemodynamically significant stenosis by ICA, with a higher accuracy than relative % stenosis. KEY POINTS: • Quantitative coronary CT-angiography is accurate for prediction of functional relevant stenosis. • Absolute lumen area and diameter rather than %stenosis predict functional relevance. • Lumen area <1.8 mm 2 and diameter <1.2 mm are the most accurate cut-offs. • Quantitative parameters are helpful for decision-making in terms of patient management.

Prediction of high coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores from aortic arch calcification: An efficient tool for selection of non-optimal candidates for coronary CTA?

PURPOSE: Overutilization of healthcare resources is causing a high socioeconomic burden. Patients with high coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores > 1000AU are not optimal candidates for coronary CTA and better suited for other diagnostic strategies. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate whether a 4-scale aortic arch calcification severity (AoArCa) score from CT and X-Ray predicts high-CAC scores. METHODS: Patients referred to coronary/aortic CT-Angiography were enrolled. The severity of aortic arch calcification (AoArCa) was scored as grade: 0 = absent, 1 = minimal (<25 % of circumference), 2 = mild (25-50 %), 3 = moderate (50-75 %) and 4 = severe (75-100 %) on both thoracic CT and X-ray. RESULTS: In 130 patients, the absence of AoArCa by CT was highly accurate to rule out CAC > 1000AU (sens. 100 %). No or minimal AoArCa had a high NPV of 95.6 % to rule out CAC > 1000 and grade 0,1 + 2 a NPV of 86.96 %. The AUC of AoArCa by CT for predicting high CAC > 1000 was c = 0.84 (p < 0.001; 95 %CI: 0.771--0.91). For moderate-to-severe AoArCa, accuracy was c = 0.792 (p < 0.001). The intermodality agreement between CT and X-Ray based AoArCa Scores was good (r = 0.824, p < 0.001); ICC = 0.902. For X-ray, AUC was c = 0.715 to predict CAC > 1000 (p < 0.001). In regression models, only moderate-or-severe AoArCa, but not the other CVRF predicted CAC > 1000 (p < 0.001), and there was an association of the number of CVRF. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with moderate-to-severe aortic arch calcification have a high probability of CAC > 1000AU, but not those with no, minimal and mild. The absence of AoArCa rules out CAC > 1000AU. AoArCa severity may serve as valuable tool for selecting the diagnostic strategy.

Gender differences in the diagnostic efficacy of coronary CTA: Overutilization of coronary CTA in pre- and perimenopausal females?

OBJECTIVES: Public campaigns such as the "Go-red-for-women"-initiative have raised heart-disease awareness and may trigger overutilization of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). Objective was to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of coronary CTA stratified by age and gender. METHODS: 1882 consecutive patients (58.9 ± 11 years;42.5% females) with low-to-intermediate pre-test-probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) referred to coronary CTA according to ESC-2019 guidelines, were included. Diagnostic efficacy was defined by the 1)negative CTA-rate 2)obstructive CAD (>50%stenosis) 3)High-risk-plaque and 4)CAC-score. RESULTS: The negative CTA rate was higher in females compared to males with 360/801 vs 292/1081 (45% vs 27%;p < 0.001). Females had a higher likelihood (OR 2.2:95%CI:1.81-2.67) of a negative CTA than males, despite they were older (p < 0.001). Obstructive disease prevalence was 25.6% and acceptable in both sexes (males vs females: 28.4% vs 21.8%;p = 0.0012). Males had more high-risk-plaque (23.6% vs 11.5%;p < 0.001). When stratifying age groups, negative CTA rate was highest in females <47 years (82.8%), but lower in males with 68.1% (p < 0.001), while obstructive disease prevalence was not different (males:6.5% vs females:4.6%:p = 0.874). Above 50 years, negative CTA rate (39.1% vs 17.6%,p < 0.001;OR 3.02:95%CI:2.381-3.823) was higher, and the obstructive disease rate was lower in females (24.8% vs 34.7%,p = 0.0003). SSPSTm(V.25,IBM) was used for statistical analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Above 50 years of age, diagnostic efficacy of coronary CTA is high in both males and females. In females <47 years, the negative CTA rate was highest with 82.8% and obstructive disease prevalence was low (4.6%), still justifying testing but recommending the use of specific tools (PROMISE minimal risk score) or other clinical tests for pre-selection.

Undiagnosed chronic respiratory disorders in symptomatic patients with initially suspected and excluded coronary artery disease: insights from a prospective pilot study.

Background: Chronic respiratory diseases represent the third-leading cause of death on a global scale. Due to mutual symptoms with cardiovascular diseases and potential inappropriate attribution of symptoms, pulmonary diseases often remain undiagnosed. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of chronic respiratory disorders among symptomatic patients in whom suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) was ruled out. Methods: After CAD was excluded by invasive coronary angiography (ICA), 50 patients with chest pain or dyspnea were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent lung function testing, including spirometry and diffusion measurements. At baseline and the 3-month follow-up, standardized assessments of symptoms (CCS chest pain, mMRC score, CAT score) were performed. Results: Chronic respiratory disease was diagnosed in 14% of patients, with a prevalence of 6% for chronic obstructive ventilation disorders. At 3-month follow-up, patients with normal lung function tests revealed a substantial improvement in symptoms (mean mMRC 0.70 to 0.33, p = 0.06; median CAT 8 to 2, p = 0.01), while those with pulmonary findings showed non-significant alterations or unchanged symptoms (mean mMRC 1.14 to 0.71, p = 0.53; median CAT 6 to 6, p = 0.52). Conclusion: A substantial proportion of patients with an initial suspicion of coronary artery disease was diagnosed with underlying chronic respiratory diseases and exhibited persistent symptoms.

Impact of route of access and stenosis subtype on outcome after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Introduction: Previous analyses have reported the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients with low-flow, low-gradient (LFLG) aortic stenosis (AS), without stratifying according to the route of access. Differences in mortality rates among access routes have been established for high-gradient (HG) patients and hypothesized to be even more pronounced in LFLG AS patients. This study aims to compare the outcomes of patients with LFLG or HG AS following transfemoral (TF) or transapical (TA) TAVR. Methods: A total of 910 patients, who underwent either TF or TA TAVR with a median follow-up of 2.22 (IQR: 1.22-4.03) years, were included in this multicenter cohort study. In total, 146 patients (16.04%) suffered from LFLG AS. The patients with HG and LFLG AS were stratified according to the route of access and compared statistically. Results: The operative mortality rates of patients with HG and LFLG were found to be comparable following TF access. The operative mortality rate was significantly increased for patients who underwent TA access [odds ratio (OR): 2.91 (1.54-5.48), p = 0.001] and patients with LFLG AS [OR: 2.27 (1.13-4.56), p = 0.02], which could be corroborated in a propensity score-matched subanalysis. The observed increase in the risk of operative mortality demonstrated an additive effect [OR for TA LFLG: 5.45 (2.35-12.62), p < 0.001]. LFLG patients who underwent TA access had significantly higher operative mortality rates (17.78%) compared with TF LFLG (3.96%, p = 0.016) and TA HG patients (6.36%, p = 0.024). Conclusions: HG patients experienced a twofold increase in operative mortality rates following TA compared with TF access, while LFLG patients had a fivefold increase in operative mortality rates. TA TAVR appears suboptimal for patients with LFLG AS. Prospective studies should be conducted to evaluate alternative options in cases where TF is not possible.

A clinical prediction rule for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease: validation, updating, and extension.

AIMS: The aim was to validate, update, and extend the Diamond-Forrester model for estimating the probability of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in a contemporary cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospectively collected data from 14 hospitals on patients with chest pain without a history of CAD and referred for conventional coronary angiography (CCA) were used. Primary outcome was obstructive CAD, defined as ≥ 50% stenosis in one or more vessels on CCA. The validity of the Diamond-Forrester model was assessed using calibration plots, calibration-in-the-large, and recalibration in logistic regression. The model was subsequently updated and extended by revising the predictive value of age, sex, and type of chest pain. Diagnostic performance was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (c-statistic) and reclassification was determined. We included 2260 patients, of whom 1319 had obstructive CAD on CCA. Validation demonstrated an overestimation of the CAD probability, especially in women. The updated and extended models demonstrated a c-statistic of 0.79 (95% CI 0.77-0.81) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.80-0.84), respectively. Sixteen per cent of men and 64% of women were correctly reclassified. The predicted probability of obstructive CAD ranged from 10% for 50-year-old females with non-specific chest pain to 91% for 80-year-old males with typical chest pain. Predictions varied across hospitals due to differences in disease prevalence. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the Diamond-Forrester model overestimates the probability of CAD especially in women. We updated the predictive effects of age, sex, type of chest pain, and hospital setting which improved model performance and we extended it to include patients of 70 years and older.

Low-flow/low-gradient aortic stenosis without contractile reserve-a case report.

Background: Diagnosis and management of low-flow/low-gradient aortic stenosis are very challenging. Resting echocardiography is not capable of differentiating between different types and origins of low-flow and low-gradient state in aortic valve stenosis. Therefore, dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) are necessary. This case report should illustrate the importance of these assessments. Case summary: A 73-year-old woman presented to our emergency department with New York Heart Association III symptoms of exertional dyspnoea. In addition, the patient complained of fatigue and low resilience. On physical examination, auscultation revealed a systolic murmur over the aortic valve. Further diagnostic steps revealed a low-flow/low-gradient aortic valve stenosis (LF/LGAS) without contractile reserve (CR) in DSE and massive valve calcification in CCT. Discussion: In this case, we demonstrate the importance of different assessments and workflow. The prognosis of LF/LGAS has been re-evaluated during the last decade and the current guidelines recommend the treatment of such patients even in the absence of CR. Furthermore, we are discussing the results of LF/LGAS.

Evaluation of the Appropriate Use of Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: A Retrospective, Single-Center Analysis.

Purpose: We assessed the application of appropriate use criteria of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in comparison to invasive coronary angiography results and revascularization rates in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: 1305 patients referred to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) after CCTA were evaluated retrospectively. The primary indication for CCTA was assessed according to the consensus for intermediate-risk (15−85% pre-test probability) into appropriate (A), inappropriate (I), and uncertain while referring to published guidelines. Patients' risk factors, angina, and heart failure symptoms (Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification (CCSC), New York Heart Association (NYHA); clinical data; and ICA results were gathered. Results: Of 1305 patients referred to CCTA prior to ICA, 496 (38.0%) were appropriate, 766 (56.9%) inappropriate, and 43 (3.3%) uncertain. Of 766 patients with inappropriate CCTA referrals, 370 (48.3%) were classified as "inappropriately low" (<15% pre-test probability) and 396 (51.7%) as "inappropriately high" (>85%) in regard to the recommended CCTA utilization. Sub-analysis of the adherence to the appropriate use criteria did not differ between the source of the referring physicians (intramural tertiary, private practice primary care, or external secondary care hospitals). Obstructive CAD with subsequent revascularization rates (total of 39.2%) did not differ significantly between the appropriate (38.3%), inappropriate (41.0%), or uncertain (23.3%) groups (p = 0.068). Conclusion: The total coronary revascularization rate after CCTA was 39.2% and not different among low, intermediate, and pre-test probability groups. These findings support the role of CCTA as an excellent gatekeeper in patients with suspected obstructive CAD even beyond pre-test probability calculation models.

The Atherosclerosis Profile by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) in Symptomatic Patients with Coronary Artery Calcium Score Zero.

(1) Background: Whether it is safe to exclude coronary artery disease (CAD) in symptomatic patients with coronary artery calcium score (CACS 0), is an open debate. To compare coronary CTA including high-risk plaque (HRP) features in symptomatic patients with CACS 0 (2) Methods: 1709 symptomatic patients (age, mean 57.5 ± 16 years, 39.6% females) referred to coronary CTA for clinical indications were included. CACS, coronary stenosis (CADRADS) severity and HRP features (low-attenuation-plaque, spotty calcification, positive remodeling, NRS) were recorded. (3) Results: Of 1709 patients, 665 with CACS 0 were finally included. 562 (84.5%) had no CAD by CTA while 103 of 665 (15.4%) had CAD. Stenosis was minimal <25% in 79, mild <50% in 20, moderate in 1 and severe >70% in 3 patients. The rate of obstructive CAD was low with 4/665 (0.61%). The majority of patients had non-obstructive CAD (<50% stenosis) (99/103; 96.1%). A high proportion of patients with non-obstructive CAD had at least one HRP (52/103; 50.4%) per patient. (4) Conclusions: The rate of obstructive CAD is very low in symptomatic patients with CACS 0, and non-obstructive CAD domineering. CACS 0 does not rule out non-obstructive CAD and misses patients in which primary preventive measures are indicated. More than half of patients with non-obstructive CAD had high-risk plaque, highlighting the importance of quantitative plaque analysis.

Minireview: Transaortic Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Is There Still an Indication?

Transaortic (TAo) transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become a valid alternative access route in patients with unsuitable femoral arteries. The current literature does not allow to clearly favor one of the alternative access routes. Every approach has its specific advantages. Transaortic (TAo) access is of particular importance in the case of calcifications of the supra-aortic branches and the aortic arch, as under these circumstances other alternative access routes, such as transaxillary or transcarotid, are not feasible. The purpose of this minireview is to give an overview and update on TAo transcatheter aortic valve implantation focusing on indication, technical aspects, and recent clinical data.

Clinical management and primary prevention of suspected coronary artery disease guided by computed tomography.

AIMS: Despite the well established role of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) as a diagnostic gatekeeper, the yield of subsequent invasive coronary angiographies (ICA) remains low. We evaluated the adherence of CCTA integration in clinical management and primary prevention therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients referred for ICA after CCTA without known coronary artery disease (CAD) or structural cardiac pathologies. Based on computed tomography (CT) findings, patients were classified as appropriately or inappropriately referred to ICA, equaling Coronary Artery Disease - Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) categories 0-2 (<50% stenosis) and 3-5 (>50% stenosis), respectively. CT exams were compared regarding invasive findings and revascularizations. Integration of CT results into primary prevention measures was analyzed and compared to measures taken after ICA. RESULTS: Of 1005 patients referred for ICA, 81 (8.1%) had no obstructive CT findings and therefore no ICA indication. ICA inappropriate patients did not differ in symptom characteristics, but had a significantly lower revascularization rate (3.7% vs. 42.1%, P < 0.0001) compared with patients appropriately referred to ICA. In patients with indication for lipid-lowering therapy after the CCTA statin rate was 53.1% and significantly increased after ICA to 76.4% (P < 0.0001). In CCTA, obstructive findings in proximal-only lesions did not increase the revascularization rate (45.6% vs. 42.1%, P = 0.11) but missed nonproximal relevant stenoses (15.0% vs. 2.5%, P < 0.0001) compared with obstructive findings in all segments. CONCLUSION: The overall rate of inappropriateness was low, but there is relevant statin underutilization in eligible patients due to a lack of CT findings integration. Both ICA referrals and primary preventive therapy could be improved by the implementation of CT results based on CAD-RADS recommendations.

Reciprocal communication of pericoronary adipose tissue and coronary atherogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) has been linked to underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) and proposed to modulate adjacent atherosclerotic plaque formation over pro-inflammatory pathways. In vitro and ex vivo studies support the bilateral communication of adipose tissue and vessel wall. We quantified PCAT and its dynamics in a low coronary risk cohort with a semi-automated software in serial coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: We retrospectively included patients from a tertiary care hospital who underwent serial coronary CTA with a low cardiovascular risk profile. All examinations were evaluated in a standardized approach: epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and attenuation was quantified in total, in the atrioventricular (RCA, LCX) or interventricular (LAD) sulcus and within a 5 mm radius for each coronary artery (PCAT). Coronary plaques were quantified using a semi-automated software and compared for progression, stability or regression. RESULTS: Of 120 patients (27% females), 59.2% showed atherosclerotic plaques. After 36 months mean follow-up, 22 (18.3%) showed plaque regression, 39 (32.5%) were stable and 49 (40.8%) were progressive. Total EAT volume decreased by -15.6 ±â€¯37.2 mm³ in the regressive group, increased by 2.7 ±â€¯30.6 mm³ in the stable group and by 24.3 ±â€¯37.1 mm³ in the progressive group (p = 0.003). Per-vessel analysis showed a significant decrease of PCAT attenuation in patients with CAD regression (-3.8 ±â€¯7.6HU) compared to the stable (1.2 ±â€¯9.1HU) and progressive group (3.5 ±â€¯8.2HU, p < 0.0001). Mean sulcus EAT attenuation did not show a significant change (p = 0.135). CONCLUSION: Epicardial adipose tissue volume is mutually changing with the progression or regression of coronary artery disease. Perivascular but not epicardial attenuation levels correlate to adjacent plaque and support a direct bilateral influence.

The Effect of Vitamin D on Coronary Atherosclerosis: A Propensity Score Matched Case-Control Coronary CTA Study.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D supplementation may be associated with lower cardiovascular (CV) events, but the data are controversial. It remains speculative whether vitamin D supplementation has a direct effect on coronary atherosclerosis. We therefore set out to assess the influence of vitamin D supplementation on the coronary atherosclerosis profile quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a retrospective case-control cohort study. METHODS: 176 patients (age: 62.4 ± 10.4) referred to coronary CTA for clinical indications were included. A total of 88 patients receiving vitamin D supplementation (mean duration 65.3 ± 81 months) were 1:1 propensity score matched with 88 controls for age, gender, smoking, arterial hypertension, positive family history, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Coronary stenosis severity (CAD-RADSTM), mixed plaque burden (weighted for non-calcified), high-risk-plaque (HRP) features, and plaque density (HU) were quantified by CTA. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (OH)-levels were measured in 138 patients and categorized into four groups (0: <20 ng/mL; 1: 20-40 ng/mL; 2: 40-60 ng/mL; and 3: >60 ng/mL) and compared with CTA. RESULTS: The prevalence of atherosclerosis by CTA was similar in both groups (75.6% versus 74.3%, p = 0.999), >50% coronary stenosis was slightly higher in controls (p = 0.046), but stenosis severity score (CAD-RADS) was not different (p = 0.106). Mixed plaque burden (weighted for non-calcified) was lower in patients receiving vitamin D supplementation (p = 0.002) and high-risk-plaque prevalence was markedly lower (3.8% versus 32%, p < 0.001). CT plaque density (HU) was higher (p < 0.001) in the vitamin D group. Patients with serum vitamin D (OH) levels >60 ng/mL had higher plaque density (p = 0.04), indicating more calcified and less vulnerable plaque. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective case-control cohort study, vitamin D supplementation was associated with less high-risk plaque, less non-calcified plaque burden, and a higher calcified plaque independent of CV risk factors.

Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided Contrast-Free Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Porcine Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) frequently present with chronic kidney disease and are therefore particularly susceptible to nephrotoxic influences like iodinated contrast media. Acute kidney injury after TAVI is a severe complication that independently predicts short- and long-term mortality. The present study investigates the feasibility of a contrast-free approach by using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in conjunction with fluoroscopy. METHODS: Six domestic pigs (60 ± 5 kg) were anesthetized and underwent transapical implantation of a balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve. In the control group (n = 3), the procedures were guided by fluoroscopy/angiography. In the study group (n = 3), the procedures were guided by IVUS for preimplantation evaluation, intra-procedural guidance, and post-implantation evaluation, in conjunction with fluoroscopy without contrast. The procedures were evaluated by IVUS, fluoroscopy, aortic root angiography, and explantation and dissection of the hearts. RESULTS: Relevant anatomical landmarks for correct implantation were assessed by IVUS. The following annulus measurements were obtained: area (359.67 ± 29.58 mm2), perimeter (68.28 ± 2.63 mm), maximum diameter (22.20 ± 1.22 mm), minimum diameter (20.43 ± 1.12 mm), mean diameter (21.32 ± 0.70 mm), ellipticity index (1.09 ± 0.10), and area-derived diameter (21.39 ± 0.87 mm). IVUS-guided valve deployment resulted in correct expansion within the aortic annulus without signs of paravalvular leak, compromised mitral valve, or coronary obstruction. IVUS-guided post-implantation assessment confirmed circular expansion (25.88 ± 0.30 mm) of the valves. CONCLUSIONS: IVUS-guided, contrast-free transapical TAVI is feasible in a porcine model.

The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary atherosclerosis quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Data on the effects omega-3 fatty acids on coronary artery disease (CAD) are contradictory. While a recent metanalysis could not show improved cardiovascular outcomes, anti-atherogenic mechanisms are well known. OBJECTIVE: Aim was to assess the influence of Omega-3 polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation on coronary atherosclerosis quantified by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: 106 patients (59.4y± 10.7; 50% females) with low-to-intermediate risk referred to CTA were included. 53 patients under omega 3-PUFA (docosahexaenoic acid, DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) supplementation were retrospectively matched with 53 controls (CR) for age, gender and coronary risk profile (smoking, arterial hypertension, family history, dyslipidemia, c-LDL, Cholesterol, TG, diabetes) (1:1, propensity score) and lifestyle habits (exercise, alcohol consumption and nutrition). CTA analysis included 1) stenosis severity score >70%severe, 50-70% moderate, 25-50%mild, <25% minimal), 2) total plaque burden (segment involvement score (SIS) and mixed non-calcified plaque burden (G-score) and 3) high-risk-plaque features (Napkin-Ring-Sign, low attenuation plaque (LAP), spotty calcification<3 mm, RI>1.1). CT-Density (Hounsfield Units, HU) of plaque was quantified by CTA. RESULTS: Prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis (any plaque: 83% vs. 90.6%, p = 0.252), >50% stenosis and stenosis severity score (p = 0.134) were not different between groups. Total and non-calcified plaque burden scores were lower in the omega-3 group (2.7 vs. 3.5, p = 0.08 and 4.5 vs. 7.4, p = 0.027 for SIS and G-score, resp.). Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) was similar (84.7 vs. 87.1AU). High-risk-plaque prevalence was lower in the Omega-3 group (3.8% vs. 32%, p < 0.001); the number of high-risk-plaques (p < 0.001) and Napkin-Ring-Sign prevalence was lower (3.8% vs. 20.9%) (p < 0.001), resp. CT-density (HU) of plaque was higher in the Omega-3 group (131.6 ± 2 vs. 62.1 ± 27, p = 0.02) indicating more fibrous-dense plaque component rather than lipid-rich atheroma. Mean duration of Omega-3 intake was 38.6 ± 52 months (range, 2-240). CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3-PUFA supplementation is associated with less coronary atherosclerotic "high-risk" plaque (lipid-rich) and lower total non-calcified plaque burden independent on cardiovascular risk factors. Our study supports direct anti-atherogenic effects of Omega-3-PUFA.

Gender Differences in the Atherosclerosis Profile by Coronary CTA in Coronary Artery Calcium Score Zero Patients.

Background: The coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a powerful tool for cardiovascular risk stratification. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) allows for a more distinct analysis of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess gender differences in the atherosclerosis profile of CTA in patients with a CACS of zero. Methods: A total of 1451 low- to intermediate-risk patients (53 ± 11 years; 51% females) with CACS <1.0 Agatston units (AU) who underwent CTA and CACS were included. Males and females were 1:1 propensity score-matched. CTA was evaluated for stenosis severity (Coronary Artery Disease - Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) 0-5: minimal <25%, mild 25-49%, moderate 50-69%, severe ≥70%), mixed-plaque burden (G-score), and high-risk plaque (HRP) criteria (low-attenuation plaque, spotty calcification, napkin-ring sign, and positive remodeling). All-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and major cardiovascular events (MACEs) were collected. Results: Among the patients, 88.8% had a CACS of 0 and 11.2% had an ultralow CACS of 0.1-0.9 AU. More males than females (32.1% vs. 20.3%; p < 0.001) with a CACS of 0 had atherosclerosis, while, among those with an ultralow CACS, there was no difference (88% vs. 87.1%). Nonobstructive CAD (25.9% vs. 16.2%; p < 0.001), total plaque burden (2.2 vs. 1.4; p < 0.001), and HRP were found more often in males (p < 0.001). After a follow-up of mean 6.6 ± 4.2 years, all-cause mortality was higher in females (3.5% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.023). Cardiovascular mortality and MACEs were low (0.2% vs. 0%; p = 0.947 and 0.3% vs. 0.6%; p = 0.790) for males vs. females, respectively. Females were more often symptomatic for chest pain (70% vs. 61.6%; p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: In patients with a CACS of 0, males had a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis, a higher noncalcified plaque burden, and more HRP criteria. Nonetheless, females had a worse long-term outcome and were more frequently symptomatic.

Coronary Artery Dimensions in Endurance Athletes by Computed Tomography Angiography: A Quantitative Analysis.

(1) Background: The athlete's heart may develop permanent vessel enlargement. The purpose of our study was to define normal values for coronary artery dimensions of endurance athletes by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). (2) Methods: Ninety-eight individuals (56.2 ± 11 years) were included into this retrospective matched case-controlled-study. Endurance athletes had regular training volumes of ≥1 h per unit, ≥3-7 times per week (either cycling, running or mountain-endurance). Athletes were matched for age and gender with sedentary controls using propensity score. Quantitative CTA analysis included coronary vessel dimensions (two diameters and area) of the LM, LAD, CX and RCA for all AHA-16-segments. (3) Results: Proximal LAD area and diameter (p = 0.019); proximal/mid CX (diameter and area; p = 0.026 and p = 0.018/p = 0.008 and p = 0.009); mid RCA diameter and area; and proximal RCA diameter were significantly larger in endurance athletes (p < 0.05). The left main area (p = 0.708) and diameter (p = 0.809) as well as the mid LAD and distal segments were not different. We present the histograms and data for normal values ±1 and ± 2 SD. (4) Conclusions: Endurance athletes have larger proximal LAD, proximal/mid CX and RCA vessel dimensions, while LM and distal segments are similar. Hence, dilated coronary arteries in endurance athletes ("Athlete's arteries") have to be distinguished from diffuse ectatic segments developing during Kawasaki disease or multisystemic inflammation syndrome after COVID-19.