Herramientas para el tamizaje de aneurisma de aorta abdominal / Tools for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening

Introducción. El aneurisma de la aorta abdominal (AAA) es la dilatación de la aorta abdominal mayor de 1,5 veces el diámetro esperado. Su prevalencia es variable, con tasas reportadas de hasta el 12,5 %. Se considera como causa de muerte de más de 10.000 personas al año en los Estados Unidos. El objetivo de esta revisión de la literatura fue describir los factores de riesgo y las herramientas de tamizaje de AAA. Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de la literatura utilizando dos ecuaciones en bases de datos electrónicas, empleando términos seleccionados de "Medical Subject Heading" (MeSH) y "Descriptores en Ciencias de la Salud" (DeCS). Se evaluó la calidad de los estudios con la herramienta STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). Resultados. Se recolectaron 40 artículos y a partir de ellos se construyó el texto de revisión, identificando en estos, los factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de AAA, tales como sexo masculino, tabaquismo, hipertensión arterial, antecedente familiar y obesidad, entre otros. La diabetes mellitus parece actuar como factor protector. Dentro de los instrumentos de tamizaje, el ultrasonido abdominal es uno de los más usados. Conclusión. El AAA es una patología multifactorial. En la actualidad la ultrasonografía de aorta es el método de elección para el tamizaje, permitiendo la detección precoz. El tamizaje de AAA con métodos no invasivos, como el ultrasonido, es útil sobre todo en zonas con prevalencia alta de la patología y en pacientes con determinados factores de riesgo.

Introduction. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilation of the abdominal aorta greater than 1.5 times the expected diameter. Its prevalence is variable, with reported rates of up to 12.5%. It is considered the cause of death of more than 10,000 people a year in the United States. The objective of this literature review was to describe risk factors and screening tools for AAA. Methods. A literature search was conducted using two equations in electronic databases, using terms selected from "Medical Subject Heading" (MeSH) and "Descriptors in Health Sciences" (DeCS). The quality of the studies was evaluated with the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) tool. Results. Forty articles were collected and from them the review text was constructed, identifying the risk factors associated with the development of AAA, such as male sex, smoking, high blood pressure, family history and obesity, among others. Diabetes mellitus seems to act as a protective factor. Among the screening instruments, abdominal ultrasound is one of the most used. Conclusion. AAA is a multifactorial pathology. Currently, aortic ultrasonography is the method of choice for screening, allowing early detection. Screening for AAA with non-invasive methods, such as ultrasound, is useful especially in areas with a high prevalence of this pathology and in patients with certain risk factors.

Evaluation of the relationship between computed tomography angiography collateral scores and clinical outcome / Avaliação da relação entre escores colaterais da angiotomografia computadorizada e evolução clínica

Abstract Background The relationship between collateral circulation and prognosis after endovascular treatment in anterior circulation strokes has been reported in many studies. Objective In this study, we aimed to compare the predictive power of clinical outcome by comparing five different collateral scores that are frequently used. Methods Among the patients who underwent endovascular treatment in our clinic between November 2019 and December 2021, patients with premorbid mRS < 3, intracranial ICA and/or MCA M1 occlusion, and a pre-procedural multiphase CTA examination were included in the study. Demographic, technical, and duration information about the procedure, major events after the procedure, and clinical outcomes at 3 months were recorded. The mCTA, Tan, Maas, Miteff, and rLMC collateral scores of the patients were evaluated. Results Clinical outcome at 3 months were good in 37 of the 68 patients included in the study (mRS ≤ 2). Only the mCTA and rLMC collateral scores were statistically significantly higher in those with a good clinical outcome. Significant correlation with 3-month mRS was detected only in mCTA and rLMC scores. Although rLMC and mCTA collateral scores showed a statistically significant association with prognosis, they were not sufficient to be an independent predictor of prognosis. Conclusion mCTA and rLMC were found to have the highest predictive power of clinical outcome and the highest correlation with the 3-month clinical outcome. Our study suggests that it would be beneficial to develop a new scoring system over multiphase CTA, which combines regional and temporal evaluation, which are the strengths of both collateral scoring.

Resumo Antecedentes A relação entre circulação colateral e prognóstico após tratamento endovascular em acidentes vasculares cerebrais de circulação anterior tem sido relatada em muitos estudos. Objetivo Neste estudo, nosso objetivo foi comparar o poder preditivo do desfecho clínico comparando cinco escores colaterais diferentes que são frequentemente utilizados. Métodos Entre os pacientes submetidos a tratamento endovascular em nossa clínica entre novembro de 2019 e dezembro de 2021, foram incluídos no estudo pacientes com mRS pré-mórbido < 3, oclusão intracraniana de ICA e/ou MCA M1 e exame de CTA multifásico pré-procedimento. Foram registradas informações demográficas, técnicas e de duração sobre o procedimento, eventos importantes após o procedimento e resultados clínicos em três meses. Foram avaliados os escores colaterais mCTA, Tan, Maas, Miteff e rLMC dos pacientes. Resultados Os resultados clínicos aos três meses foram bons em 37 dos 68 pacientes incluídos no estudo (mRS ≤ 2). Apenas os escores colaterais mCTA e rLMC foram estatisticamente significativamente maiores naqueles com boa evolução clínica. Correlação significativa com mRS de três meses foi detectada apenas nos escores mCTA e rLMC. Embora os escores colaterais de rLMC e mCTA tenham mostrado uma associação estatisticamente significativa com o prognóstico, eles não foram suficientes para serem um preditor independente de prognóstico. Conclusão Verificou-se que mCTA e rLMC têm o maior poder preditivo do resultado clínico e a maior correlação com o resultado clínico de três meses. Nosso estudo sugere que seria benéfico desenvolver um novo sistema de pontuação em vez de CTA multifásico, que combinasse avaliação regional e temporal, que são os pontos fortes de ambas as pontuações colaterais.

Evaluation of the mesenteric arterial vasculature by computed tomography angiography and its implications for colorectal cancer surgery / Avaliação da vasculatura arterial mesentérica pela angiotomografia computadorizada e suas implicações na cirurgia do câncer colorretal

Abstract Objective: To determine the branching patterns of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and to describe the clinical applicability of computed tomography (CT) angiography in the evaluation of these vessels to facilitate the planning of colorectal cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: We included 100 patients who underwent CT angiography of the abdomen and pelvis. The branching patterns of the IMA were examined and classified as type 1 (bifurcated), including 1A (sigmoid and left colic arteries arising from a common trunk), 1B (sigmoid and superior rectal arteries arising from a common trunk) and 1C (sigmoid arteries arising from both trunks); type 2 (trifurcated); and type 3 (no left colic branch). Results: Among the 100 patients evaluated, we found the variant to be type 1A in 9%, type 1B in 47%, type 1C in 24%, type 2 in 16%, and type 3 in 4%. Conclusion: Preoperative CT angiography for evaluating the IMA branching pattern could inform decisions regarding the surgical approach to colorectal cancer.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar os padrões de ramificação da artéria mesentérica inferior (AMI) e descrever a aplicabilidade clínica da angiografia por tomografia computadorizada na avaliação desses vasos na elaboração das estratégias pré-operatórias de cirurgia de câncer colorretal. Materiais e Métodos: Foram incluídos 100 pacientes submetidos a angiografia por tomografia computadorizada abdominal e pélvica. Os padrões de ramificação da AMI foram examinados e classificados como tipo 1 (bifurcado), incluindo 1A (artérias sigmoide e cólica esquerda originando-se de um tronco comum), 1B (artérias sigmoide e retal superior originando-se de um tronco comum) e 1C (artérias sigmoide originando-se de ambos os troncos); tipo 2 (trifurcado); e tipo 3 (sem ramo cólico esquerdo). Resultados: Do total de participantes incluídos no estudo, a variante do tipo 1A foi observada em 9%, a do tipo 1B em 47%, e a do tipo 1C em 24%. Com relação à variante tipo 2, esta foi observada em 16% dos pacientes, e a do tipo 3, em 4% dos casos. Conclusão O uso da angiografia por tomografia computadorizada pré-operatória para avaliar o padrão de ramificação da AMI pode ajudar a escolher a abordagem cirúrgica no câncer colorretal.

Accuracy of duplex ultrasonography versus angiotomography for the diagnosis of extracranial internal carotid stenosis / Acurácia da ultrassonografia duplex comparada à angiotomografia para o diagnóstico de estenose de carótida interna extracraniana

ABSTRACT Introduction: Internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis causes about 15% of ischemic strokes. Duplex ultrasonography (DUS) is the first line of investigation of ICA stenosis, but its accuracy varies in the literature and it is usual to complement the study with another more accurate exam when faced with significant stenosis. There is a lack of studies that compare DUS with angiotomography (CTA) in the present literature. Methods: we performed an accuracy study, which compared DUS to CTA of patients in a tertiary hospital with a maximum interval of three months between tests. Patients were selected retrospectively, and two independent and certified vascular surgeons evaluated each image in a masked manner. When there was discordance, a third evaluator was summoned. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of ICA stenosis of 50-94% and 70-94%. Results: we included 45 patients and 84 arteries after inclusion and exclusion criteria applied. For the 50-94% stenosis range, DUS accuracy was 69%, sensitivity 89%, and specificity 63%. For the 70-94% stenosis range, DUS accuracy was 84%, sensitivity 61%, and specificity 93%. There was discordance between CTA evaluators with a change from clinical to surgical management in at least 37.5% of the conflicting reports. Conclusion: DUS had an accuracy of 69% for stenoses of 50-94% and 84% for stenoses of 70-94% of the ICA. The CTA analysis depended directly on the evaluator with a change in clinical conduct in more than 37% of cases.

RESUMO Introdução: a estenose da artéria carótida interna (ACI) causa cerca de 15% dos acidentes vasculares cerebrais isquêmicos. A ultrassonografia duplex (USD) é a primeira linha de investigação da estenose de ACI, mas sua acurácia varia na literatura e é comum complementar o estudo com outro exame de maior acurácia diante de estenose significativa. Há uma escassez de estudos que comparem a USD com a angiotomografia computadorizada (ATC) na literatura atual. Métodos: realizamos um estudo de acurácia, que comparou a USD à ATC de pacientes de um hospital terciário com um intervalo máximo de três meses entre os exames. Os pacientes foram selecionados retrospectivamente e dois cirurgiões vasculares independentes e certificados avaliaram cada imagem de maneira mascarada. Quando houve discordância, um terceiro avaliador foi convocado. Avaliou-se a precisão diagnóstica da estenose da ACI de 50-94% e 70-94%. Resultados: foram incluídos 45 pacientes e 84 artérias após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Para a faixa de estenose de 50-94%, a acurácia da USD foi 69%, sensibilidade 89% e especificidade 63%. Para a faixa de estenose de 70-94%, a acurácia da USD foi 84%, sensibilidade 61% e especificidade 93%. Ocorreu discordância entre avaliadores da ATC com mudança de conduta clínica para cirúrgica em pelo menos 37,5% dos laudos conflitantes. Conclusão: a USD teve uma acurácia de 69% para estenoses de 50-94% e de 84% para estenoses de 70-94% da ACI. A análise das ATC dependeu diretamente do avaliador com mudança de conduta clínica em mais de 37% dos casos.

CCTA based clinical value analysis of ΔCT-FFR in evaluating coronary artery function in patients with severe calcification / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical value of coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)based CT derived fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)and ΔCT-FFR in improving the diagnostic efficiency for coronary abnormal hemodynamics in patients with severe calcification.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of coronary artery disease(CAD)patients who underwent CCTA,CT-FFR,invasive coronary angiography(ICA)and FFR during hospitalization from January 2018 to June 2019 in Chinese PLA General Hospital.Severe calcification was defined as coronary artery calcium score(CACS)≥100 on single vessel level.A total of 107 CAD patients with 149 coronary arteries were included in the present study.The enrolled coronary arteries were assigned to CACS≥100 group(n=56)and CACS<100 group(n=93).CT-FFR was performed on the deep FFR platform based on machine learning(ML)algorithms and ΔCT-FFR was defined as CT-FFR difference between proximal and distal to the coronary lesion.The correlation and consistency between CT-FFR and FFR values were analyzed by Pearson and Bland-Altman methods.We attempted to analyze the incremental value of ΔCT-FFR for coronary functional evaluation,especial for coronary arteries with severe calcification,regarding FFR≤0.8 as the diagnostic gold standard.Comparison of receiver operating characteristic curves(ROC)between different diagnostic methods was presented by Delong test.Results Pearson and Bland-Altman analyses showed appreciable correlation(CACS≥100 group,r=0.71,P<0.01;CACS<100 group,r=0.73,P<0.01)and consistency(CACS≥100 group,Mean=-0.01,P=0.25;CACS<100 group,Mean=0,P=0.96)between CT-FFR and FFR values in both groups.FFR(0.80±0.08 vs.0.84±0.09,P=0.004)and CT-FFR(0.81±0.06 vs.0.85±0.06,P<0.001)levels were significant lower in CACS≥100 group than those in CACS<100 group,while ΔCT-FFR(0.14±0.06 vs.0.09±0.06,P<0.001)levels were significant higher in CACS≥100 group.Moreover,the diagnostic efficiency of CT-FFR in CACS≥100 group was inferior to that in CACS<100 group[AUC=0.792(95%CI 0.663-0.889)vs.AUC=0.929(95%CI 0.856-0.972),P=0.04],while it achieved significant improvement after ΔCT-FFR adjustment[AUC=0.876(95%CI 0.760-0.949)vs.AUC=0.792(95%CI 0.663-0.889),P=0.02]and was similar to that in CACS<100 group(P=0.37).Conclusion For coronary arteries with severe calcification,CT-FFR demonstrated significant incremental value in improving the diagnostic efficiency of coronary abnormal hemodynamics after ΔCT-FFR adjustment.

Analysis of the consistency between CTA and DSA in evaluating GLASS staging of chronic limb-threatening ischemia / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To analyze the consistency between computer tomography angiography(CTA)and digital subtraction angiography(DSA)in evaluating the global limb anatomic staging system(GLASS)stage of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia(CLTI).Methods The clinical data of patients with CLTI,who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University of China to receive treatment between January 2017 and December 2020,were retrospectively analyzed.Taking the DSA assessment as the gold standard,the consistency of CTA and DSA in evaluating the GLASS stage of patients with CLTI was analyzed.Results In the assessment of GLASS stage of CLTI,CTA showed strong agreement with DSA.The weighted Kappa coefficient of CTA and DSA for the staging of femoropopliteal segment was 0.798(95％CI=0.722-0.873,P＜0.01),and the weighted Kappa coefficient of CTA and DSA for the staging of infrapopliteal artery segment was 0.785(95％ CI=0.725-0.845,P＜0.0l).For the overall staging of GLASS,the weighted Kappa coefficient of CTA and DSA was 0.832(95％ CI=0.752-0.91 1,P＜0.01).All the above results indicated that a very strong consistency existed between CTA and DSA in evaluating the GLASS stage of patients with CLTI.Conclusion CTA examination of lower limb can accurately evaluate GLASS score and stage of CLTI patient's target lesions,which is helpful in diagnosing lower extremity arteriosclerosis occlusion disease as well as in assessing the technical difficulty degree of its revascularization operation.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:300-303)

Application of the second generation snap shot freeze combined with artificial intelligence in free heart rate coronary CT angiography / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the application value of the second generation snap shot freeze(SSF2)combined with artificial intelligence reconstruction in free heart rate coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA).Methods The examination data of 37 patients undergoing CCTA were divided into two groups for reconstruction.Group A,reconstruction by artificial intelligence after SSF2 algorithm correction;group B,original images automatically split and multi-phase reconstruction by artificial intelligence.Image quality were compared on volume rendering(VR),curve planar reformation(CPR),maximum intensity projection(MIP)image,subjective evaluation,objective scoring,and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR).Independent samples t-test and Chi-square test were used,and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results There were statistically significant differences in the image quality score and SNR of the two reconstruction methods(P=0.009).Group A scored better,with higher signal intensity,lower noise intensity,and better SNR.The difference in the number of right coronary artery(RCA)analyzable segments between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).The excellent and good rate of subjective evaluation of coronary artery segments in group A RCA(98.6%)was higher than that in group B(69.6%).Conclusion Using SSF2 combined with artificial intelligence reconstruction technology can significantly improve the image quality of CCTA,improve the success rate of CCTA examination,and improve the overall work efficiency.

The predict value of CT angiography combined with CT perfusion parameters and serum biology for recurrent stroke events / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the predict value of imaging parameters in computed tomography perfusion(CTP)combined with computed tomography angiography(CTA)examination and serum biomarkers for recurrent stroke events at three-month and one-year follow-ups.Methods A total of 136 patients with cerebral infarction diagnosed for the first time were included in the retrospective study.These patients received CTA+CTP one-stop examination and serum biomarkers testing,followed by three-month and one-year follow-ups for the occurrence of recurrent stroke events.Recurrent stroke events were defined as ischemic stroke,retinal infarction,intracerebral hemorrhage,subarachnoid hemorrhage,and death.Results The recurrent stroke events rate was 23.5%(32 cases)and 36.8%(50 cases)at three-month and one-year follow-ups,respectively.Ischemic penumbra(IP)volume[odds ratio(OR)=1.010,P=0.029]and modified Rankin scale(mRS)score at discharge(OR=1.388,P=0.008)were independent predictors for recurrent stroke events at the three-month follow-up,so were lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)](OR=1.002,P=0.044),vascular stenosis severity(OR=1.489,P=0.029),and mRS score at discharge(OR=1.282,P=0.038)at the one-year follow-up.Conclusion Among patients with stroke diagnosed for the first time,IP volume,Lp(a),vascular stenosis severity and mRS score at discharge are the most powerful predictors of recurrent stroke events at three-month and one-year follow-ups.

Evaluation of 256 slice spiral CTA of coronary and serum indicators on the severity of coronary artery stenosis of patients with coronary heart disease / 中国医学装备

Objective:To explore the evaluation of 256 slice spiral computed tomography angiography(CTA)of coronary,serum lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)and angiopoietin like protein 3(ANGPTL3)on the severity of coronary artery stenosis of patients with coronary heart disease.Methods:A total of 102 patients with coronary heart disease who were diagnosed and treated at Hebei Chest Hospital from July 2022 to March 2023 were selected as the study subjects.According to the Gensini score about the severity of coronary artery stenosis,they were divided into mild stenosis group(0 score≤Gensini score≤20 scores),moderate stenosis group(20 scores<Gensini score≤60 scores)and severe stenosis group(Gensini score>60 scores),with 34 cases in each group.The minimum lumen diameter(MLD),percentage of area of stenosis(%AS),percentage of diameter of stenosis(%DS),minimum lumen area(MLA),Lp-PLA2 and ANGPTL3 among three groups were compared.The diagnostic efficiency of the severity of coronary artery stenosis was predicted according to receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results:The MLA and MLD values in severe stenosis group were significantly lower than those in moderate and mild stenosis groups,while%AS and%DS were significantly higher than those in moderate and mild stenosis groups(t=6.905,4.083,5.871,6.976,3.387,2.198,2.668,3.505,P<0.05),respectively.The Lp-PLA2 and ANGPTL3 values in severe stenosis group were significantly higher than those in moderate and mild stenosis groups(t=4.164,8.220,2.575,3.050,P<0.05),respectively.ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve(AUC)values of MLA,MLD,%AS,%DS,CCTA comprehensive parameter,LpPLA2 and ANGPTL3 were respectively were 0.838,0.690,0.742,0.801,0.904,0.808 and 0.807 in predicting the severity of coronary artery stenosis.The sensitivities of them were respectively 91.20%,91.20%,64.70%,94.10%,97.10%,70.60%and 88.20%.The specificities of them were respectively 76.50%,57.40%,75.00%,50.00%,70.60%,97.10%and 70.60%.The AUC value of CCTA comprehensive parameter was respectively higher than that of LpPLA2 and ANGPTL3,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion:256 slice spiral CCTA,serum Lp-PLA2 and ANGPTL3 have a certain efficiency in assessing the severity of coronary artery stenosis of coronary heart disease,and 256 slice spiral CCTA has higher predictive efficiency.

Value of CCTA in discrimination of subtotal and chronic total occlusion of coronary artery in elderly patients / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the value of coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)for the non-invasive discrimination of chronic total occlusion(CTO)and subtotal occlu-sion(SO).Methods A total of 134 elderly patients undergoing CCTA and invasive coronary angio-graphy in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were enrolled,and assigned into CTO group(62 cases)and SO(72 cases)according to the results of the examinations.Occlusion length,shape of proximal stump(blunt/conical),and collateral vessels were measured as anatomical find-ings.Transluminal attenuation gradient was obtained by a post-processing software.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore factors related to CTO.Re-stricted cubic splines with three knots at the 10th,50th,and 90th percentiles were used to flexibly model the association of the factors with CTO,and ROC curve was plotted to evaluate the per-formance.Results Diabetes(OR=0.423,95％CI:0.186-0.963),occlusion length(OR=1.088,95％CI:1.031-1.148)and blunt-shaped stump(OR=2.453,95％CI:1.042-5.773)were inde-pendent predictors for discriminating CTO and SO(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of occlusion length in the discrimination was 0.718(95％CI:0.634-0.792,P=0.001).Conclusion CCTA can be used to discriminate CTO and SO in elderly patients.

Diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging and CTA combined with serum sdLDL-C for hypertension patients with ACI / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging(SMI)grading,CT angiography(CTA),and serum small and dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(sdLDL-C)in elderly hypertension patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI).Methods A ret-rospective study was conducted on 180 elderly hypertension patients admitted to our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023,and those admitted due to ACI were assigned into ACI group(95 cases)and those without into non-ACI group(85 cases).The SMI grade,CTA,and serum sdLDL-C level were compared between the two groups.ROC curve was plotted to analyze the diagnostic value of SMI grading and CTA combined with serum sdLDL-C for ACI in patients with hyperten-sion.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze the factors affecting the oc-currence of ACI in the patients.Results The ACI group had significantly larger proportion of hy-perlipidemia,and higher DBP,SBP,and HDL-C,and LDL-C than the non-ACI group(P＜0.05).The proportion of SMI grade 2 and grade 3 and serum sdLDL-C level were also greatly higher[35.79％vs 10.59％,43.16％vs 8.24％,(1.62±0.25)mmol/L vs(1.35±0.19)mmol/L,P＜0.01],and the proportion of SMI grade 0 and grade 1 was lower(11.58％vs 51.76％,9.47％vs 29.41％,P＜0.01)in the ACI group than the non-ACI group.ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of SMI grade and CTA combined with serum sdLDL-C in diagnosing ACI in patients with hypertension was 0.934(95％CI:0.897-0.972).Multivariate logistic regression analysis in-dicated that SMI grade,CTA,and sdLDL-C were risk factors for ACI in hypertensive patients(P＜0.01).Conclusion Combination of carotid artery plaque SMI grading,CTA,and serum sdLDL-C has high auxiliary diagnostic value for elderly hypertension patients with ACI.

Expression of serological indicators and correlation with severity of coronary artery disease in elderly patients / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the levels of soluble tyrosine kinase-1(sFlt-1)and chemokine C-C ligand 3(CCL3)in serum of patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)and their correlation with the severity of the disease.Methods A total of 230 elderly CHD patients admitted to the De-partment of Cardiovascular Medicine of Xinxiang Central Hospital from November 2020 to No-vember 2022 were collected as the study subjects(CHD group),and according to their Gensini score,they were divided into mild(n=89),moderate(n=95),and severe(n=46)CHD sub-groups.Another 230 healthy individuals who taking physical examination during the same period served as the control group.ELISA was applied to measure serum levels of sFlt-1 and CCL3.ROC curve was plotted to analyze the diagnostic values of serum sFlt-1 and CCL3 levels for CHD.Pear-son correlation analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between serum sFlt-1 and CCL3 levels and the CHD severity.Results The serum levels of sFlt-1 and CCL3 were obviously higher in the CHD group than the control group(121.71±29.80 ng/L vs 98.70±17.57 ng/L,18.22± 5.41 ng/L vs 13.68±3.89 ng/L,P＜0.01).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of the two indicators combined together was significantly greater than that of them alone in diagnosis of CHD(0.886 vs 0.791,0.775,P＜0.01).The serum levels of sFlt-1 and CCL3 were increased along with the severity of the disease and Gensini score when the levels and the score were compared among the mild,moderate and severe subgroups(P＜0.05).Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the serum levels of sFlt-1 and CCL3 were positively correlated with the Gensini score(r=0.420,r=0.479,P＜0.01).Conclusion The levels of serum sFlt-1 and CCL3 are obviously ele-vated in CHD patients,and closely associated with the severity of coronary lesions.

Prompt recognition of renal malperfusion in type B aortic dissection and the prognosis after endovascular therapy / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the imaging characteristics of Stanford B aortic dissection in aortic CT angiography, in order to explore the possible related factors of aortic dissection combined with renal malperfusion and to analyze the morphological changes in each involved vessel after TEVAR.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2019, totally 148 patients of Stanford B aortic dissection underwent TEVAR in our hospital. The preoperative aortic CTA was analyzed, and all cases complicated with renal malperfusion were determined according to the clinical manifestation, laboratory examination and imaging results. The differences of morphological features between the patients with and without renal malperfusion and the possible correlative factors were analyzed.The different ischemic types of the involved renal arteries were analyzed, and the morphological changes of the involved vessels before and after the operation of TEVAR were compared.Results:The logistic regression analysis showed that the concave configuration of the tear at the renal artery level was the independent risk factor for renal malperfusion (right kidney OR=5.319, P=0.032; left kidney OR=12.879, P=0.007). The diameter of renal artery was the independent protective factor for renal malperfusion (right kidney OR=0.464, P=0.018; left kidney OR=0.685, P=0.016). Compared with preoperative CTA, the diameter of the involved renal artery was significantly enlarged after TEVAR, no matter which type of ischemia. Most of the dynamic ischemia (15/16) was improved after TEVAR; while static and mixed ischemia only partially improved after TEVAR (static 22/36, mixed 11/19) . Conclusion:The concave configuration of the renal artery level, and the diameter of renal artery are associated with renal malperfusion.The malperfusion can be improved in most cases of dynamic ischemia type vessels, while only can be partially improved in static and mixed types vessles.

Effect of Tongnaoyin on Cerebral Hemodynamics in Patients with Acute Cerebral Infarction of Phlegm and Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on CTA/CTP / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in cerebral blood perfusion in patients with acute cerebral infarction after taking Tongnaoyin， a traditional Chinese medicine， based on head and neck computed tomography （CT） angiography （CTA） combined with brain CT perfusion imaging （CTP）. MethodA total of 240 patients with cerebral infarction of phlegm and blood stasis syndrome treated in Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2018 to September 2023 were randomly divided into a control group （99 cases） and a Tongnaoyin group （141 cases）. Based on the guidelines， the control group was treated with conventional treatment such as anti-aggregation， anticoagulation， lipid-lowering and plaque stabilization， brain protection， and supportive treatment. The Tongnaoyin group was treated with Tongnaoyin of 200 mL in warm conditions in the morning and evening on the basis of the control group. Both groups underwent CTA combined with CTP within 24 hours after admission， and they were reexamined by CTA and CTP in the sixth month after admission. The degree of intracranial artery stenosis was determined according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial （NASCET） method. The relative cerebral blood volume （rCBV）， relative cerebral blood flow （rCBF）， mean transit time （MTT）， and time to peak （TTP） of the lesion area before and after treatment were compared. The adverse outcomes of the two groups within six months after discharge were compared. ResultCompared with the group before treatment， the degree of vascular stenosis in the Tongnaoyin group was significantly reduced， and the difference was statistically significant （Z=105.369，P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the improvement rate of vascular stenosis in the Tongnaoyin group was higher （χ2=84.179，P<0.01）， and the curative effect was better.After treatment， the rCBV and rCBF of patients in the Tongnaoyin group were significantly increased， and the difference was statistically significant （P<0.01）. MTT and TTP showed a trend of shortening， but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in rCBV， rCBF， MTT， and TTP in the control group. Compared with those in the control group after treatment， the rCBV and rCBF in the Tongnaoyin group were significantly increased， while MTT and TTP were significantly reduced （P<0.01）. After six months of discharge， the risk of poor prognosis in the Tongnaoyin group was significantly reduced compared with the control group （P<0.05）. ConclusionTongnaoyin has a good effect on improving cerebral blood perfusion in patients with acute cerebral infarction. It can be used as an effective supplement for the conventional treatment of ischemic stroke to improve clinical efficacy.

Feasibility study of low tube voltage and low contrast medium combined with IMR technology in 3DCTA of vertebral artery V3 segment / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the feasibility of low-voltage,automatic tube current adjustment(ATCM)and low contrast agent concentration,dose and injection rate combined with full-model iterative re-construction(IMR)in vertebral artery V3-segment three-dimensional CT angiography(3DCTA).Methods A total of 60 patients with suspected upper cervical spine,craniocervical junction lesions undergoing cervical vertebral artery V3 segment 3DCTA in this hospital from November 2019 to May 2020 were selected and divided into the group A and B by adopting the random number table method,30 cases in each group.The group A adopted the ATCM technology of 80 kV,average tube current of 50 mAs,25 mL of contrast agent io-hexol(iodine content 300 mg/mL)combined IMR technology with an injection rate of 3 mL/s,while the group B adopted 120 kV,150 mAs fixed tube current,50 mL injection rate of 5 mL/s contrast agent iopamidol(iodine content 370 mg/mL)combined filter back projection(FBP)reconstruction technology.CT value,noise,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR),contrast noise ratio(CNR)and image sensitivity(FOM)were measured and compared between the two groups and the quality of the resulting images was evaluated.The CT volumet-ric dose index(CTDIvol)and dose-length product(DLP)were recorded,and the effective dose(ED)was cal-culated.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the vertebral arterial CT value between the two groups(P＞0.05),but the noise of the group A was lower than that of the group B(P＜0.05),SNR,CNR and FOM of the group A were greater than those of the group B(P＜0.05).The image quality of the two groups met the requirements of clinical diagnosis[(4.78±0.41)points vs.(4.85±0.35)points],and there was no statistically significant difference in the subjective evaluation of image quality(P＞0.05).The CTDIvol,DLP and ED levels in the group A were lower than those in the group B(P＜0.05).The iodine in-takes of contrast medium in the group A and group B were 7.5 g and 18.5 g,respectively,and the iodine flow rates of contrast agent were 0.9 and 1.85 mg/s,respectively,and compared with group B,the iodine intake and iodine flow rate of the group A were decreased by 59.5％and 51.4％,respectively.Conclusion Low tube voltage ATCM and low contrast concentration,dose and injection rate combined with IMR technology can not only ensure the 3DCTA image quality of vertebral artery V3 segment,but also reduce the radiation dose re-ceived by the patients,and reduce the iodine intake and iodine flow rate of contrast agent.

Clinical application of perforator vessel location guide plate for fibular musculocutaneous flaps / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#Based on 3D printing technology, explore the precision of a perforator vessel location guide plate for fibular musculocutaneous flaps before the transplantation of fibular osteocutaneous flaps and evaluate its application effects.@*Methods@#This study was reviewed and approved by the ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from the patients. From May 2019 to October 2022, 14 patients with jaw defects who needed to undergo fibular perforator flap transplantation at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were selected. For the seven patients in the guide plate group, CTA was combined with Mimics software to reconstruct both lower limbs, and the perforator vessel positioning guide for locating perforator vessels was designed; the two ends of the guide plate were designed as fixed ends, with the upper end fixed to the knee joint and the lower end fixed to the ankle joint, and the guide plate was fabricated by a 3D printer. For the seven patients in the control group, a conventional handheld Doppler probe was used for perforator vessel location. The average operation time, bleeding volume, recovery time, deviation of perforator vessel location, postoperative flap-related complications, postoperative donor site shape satisfaction, and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) score were recorded. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis.@*Results@#The average operation time, bleeding volume, recovery time, deviation of perforator vessel location and postoperative donor site shape satisfaction were significantly better in the guide plate group than in the control group (P<0.05); moreover, the differences in postoperative flap-related complications and LEFS scores were not statistically significant (P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#Based on 3D printing technology, fibular musculocutaneous flap perforator vessels can be more accurately located using a guide plate and the knee and ankle as fixed points, and this method can effectively stabilize the guide position, prevent soft tissue offset, and improve positioning accuracy and thus deserves to be generalized.

Quadricuspid Aortic Valve with Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm: a Case Report

Abstract Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) and sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) are rare congenital anomalies. We report an elderly patient with QAV associated with a ruptured SVA to the right atrium. Transthoracic echocardiographic and computed tomographic images are presented. We emphasize the important role of computed tomography angiography in establishing and confirming the diagnosis and facilitating treatment planning. The patient was successfully operated by a minimally invasive approach.

Takayasu Arteritis as a Secondary Cause of Arterial Hypertension

Abstract Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a rare type of vasculitis that affects mainly the aorta and its major branches. It is highly similar to giant cell arteritis (GCA), and differentiation between them may not be achieved even by histological examination. Arterial hypertension is typical of TA and is caused by stenosis of the renal arteries. Here we report the case of a 59-year-old woman, with a history of dyslipidemia and anemia, seen in the Internal Medicine department for resistant hypertension. Evaluation of secondary causes led to stenosis of the renal arteries. Assessment of target organ involvement was performed by computed tomography angiograph which revealed ectasia of the aortic arch and ascending aorta, tortuous course of the brachiocephalic trunk and the proximal portion of the right common carotid artery; positron-emission tomography which showed diffuse increased uptake in the ascending aorta, compatible with large vessels vasculitis. The patient was submitted to aortic valve replacement with a biological prosthesis combined with myocardial revascularization (Bentall-De Bono procedure). Aortic biopsy specimens showed anatomical and pathological features of GCA and TA. Due to persistently uncontrolled hypertension, prednisone 60 mg was initiated,with significant improvement in patient's condition.

Doença coronariana em jovens: novas formas de detecção, prevenção e tratamento / Coronary heart disease in young individuals: novel ways to detect, prevent and treat

Apesar dos grandes avanços nas estratégias de manejo e prevenção da aterosclerose, a prevalência da doença arterial coronariana aumenta em todo o mundo, tendo início em idade precoce. As doenças cardiovasculares em adultos jovens caracterizam-se como um grupo heterogêneo de doenças que ocorrem por causas congênitas ou adquiridas. Múltiplos fatores de risco, como dislipidemia, doença coronária prematura, diabetes melito e tabagismo, potencializam o risco do paciente para a coronariopatia precoce. A avaliação precoce de pacientes com doença arterial coronariana pode ser feita por meio de vários métodos de imagem não invasivos, que facilitam a seleção precoce de condutas preventivas e terapêuticas efetivas para manejo da doença arterial coronariana; no entanto, ela está associada a várias dificuldades, devido às limitações dos escores de risco e à sensibilidade limitada de vários métodos de rastreamento. Neste manuscrito, discutimos sobre fisiopatologia, fatores de risco, métodos de imagem invasivos e não invasivos e várias estratégias de manejo na prevenção precoce da doença coronariana em adultos jovens e, mais importante, os rumos futuros e a prevenção de doenças e da morte súbita cardíaca.

In spite of major advancements in the management and prevention strategies of atherosclerosis, the prevalence of coronary artery disease has risen worldwide, and might start at an early age. Cardiovascular diseases among young adults are characterized as a heterogeneous group of disorders due to congenital or acquired causes. Multiple risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, premature coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus and cigarette smoking potentiate the patient's risk for early coronary heart disease. Early assessment of patients with coronary artery disease can be performed using various non-invasive imaging methods, which facilitate early selection of effective and preventative therapies for coronary artery disease management; however, it is associated with several challenges due to limitations in risk calculators, and limited sensitivity of various screening methods. In this manuscript, we will discuss about pathophysiology, risk factors, invasive and non- invasive imaging methods, and various management strategies for the early prevention of coronary heart disease in young adults and, importantly, the future directions and preventing disease and sudden cardiac death.

Relationship between CT angiographic features of intracranial plaques and early neurological deterioration in patients with acute cerebral infarction / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To explore the risk factors of early neurological deterioration(END)in patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI)based on the characteristics of computed tomography angiography(CTA)images of head and neck plaques.Methods A total of 218 ACI patients were selected,and according to whether END occurred within 72 h after onset,they were divided into an END group(54 cases)and non END group(164 cases).The clinical data and imaging indicators were compared and analyzed between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors,and a nomograph prediction model was constructed and evaluated.Results National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score at admission ≥4 points,glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)≥7.7％,severe or above ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis,and unstable plaque(soft plaque and mixed plaque)were the independent risk factors in END patients(P＜0.05).The result of nomograph prediction model showed that its discrimination,accuracy and effectiveness were better.Conclusion NIHSS score at admission,HbA1c level,ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis degree,and plaque type are all independent influencing factors for the occurrence of END.