Pulsatile versus non-pulsatile perfusion in coronary artery bypass operation: The comparison of laboratory and clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The superiority of pulsatile or non-pulsatile perfusion in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) regarding morbidity and mortality is still debated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of different pulse rates in pulsatile perfusion in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and compared it with non-pulsatile perfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 90 patients who were all candidates for CABG under CPB were enrolled. Patients in groups A and B received pulsatile perfusion with 30 and 70 pulses per minute, and group C received non-pulsatile perfusion. The biochemical and clinical parameters in the ICU were evaluated in the study groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between patients' clinical outcomes and kidney and liver function markers (all Ps> 0.05). Mean serum lactate level increased but did not show a statistically significant difference between the study groups (p = 0.8). The mean urine volume at 12 and 24 h after surgery was higher in group A, but there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups during the study period (p = 0.3). No significant difference was found in the length of the ICU stay between the study groups (p = 0.2). CONCLUSION: Our studied parameters demonstrated no significant difference between pulsatile and non-pulsatile and between 30 and 70 pulse rate pulsatile perfusion methods. Our findings support that pulsatile perfusion with different pulse rates has no advantages over non-pulsatile perfusion in selected CABG cases.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension secondary to Behçet's disease: an extremely rare pediatric case.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension is an uncommon condition in the children. It almost always accompanies a hypercoagulable state. We described a rare case of Behçet's disease presenting with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and initially misdiagnosed as coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia.

Feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance method: a valuable marker of replacement fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Purpose: Left ventricular (LV) replacement fibrosis is a marker of adverse cardiac events in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to assess the efficacy of the feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR) in the detection of LV replacement fibrosis. Material and methods: Fifty-one patients with HCM (51% female, mean age = 21 ± 5.2 years) and significant myocardial hypertrophy, who underwent CMR between February 2018 and December 2019 were enrolled. Functional and 3D FT-CMR parameters were measured. LV global longitudinal strain, global radial strain (GRS), and global circumferential strain (GCS) were recorded. The percentage of enhanced myocardial mass was calculated. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of fibrosis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean enhanced mass percentage was 15.2 ± 10.53%. Among LV volumetric parameters, end-systolic and end-diastolic volume indices predicted fibrosis (fitness [F] = 8.11 and p = 0.006 vs. F = 6.6 and p = 0.012, correspondingly). The univariate linear regression demonstrated that GCS and GRS predicted total enhanced mass (%) (F = 12.29 and p = 0.001 vs. F = 7.92 and p = 0.007, respectively). After the inclusion of all volumetric and deformation parameters, the multivariate analysis identified the model of a combination of LV end-diastolic volume index (LV EDVI) and LV GCS as a robust predictor of the fibrosis percentage (F = 8.86 and p = 0.005). Conclusions: Non-contrast CMR parameters including LV GCS and LV EDVI are valuable markers of replacement fibrosis in HCM patients with notable myocardial hypertrophy.

The role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the detection and monitoring of cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer after treatment: a comprehensive review.

The use of chemotherapy medicines for breast cancer (BC) has been associated with an increased risk of cardiotoxicity. In recent years, there have been growing interests regarding the application of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, a safe and noninvasive modality, with the potential to identify subtle morphological and functional changes in the myocardium. In this investigation, we aimed to review the performance of various CMR methods in diagnosing cardiotoxicity in BC, induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. For this purpose, we reviewed the literature available in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Our literature review showed that CMR is a valuable modality for identifying and predicting subclinical cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy. The novel T1, T2, and extracellular volume mapping techniques may provide critical information about cardiotoxicity, in addition to other CMR features such as functional and structural changes. However, further research is needed to verify the exact role of these methods in identifying cardiotoxicity and patient management. Since multiple studies have reported the improvement of left ventricular performance following the termination of chemotherapy regimens, CMR remains an essential imaging tool for the prediction of cardiotoxicity and, consequently, decreases the mortality rate of BC due to heart failure.

The predictive role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in determining thalassemia patients with intermediately to highly probable pulmonary hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) indicators of intermediately to highly probable pulmonary hypertension (IHpPH) in patients with thalassemia referred for myocardial iron overload assessments to prevent further cardiac complications. METHODS: The study population consisted of 152 patients with thalassemia (major or intermedia) (49.3% women, mean age = 33 ± 10.1 years) who underwent non-contrast CMR and echocardiographic examinations on the same day. Functional, T2*, and global strain parameters via a feature-tracking method were extracted from CMR. The probability of PH was defined based on the tricuspid regurgitation velocity and echocardiographic parameters. The catheterization-derived hemodynamic data of patients with moderate to high probable PH was registered. RESULTS: Twenty-two (14.5%) patients suffered from IHpPH. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the right ventricular end-systolic volume index (RVESVI) was the strongest of all the CMR parameters for the prediction of IHpPH (OR: 1.044, 95% CI: 1.021-1.067). The other powerful IHpPH predictor was age (OR: 1.066, 95% CI: 1.009-1.126). A cutoff point of greater than 47 ml for RVESVI (AUC: .801, 95% CI: .728-.861) was found to predict IHpPH with 73.91% sensitivity and 70.31% specificity. The single most robust CMR-derived strain parameter for IHpPH prediction was the right ventricular global longitudinal strain (OR: .887, 95% CI: .818-.961). A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. CONCLUSIONS: Both CMR functional and global strain parameters were strong predictors of IHpPH in our patients with thalassemia.

The effect of barberry (Berberis vulgaris) consumption on flow-mediated dilation and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial.

Hypertension is considered as an important cardiovascular risk factor and evidence suggests that hypertension and endothelial dysfunction reinforce each other. Polyphenol-rich foods, such as barberry can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Our aim was to investigate the effects of barberry consumption on vascular function and inflammatory markers in hypertensive subject. In this randomized controlled parallel trial, 84 hypertensive subjects of both genders (aged 54.06 ± 10.19 years; body mass index 28.02 ± 2.18 kg/m2 ) were randomly allocated to consume barberry (10 g/day dried barberry) or placebo for 8 weeks. Before and after the intervention, changes in brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and plasma macrophage/monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1, and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were measured. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Compared to placebo (n = 42), barberry consumption (n = 42) improved FMD (B [95% CI] was 6.54% [4.39, 8.70]; p < .001) and decreased plasma ICAM-1 (B [95% CI] was -1.61 ng/ml [-2.74, -0.48]; p = .006). MCP-1 was significantly lower in the barberry group compared with the placebo group (B [95% CI] was -37.62 pg/ml [-72.07, -3.17]; p = .033). Our results indicate that barberry consumption improves FMD and has a beneficial effect on plasma ICAM-1 and MCP-1 in hypertensive patients. This trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (IRCT) with number IRCT20160702028742N8.

The Effect of Nasal Tip Defatting on Skin Thickness in Rhinoplasty: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Background: A few studies have been published on the clinical efficacy and safety of nasal tip defatting plus rhinoplasty, particularly among people with bulbous noses. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the consequences of nasal tip defatting for skin thickness reduction. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 72 consecutive patients, candidates for aesthetic rhinoplasty. Twenty-seven patients were scheduled for nasal tip defatting with routine open rhinoplasty concomitantly. Besides, 45 patients underwent rhinoplasty without nasal tip defatting method. Tip and supra-tip skin thickness were assessed before and 12 months after the operation using ultrasonography. The patients' and surgeon's satisfaction with aesthetic results after the operation were also evaluated based on visual analog scaling (VAS). SPSS version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL., USA) was used for the analyses. P values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Seventy-two patients (4 men, 68 women; mean age 26.40 ± 4.61 years) entered the study. Twenty-seven candidates underwent rhinoplasty plus nasal tip defatting (group A). Open rhinoplasty alone was performed for the other 45 patients (group B). The mean nasal tip thickness was 3.98±0.84 mm in group A and 3.69±0.64 mm in group B before the surgery (p=0.059). Preoperative nasal supra-tip thickness of the patients was also assessed using ultrasonography (3.54±0.72 mm in group A versus 3.73±0.54 mm in group B; p=0.065). Both preoperative tip and supra-tip thickness did not statistically differ between the two groups. No significant difference in postoperative tip skin thickness was obtained between two groups after 12 months (3.24±1 mm in group A versus 3.25±0.625 mm in group B; p=0.960), while postoperative supra-tip skin thickness differed significantly according to ultrasonography assessments (2.86±0.60 mm in group A versus 3.25±0.71 mm in group B; p=0.016). Postoperative satisfaction of the candidates was obtained using theVAS scoring system 12 months after the operation in both groups (8±1 in group A, 7.5±1 in group B; p=0.021). Surgeon's satisfaction in terms of the aesthetic outcome was also assessed based on the VAS system which did not statistically differ between the two groups as well as the patients' satisfaction (7.84±1.42 in group A, 7±1.61 in group B; p=0.014). Conclusion: Nasal tip skin defatting is the main component in aesthetic rhinoplasty, but its significant effect on the reduction of tip skin thickness is controversial. However, in patients with moderate or thick nasal tip skin, such a procedure can result in higher postoperative satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome compared to rhinoplasty alone.

Anterior ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Teenager: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

This study presents an unusual manifestation of Takayasu arteritis in a 16-year-old girl with significant left main and right coronary artery vasculitis. The distinct clue on the diagnosis was cardiac magnetic resonance findings of increased periaortic tissue enhancement in late gadolinium enhancement sequences. Cardiac magnetic resonance has high accuracy in the diagnosis of patients with Takayasu arteritis.

Effects of olive oil and flaxseed consumption in a healthy diet on endothelial function, plasma lipids and inflammatory factors of patients with coronary heart disease: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: A healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet has been associated with an improvement in cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of olive oil and flaxseed consumption as part of a healthy diet on endothelial function, plasma inflammatory factors, and lipid profile in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHOD: This randomized nonblinded trial was performed on CHD patients. In the control group, participants received general heart-healthy dietary recommendations while in the intervention group, in addition to these recommendations, the participants consumed 25 ml of olive oil and 30 g of flaxseeds daily for 3 months. At baseline and after 3 months, changes in brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), plasma asymmetric dimethyl arginine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and lipids and lipoproteins were measured. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients finished the trial ( n  = 24 in the intervention and n  = 26 in the control groups). Compared to the control group, consumption of flaxseed and olive oil significantly improved brachial artery FMD%, and reduced plasma IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, total cholesterol, and tended to reduce hs-CRP, and non-HDL-cholesterol but the concentration of other study indices were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Inclusion of olive oil and flaxseed in the diet of CHD patients may contribute to secondary prevention by improving endothelial function and plasma inflammatory factors.

Paradoxical increase in left atrial strains early after Covid-19 infection, a result of comprehensive recovery phase four-chamber strains study.

Cardiac consequences of Covid-19 infection have been mentioned in various studies as a serious risk factor for in-hospital mortality. However, the existence of residual cardiac dysfunction after the acute phase is seldom investigated especially in people without a history of specific medical disease. One hundred health care workers with positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test underwent comprehensive 2D and 3D echocardiography six to eight weeks after infection. Patients were classified into Mild, Moderate, and Severe groups based on their clinical characteristics of covid-19 infection, and all echocardiographic parameters were compared between the three groups. Left ventricular (LV) stroke volume index was reduced in all groups compared to normal ranges and was more prominent in the severe group (P-value < 0.05). 3D-derived LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was significantly lower in the severe group in comparison to the mild group (- 19.3 ± 1 Vs. - 22.2 ± 2, P-value < 0.001) and correlated with highly sensitive CRP level at the acute phase. Left atrial (LA) strains, including LA peak strain, LA contraction strain, and LA reservoir strain, were considerably higher and LA volume index was significantly lower in the clinically severe covid patients. Analysis based on the extent of lung involvement showed significantly increased 3D-derived right ventricular volumes in patients who experienced severe pneumonia despite normalized strains. Conclusion: subclinical LV dysfunction as reduced stroke volume index and GLS exists in the early recovery phase of normal individuals with severe course of covid-19. LA function indicated by LA strains paradoxically increases in severe covid-19 infection in this phase.

Aortic Valve Area and Strain Measurements by Cardiac MRI and Transthoracic Echocardiography in Severe Aortic Stenosis with Normal Left Ventricular Function.

Background: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the recommended imaging technique for the evaluation of patients with aortic stenosis (AS). However, in cases with inconclusive findings, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) planimetry is used to grade AS severity. This study aimed to compare the results derived from TTE and CMR in patients with severe AS with normal left ventricular (LV) function. Methods: In a prospective study, 20 patients with severe AS were recruited and data derived from TTE and CMR modalities were compared with the archived records of 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The data included aortic valve area (AVA), MRI-derived biventricular global strains, and TTE-derived global longitudinal strain (GLS). SPSS software was used to analyze the data with independent samples t test, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Pearson correlation. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: An excellent agreement was found in AVA values derived from CMR and TTE with an average ICC of 0.932 (95% CI=0.829-0.973). There was a significant difference in LV-GLS, LV global radial strain (GRS), right ventricular (RV) GRS, and RV global circumferential strain between the groups. A good correlation was found between CMR- and TTE-derived GLS with an average ICC of 0.721 (95% C=0.255-0.896). The mean aortic valve pressure gradient in TTE had a significant inverse linear correlation with LV-GRS in CMR (r=-0.537). All P values were <0.05. Conclusion: There was a good agreement between AVA and strain values derived from cardiac MRI and TTE. The myocardial strain was impaired in patients with severe AS and normal LV function and correlated with disease severity.

The Value of Strain Echocardiography in Predicting Electrical Progression in Patients With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular (RV) cardiomyopathy is a progressive disease characterized by the replacement of the normal myocardium with fibrofatty tissue. This study aimed to determine the value of echocardiographic RV deformation parameters in predicting electrical progression as assessed by serial changes in RV lead sensing and threshold in patients with arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy. METHODS: The present study recruited 40 patients with a definitive diagnosis of arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy at a mean (SD) age of 38.6 (14.2) years between 2018 and 2020. All patients had received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for the primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. The patients underwent 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiographic examinations and RV 2D and 3D strain analyses, comprising free-wall longitudinal strain, global longitudinal strain, and strain rate. They were then followed up for electrical progression. RESULTS: During a mean (SD) follow-up period of 20 (6) months, the RV lead amplitude decreased from 7.95 (IQR, 4.53-10.25) mV to 5.25 (IQR, 2.88-8.55) mV (P < .001), and the lead threshold increased from 0.75 (IQR, 0.50-0.79) V to 0.75 (IQR, 0.75-1.00) V (P < .001). Right ventricular 2D free-wall (ρ = 0.56, P = .01), RV 2D global (ρ = 0.58, P = .007), and RV 3D free-wall (ρ = 0.65; P = .003) longitudinal strain correlated with electrical progression. CONCLUSION: Right ventricular 2D and 3D deformation parameters were found to be significant predictors of electrical progression during follow-up of patients with arrhythmogenic RV cardiomyopathy. These findings suggest that echocardiography has a pivotal role in predicting patients at high risk for electrical progression.

Myocardial and Vascular Involvement in Patients with Takayasu Arteritis: A Cardiovascular MRI Study.

We aimed to explore the cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) of Takayasu arteritis (TA) and its cardiovascular complications. CMR was conducted on 37 TA patients and 28 healthy individuals. We evaluated the CMR findings and adverse cardiovascular complications at the time of the CMR (ACCCMR). After 8 to 26 months, the major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) were evaluated. The TA included 25 women (67.6%), aged 36 ± 16 years old, and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was significantly lower in the TA group than in the control group (51 ± 9% vs. 58 ± 1.7%; p < 0.001). Aortic mural edema was present in 34 patients (92%) and aortic mural hyperenhancement in 36 (97%). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) was significantly lower in the TA group (median [interquartile range] = 13.70 [3.27] vs. 18.08 [1.35]; p < 0.001). ACCCMR was seen in 13 TA patients (35.1%), with the most common cardiac complication being myocarditis (16.2%). During a median follow-up of 18 months (8-26 months), nine patients developed MACCEs, of which the most common was cerebrovascular accident in five (13.5%). The LVGLS of the CMR had the strongest association with complications. Myocardial strain values, especially LVGLS, can reveal concurrent and future cardiovascular complications in TA patients.

Computed Tomography-Based Coronary Artery Calcium Score Calculation at a Reduced Tube Voltage Utilizing Iterative Reconstruction and Threshold Modification Techniques: A Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: The coronary artery calcium score (CACS) indicates cardiovascular health. A concern in this regard is the ionizing radiation from computed tomography (CT). Recent studies have tried to introduce low-dose CT techniques to assess CACS. We aimed to investigate the accuracy of iterative reconstruction (IR) and threshold modification while applying low tube voltage in coronary artery calcium imaging. METHODS: The study population consisted of 107 patients. Each subject underwent an electrocardiogram-gated CT twice, once with a standard voltage of 120 kVp and then a reduced voltage of 80 kVp. The standard filtered back projection (FBP) reconstruction was applied in both voltages. Considering Hounsfield unit (HU) thresholds other than 130 (150, 170, and 190), CACS was calculated using the FBP-reconstructed 80 kVp images. Moreover, the 80 kVp images were reconstructed utilizing IR at different strength levels. CACS was measured in each set of images. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to compare the CACSs. RESULTS: A 64% reduction in the effective dose was observed in the 80 kVp protocol compared to the 120 kVp protocol. Excellent agreement existed between CACS at high-level (strength level = 5) IR in low-kVp images and the standard CACS protocol in scores ≥ 11 (ICC > 0.9 and p < 0.05). Increasing the threshold density to 190 HU in FBP-reconstructed low-kVp images yielded excellent agreement with the standard protocol in scores ≥ 11 (ICC > 0.9 and p < 0.05) and good agreement in score zero (ICC = 0.84 and p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The modification of the density threshold and IR provides an accurate calculation of CACS in low-voltage CT with the potential to decrease patient radiation exposure.

The predictive value of cardiac MRI strain parameters in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and a low fibrosis burden: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Prompt interventions prevent adverse events (AE) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We evaluated the pattern and the predictive role of feature tracking (FT)-cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging parameters in an HCM population with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and a low fibrosis burden. Methods: The CMR and clinical data of 170 patients, consisting of 142 HCM (45 ± 15.7 years, 62.7% male) and 28 healthy (42.2 ± 11.26 years, 50% male) subjects, who were enrolled from 2015 to 2020, were evaluated. HCM patients had a normal LVEF with a late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) percentage below 15%. Between-group differences were described, and the potent predictors of AE were determined. A P-value below 0.05 was considered significant. Results: LV global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains (GLS, GCS, and GRS, respectively) and the LV myocardial mass index (MMI) were different between the healthy and HCM cases (all Ps < 0.05). Strains were significantly impaired in the HCM patients with a normal MMI. A progressive decrease in LVGLS and a distinct fall in LVGCS were noted with a rise in MMI. AE were predicted by LVGLS, LVGCS, and the LGE percentage, and LVGCS was the single robust predictor (HR, 1.144; 95% CI, 1.080-1.212; P = 0.001). An LVGCS below 16.2% predicted AE with 77% specificity and 58% sensitivity. Conclusions: LV strains were impaired in HCM patients with a normal EF and a low fibrosis burden, even in the presence of a normal MMI. CMR parameters, especially FT-CMR values, predicted AE in our HCM patients.

The effect of barberry (Berberis integerrima) on lipid profile and systemic inflammation in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite significant advances in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVDs), there is still a large burden of CVD in the world. The inclusion of functional foods in the diet may provide beneficial effects on CVD. Purple-black barberry due to its richness in anthocyanins and berberine has shown beneficial effects on cardiometabolic factors. We investigated the effects of barberry on plasma lipids as well as inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: This was an 8-weeks, single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial that the participants were randomly assigned to a barberry (10 g/day dried barberry) or placebo group. At baseline and end of the study, plasma lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), small-dense LDL-C (sd-LDL-C), non-HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C, as well as inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were determined. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. RESULTS: Eighty-four participants were randomly assigned to study groups. The mean (± SD) participants' age was 54.06 ± 10.19 years. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and dietary intake were not different between the two groups at baseline and the end of the study. After adjusting for baseline values, we observed a significant decrease in plasma levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, sd-LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, p = 0.015, p = 0.019, p = 0.004, and p = 0.039 respectively) as well as CRP (p = 0.020) in the barberry group compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that purple-black barberry consumption decreases plasma levels of CRP and improves lipid profile in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number: NCT04084847 ).

The effect of purple-black barberry (Berberis integerrima) on blood pressure in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized controlled trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Berberis integerrima commonly known as "barberry" belongs to the Berberidaceae family and has been used as a medicinal plant in Iranian traditional medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: Our aim in this study was to investigate the effects of barberry consumption on blood pressure (BP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four medicated hypertensive patients were selected and randomly allocated to barberry and placebo groups. The barberry group received 10 g/day dried purple-black barberry powder, once daily, for 2-months. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP was assessed through 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring before and after 2-month treatment. The estimation of sodium and potassium intake was done through measurement of sodium and potassium in 24-h urinary samples. Plasma and urinary nitrite, and nitrate (NOx) levels, as well as plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, were also determined. RESULTS: Seventy-eight participants with an average age of 54.12 ± 10.32 years and BMI of 27.93 ± 2.22 kg/m2 completed the study. There was no significant difference in body weight, physical activity, and the 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion between the two groups before and after the study. After adjusting for baseline values and changes in sodium intake, systolic, and mean arterial BP decreased significantly in the barberry group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.015 and p = 0.008, respectively). Plasma NOx levels and ACE activity were not different between the two groups, but urinary NOx was increased significantly in the barberry group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated with antihypertensive drugs, daily consumption of purple-black barberry can be effective in improving systolic BP control.

The Importance of Functional and Feature-Tracking Cardiac MRI Parameters in Prediction of Adverse Cardiac Events and Cardiac Mortality in Thalassemia Patients.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Despite some investigations about the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in thalassemia, there are a few studies regarding the feature-tracking (FT). We evaluated the role of T2*, functional, and FT values for the determining of adverse cardiac events (ACE). METHODS: One-hundred-fifty-nine patients with thalassemia-major (49.7% female, mean-age = 32 ± 9.8 year) were followed for 8 - 64 (median = 36) months. CMR derived functional, FT, and T2* as well as ACE (heart failure hospitalization, cardiac mortality, pulmonary hypertension, and arrhythmias) were recorded. Also, variables were analyzed for cardiac death prediction separately. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (10.7%) developed ACE. The right-ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was the strongest indicator of ACE (OR: 0.85, 95% - CI: 0.790 - 0.918; p < 0.001) and cardiac mortality (OR: 0.88, 95%-CI: 0.811 - 0.973; p = 0.01). RVEF ≤ 39% and ≤ 37% predicted ACE and mortality with sensitivity of 62.5% and 71.43% and specificity of 95.77% and 93.38%, respectively. Additionally, myocardial-T2* was a predictor of mortality (OR: 0.90, 95%-CI: 0.814 - 0.999; p = 0.04). T2* ≤ 10 months predicted death with 85.71% sensitivity and 85.91% specificity. RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was the strongest strain parameter for the indication of ACE and death (OR: 0.81, 95%-CI: 0.740 - 0.902; p < 0.001 and OR: 0.81, 95%- CI: 0.719 - 0.933; p = 0.003, respectively). RV GLS ≤ 16.43% and ≤ 15.63% determined ACE and death with sensitivity of 52.94% and 71.43% and specificity of 90%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results underscore the role of FT and non-contrast CMR parameters as valuable markers of ACE in thalassemia.

The crucial role of cardiac MRI parameters in the prediction of outcomes in acute clinically suspected myocarditis: A functional and feature-tracking study.

Background: The definitive diagnosis of myocarditis is made by endomyocardial biopsy, but it is an invasive method. Recent investigations have proposed that cardiac MRI parameters have both diagnostic and prognostic roles in assessing myocarditis. We aimed to evaluate the role of functional and feature-tracking (FT)-derived strain values in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute myocarditis. Methods and results: We evaluated 133 patients with acute myocarditis (74.4% men) between January 2016 and February 2021. During a mean follow-up of 31 ± 16 months, sixteen patients (12.03%) experienced MACE: three deaths (2.3%), nine ICD implantations (6.76%), and five cardiac transplantations (3.8%). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the LV end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), and the LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) were the strongest predictors of MACE. Each 1-unit decline in LVEF and LVGLS or 1-unit rise in LVEDVI resulted in a 5, 24, and 2% increase in MACE, respectively. LVEF ≤36.46% and LVGLS ≤9% indicated MACE with 75% sensitivity and 74.4 and 73.5% specificity, respectively. Conclusions: In a group of acute myocarditis patients with evidence of myocardial edema and late Gadolinium enhancement, LVEF and GLS were the strongest predictors of adverse cardiac events.

The role of cardiac CT and MRI in the diagnosis and management of primary cardiac lymphoma: A comprehensive review.

Primary cardiac tumors comprise a distinct category of disorders that result in significant cardiac complications. Primary cardiac lymphomas (PCLs) constitute the second most frequent primary malignancy involving the heart. Without treatment, survival may be limited to just a few months; however, a timely therapeutic schedule may prolong the five-year survival. Accordingly, robust diagnostic modalities are essential to improve prognosis. We herein review the literature available in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Google Scholar and Scopus databases. Our review demonstrated that cardiac computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) employ multiple advanced sequences for tumor characterization with or without a contrast agent. These methods assist not only in differentiating PCLs from other cardiac masses such as cardiac thrombi but also in defining the extent of PCLs and conducting a safe biopsy. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and CT imaging provide essential knowledge regarding PCLs and cardiotoxicity induced by therapeutic regimens. The application of these robust imaging modalities aids in the early diagnosis of PCLs, accelerates the initiation of the treatment program, and improves patient outcomes significantly. Also presented is our introduction into novel techniques and the feasibility of their use to diagnose and treat cardiac masses, particularly PCLs. It should be mentioned that the paramount role of FDG-PET was not the focus of this paper.