RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Different methods are established for the changes in aortic valve stenosis with cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA), but the effect of the grade of stenosis on contrast densities around the valve has not been investigated. AIMS/METHODS: Using the information from flow dynamics in cases of increased velocity through narrowed lumen, the hypothesis was formed that flow changes can alter the contrast densities in stenotic post-valvular regions, and the density changes might correlate with the grade of stenosis. Forty patients with severe aortic stenosis and fifteen with a normal aortic valve were enrolled. With echocardiography, the peak/mean transvalvular gradients, peak transvalvular velocity, and aortic valve opening area were obtained. With CCTA, densities 4-5 mm above the aortic valve; at the junction of the left, right, and noncoronary cusp to the annulus; at the middle level of the left, right, and noncoronary sinuses of Valsalva in the center and the lateral points; at the sinotubular junction; and 4 cm from the sinotubular junction at the midline were measured. First, a comparison of the densities between the normal and stenotic valve was performed, and then possible correlations between echocardiography and CCTA values were investigated in the stenotic group. RESULTS: In all CCTA regions, significantly lower-density values were detected among stenotic valve patients compared to the normal aortic valve population. Additionally, in both groups, higher densities were measured in the peri-jet regions than in the lateral ones. Furthermore, a good correlation was found between the aortic valve opening area and the densities in almost all perivalvular areas. With regard to the densities at the junction of the non-coronary leaflet to the fibrotic annulus and at the most lateral point of the right sinus of Valsalva, a high level of correlation was found between all echocardiography and CCTA parameters. Lastly, with receiver operating characteristic curve measurements, area under the curve values were between 0.857 and 0.930. CONCLUSION: Certain CCTA density values, especially 4-5mm above the valve opening, can serve as auxiliary information to echocardiography when the severity of aortic valve stenosis is unclear.
RESUMEN
Evaluation of the effect of three dimensional (3D) coronary plaque characteristics derived from two dimensional (2D) invasive angiography images (ICA) on coronary flow determined by TIMI frame count (TFC) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been thoroughly investigated. A total of 71 patients with STEMI, and 73 with NSTEMI were enrolled after primary angioplasty. Pre- and post-PCI TFCs were obtained. From 2D images, 3D reconstruction was performed of the culprit vessel, and multiple plaque parameters were measured. In STEMI, the average post-PCI frame count decreased significantly, resulting in better flow. With regards to 2/3D parameters, no differences were found between the STEMI and NSTEMI groups. The 3D parameters in the subgroup with an increase with at least three frames resulting in worsening post-PCI flow were compared to parameters of the patients with improved or significantly not change flow (delta frame count < 3), and greater minimal luminal diameter and area was found in the worsening (increased) frame group. In STEMI 2/3D, parameters showed no correlation with worsening flow, whereas in NSTEMI, greater minimal luminal diameter and area correlated with decreased flow. We can conclude that certain 2/3D parameters can predict slower flow in ACS, resulting in the use of GP IIb/IIIa receptor blocker.
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The case of a 35-year-old female with heart failure is presented, where the symptoms overlap with the heterogeneous manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Those similarities and a recent shift in priorities during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic delayed the recognition of acute heart failure in this patient. During the differential diagnostic process, obliterative disease was discovered in the bilateral subclavian and right renal arteries, and the latter resulted in uncontrolled hypertension, which played a significant role in the development of heart failure. The aetiology of vascular alterations turned out to be Takayasu's arteritis. Diagnosing Takayasu's arteritis is typically not straightforward due to its nonspecific signs and symptoms. Therefore, it can be concluded from our case report that the rising incidence of COVID-19 and focus on ruling out infection can potentially defer alternative, but appropriate diagnostic tests, particularly for certain conditions like rare diseases. Early identification and intervention is especially important for treating acute heart failure, whereas delay increases the risk of severe complications and mortality.
