The possible role of machine learning in detection of increased cardiovascular risk patients - KSC MR Study (design).

Introduction: Currently, just a few major parameters are used for cardiovascular (CV) risk quantification to identify many of the high-risk subjects; however, they leave a lot of them with an underestimated level of CV risk which does not reflect the reality. Material and methods: The submitted study design of the Kosice Selective Coronarography Multiple Risk (KSC MR) Study will use computer analysis of coronary angiography results of admitted patients along with broad patients' characteristics based on questionnaires, physical findings, laboratory and many other examinations. Results: Obtained data will undergo machine learning protocols with the aim of developing algorithms which will include all available parameters and accurately calculate the probability of coronary artery disease. Conclusions: The KSC MR study results, if positive, could establisha base for development of proper software for revealing high-risk patients, as well as patients with suggested positive coronary angiography findings, based on the principles of personalised medicine.

Incremental value of global longitudinal strain in prediction of all-cause mortality in predialysis and dialysis chronic kidney disease patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the prediction of all-cause mortality from global longitudinal strain (GLS) in two groups of chronic kidney disease patients (CKD): predialysis and dialysis. METHODS: In 89 patients undergoing echocardiography, 37.2 % predialysis (16/43) and 58.6 % dialysis patients (27/46) died during the mean follow-up 70.2 ± 35 months. In addition to conventional echocardiographic measurements, GLS was assessed by velocity vector imaging from three standard apical views. RESULTS: Cox proportional hazards regression enter model showed the following variables to predict survival: the only significant predictor of survival in predialysis patients, among the set of conventional echocardiographic parameters was GLS (HR, 0.58; 95 % CI, 0.39-0.87; p = 0.01). In the group of dialysis patients GLS with E/Em ratio remained as significant predictors of survival (HR, 0.72; 95 % CI, 0.56-0.92; p = 0.01, and HR, 1.02; 95 % CI, 1.004-1.04; p = 0.01, respectively). GLS ≥ - 13.2 % had 58.3 % sensitivity and 91.7 % specificity for prediction of mortality in predialysis patients, and GLS ≥ - 12.02 % had 73.3 % sensitivity and 78.9 % specificity for prediction of mortality in dialysis patients. In dialysis group E/Em ratio ˃ 17.02 had 71.4 % sensitivity and 84.2 % specificity for prediction of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the incremental value of GLS in prediction of all-cause mortality during a long follow-up period in CKD patients. GLS together with E/Em ratio may be used for the assessment of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and risk stratification of CKD patients in different stages of renal failure.

[Transcatheter aortic valve implantation - diagnostic, procedure and outcomes]. / Transkatétrová implantácia aortálnej chlopne - indikácie, priebeh intervencie a výsledky.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an interventional method for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis. TAVI is indicated in patients who have been identified by the heart team as surgically inoperable or operable at very high risk. The advantage is minimal invasive approach with the absence of sternotomy and extracorporeal blood circulation. Interventional procedure does not allow direct visualization of the anatomical relations at the site of the final valve position (aortic anulus). For this reason it is essential to ensure appropriate view by high quality imaging methods. A standard method for the evaluation of the anatomical relations before TAVI is multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) with 3D reconstruction. In the future, the MDCT would be replaced by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE), which does not require ionizing radiation, there is no postcontrast nephropathy and hypersensitive reaction to iodine compared to MDCT. Furthermore, it provides direct measurements during the procedure and ensures easier and cheaper dispensarisation of the patients. A multicenter randomized PARTNER trial clearly demonstrated significant benefits of inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis treated by TAVI. Recently published CoreValve US Pivotal randomized trial demonstrated higher efficiency and safety of TAVI in direct comparison with surgical treatment. The aim of this review is to provide current knowledge of TAVI, preparation of the patients before the intervention, the process of intervention, dispensarisation, as well as affecting the quality of patients life.