Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in Special Clinical Situations: More Questions Than Answers?

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a remnant of the foetal circulation resulting from incomplete occlusion of the septum primum and septum secundum. Although prevalent in about 25% of the population, it mainly remains asymptomatic. However, its clinical significance in situations such as cryptogenic stroke, migraine, and decompression illness (DCI) has been well described. Recent randomised clinical trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the efficacy of percutaneous PFO closure over pharmacological therapy alone for secondary stroke prevention in carefully selected patients. Notably, these trials have excluded older patients or those with concurrent thrombophilia. Furthermore, the role of closure in other clinical conditions associated with PFO, like decompression sickness (DCS) and migraines, remains under investigation. Our review aims to summarise the existing literature regarding epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, optimal management, and closure indications for these special patient groups.

Metaverse-based cardiac magnetic resonance imaging simulation application for overcoming claustrophobia: a preliminary feasibility trial.

Introduction: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is vital, but claustrophobia affects 10% of patients. The metaverse, an immersive virtual and augmented reality environment, has healthcare potential. We present a metaverse-based CMR simulation for claustrophobic patients. Methods: Three cardiomyopathy patients, initially CMR-refusing due to claustrophobia, received training via a virtual reality headset in a metaverse-based virtual hospital. Training efficacy was assessed through questionnaires and anxiety scales. Results: The patients successfully completed metaverse-based training, adapting to the CMR simulation. On CMR day, all entered the machine without issues and with reduced anxiety. Patients found the training useful, suggesting platform familiarization. Discussion: Our study demonstrates the metaverse's potential in alleviating CMR-related claustrophobia. The immersive nature enhances patient preparation, although usability improvements are needed. Further research should compare this approach with alternatives.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a vital tool for diagnosing heart problems, but some patients cannot undergo it due to claustrophobia. To address this, researchers are exploring new methods like hypnosis and simulations. One emerging technology, the metaverse, a 3D virtual reality (VR) environment, is being tested in healthcare. This study created a metaverse-based simulation to help claustrophobic patients prepare for CMR. Three patients with heart issues were given VR headsets to access a virtual hospital in the metaverse. Inside, they were trained for CMR step by step, experiencing the process and sounds realistically. Training was done 1 week, 3 days, and 1 day before the real CMR. Anxiety levels were measured. All patients completed the virtual training without issues. During the first simulations, some could not complete entering the virtual CMR machine due to anxiety. However, by the final simulation, all succeeded. On CMR day, all completed the scan without problems, and their anxiety levels decreased significantly from the initial training. Patients found the training helpful, but the platform's usability needed improvement. The study demonstrates that metaverse-based simulations can help patients overcome claustrophobia to successfully undergo CMR. This technology holds promise for simulating medical situations, easing patient fears, and improving preparation. However, further work is needed to make it user-friendly and accessible without assistance. This study encourages more research to assess the usefulness of the metaverse for broader patient groups, comparing it with other methods like hypnosis or sedation.

The Role of Inflammasomes in Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) poses a significant world health challenge due to the increase in the aging population and advancements in cardiac care. In the pathophysiology of HF, the inflammasome has been correlated with the development, progression, and complications of HF disease. Discovering biomarkers linked to inflammasomes enhances understanding of HF diagnosis and prognosis. Directing inflammasome signaling emerges as an innovative therapeutic strategy for managing HF. The present review aims to delve into this inflammatory cascade, understanding its role in the development of HF, its potential role as biomarker, as well as the prospects of modulating inflammasomes as a therapeutic approach for HF.

Exercise and cardiac rehabilitation in hypertensive patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A position statement on behalf of the Working Group of Arterial Hypertension of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology.

Arterial hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and the most common cause of comorbidity in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). As an adjunct to medication, healthy lifestyle modifications with emphasis on regular exercise are strongly recommended by both the hypertension and the HF guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. Several long-term studies have shown that exercise is associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality, a favorable cardiac and metabolic risk profile, mental health, and other non-cardiovascular benefits, as well as an improvement in overall quality of life. However, the instructions for the prescriptive or recommended exercise in hypertensive patients and, more specifically, in those with HFpEF are not well defined. Moreover, the evidence is based on observational or small randomized studies, while well-designed clinical trials are lacking. Despite the proven benefit and the guidelines' recommendations, exercise programs and cardiac rehabilitation in patients with hypertensive heart disease and HFpEF are grossly underutilized. This position statement provides a general framework for exercise and exercise-based rehabilitation in patients with hypertension and HFpEF, guides clinicians' rehabilitation strategies, and facilitates clinical practice. It has been endorsed by the Working Group of Arterial Hypertension of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology and is focused on the Health Care System in Greece.

Overcoming the Obstacle of Suicide Left Ventricle After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Phenomenon.

Suicide left ventricle after transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a well described phenomenon associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Prompt actions should be implemented to prevent this situation, and the alarm signs should be recognized. We present a case report of successful recognition, prevention and treatment of this complication. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Access Sites: Same Goals, Distinct Aspects, Various Merits and Demerits.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been established as a safe and efficacious treatment for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS). Despite being initially developed and indicated for high-surgical-risk patients, it is now offered to low-risk populations based on the results of large randomized controlled trials. The most common access sites in the vast majority of patients undergoing TAVI are the common femoral arteries; however, 10-20% of the patients treated with TAVI require an alternative access route, mainly due to peripheral atherosclerotic disease or complex anatomy. Hence, to achieve successful delivery and implantation of the valve, several arterial approaches have been studied, including transcarotid (TCr), axillary/subclavian (A/Sc), transapical (TAp), transaortic (TAo), suprasternal-brachiocephalic (S-B), and transcaval (TCv). This review aims to concisely summarize the most recent literature data and current guidelines as well as evaluate the various access routes for TAVI, focusing on the indications, the various special patient groups, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, as well as their adverse events.

Cardiology in the digital era: from artificial intelligence to Metaverse, paving the way for future advancements.

Tweetable abstract Cardiology's digital revolution: AI diagnoses, ChatGPT consults, Metaverse educates. Challenges & promises explored. #CardiologyTech #DigitalHealth.

Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 in Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in western societies. Therefore the identification of novel biomarkers to be used as diagnostic or therapeutic targets is of significant scientific interest. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is one such protein shown to be involved in endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation and atherogenesis. Several epidemiological studies have associated high Lp-PLA2 activity with an increased risk for CAD even when other CAD risk factors or inflammation markers were included in the multivariate analysis. These findings were strengthened by the results of relevant meta-analyses. However, randomized trials failed to establish Lp-PLA2 as a therapeutic target. Specifically, pharmaceutical inhibition of Lp-PLA2 when compared to the placebo failed to demonstrate a significant association with improved prognosis of patients with stable CAD or after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This review focuses on the available data that have investigated the potential role of Lp- PLA2 as a biomarker for CAD.

Simultaneous Diagnosis of Emphysematous Osteomyelitis and Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in a Diabetic Patient.

BACKGROUND Emphysematous osteomyelitis of the spine is characterized by intravertebral or intraosseous air. Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EP) is the infection of the renal parenchyma and perirenal tissues caused by gas forming microorganisms and thus is characterized by gas formation. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of necessary treatment is crucial, as both entities are associated with high mortality rates. CASE REPORT A 57-year-old female with uncontrolled hyperglycemia presented to the emergency department with history of sudden onset of weakness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for 3 days and with a fall on the same level the previous day. Laboratory examinations revealed leukocytosis, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, deteriorated renal function, and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic state. She was placed on aggressive intravenous hydration and insulin infusion pump. Due to the deterioration of her medical condition, she underwent abdominal and pelvic CT scanning that revealed emphysematous osteomyelitis of the spine and emphysematous pyelonephritis. Despite vigorous fluid resuscitation and systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, the patient's condition deteriorated further and eventually led to death within 48 h. CONCLUSIONS This case of fatal emphysematous osteomyelitis of the spine and EP serves as a significant reminder of those rare life-threatening entities, which affect patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and other etiologies causing immunosuppression. The aim of the present case report is to highlight the importance and contribution of computed tomography in diagnosing these conditions and to emphasize the rare coexistence of these 2 emphysematous entities.