The Effect of 4-Month Treatment with Glycocalyx Dietary Supplement on Endothelial Glycocalyx Integrity and Vascular Function in Patients with Psoriasis.

Psoriasis predisposes to cardiovascular dysfunction. We investigated whether glycocalyx dietary supplement (GDS), which contains glycosaminoglycans and fucoidan, improves endothelial glycocalyx and arterial stiffness in psoriatic patients. Fifty participants with psoriasis under biological agents were randomly assigned to GDS (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) for 4 months. We measured at baseline and at follow-up: (a) perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels (range 4 to 25 µm), a marker of endothelium glycocalyx integrity; (b) carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV-Complior SP-ALAM) and augmentation index (AIx), markers of arterial stiffness and (c) psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score. Both groups displayed a similar decrease in PASI at four months (p < 0.05), and no significant differences were found between groups (p > 0.05). Compared to the placebo, participants in the GDS showed a greater percentage reduction in PBR4-25 µm (-9.95% vs. -0.87%), PBR 4-9 µm (-6.50% vs. -0.82%), PBR10-19 µm (-5.12% vs. -1.60%), PBR 20-25 µm (-14.9% vs. -0.31%), PWV (-15.27% vs. -4.04%) and AIx (-35.57% vs. -21.85%) (p < 0.05). In the GDS group, the percentage reduction in PBR 4-25 µm was associated with the corresponding decrease in PWV (r = 0.411, p = 0.015) and AΙx (r = 0.481, p = 0.010) at follow-up. Four-month treatment with GDS improves glycocalyx integrity and arterial stiffness in patients with psoriasis. Clinical trial Identifier: NCT05184699.

Innovations in Intracoronary Imaging: Present Clinical Practices and Future Outlooks.

Engaging intracoronary imaging (IC) techniques such as intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography enables the precise description of vessel architecture. These imaging modalities have well-established roles in providing guidance and optimizing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes. Furthermore, IC is increasingly recognized for its diagnostic capabilities, as it has the unique capacity to reveal vessel wall characteristics that may not be apparent through angiography alone. This manuscript thoroughly reviews the contemporary landscape of IC in clinical practice. Focused on current methodologies, the review explores the utility and advancements in IC techniques. Emphasizing their role in clarifying coronary pathophysiology, guiding PCI, and optimizing patient outcomes, the manuscript critically evaluates the strengths and limitations of each modality. Additionally, the integration of IC into routine clinical workflows and its impact on decision-making processes are discussed. By synthesizing the latest evidence, this review provides valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals involved in the dynamic field of interventional cardiology.

Incidence and Prognostic Factors of Radial Artery Occlusion in Transradial Coronary Catheterization.

Background/Objectives: Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most common complication of transradial coronary catheterization. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of RAO and identify the risk factors that predispose patients to it. Methods: We conducted an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicenter, open-label study involving 1357 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization via the transradial route for angiography and/or a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential predictors of RAO occurrence. Additionally, a subgroup analysis only for patients undergoing PCIs was performed. Results: The incidence of RAO was 9.5% overall, 10.6% in the angiography-only group and 6.2% in the PCI group. Independent predictors of RAO were as follows: (i) the female gender (aOR = 1.72 (1.05-2.83)), (ii) access site cross-over (aOR = 4.33 (1.02-18.39)), (iii) increased total time of the sheath in the artery (aOR = 1.01 (1.00-1.02)), (iv) radial artery spasms (aOR = 2.47 (1.40-4.36)), (v) the presence of a hematoma (aOR = 2.28 (1.28-4.06)), (vi) post-catheterization dabigatran use (aOR = 5.15 (1.29-20.55)), (vii) manual hemostasis (aOR = 1.94 (1.01-3.72)) and (viii) numbness at radial artery ultrasound (aOR = 8.25 (1.70-40)). Contrariwise, two variables were independently associated with increased odds for radial artery patency (RAP): (i) PCI performance (aOR = 0.19 (0.06-0.63)), and (ii) a higher dosage of intravenous heparin per patient weight (aOR = 0.98 (0.96-0.99)), particularly, a dosage of >50 IU/kg (aOR = 0.56 (0.31-1.00)). In the PCI subgroup, independent predictors of RAO were as follows: (i) radial artery spasms (aOR = 4.48 (1.42-14.16)), (ii) the use of intra-arterial nitroglycerin as a vasodilator (aOR = 7.40 (1.67-32.79)) and (iii) the presence of symptoms at echo (aOR = 3.80 (1.46-9.87)), either pain (aOR = 2.93 (1.05-8.15)) or numbness (aOR = 4.66 (1.17-18.57)). On the other hand, the use of intra-arterial verapamil as a vasodilator (aOR = 0.17 (0.04-0.76)) was independently associated with a greater frequency of RAP. Conclusions: The incidence of RAO in an unselected, all-comers European population after transradial coronary catheterization for angiography and/or PCIs is similar to that reported in the international literature. Several RAO prognostic factors have been confirmed, and new ones are described. The female gender, radial artery trauma and manual hemostasis are the strongest predictors of RAO. Our results could help in the future identification of patients at higher risk of RAO, for whom less invasive diagnostic procedures maybe preferred, if possible.

Τakotsubo Syndrome After Surgical Removal of the Thyroid Gland and Major Bleeding.

A 58-year-old male with a medical history of arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, and psoriasis was admitted for a scheduled surgical removal of the thyroid gland. During the surgery, the patient suffered severe blood loss caused by vascular complications. After the operation, his electrocardiogram showed diffuse ST segment elevation along with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T elevation and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. An emergency coronary angiography showed unobstructed coronary arteries. However, the left ventriculography demonstrated akinesia of the apical segments and hyperkinesia of the basal segments during systole. The patient was diagnosed with Takotsubo syndrome and he was successfully stabilized over the course of the next few days. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction and although the clinical and electrocardiographical presentation is similar to an acute coronary syndrome, the coronary arteries are unobstructed. Stressful events, both physical or psychological, could trigger an excessive catecholaminergic response which can cause the syndrome. Repetitive echocardiograms in our patient demonstrated complete recovery of the systolic function after a few days.

Funny coronary arteriole perforation causes tamponade post-primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

An emergency transradial coronary angiography in a 68-year-old woman demonstrated sub-total occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery.

Tough balloon with a vulnerable shaft: an unexpected device failure.

A 73-year-old man, with a previous long drug-eluting stent (DES) from the mid-portion of the left main stem artery (LMS) to proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD), underwent elective coronary angiogram due to worsening anginal symptoms and an abnormal myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) showing ischemia in the LAD territory.

Real-world data show high efficacy of IL23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis and difficult-to-treat areas.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic inflammatory skin and joint diseases requiring effective therapies. Although clinical studies have shown the efficacy of IL-23 inhibitors, real-world data are limited. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective Greek study enrolling patients with psoriatic arthritis and moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis being treated at our multidisciplinary psoriasis outpatient clinic. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of IL-23 inhibitors guselkumab and risankizumab. Additionally, we sought to determine the clinical characteristics affecting treatment response. Primary endpoints were the evaluation of absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (aPASI) and Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) at week 24. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (55.9% male, 69.5% early onset) with a mean age of 51.7 years were included. Twenty-four patients (40.7%) had a concomitant psoriatic arthritis. Obesity was the main comorbidity (49.2%) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.3 kg/m2 . Additional comorbidities were hypertension (44.1%), dyslipidemia (32.2%), and diabetes (18.6%). Only eight patients (13.6%) were naïve to previous systemic treatments, whereas 40 patients (67.8%) were bio-experienced. A statistically significant improvement of aPASI and DAPSA was demonstrated after 4, 16, and 24 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). IL23 blockers were also efficacious in difficult-to-treat areas. Clinical outcome was affected from previous treatment with biologics. Treatment response was the same between guselkumab and risankizumab (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This real-world study confirms the efficacy and safety of guselkumab and risankizumab in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis reported from clinical trials.

HEART Score Recalibration Using Higher Sensitivity Troponin T.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We examined the diagnostic performance of a recalibrated History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk factors, Troponin (HEART), and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score in patients with suspected acute cardiac syndrome (ACS). Recalibration of troponin thresholds was performed, including shifting from the 99th percentile to the limit of detection (LOD) or to the limit of quantification (LOQ) We compared the discharge potential and safety of the recalibrated composite scores using a single presentation high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) T to the conventional scores and with a LOD/LOQ troponin strategy alone. METHODS: We undertook a 2-center prospective cohort study in the United Kingdom (UK) (2018) (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03619733) to specifically assess recalibrated risk scores (shifting the troponin subset scoring from 99th percentile to LOD [UK]) and combined the results of this with secondary analyses of 2 prospective cohort studies in the UK (2011) and the United States (2018, using LOQ rather than LOD). The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as adjudicated type 1 myocardial infarction (MI), urgent coronary revascularization, and all-cause death, at 30 days. We evaluated the original scores using hs-cTn below the 99th percentile and recalibrated scores using hs-cTn

Psoriatic Insomnia: A Subjective and Objective Sleep Evaluation.

Psoriasis may affect patients' sleep. In order to examine this relationship, this study evaluated non-anxious and non-depressive patients with moderate to severe psoriasis before and after 6 months of systemic treatment. A prospective case-control study with 46 consecutive patients (mean age 51.1 ± 12.8 years, 18 women) and 24 age-, sex- and body mass index-matched controls (mean age 46.5 ± 15.4 years, 12 women) was conducted to assess sleep using both sleep questionnaires and actigraphy. Of psoriatic patients, 91.3% were poor sleepers, and 65.2% of the psoriatic patients presented insomnia symptoms, compared with 54.2% and 33.3% of the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.02, respectively). Actigraphy showed that Total Sleep Time was shorter in patients, while 82.6% of the psoriatic patients had poor Sleep Efficiency, compared with controls (p = 0.004, p = 0.03, respectively). Patients' quality of life was associated with sleep disturbance (p < 0.001), and pruritus was negatively correlated with sleep duration (p < 0.001). After 6 months of treatment, patients' sleep pattern, according to actigraphy, had not changed significantly; however, they had insomnia for no longer than the control group (p = 0.65), whereas the above-mentioned correlations were non-significant after treatment. Psoriatic insomnia was improved after 6 months of systemic treatment. Actigraphy may be used as an objective tool to evaluate sleep in these patients.

Stent Damage Associated With a Guide Catheter Extension During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

In this difficult case of an 80-year-old woman with an acute coronary syndrome and extremely calcified and tortuous left anterior descending artery, the operators were unable to insert the stent into the distal cylinder of the Telescope after encountering strong resistance. Assuming the stent was stuck at the level of the distal cylinder entry pot, they decided to remove both the guide catheter extension (GCE) and the stent as a single unit to prevent complications. Since the first GCE was introduced in 2009, many other GCE systems have been developed and there is accumulating experience with their use. To our knowledge, this is the first description of stent damage occurring during the insertion in the distal cylinder of the Telescope GCE (Medtronic). Interventional cardiologists should always be prepared to face unexpected complications related to sophisticated devices such as GCE.

2021 MiECTiS focused update on the 2016 position paper for the use of minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation in cardiac surgery.

The landmark 2016 Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Technologies International Society (MiECTiS) position paper promoted the creation of a common language between cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists and perfusionists which led to the development of a stable framework that paved the way for the advancement of minimal invasive perfusion and related technologies. The current expert consensus document offers an update in areas for which new evidence has emerged. In the light of published literature, modular minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) has been established as a safe and effective perfusion technique that increases biocompatibility and ultimately ensures perfusion safety in all adult cardiac surgical procedures, including re-operations, aortic arch and emergency surgery. Moreover, it was recognized that incorporation of MiECC strategies advances minimal invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) by combining reduced surgical trauma with minimal physiologic derangements. Minimal Invasive Extracorporeal Technologies International Society considers MiECC as a physiologically-based multidisciplinary strategy for performing cardiac surgery that is associated with significant evidence-based clinical benefit that has accrued over the years. Widespread adoption of this technology is thus strongly advocated to obtain additional healthcare benefit while advancing patient care.