Sodium Intake and Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Individuals With Vascular Disease.

Importance: Numerous prospective cohort studies have reported a J-shaped association of urinary sodium excretion with cardiovascular events and mortality. Objective: To study the association between sodium intake and incident atrial fibrillation (AF). Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included participants in the Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination with Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET) and Telmisartan Randomised Assessment Study in ACE Intolerant Subjects With Cardiovascular Disease (TRANSCEND) multicenter, randomized clinical trials comparing the effect of ramipril 10 mg daily with telmisartan 80 mg daily, or their combination (ONTARGET) or 80 mg telmisartan daily with placebo (TRANSCEND) for the outcome of death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure. ONTARGET and TRANSCEND included 31 546 participants with vascular disease or high-risk diabetes, and this study excluded participants without a urine sample for sodium measurement, missing data for key covariates, a history of AF, or AF detected in the first year after enrollment. Analyses were performed in July 2023 to May 2024. Exposure: Estimated sodium intake from a morning fasting urine sample (Kawasaki formula). Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome was incident AF. The association between estimated sodium intake and incident AF was modeled using multivariable adjusted Cox regression and cubic splines. Results: A total of 27 391 participants (mean [SD] age, 66.3 [7.2] years; 19 310 [70.5%] male) were included. Mean (SD) estimated sodium intake was 4.8 (1.6) g/d. During a mean (SD) follow-up of 4.6 (1.0) years, 1562 participants (5.7%) had incident AF. After multivariable adjustment, a J-shaped association between sodium intake and AF risk was observed (P for nonlinearity = .03). Sodium intake of 8 g/d or greater (3% of participants) was associated with incident AF (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01-1.74) compared with sodium intake of 4 to 5.99 g/d. Cubic splines showed that sodium intake greater than 6 g/d (19% of participants) was associated with a 10% increased AF risk per additional 1-g/d sodium intake (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.18), but with no further lowering of AF risk at lower levels of sodium intake. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of sodium intake and AF risk, there was a J-shaped association between sodium intakes and AF risk in patients with cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Lowering sodium intake for AF prevention is best targeted at individuals who consume high sodium diets.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) with cardiac arrest at presentation: A subanalysis from the DISCO registry.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which primarily affects young women without traditional cardiovascular risk factors, often presenting as sudden cardiac death. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, predictors, and outcomes of cardiac arrest in SCAD patients. METHODS: The DISCO IT/SPA registry, an international retrospective multicenter study, enrolled 375 SCAD patients from 26 centers in Italy and Spain. Patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of cardiac arrest at admission. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, angiographic findings, and outcomes were collected. Angiograms were independently reviewed, and outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and in-hospital bleeding. RESULTS: Among 375 SCAD patients, 20 (5.3%) presented with cardiac arrest. Both groups were similar in age, gender distribution, and conventional risk factors, except for a lower prevalence of dyslipidemia in the cardiac arrest group. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentation and angiographic type 2b were independent predictors of cardiac arrest. Revascularization was more frequent in the cardiac arrest group. In-hospital outcomes, except for longer hospitalization, did not differ. On follow-up (average 21 months), MACE rates were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac arrest is a notable complication in SCAD, mostly presenting with ventricular fibrillation. The prognosis of SCAD patients presenting with cardiac arrest did not differ from those without, reporting a similar rate of events both in-hospital and during long-term follow-up. STEMI presentation and angiographic type 2b were identified as independent predictors of cardiac arrest in SCAD.

Migraine headache in patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection: A report of the iSCAD Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a nonatherosclerotic cause of myocardial infarction. Migraine headache has been reported to be common among patients with SCAD, but the degree of migraine-related disability has not been quantified. METHODS: Clinical data and headache variables were obtained from the baseline assessment of the prospective, multicenter iSCAD Registry. Migraine-related disability was quantified using the self-reported Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS). Demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and medical characteristics from data entry forms were compared between patients with and without migraine. RESULTS: Of the 773 patients with available data, 46% reported previous or current migraines. Those with migraines were more likely to be women (96.9% vs 90.3%, p = 0.0003). The presence of underlying carotid fibromuscular dysplasia was associated with migraine (35% vs 27%, p = 0.0175). There was not a significant association with carotid artery dissection and migraine. Current migraine frequency was less than monthly (58%), monthly (24%), weekly (16%), and daily (3%). Triptan use was reported in 32.5% of patients, and 17.5% used daily migraine prophylactic medications. Using the MIDAS to quantify disability related to migraine, 60.2% reported little or no disability, 14.4% mild, 12.7% moderate, and 12.7% severe. The mean MIDAS score was 9.9 (mild to moderate disability). Patients with SCAD had higher rates of depression and anxiety (28.2% vs 17.7% [p = 0.0004] and 35.3% vs 26.7% [p = 0.0099], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Migraines are common, frequent, and a source of disability in patients with SCAD. The association between female sex, anxiety, and depression may provide some insight for potential treatment modalities.

Prevalence, treatment efficacy, and risk factors of vascular complications in acute pancreatitis: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of vascular complications in acute pancreatitis (AP), to compare patient outcomes using various treatments, and to explore the related risk factors. METHODS: Consecutive AP patients admitted from January 2010 to July 2017 were retrospectively included. Demographics, vascular complications, laboratory indices, and imaging findings were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore potential risk factors of vascular complications. RESULTS: Of 3048 AP patients, 808 (26.5%) had vascular complications, including visceral vein thrombosis, sinistral portal hypertension, and arterial complications. And 38 (4.7%) patients received anticoagulant therapy and had a higher rate of recanalization (P < 0.001). Bleeding occurred in 95 (11.8%) patients, who received further treatment. Multivariate analysis identified male gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.650, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.101-2.472), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.714, 95% CI 1.356-2.165), disease recurrence (OR 3.727, 95% CI 2.713-5.118), smoking (OR 1.519, 95% CI 1.011-2.283), hemoglobin level (OR 0.987, 95% CI 0.981-0.993), white blood cell (WBC) count (OR 1.094, 95% CI 1.068-1.122), non-vascular local complications (OR 3.018, 95% CI 1.992-4.573), computed tomography severity index (CTSI) (OR 1.425, 95% CI 1.273-1.596), and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score (OR 1.057, 95% CI 1.025-1.090) were related to vascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular complications in AP is prevalent and their treatment is challenging. Further investigations are warranted to determine the optimal treatment strategy. Independent risk factors included male gender, hyperlipidemia, disease recurrence, smoking, WBC count, non-vascular local complications, CTSI, and APACHE II score.

Racial Disparities in Outcomes of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Secondary to Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare cause of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), predominantly affecting women. Because primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is reserved for a select group of patients, vulnerable and minority patients may experience delays in appropriate management and adverse outcomes. We examined the racial differences in the outcomes for patients with SCAD who underwent PPCI for STEMI. Records of patients aged ≥18 years who underwent PPCI for SCAD-related STEMI between 2016 and 2020 were identified from the National Inpatient Sample database. Clinical, socioeconomic, and hospital characteristics were compared between non-White and White patients. Weighted multivariate analysis assessed the association of race with inpatient mortality, length of stay (LOS), and hospitalization costs. The total weighted estimate of patients with SCAD-STEMI who underwent PPCI was 4,945, constituting 25% non-White patients. Non-White patients were younger (56 vs 60.7 years, p <0.001); had a higher prevalence of diabetes, acute renal failure, and obesity; and were more likely to be uninsured and be in the lowest income group. Inpatient mortality (7.7% vs 8.4%, p = 0.74) and hospitalization costs ($34,213 vs $31,858, p = 0.27) were similar for non-White and White patients, and the adjusted analysis did not show any association between the patients' race and inpatient mortality (odds ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32 to 1.13, p = 0.11) or hospitalization costs (ß [ß coefficient]: 215, 95% CI -4,193 to 4,623, p >0.90). Similarly, there was no association between the patients' race and LOS (incident rate ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.45, p = 0.054). The weighted multivariate analysis showed that age; clinical co-morbidities such as diabetes, acute renal failure, valvular dysfunction, and obesity; low-income status; and hospitalization in the western region were associated with adverse outcomes. In conclusion, our study does not show any differences in inpatient mortality, LOS, and hospitalization costs between non-White and White patients who underwent PPCI for SCAD-related STEMI.

Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome and vascular lesions: An update on what we currently know.

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is the most prevalent sleep and respiratory disorder. This syndrome can induce severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications, and intermittent hypoxia is a pivotal contributor to this damage. Vascular pathology is closely associated with the impairment of target organs, marking a focal point in current research. Vascular lesions are the fundamental pathophysiological basis of multiorgan ailments and indicate a shared pathogenic mechanism among common cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, suggesting their importance as a public health concern. Increasing evidence shows a strong correlation between OSAHS and vascular lesions. Previous studies predominantly focused on the pathophysiological alterations in OSAHS itself, such as intermittent hypoxia and fragmented sleep, leading to vascular disruptions. This review aims to delve deeper into the vascular lesions affected by OSAHS by examining the microscopic pathophysiological mechanisms involved. Emphasis has been placed on examining how OSAHS induces vascular lesions through disruptions in the endothelial barrier, metabolic dysregulation, cellular phenotype alterations, neuroendocrine irregularities, programmed cell death, vascular inflammation, oxidative stress and epigenetic modifications. This review examines the epidemiology and associated risk factors for OSAHS and vascular diseases and subsequently describes the existing evidence on vascular lesions induced by OSAHS in the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, retinal, renal and reproductive systems. A detailed account of the current research on the pathophysiological mechanisms mediating vascular lesions caused by OSAHS is provided, culminating in a discussion of research advancements in therapeutic modalities to mitigate OSAHS-related vascular lesions and the implications of these treatment strategies.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in patients with prior psychophysical stress: a systematic review of case reports and case series.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an underdiagnosed cause of acute coronary syndrome, particularly in younger women. Due to limited information about SCAD, case reports and case series can provide valuable insights into its features and management. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the features of SCAD patients who experienced psychophysical stress before the SCAD event. METHODS: We conducted an electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until January 7, 2023. We included case reports or series that described patients with SCAD who had experienced psychophysical stress before SCAD. Patients with pregnancy-associated SCAD were excluded from our analysis. RESULTS: In total, we included 93 case reports or series describing 105 patients with SCAD. The average patient age was 44.29 ± 13.05 years and a total of 44 (41.9%) of patients were male. Among the included SCAD patients the most prevalent comorbidities were fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and hypertension with the prevalence of 36.4 and 21.9%, respectively. Preceding physical stress was more frequently reported in men than in women; 38 out of 44 (86.4%) men reported physical stress, while 36 out of 61 (59.1%) females reported physical stress (p value = 0.009). On the other hand, the opposite was true for emotional stress (men: 6 (13.6%)), women: 29 (47.6%), p value < 0.001). Coronary angiography was the main diagnostic tool. The most frequently involved artery was the left anterior descending (LAD) (62.9%). In our study, recurrence of SCAD due to either the progression of a previous lesion or new SCAD in another coronary location occurred more frequently in those treated conservatively, however the observed difference was not statistically significant (p value = 0.138). CONCLUSION: While physical stress seems to precede SCAD in most cases, emotional stress is implicated in females more than males.

Retrospective analysis of 1,203 cases of referral to a quaternary vascular surgery outpatient clinic within the Unified Health System, São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Through a retrospective analysis of 1,203 cases of referral from primary healthcare units to a specialized quaternary vascular surgical service, the findings of this study revealed a high proportion of inappropriate referrals, which may represent a substantial subutilization of this highly complex service. Consequently, in this study, we aimed to evaluate 1,203 cases of referral to a quaternary vascular surgical service, in São Paulo, Brazil, over a 6-year period, to assess the appropriate need for referral; in addition to the prevalence of surgical indications. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed the institutional records of participants referred from Basic Healthcare Units to a vascular surgical service inside the Brazilian Unified Health System, between May 2015 and December 2020. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The participants were stratified, as per the reason for referral to the vascular surgical service, previous imaging studies, and surgical treatment indications. Referral appropriateness and complementary examinations were evaluated for each disease cohort. Finally, the prevalence of cases requiring surgical treatment was defined as the outcome measure. RESULTS: Of the 1,203 referrals evaluated, venous disease was the main reason for referral (53%), followed by peripheral arterial disease (19.4%). A considerable proportion of participants had been referred without complementary imaging or after a long duration of undergoing an examination. Referrals were regarded as inappropriate in 517 (43%) cases. Of these, 32 cases (6.2%) had been referred to the vascular surgical service, as the incorrect specialty. The percentage of referred participants who ultimately underwent surgical treatment was 39.92%. Carotid (18%) and peripheral arterial diseases (18.4%) were correlated with a lower prevalence of surgical treatments. CONCLUSION: The rate of referral appropriateness to specialized vascular care from primary care settings was low. This may represent a subutilization of quaternary surgical services, with low rates of surgical treatment.

Sickle Cell Disease Related Vasculopathies and Early Evaluation in a Pediatric Population.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Cardiovascular pathologies are ubiquitous in sickle cell disease (SCD). A targeted literature review was conducted to compare the overall epidemiology of selected vasculopathies seen in SCD (SCDVs) compared to the general population. Since many SCDV may originate in childhood, the study also focused on the retrospective investigation of SCDVs in a pediatric cohort at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: SCDVs were studied along patient age, ß-globin genotypes, and fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Urine microalbumin/creatinine ratios (UM/Cr), trans-cranial doppler (TCD) and tricuspid regurgitant jet velocities (TRJV) were analyzed as well. Retinographies and overt vasculopathies were presented descriptively. RESULTS: Among 20 females and 20 males [average 8.3 years (2.3-19 years)], 70% had HbSS/Sß0, 22.5% HbSC and 7.5%-HbSß+. The mean(±SD) HbF% was 17.4±12.7% (30% higher in <10 vs. ≥10 y/o, and 3 times higher in SS/Sß0). Twenty-six patients received hydroxyurea and 13/26, L-glutamine. Thirty-six patients had TCDs within 1.4±0.9 years and all laboratory values were obtained within the last 12 months. TCDs showed low-normal velocities, but 2 were higher for HbSS/Sß0 vs. HbSC/Sß+ (MCA-96 vs. 86 cm/s, p=0.03; and PCA-50 vs. 41, p<0.001). Nineteen of 28 patients with echocardiograms had measurable TRJV (2.46±0.19 m/s); 9 had TRJV ≥2.5-2.8 m/s, but BNP ≤80 pg/ml. SS/Sß0 was associated with higher UM/Cr. There were 2 cases with silent infarcts, 1-Moyamoya, 2-persistent macroalbuminuria, and 1-hematuria/renal papillary necrosis. Most ≥9 y/o patients had retinographies without SCD-related changes. There was no correlation among TCD (MCA), TRJV, and UM/Cr (n=17); thus, in this subpopulation, pathologies of cerebral, cardiopulmonary, and renal vasculatures evolved independently. Patients with higher TRJV and/or overt vasculopathy (n=14) were older than ones without (12.5±4.7 vs. 6.1±3.1 y/o, p<0.001), and had lower HbF (11.4±7.6 vs. 20.6±13.8%, p=0.026). CONCLUSION: While overt SCDVs are less frequent in children, age-dependent trends/surrogate markers suggest their early origination in youth, justifying intense screening to prevent their progression with disease-modifying measures.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection outcomes among pregnant vs. non-pregnant women.

AIMS: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has become increasingly recognized. It accounts for <1-4% of acute coronary syndrome presentations. Overall, however, it makes up over 40% of pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction. Furthermore, pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (P-SCAD) is described to have a greater degree of clinical manifestations, including left ventricular dysfunction, shock, and left main or multivessel involvement. The findings are disconcerting, though many studies evaluating P-SCAD are based on case series data or are single centre studies. METHODS AND RESULTS: The aim of this study was to evaluate a larger national dataset to evaluate the outcomes of SCAD and specifically P-SCAD in an attempt to better characterize the severity and clinical nature of this condition. To conduct this study, we analysed the National Readmission Database from January 2016 to December 2020. Propensity matching was done using the Greedy 1:1 method. Multivariate logistics and time-to-event Cox regression analysis models were built by including all confounders significantly associated with the outcome on univariable analysis with a cut-off P-value of 0.2. In multivariate regression analysis, P-SCAD patients had a non-propensity matched odds ratio (OR) of 0.21 (0.3-1.54, P = 0.123) of dying and a propensity matched OR of 0.11 (0.02-0.61, P = 0.012) of dying. Thirty-day readmission rate for P-SCAD was 15.8% (n = 93) and for non-pregnant spontaneous coronary artery dissection (NP-SCAD) was 11.2% (n = 2286); non-propensity matched OR for readmission for PSCAD patients was 1.68 (1.24-2.29, P = 0.001) and propensity matched OR was 3.39 (1.93-5.97, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Among hospitalized patient, P-SCAD was associated with similar clinical outcomes and reduced incidence of death when compared with NP-SCAD, though had higher rates of 30-day readmission. Larger-scale observational data will be needed to ascertain the true incidence of cardiovascular complications as it relates to P-SCAD.

Vascular complications in craniopharyngioma-resected paediatric patients: a single-center experience.

Background: Craniopharyngioma (CP), although slow growing and histologically benign, has high morbidity, mostly related to hypothalamus-pituitary dysfunction and electrolyte imbalance. Increased risk of vascular complications has been described. However, data are still poor, especially in the paediatric population. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occurrence, timing, and predisposing factors of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and other vascular alterations in neurosurgical paediatric CP patients. Materials and Methods: In a single-centre, retrospective study, we investigated 19 CP patients (11 males, 8 females, mean age 10.5 ± 4.3 years), who underwent neurosurgery between December 2016 and August 2022, referred to Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS in Florence. Results: Five patients (26.3%) presented vascular events, which all occurred in connection with sodium imbalances. Three DVT (two with associated pulmonary embolism, in one case leading to death) developed in the post-operative period, most frequently at 7-10 days. Elevated D-dimers, a reduced partial activated thrombin time and a prolonged C-reactive protein increase were highly related to thrombotic vascular events. One case of posterior cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm was described soon after neurosurgery, requiring vascular stenting. Superficial vein thrombophlebitis was a late complication in one patient with other predisposing factors. Conclusion: CP patients undergoing neurosurgery are at risk of developing DVT and vascular alterations, thus careful follow-up is mandatory. In our study, we found that the phase of transition from central diabetes insipidus to a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion may be a period of significant risk for DVT occurrence. Careful vascular follow-up is mandatory in CP-operated patients.

Venous disorders as an occupational disease - a systematic review on epidemiology, pathophysiology, and modification strategies.

Forced postures are common in the workplace. Work in the primary economic sector is characterised by a high degree of physical activity and movement; however, activities in the secondary and tertiary sectors commonly require workers to stand or sit. An expansion of the tertiary sector in recent decades has meant that people in industrialised and emerging economies primarily sit or stand at work. The aim of the systematic review was to identify occupational factors relating to the presence of chronic venous disease (CVD), to place these in the context of developments in the workplace, and to determine whether measures are in place to prevent CVD. We performed a systematic literature review to analyse studies assessing work-related risk factors for CVD. We searched for publications in the PubMed database, the clinic library of BG Hospital Bergmannstrost Halle, and the registry of the German Statutory Accident Insurance. Using occupation-specific keyword combinations, we identified 27,522 publications. The publications underwent an automatic and manual filtering process according to the PRISMA guidelines and 81 publications qualified for the review. Ultimately 25 studies were included in the systematic review. All of the subjects of the studies worked in the secondary and tertiary sectors. No studies looked at the relationship between venous disorders and primary sector occupations. Standing at work for more than four hours a day, repeated heavy lifting, and cumulative time working in a sitting or standing position are risk factors for the development of CVD. Sitting is less of a risk factor than standing or walking. Occupational history and the patient's activity profile are important diagnostic tools which can help confirm a diagnosis and justify treatment when findings are inconsistent. Compression therapy is the primary form of secondary and tertiary prevention. There continues to be a lack of primary preventive measures related to workplace design.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Report of the International Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Registry.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction secondary to spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) can be traumatic and potentially trigger posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a large, multicenter, registry-based cohort, we documented prevalence of lifetime and past-month SCAD-induced PTSD, as well as related treatment seeking, and examined a range of health-relevant correlates of SCAD-induced PTSD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients with SCAD were enrolled in the iSCAD (International SCAD) Registry. At baseline, site investigators completed medical report forms, and patients reported demographics, medical/SCAD history, psychosocial factors (including SCAD-induced PTSD symptoms), health behaviors, and health status via online questionnaires. Of 1156 registry patients, 859 patients (93.9% women; mean age, 52.3 years) completed questionnaires querying SCAD-induced PTSD. Nearly 35% (n=298) of patients met diagnostic criteria for probable SCAD-induced PTSD in their lifetime, and 6.4% (n=55) met criteria for probable past-month PTSD. Of 811 patients ever reporting any SCAD-induced PTSD symptoms, 34.8% indicated seeking treatment for this distress. However, 46.0% of the 298 patients with lifetime probable SCAD-induced PTSD diagnoses reported never receiving trauma-related treatment. Younger age at first SCAD, fewer years since SCAD, being single, unemployed status, more lifetime trauma, and history of anxiety were associated with greater past-month PTSD symptom severity in multivariable regression models. Greater past-month SCAD-induced PTSD symptoms were associated with greater past-week sleep disturbance and worse past-month disease-specific health status when adjusting for various risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of SCAD-induced PTSD symptoms, efforts to support screening for these symptoms and connecting patients experiencing distress with empirically supported treatments are critical next steps. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04496687.

Coronary Artery Tortuosity and Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: Association With Echocardiography and Global Longitudinal Strain, Fibromuscular Dysplasia, and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The etiology and significance of coronary artery tortuosity (TCA) among patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are unknown. The aim of this prospective imaging cohort study was to report echocardiographic findings and evaluate whether TCA correlates with cardiac anatomy and function among patients with SCAD. Comorbidities including fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and outcomes were also assessed. METHODS: TCA was determined on coronary angiography performed during the diagnosis of SCAD, and cardiac structure and function were evaluated using prospective comprehensive echocardiography. RESULTS: Among 116 patients with SCAD, the mean age at echocardiography was 50.8 ± 8.8 years, a median of 10.9 months after SCAD. Sixty-two patients (53.4%) had FMD, 41 (35.3%) had histories of hypertension, and 17 (14.8%) were hypertensive during echocardiography. Most patients (n = 78 [69%]) had normal left ventricular geometry with normal median ejection fraction (61%; interquartile range, 56% to 64%) and normal global longitudinal strain (-22.2%; interquartile range, -24.0% to -19.9%). Fifteen patients (13.4%) had diastolic dysfunction that was associated with hypertension at the time of echocardiography. Patients with TCA (n = 96 [82.8%]) were older (mean age, 52.1 ± 8.0 vs 44.7 ± 9.9 years; P < .001) with a higher prevalence of FMD (59.4% vs 25%, P = .007) but a similar prevalence of hypertension (35% vs 35%, P > .99) compared with patients without TCA. Across the age range (31.5 to 66.9 years), each decade of age was associated with an approximately 0.89-unit increase in coronary tortuosity score (P < .0001). Echocardiographic parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. Median follow-up duration was 4.4 years (95% CI, 3.8 to 5.2 years). The Kaplan-Meier 3-year SCAD recurrence rate was 9.4% (95% CI, 3.7% to 14.8%). There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with SCAD had normal or near normal echocardiographic results, including global longitudinal strain, with no differences according to TCA. However, patients with SCAD with TCA were older, with a higher prevalence of FMD.

Vascular complications and outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients on chronic steroid therapy: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic steroid (CS) therapy was reportedly linked to increased vascular complications following percutaneous coronary intervention. However, its association with vascular complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remained uncertain, with conflicting results being reported. OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed to compare the rate of vascular complications and outcomes between patients with and without CS use after TAVR. METHODS: The authors conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from their inception until 18th April 2022 for relevant studies. Endpoints were described according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 definitions. Effect sizes were pooled using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model as risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. RESULTS: Five studies with 6136 patients undergoing TAVR were included in the analysis. The included studies were published between 2015 and 2022. The mean ages of patients in both study groups were similar, with the CS group averaging 80 years and the nonsteroid group averaging 82 years. Notably, a higher proportion of patients in the CS group were female (56%) compared to the nonsteroid group (54%). CS use was associated with a significantly higher risk of major vascular complications (12.5 vs. 6.7%, RR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.73-3.11, P <0.001), major bleeding (16.8 vs. 13.1%, RR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.27-2.05, P <0.001), and aortic annulus rupture (2.3 vs. 0.6%, RR 4.66, 95% CI: 1.67-13.01, P <0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of minor vascular complications (RR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.00-2.04, P =0.05), in-hospital mortality (2.3 vs. 1.4%, RR 1.86, 95% CI: 0.74-4.70, P =0.19), and 30-day mortality (2.9 vs. 3.1%, RR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.53-2.46, P =0.74) between both groups. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that CS therapy is associated with increased major vascular complications, major bleeding, and annulus rupture following TAVR. Further large multicenter studies or randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate these findings.

Twenty-five-year trends in incidence, angiographic appearance, and management of spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has been described as an infrequent cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Knowledge about the disease is still limited and SCAD might still be underdiagnosed. OBJECTIVES: Trends in incidence, presentation, angiographic appearance, management, and outcomes of SCAD over 25 years were analyzed. METHODS: Patients with SCAD between 1997 and 2021 at the University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, were included. Incidences were assessed as total numbers and proportions of ACS cases. Clinical data were collected from medical records and angiographic findings were reviewed. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as the composite of all-cause death, cardiac arrest, SCAD recurrence or progression, other myocardial infarction, and stroke. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six SCAD cases were included in this study. The incidence increased significantly in total (p < 0.001) and relative to ACS cases (p < 0.001). This was based on an increase of shorter lesions (p = 0.004), SCAD type 2 (p < 0.001), and lesions in side branches (p = 0.014), whereas lesions in the left main coronary artery and proximal segments were decreasing (p-values 0.029 and < 0.001, respectively). There was an increase in conservative therapy (p < 0.001). The rate of MACE (24%) was stable, however, there was a reduced proportion of patients with a need for intensive care treatment (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: SCAD represents an important entity of ACS that still might be underappreciated. The increasing incidence of SCAD is likely based on better awareness and familiarity with the disease. A lower need for intensive care treatment suggests positive effects of the increasing implementation of conservative management.

Non-atherosclerotic acute cardiac syndromes: spontaneous coronary artery dissection and Takotsubo syndrome. Comparison of long-term clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) constitute two common causes of nonatherosclerotic acute cardiac syndrome particularly frequent in women. Currently, there is no information comparing long-term clinical outcomes in unselected patients with these conditions. METHODS: We compared the baseline characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and the 12-month and long-term clinical outcomes of two large prospective registries on SCAD and TTS. RESULTS: A total of 289 SCAD and 150 TTS patients were included; 89% were women. TTS patients were older with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Precipitating triggers were more frequent in TTS patients, while emotional triggers and depressive disorders were more common in the SCAD group. Left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in TTS patients, but SCAD patients showed higher cardiac biomarkers. In-hospital events (43.3% vs. 5.2%, P <0.01) occurred more frequently in TTS patients. TTS patients also presented more frequent major adverse events at 12-month (14.7% vs. 7.1%, HR 5.3, 95% CI: 2.4-11.7, P <0.01) and long-term (median 36 vs. 31 months, P =0.41) follow-up (25.8% vs. 9.6%, HR 4.5, 95% CI: 2.5-8.2, P <0.01). Atrial fibrillation was also more frequent in TTS patients. Moreover, TTS patients presented a higher 12-month and long-term mortality (5.6% vs. 0.7%, P =0.01; and 12.6% vs. 0.7%, P <0.01) mainly driven by noncardiovascular deaths. CONCLUSION: Compared to SCAD, TTS patients are older and present more cardiovascular risk factors but less frequent depressive disorder or emotional triggers. TTS patients have a worse in-hospital, mid-term, and long-term prognosis with higher noncardiac mortality than SCAD patients.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Across the Health Care Pathway: A National, Multicenter, Patient-Informed Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines for the management and convalescence of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) have yet to be developed. The targeted content, delivery, and outcomes of interventions that benefit this population remain unclear. Patient-informed data are required to substantiate observational research and provide evidence to inform and standardize clinical activities. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with SCAD (N=89; 86.5% women; mean age, 53.2 years) were purposively selected from 5 large tertiary care hospitals. Patients completed sociodemographic and medical questionnaires and participated in an interview using a patient-piloted semistructured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to framework analysis using inductive and then deductive coding techniques. Approximately 1500 standard transcribed pages of interview data were collected. Emotional distress was the most commonly cited precipitating factor (56%), with an emphasis on anxiety symptoms. The awareness and detection of SCAD as a cardiac event was low among patients (35%) and perceived to be moderate among health care providers (55%). Health care providers' communication of the prognosis and self-management of SCAD were perceived to be poor (79%). Postevent psychological disorders among patients were evident (30%), and 73% feared recurrence. Short- and longer-term follow-up that was tailored to patients' needs was desired (72%). Secondary prevention programming was recommended, but there were low completion rates of conventional cardiac rehabilitation (48%), and current programming was deemed inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: This early-stage, pretrial research has important implications for the acute and long-term management of patients with SCAD. Additional work is required to validate the hypotheses generated from this patient-oriented research.

Venous compression syndromes in females: A descriptive review.

Venous compression syndromes have been described, yet the role of sex is poorly understood. Although iliac vein compression has been discussed more often with the advent of newer technologies, research has fallen short on defining epidemiology, best practices for evaluation and treatment, and differences in responses to treatment between men and females. The authors report on iliac vein compression, nonthrombotic renal vein compression, and other venous compression syndromes in females. Literature searches of PubMed were performed using the following keywords: females/females and May Thurner, venous stenting, venous outcomes, deep venous disease, deep venous compression, venous stenting, renal vein compression, renal vein surgery/stent, popliteal vein entrapment, venous thoracic vein entrapment, and popliteal vein entrapment. The articles prompted the authors to research further as the referenced articles were reviewed. Sex representation has not been addressed adequately in the research of venous compression syndromes, making the discussion of best treatment options and long-term outcomes difficult. More specific understanding of epidemiology and response to interventions will only come from research that addresses these issues directly, understanding that some of these syndromes occur rarely.