Aortic valve and vascular calcium score in pre-TAVI CT: correlation with early post-procedural complications.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of early complications after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) and their correlation with the Calcium Score (CS) of the aortic valve, aorta and ilio-femoral arteries derived from pre-procedural computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 226 patients (100 males, mean age 79.4 ± 6.7 years) undergoing 64-slice CT for pre-TAVI evaluation from January 2018 to April 2021. The population was divided into CS quartiles. RESULTS: Overall, 173 patients underwent TAVI procedure, of whom 61% presented paravalvular leak after the procedure, 28% presented bleeding or vascular complications, 25% presented atrioventricular block, and 8% developed acute kidney injury. The prevalence of paravalvular leak and vascular complications was higher in the upper CS quartiles for aortic valve and ilio-femoral arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic valve and vascular CS could help to predict post-TAVI early complications.

Caustic ingestion: CT findings of esophageal injuries and thoracic complications.

Ingestion of caustic substances, whether accidental or for the purpose of suicide, can cause severe lesions of the lips, oral cavity, pharynx, upper gastrointestinal system, and upper airways. In particular, caustic agents could be responsible for severe esophageal injuries resulting in short- and long-term complications. Because of these important clinical implications, timely diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial. In the evaluation of esophageal injuries, thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) is preferable to endoscopy as it avoids the risk of esophageal perforation and allows the evaluation of esophageal injuries as well as of the surrounding tissue. In this review, we report CT findings of esophageal injuries and possible related thoracic complications caused by caustic ingestion.

SIRM-SIC appropriateness criteria for the use of Cardiac Computed Tomography. Part 1: Congenital heart diseases, primary prevention, risk assessment before surgery, suspected CAD in symptomatic patients, plaque and epicardial adipose tissue characterization, and functional assessment of stenosis.

In the past 20 years, Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) has become a pivotal technique for the noninvasive diagnostic work-up of coronary and cardiac diseases. Continuous technical and methodological improvements, combined with fast growing scientific evidence, have progressively expanded the clinical role of CCT. Recent large multicenter randomized clinical trials documented the high prognostic value of CCT and its capability to increase the cost-effectiveness of the management of patients with suspected CAD. In the meantime, CCT, initially perceived as a simple non-invasive technique for studying coronary anatomy, has transformed into a multiparametric "one-stop-shop" approach able to investigate the heart in a comprehensive way, including functional, structural and pathophysiological biomarkers. In this complex and revolutionary scenario, it is urgently needed to provide an updated guide for the appropriate use of CCT in different clinical settings. This manuscript, endorsed by the Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM) and by the Italian Society of Cardiology (SIC), represents the first of two consensus documents collecting the expert opinion of Radiologists and Cardiologists about current appropriate use of CCT.

Imaging the COVID-19: a practical guide.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents the first medical catastrophe of the new millennium. Although imaging is not a screening test for COVID-19, it plays a crucial role in evaluation and follow-up of COVID-19 patients. In this paper, we will review typical and atypical imaging findings of COVID-19.

Prognostic value of cardiac CT.

In the past decades, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has become a powerful tool in the management of coronary artery disease. The diagnostic and prognostic value of CCTA has been extensively demonstrated in both large observational studies and clinical trials among stable chest pain patients. The quantification of coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a well-established predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in asymptomatic subjects. Besides CACS, the main strength of CCTA is the accurate assessment of the individual total atherosclerotic plaque burden, which holds important prognostic information. In addition, CCTA, by providing detailed information on coronary plaque morphology and composition with identification of specific high-risk plaque features, may further improve the risk stratification beyond the assessment of coronary stenosis. The development of new CCTA applications, such as stress myocardial CT perfusion and computational fluids dynamic applied to standard CCTA to derive CT-based fractional flow reserve (FFR) values have shown promising results to guide revascularization, potentially improving clinical outcomes in stable chest pain patients. In this review, starting from the role of CACS and moving beyond coronary stenosis, we evaluate the existing evidence of the prognostic effectiveness of the CCTA strategy in real-world clinical practice.

TAVI imaging: over the echocardiography.

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a common valvular heart disease. Recently, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has changed the treatment of severe AS in elderly patients with contraindications to traditional surgical replacement. Echocardiography is conventionally used as the first imaging modality to assess the presence and severity of AS and to provide anatomical and functional information. Nowadays, imaging techniques play a crucial role in the planning of TAVI to define suitable candidates. Computed tomography (CT) is essential to display the anatomy of the aortic valve complex (including aortic annulus, Valsalva sinuses, coronary arteries ostia, sinotubular junction), thoracoabdominal aorta, and vascular access. Cardiac CT may also provide the evaluation of coronary arteries in alternative to conventional coronary angiography. Magnetic resonance imaging may be alternative or supplementary in selected cases, providing detailed information of cardiac function and myocardial wall characteristics. More recently, advanced computer modeling image-based techniques can be used to support the evaluation of the feasibility and safety of TAVI procedures.

Osteonecrosis detected by whole body magnetic resonance in patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma treated by BEACOPP.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our retrospective review of prospectively acquired Whole Body Magnetic Resonance (WB-MRI) scans was to assess the incidence of osteonecrosis in patients who received different chemotherapies. METHODS: We evaluated the WB-MRI scans performed on 42 patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma treated by three chemotherapy regimens (6ABVD, 2ABVD + 4BEACOPP, 2ABVD + 8BEACOPP), excluding patients with the main risk factors for osteonecrosis. RESULTS: Six out of seven patients (86 %) who received eight BEACOPP and one out of five patients (20 %) treated by four BEACOPP presented osteonecrosis, with a statistically significant difference of frequency between the two groups of patients (p < 0.05); no injury has been reported in patients treated by only ABVD. Among a total of 48 osteonecrotic lesions observed, 48 % were detected in the knee; multifocal osteonecrosis were detected in six out of seven patients (86 %). CONCLUSIONS: The development of osteonecrosis is strictly related to the chemotherapy protocol adopted and the number of cycles received, with a strong correlation between the dose of corticosteroids included in the BEACOPP scheme and this complication. WB-MRI can be considered as a helpful tool that allows detecting earlier osteonecrotic lesions in patients treated with corticosteroids. KEY POINTS: • Osteonecrosis is a possible complication of patients with Lymphoma treated by chemotherapy. • Osteonecrosis is related to the corticosteroids included within the BEACOPP protocol. • WB-MRI allows detecting osteonecrotic lesions in patients treated with corticosteroids.

Integrated non-invasive approach to atherosclerosis with cardiac CT and carotid ultrasound in patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the atherosclerotic disease in the coronary and carotid arteries in patients who underwent non-invasive imaging for suspected stable coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 107 patients (64 men, age 59 ± 12) with atypical chest pain underwent cardiac CT (CCT) and carotid ultrasound (US) on the same day. Severity (obstructive or not-obstructive disease), location, shape, and composition of atherosclerotic plaques in the two districts were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients presented normal coronary arteries in 36 % (n = 38), not-obstructive CAD in 36 % (n = 39), and obstructive CAD in 28 % (n = 30), while had normal carotid arteries in 53 % (n = 57), not-obstructive disease in 44 % (n = 47), and obstructive disease in 3 % (n = 3) (p < 0.05). The coronary plaques were located in 7 % at ostial sites, in 29 % at non-ostial sites, and in 64 % at both locations. The carotid plaques were located at the origin of the internal and external carotid arteries in 56 %, at the bifurcation in 20 %, and at both locations in 24 % (p < 0.05). Coronary plaques were calcified in 25 %, non-calcified in 19 %, and mixed in 56 %; carotid plaques were calcified in 8 %, non-calcified in 8 %, and mixed in 84 % of patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Atherosclerotic disease presents different imaging findings in the coronary tree and in the carotid district with respect to lesion severity, position along the vessel course, and composition of plaque.

Role of Cardiac Computed Tomography in the Evaluation of Coronary Artery Stenosis in Patients With Ascending Aorta Aneurysm Detected at Transthoracic Echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of cardiac computed tomography (CCT) in the evaluation of coronary artery stenosis in patients with ascending aorta aneurysm detected at transthoracic echocardiography. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with an aneurysm 45 mm or greater at transthoracic echocardiography who underwent CCT from 2012 to 2014 in our hospital. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CCT for the assessment of coronary artery stenosis (<50% or ≥50% stenosis) in patients who underwent conventional coronary angiography. RESULTS: We included 104 patients (73 men, aged 64 [SD, 10.8] years) in our study. Obstructive coronary artery disease was found in 22.1% of patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CCT for detecting significant stenoses were 100%, 98%, and 82% and 100% on a segment-by-segment analysis and 100%, 83%, and 65% and 100% on a per-patient analysis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac computed tomography provides a comprehensive evaluation of ascending aorta aneurysms and coronary artery tree.

Fetuin-A is Associated to Serum Calcium and AHSG T256S Genotype but Not to Coronary Artery Calcification.

Vascular calcification has been recently associated to an increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. In few studies, Fetuin-A showed an association to coronary artery calcification (CAC), although the physiopathological mechanism underlying this association has not been fully established yet. Seventy-four patients with one or more cardiovascular risk factor and asymptomatic for coronary vasculopathy were included in the study. CAC was evaluated by Agatston score. Serum Fetuin-A levels were determined by ELISA. Molecular analysis of AHSG T256S gene variant (rs4918) was performed by PCR-RFLP. Serum Fetuin-A was correlated to serum calcium (r = 0,321; P = 0,018), but not to serum phosphorous. Multivariate linear regression analysis confirmed this association and showed that calcium and AHSG genotype were independent predictors of Fetuin-A (P = 0.037, P = 0.014, respectively). In particular, subjects carrying the SS genotype had lower levels of Fetuin-A and calcium (P = 0.037 and P = 0.038, respectively). When we compare subjects with CAC 0-10 with subjects with CAC > 10, we found that only age and male gender (P < 0.001, P = 0.035, respectively), but not Fetuin-A, were associated to CAC. Fetuin-A is not associated to CAC in subjects with low cardiovascular risk profile and asymptomatic for coronary vasculopathy, suggesting that in this setting Fetuin-A, although correlated to serum levels of calcium, could be not involved in mineral deposition on coronary vessels.

Whole-body MRI in patients with lymphoma: collateral findings.

PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of collateral findings detected on whole-body magnetic resonance (WB-MRI) scans performed on patients with lymphoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 114 patients (65 male; median age 45.2 years, range 15-86) with histologically confirmed lymphoma (47 Hodgkin, 67 Non-Hodgkin) underwent WB-MRI. The collateral findings were classified into three classes, according to their clinical significance, as follows: not or low significant (class 1), moderately or potentially significant (class 2), and significant (class 3). A Chi-square (χ (2)) test was performed to assess the statistical significance of differences in the incidence of collateral findings based on age (≤50 and >50 years old), gender and histology (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma). RESULTS: Ninety-one of 114 patients (79.8 %) had one or more incidental findings on WB-MRI. Collateral findings were more frequent in class 1 (43 %); abnormalities found in 35 patients (30.7 %) were considered potentially significant, whereas seven patients (6.1 %) demonstrated significant collateral findings requiring immediate treatment or further diagnostic evaluation. Collateral findings were more frequent in subjects over 50 years old compared to those of 50 years old or younger; differences were statistical significant (χ (2) = 8.42, p < 0.05). There were not statistically significant differences related to gender (χ (2) = 0.17, p > 0.05) and histology (χ (2) = 0.24, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: WB-MRI is an attractive procedure that allows to detect incidental abnormalities of organs not involved by disease offering the opportunity to obtain an early diagnosis of asymptomatic life-threatening diseases.

Assessment of atrial diastolic function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by cine magnetic resonance imaging.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the role of atrial function by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for the evaluation of diastolic physiology in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) compared to healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 23 consecutive patients affected by HCM and 43 healthy subjects as age-matched control cases (CC). CMR was performed through acquisition of cine steady-state free precession sequences using a 1.5-T scanner. Image postprocessing was carried out using Tracking Tool software. RESULTS: Atrial volumes were significantly higher in patients with HCM compared to CC: maximum atrial volume (p = 0.007) and minimum atrial volume (p = 0.01). A statistically significant difference was also observed in atrial ejection fraction in patients with HCM (p < 0.0001). The atrial volume curves defined as cavity volume over time (dV/t) showed significant differences: early atrial peak emptying rate (PERE) (maximum rate of emptying independent of atrial contraction) in HCM was -146 ± 53 ml/s versus -227 ± 86 ml/s in CC (p < 0.0001); active atrial peak emptying rate (PERA) (maximum rate of emptying secondary to atrial contraction) in HCM was -256 ± 80 ml/s versus -216 ± 104 ml/s in CC (p = 0.05); the atrial PER E/A ratio in HCM was 0.6 ± 0.2 versus 1.05 ± 0.5 in CC (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that in HCM patients with early diastolic dysfunction the parameters of left atrial function assessed by CMR are impaired before the ventricular diastolic indexes such as the early peak filling rate and the active peak filling rate.

Collateral non cardiac findings in clinical routine CT coronary angiography: results from a multi-center registry.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of collateral findings detected in computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) in a multi-center registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 4303 patients (2719 males, mean age 60.3 ± 10.2 years) undergoing 64-slice CTCA for suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD) at various academic institutions between 01/2006 and 09/2010. Collateral findings were recorded and scored as: non-significant (no signs of relevant pathology, not necessary to be reported), significant (clear signs of pathology, mandatory to be reported), or major (remarkable pathology, mandatory to be reported and further investigated). RESULTS: We detected 6886 non-cardiac findings (1.6 non cardiac finding per patient). Considering all centers, only 865/4303 (20.1 %) patients were completely without any additional finding. Overall, 2095 (30.4 %) non-significant, 4486 (65.2 %) significant, and 305 (4.4 %) major findings were detected. Among major findings, primary lung cancer was reported in 21 cases. In every center, most prevalent significant findings were mediastinal lymph nodes >1 cm. In 256 patients, collateral findings were clinically more relevant than coexisting CAD and justified the symptoms of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of significant and major collateral findings in CTCA is high. Radiologists should carefully evaluate the entire scan volume in each patient.

Acceptance of noninvasive computed tomography coronary angiography: for a patient-friendly medicine.

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate the psychological state and anxiety of patients undergoing computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA), and assess their acceptance and satisfaction compared to invasive conventional coronary angiography (CCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 442 consecutive patients (282 male; mean age 57.7 ± 9.5 years) who underwent CTCA for suspected or known coronary artery disease were evaluated with the Endler Multimodality Anxiety Scales (EMAS) before and after the scan, and a questionnaire administered after the scan. Among the 442 patients, 181 had a history of CCA. Two radiologists assessed the image quality of CTCA. RESULTS: Anxiety was more intense prior to the scan (EMAS score 51.7 vs. 46.7, p < 0.01) and in patients with a history of CCA (EMAS score 55.5 vs. 49.1, p < 0.01). Women presented more intense anxiety (EMAS score 59.5 vs. 47.3, p < 0.01), higher mean heart rate (63.5 ± 7.6 vs. 60.7 ± 7.3 beats per minute, p < 0.01) and a lower image quality than men (p < 0.0001). CTCA proved to be more acceptable than CCA because of accurate preparation, lower concern prior to the examination, negligible pain, higher comfort, and greater overall satisfaction (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography coronary angiography is a patient-friendly imaging method because of the minimal perceived discomfort. Anxiety may affect CTCA image quality in women.

Unsupervised machine learning for risk stratification and identification of relevant subgroups of ascending aorta dimensions using cardiac CT and clinical data.

The potential of precision population health lies in its capacity to utilize robust patient data for customized prevention and care targeted at specific groups. Machine learning has the potential to automatically identify clinically relevant subgroups of individuals, considering heterogeneous data sources. This study aimed to assess whether unsupervised machine learning (UML) techniques could interpret different clinical data to uncover clinically significant subgroups of patients suspected of coronary artery disease and identify different ranges of aorta dimensions in the different identified subgroups. We employed a random forest-based cluster analysis, utilizing 14 variables from 1170 (717 men/453 women) participants. The unsupervised clustering approach successfully identified four distinct subgroups of individuals with specific clinical characteristics, and this allows us to interpret and assess different ranges of aorta dimensions for each cluster. By employing flexible UML algorithms, we can effectively process heterogeneous patient data and gain deeper insights into clinical interpretation and risk assessment.

About different localization of hypoattenuated lesions following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical leaflet thrombosis is diagnosed using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and is characterised by a meniscal-shaped hypoattenuated lesion of one or more leaflets. Transcatheter aortic self-expandable valves are commonly manufactured with pliable pericardium over a nitinol frame that forms leaflet and extra-leaflet components such as the valve skirt. Little is known about extra-leaflet hypoattenuated lesion localisation, including that at the anatomical sinus level. Thus, the main aim of this study was to describe leaflet and extra-leaflet (anatomic sinus and subvalvular level) hypoattenuated lesions following transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a self-expandable prosthesis. As a secondary aim, we sought to investigate predictors of hypoattenuated lesions. METHODS: Fifty patients underwent MDCT at the follow-up. RESULTS: At a follow-up of 12 months, hypoattenuated leaflet lesions with mild to severe restricted movement were detected in eight individuals (16%), anatomic sinus lesions were identified in nine patients (18%), with higher prevalence in the non-coronary sinus (16%), and subvalvular lesions with variable extension toward the valve inflow were diagnosed in eight patients (16%). In 4 patients (8%) the anatomic sinus thrombus was 'in overlap' with leaflet thrombus; in 3 patients (6%) was in continuity with subvalvular frame thrombus. Bicuspid valve was the only independent predictor associated with hypoattenuated lesions (adj OR 8.25 (95% CI: 1.38, 49.21), p = 0.02)). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that hypoattenuated lesions could be identified not only at the leaflet but also at the subvalvular and anatomic sinus levels. The clinical relevance of such lesions remains unclear.

Spectral Photon-Counting Computed Tomography: Technical Principles and Applications in the Assessment of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Spectral Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (SPCCT) represents a groundbreaking advancement in X-ray imaging technology. The core innovation of SPCCT lies in its photon-counting detectors, which can count the exact number of incoming x-ray photons and individually measure their energy. The first part of this review summarizes the key elements of SPCCT technology, such as energy binning, energy weighting, and material decomposition. Its energy-discriminating ability represents the key to the increase in the contrast between different tissues, the elimination of the electronic noise, and the correction of beam-hardening artifacts. Material decomposition provides valuable insights into specific elements' composition, concentration, and distribution. The capability of SPCCT to operate in three or more energy regimes allows for the differentiation of several contrast agents, facilitating quantitative assessments of elements with specific energy thresholds within the diagnostic energy range. The second part of this review provides a brief overview of the applications of SPCCT in the assessment of various cardiovascular disease processes. SPCCT can support the study of myocardial blood perfusion and enable enhanced tissue characterization and the identification of contrast agents, in a manner that was previously unattainable.

Photon-Counting Computed Tomography in Atherosclerotic Plaque Characterization.

Atherosclerotic plaque buildup in the coronary and carotid arteries is pivotal in the onset of acute myocardial infarctions or cerebrovascular events, leading to heightened levels of illness and death. Atherosclerosis is a complex and multistep disease, beginning with the deposition of low-density lipoproteins in the arterial intima and culminating in plaque rupture. Modern technology favors non-invasive imaging techniques to assess atherosclerotic plaque and offer insights beyond mere artery stenosis. Among these, computed tomography stands out for its widespread clinical adoption and is prized for its speed and accessibility. Nonetheless, some limitations persist. The introduction of photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT), with its multi-energy capabilities, enhanced spatial resolution, and superior soft tissue contrast with minimal electronic noise, brings significant advantages to carotid and coronary artery imaging, enabling a more comprehensive examination of atherosclerotic plaque composition. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the main concepts related to PCCT. Additionally, we aim to explore the existing literature on the clinical application of PCCT in assessing atherosclerotic plaque. Finally, we will examine the advantages and limitations of this recently introduced technology.

[Diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of "myocardial bridging": state of the art and unresolved issues]. / Diagnosi, prognosi e terapia del "ponte intramiocardico": stato dell'arte e questioni irrisolte.

The current gold standard for the diagnosis of myocardial bridging is conventional coronary angiography; however, it shows only indirect signs of the disease, due to the systolic compression of the artery caused by the myocardial bridge with narrowing of the lumen and diastolic relaxation. On the other hand, computed tomography coronary angiography, even though exposing to radiation, clearly demonstrates the intramural course, the overlying muscular bands and the surrounding tissues also in asymptomatic patients and in absence of systolic compression. The prognosis of patients with myocardial bridge is usually good, but further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term prognosis of these patients, the adequate diagnostic and preventive approach and to better discern which patients should be candidate to medical, percutaneous or surgical treatment.

Cardiovascular Applications of Photon-Counting CT Technology: A Revolutionary New Diagnostic Step.

Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is an emerging technology that can potentially transform clinical CT imaging. After a brief description of the PCCT technology, this review summarizes its main advantages over conventional CT: improved spatial resolution, improved signal and contrast behavior, reduced electronic noise and artifacts, decreased radiation dose, and multi-energy capability with improved material discrimination. Moreover, by providing an overview of the existing literature, this review highlights how the PCCT benefits have been harnessed to enhance and broaden the diagnostic capabilities of CT for cardiovascular applications, including the detection of coronary artery calcifications, evaluation of coronary plaque extent and composition, evaluation of coronary stents, and assessment of myocardial tissue characteristics and perfusion.