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Background: Thoracic aortic aneurysms are often an accidental finding and result from a degenerative process. Medical therapy includes pharmacological control of arterial hypertension and smoking cessation, that slows the growth of aneurysms. An association between the dilatation of the ascending and abdominal aorta has been already reported. The aim of the study was to identify possible demographic and clinical factors that may implicate further imaging diagnostics in patients with ascending aorta dilatation. Methods: There were 181 (93 (53%) males and 88 (47%) females) patients with a median age of 54 (41-62) years who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance due to non-vascular diseases, were enrolled into retrospective analysis. Results: Multivariable analysis revealed ascending aorta dilatation (odds ratios (OR) = 7.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.98-28.0, p = 0.003) and co-existence of coronary artery disease (OR = 8.68, 95% CI: 2.15-35.1, p = 0.002) as significant predictors for thoracic descending aorta dilatation. In patients with abdominal aorta dilatation, the multivariable analysis showed a predictive value of ascending aortic dilatation (OR = 14.8, 95% CI: 2.36-92.8, p = 0.004) and age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.08, p = 0.027). In addition, cut-off values were established for age groups determining the risk of thoracic aorta dilatation over 49 years and abdominal aorta dilatation over 54 years. Conclusions: The results of our analysis showed predictive factors, including ascending aorta dilatation and co-existence of coronary artery disease, particularly over 49 years of age for thoracic, while ascending aorta dilatation and age, particularly over 54 years, for abdominal aorta dilatation. These features may be considered to increase clinical vigilance in patients with aortic diameter abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms is indicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic plaque. The coronary artery and carotid disease, despite sharing similar risk factors, are developed separately. The aim of this study was to analyze possible mechanisms between trace element hair–scalp concentrations and whole blood counts that favor atherosclerotic plaque progression in certain locations. Methods: There were 65 (36 (55%) males and 29 (45%) females) patients with a median age of 68 (61–73) years enrolled in a prospective, preliminary, multicenter analysis. The study group was composed of 13 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD group) referred for surgical revascularization due to multivessel coronary disease, 34 patients with carotid artery disease (carotid group) admitted for vascular procedure, and 18 patients in a control group (control group). Results: There was a significant difference between the CAD and carotid groups regarding lymphocyte (p = 0.004) counts. The biochemical comparison between the coronary and carotid groups revealed significant differences regarding chromium (Cr) (p = 0.002), copper (Cu) (p < 0.001), and zinc (Zn) (p < 0.001) concentrations. Spearman Rank Order Correlations between lymphocyte counts and trace elements in the analyzed groups were performed, revealing a strong correlation with zinc (R = 0.733, p < 0.001) in the control group (non-CAD, non-carotid). Conclusion: Significant differences in hair–scalp concentrations related to atherosclerosis location were observed in our analysis. The interplay between zinc concentration and lymphocyte count may play a pivotal role in cardiovascular disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Estimates suggest that up to 10% of global annual cardiovascular deaths could be related to environmental factors. Not only air pollution components, but also noise exposure and climate changes, are highlighted as nontraditional causes of cardiovascular morbidity. The aim of this study was to identify possible urbanization risk factors for the progression of coronary artery disease in a group of patients with chronic coronary syndrome. (2) Method: There were 77 patients (50 (65%) males and 27 (35%) females) with a median age of 70 (60–74) years who underwent repetitive angiography due to chronic coronary syndrome between 2018 and 2022. The Gensini score was calculated for assessment of coronary artery disease advancement. Environmental factors including neighboring developments were taken into account in this analysis, including housing, commercial, and industrial developments within 300, 500, and 700 m distances (buffer) from the place of habitation. (3) Results: The multivariable analysis results for prediction of Gensini score progression in relation to 700 m buffer urbanization pointed out the significance of hyperlipidemia (OR: 4.24, 95% CI 1.34–13.39, p = 0.014), initial Gensini score (OR: 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.05, p = 0.112), and neighborhood housing (OR: 0.03, 95% CI 0.01–0.49, p = 0.025). (4) Conclusions: Hyperlipidemia and housing neighborhood can be regarded as possible factors for coronary disease progression in patients with chronic coronary syndrome with the use of optimal medical therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The increase in cardiovascular risk related to air pollution has been a matter of interest in recent years. The role of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) has been postulated as a possible factor for premature death, including cardiovascular death. The role of long-term exposure to PM10 is less known. The aim of the study was to assess the individual relationship between air pollution in habitation and the development of coronary artery disease. (2) Methods: Out of 227 patients who underwent coronary angiography, 63 (38 men and 25 women) with a mean age of 69 (63–74) years, with nonsignificant atherosclerotic changes at the initial examination, were included in the study. The baseline and repeated coronary angiography were compared to reveal patients with atherosclerotic progression and its relation to demographic and clinical factors and exposure to air pollution in the habitation place. (3) Results: In the performed analysis, we found a significant correlation between Syntax score in de novo lesions and BMI (Spearman's rho −0.334, p = 0.008). The significant and strong correlation between median annual PM10 values of 20 µg/m3 and at least 25 µg/m3 in air pollution and the risk of de novo coronary disease was noticed (Spearman's rho = 0.319, p = 0.011 and Spearman's rho = 0.809, p < 0.001, respectively). (4) Conclusions: There is a positive correlation between long-term exposure to PM10 air pollution and coronary artery disease progression, demonstrated by the increase in Syntax score. The presented analysis revealed increased morbidity at lower PM10 concentrations than generally recommended thresholds. Therefore, further investigations concerning air pollution's influence on cardiovascular risk should be accompanied by promoting lifestyle changes in the population and revisiting the needs for environmental guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The background of this review is a description of the case of a 28-year-old man with an extremely rare cardiac solitary fibrous tumor (SFT). Although this tumor was removed surgically and in the 6-month follow-up examination no relapse was noted, recurrence was observed and confirmed in the magnetic resonance imaging 4 months later. SFT prevalence, symptoms and signs, treatment options and prognosis are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite increasing implementation of sophisticated and logistically challenging techniques to support patients in life-threatening conditions in the last years, there were no devoted education centres, especially in coronavirus pandemic. Aim: To assess the value of gaining evidence-based knowledge and improving the skills of physicians by means of simulation techniques in the safe use of extracorporeal technologies to support patients in the life-threatening conditions. Material and methods: In 2019, the National Education Centre for Artificial Life Support and Patient Safety and the frame program of the course of “Artificial Life Support with ECMO”. was created. In years 2019-2023, we managed to organise 34 such courses for 405 physicians, which were additionally endorsed by ELSO (Extracorporeal Life Support Organisation). The physicians’ cognitive, behavioural, and technical skills were evaluated before and after the courses. Results: The participants’ gender was well balanced (54% men and 46% women). Most of them (mainly at the age between 31–40 years) presented more than 5 years of clinical experience, predominantly in anaesthesiology and intensive care (63%). Of note, 54% of them had no experience with ECMO application. In all detailed aspects of cognitive, behavioural, and technical assessment and knowledge scores, significant improvement was observed after the course. Conclusions: The development of a simulation-based education centre was found to be an invaluable achievement that enabled not only successful standardised training and testing of novel or previously accepted procedures, but also the upgrading of technical skills, even in the challenging COVID-19 pandemic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Left main (LM) coronary disease is believed to represent a complex, advanced, and potentially life-threatening atherosclerotic syndrome that can be treated by either percutaneous or surgical interventions. Despite its satisfactory results, the declined number of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is observed., Aim: To compare 10-year survival and point out possible mortality risk factors in patients referred for left main and multivessel OPCAB surgery followed by transit time bypass measurements., Material and Methods: There were 159 patients (128 (81%) men and 31 (19%) women) in a median age of 66 (60-70) years enrolled in retrospective analysis who were referred to surgical intervention due to left main (51, 32%) and multivessel (108, 68%) disease. The regression analysis for long-term mortality risk and the Kaplan-Meyer survival curve were analyzed., Results: Multivariable analysis pointed female sex (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03-1.14, p = 0.001) and diabetes mellitus (HR = 6.33, 95% CI: 1.86-21.52, p = 0.003) as possible risk factors for 10-year mortality risk. There was no significant difference in Kaplan-Meyer 10-year mortality comparison between left main and multivessel disease patients treated by off-pump surgical revascularization (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.40-2.13, p = 0.86)., Conclusions: Off-pump surgery in the left main disease, compared to multivessel disease, represents a safe surgical technique with satisfactory long-term results. The female sex and diabetes mellitus were found as possible risk factors for 10-year mortality risk in multivariable analysis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Introduction: Global warming is claimed to be an important cardiovascular disease risk factor. The air pollution and ambient temperatures are believed to have a significant influence on increased morbidity and premature deaths., Aim: To point out possible causative factors for coronary angiography progression in patients presenting with chronic coronary syndrome., Material and Methods: There were 66 patients (41 [62%] men and 25 [38%] women) with a median age of 71.5 (62-76) years, who underwent repeated coronary angiographies due to chronic coronary syndrome within a median time interval of 145 (96-296) days. In 18 (27%) patients coronary artery lesion progression was observed despite optimal pharmacotherapy. The demographical, clinical, and personalised epidemiological factors including air pollution particles and ambient temperature exposure were taken into account in the analysis., Results: In the multivariate logistic regression model with backward stepwise elimination method, tropical nights ( p = 0.047) and mean daily temperatures ( p = 0.043) were revealed as predictors of coronary lesion progression > 30%. The analysis of seasonal temperature changes showed significant differences related to minimal winter temperatures between both groups ( p = 0.018)., Conclusions: Coronary artery lesion progression can be related to either high values of daily temperatures or to low ambient temperature. The dichotomous characteristics of temperature exposure to atherosclerosis progression suggest a detrimental role of environmental extremities on human health., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

Background: The objective of this multicenter study aimed to investigate the impact of sex on long-term survival among patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using multiple arterial grafting (MAG) or a single artery with saphenous vein grafts., Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures database. This study included 81 136 patients who underwent CABG for multivessel disease between January 2012 and December 2020 (22.9 were women and 77.1% were men). MAG was performed in 8.3 and 11.7% of female and male patients, respectively. A 1:1 propensity score (PS)-matching was performed. Long-term mortality was compared between matched groups of men and women. Subgroup analyses of patients aged <70 and ≥70 years, with an ejection fraction (EF) >40% and ≤40%, and with and without diabetes, obesity, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or chronic lung disease (CLD) were performed separately in women and men., Results: MAG was associated with lower long-term mortality than saphenous vein grafts in 1528 PS-matched female pairs [hazard ratio (HR): 0.74; 95% CI: 0.59-0.92; P =0.007) and 7283 PS-matched male pairs (HR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.72-0.88; P <0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed the results among female patients aged <70 years, with diabetes and EF >40%, and without PAD or CLD, and of male patients aged <70 and ≥70 years; with EF >40%; with or without diabetes, obesity, or PAD; and without CLD., Conclusions: In patients undergoing CABG, MAG was associated with significantly improved survival in both sexes. The long-term benefits of MAG observed across subgroups of men and women support the consideration of a multiarterial revascularization strategy for a broader spectrum of patients., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)