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Background: (A) Very severe aortic valve stenosis (VSAS; Vmax ≥ 5 ​m/s, MPG ≥60 ​mmHg) is a critical condition with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Guidelines regard VSAS as one criterion for considering valve replacement in asymptomatic patients. (B) Guidelines recommend the use of aortic valve calcium (AVC) scoring as a parameter to differentiate between moderate and severe aortic valve stenosis (SAS). The aim of our study is to propose AVC thresholds for the discrimination between SAS and VSAS., Methods: Data of patients from a single center who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (n ​= ​523) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with concordant AS (n ​= ​430) were divided into SAS (n ​= ​344) and VSAS (n ​= ​86) groups and compared in terms of absolute AVC and indexed AVC (body surface area; aortic valve annulus area)., Results: Mean AVC was significantly higher in men (m) than in women (w), and significantly higher in VSAS than in SAS (m: SAS 3572.0 AU; VSAS 5465.0 AU; w: SAS 2252.5 AU; VSAS 3064.5 AU; all p ​< ​0,001). ROC curve analyses showed AVC to be a predictor of VSAS in both sexes (m: AUC 0.794; p ​< ​0.001; w: AUC 0.725; p ​< ​0.001), with optimal cut-off values of 3706.5 AU (m) and 2374.5 (w). Some indexed AVC had a slightly, but not relevantly, better predictive value., Conclusion: The proposed AVC thresholds - approximately 3700 AU (m) and 2400 AU (w) - showed significant predictive power to differentiate SAS from VSAS in the study cohort., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None. (MH, ML, MM, WW, EB disclose minor COI not in connection with the present work – see COI disclosure)., (Copyright © 2024 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) poses significant challenges in cardiovascular medicine, often necessitating valvular surgery to manage severe complications. Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a notable complication affecting patient outcomes. While clinical and procedural factors have been well studied, the role of radiological renal artery parameters in AKI risk remains underexplored. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 80 patients with IE who underwent valvular surgery from 2013 to 2021, focusing on postoperative AKI as defined by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Radiological parameters, including renal artery calcification, renal ostial calcification, the presence of renal infarctions, and additional arteries, were assessed using preoperative computed tomography (CT). Statistical analyses included binary logistic and linear regression models, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and Cox proportional hazard regression to explore associations between these parameters and AKI incidence, creatinine levels, and mortality. Results: Out of 80 patients, 31 (38.8%) developed AKI. No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics or radiological parameters between the AKI+ and AKI- groups. Binary logistic and linear regression analyses revealed no substantial relationship between anatomical factors and AKI risk or creatinine levels. However, Cox regression identified "additional renal artery" as a significant predictor of 1-month mortality (HR: 1.747, 95% CI: 1.024-2.979, p = 0.041) but not for 6- or 12-month mortality. Conclusions: Radiological anatomical factors, including calcifications and additional arteries, did not significantly impact AKI risk in IE patients undergoing valvular surgery. However, the presence of additional arteries was associated with increased short-term mortality. These findings suggest the need for further research to elucidate factors contributing to AKI and mortality in this context.

Background: Sarcopenia, characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass, is an emerging comorbidity associated with poor outcomes in cardiovascular surgery. Its impact on mortality in patients undergoing valve surgery for infective endocarditis (IE) remains underexplored. This study investigates the relationship between sarcopenia, measured by the Psoas muscle area index (PMAi), and mortality in patients with IE undergoing valve surgery. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 68 patients with IE who underwent valve surgery at a tertiary care center from 2013 to 2021. Sarcopenia was defined as being in the lowest quartile of PMAi, measured via preoperative computed tomography (CT). Baseline characteristics, survival outcomes, and factors influencing mortality were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression. The predictive value of PMAi for 1-year and 3-year mortality was assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Sarcopenia was strongly associated with increased mortality at both 1-year (HR: 0.378, p = 0.010) and 3-year follow-ups (HR: 0.457, p = 0.012). Female sex (OR: 275.748, p < 0.001) and older age (OR: 9.995, p = 0.003) were significant predictors of sarcopenia. Chronic kidney insufficiency (CKI) and the use of heart failure medication therapy also significantly impacted survival outcomes. Conclusions: Sarcopenia is a strong independent predictor of short- and mid-term mortality in patients undergoing valve surgery for IE. Routine radiological assessment of sarcopenia using PMAi could improve risk stratification and guide preoperative interventions. Tailored management strategies, especially in older women and patients with CKI, may enhance outcomes in this high-risk population.