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Background: Many studies recognize a close link between inflammation, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and oncological diseases. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a marker of low-grade systemic inflammation, is a shared feature of these conditions. This retrospective study aims to assess the predictive value of hs-CRP for the development of cancer in patients with CVD. Methods : Analyzing data from 174 patients undergoing coronary angiography, we assessed hs-CRP levels and collected demographic, biological, and therapeutic data that could influence the studied parameters. Results : Only smoking and dyslipidemia correlated significantly with CRP levels ( p = 0.018 and 0.049, respectively). However, hs-CRP did not predict cancer development ( p = 0.52) but correlated with 1-year and follow-up mortality ( p = 0.011 and 0.021, respectively). Antiplatelet and statin use was higher in the cancer-free group and associated with a lower probability of developing cancer ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively). Conclusions : While hs-CRP did not prove effective as a cancer predictor in our study, it correlated with all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest a potential protective effect of antiplatelet and statin treatments against cancer development, prompting further research to understand underlying processes and identify key factors in the pathophysiology of these diseases.

Background: The self-expanding, supra-annular Evolut valve is an established platform for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). Evolut PRO introduced an outer sealing wrap to mitigate paravalvular leakage. We evaluated the 3-year clinical outcomes and valve performance of the Evolut PRO in standard clinical practice for severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients at intermediate or higher risk for surgery., Methods: The FORWARD PRO prospective, single-arm, multicentre, post-market clinical study enrolled 638 patients with native aortic valve stenosis or failed surgical bioprosthetic aortic valve undergoing TAVI, at intermediate or high risk, with the Evolut PRO valve. Clinical and serial echocardiographic outcomes were followed-up for 3 years., Results: TAVI using Evolut PRO was attempted in 629 AS patients (implanted in 97%) (mean age 81.7 years; STS PROM score, 4.7%). At 3 years all-cause mortality was 25.0%, disabling stroke 6.5% (all-cause mortality or disabling stroke, 28.5%) and rate of new permanent pacemaker implantation 24.7%. Excellent valve haemodynamics were maintained (mean gradient 8.8 ± 4.7 mm Hg; mean effective orifice area 2.0 ± 0.5 cm 2 ) at 3 years. In a paired analysis of patients with ≥ mild paravalvular leakage (PVL) at discharge, more than two-thirds demonstrated improved PVL at 3 years. Patients with ≥ mild PVL at discharge had higher median total calcium volume than those with no/trace PVL (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: In clinical practice TAVI with the Evolut PRO valve is associated with favorable clinical outcomes and excellent haemodynamic performance out to 3 years. The observation of improvements in PVL over time warrants further research., (© 2024 The Author(s). Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH) is a rare, rapidly progressive disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. It is characterized by endothelial dysfunction within the pulmonary vascular bed and gradually leads to an increase in the pulmonary vascular resistances. Its non-specific symptomatology delays the diagnosis and brings the most severe forms to right ventricular failure. Management is based on haemodynamic assessment and specific vasodilator treatment. In iPAH, the vasoreactivity test during right heart catheterization is critical in order to identify a potential benefit of calcium channel blockers therapy leading to significant improvement of pulmonary haemodynamics.