Search

Research from REVA University in Karnataka, India, explores the use of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in coronary artery calcium scoring for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD). The study suggests that virtual unenhanced images generated by DECT can replace true noncontrast images, reducing radiation exposure. DECT imaging not only provides comparable calcium scores to traditional methods but also reduces contrast doses, making it safer for patients, especially those requiring repeated scans. This research offers valuable insights into improving the efficiency and safety of CAD investigations. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University Medical Center Groningen conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the relationship between general health-related problems and subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) in a general population. The study included 6,763 participants aged 45 and older who underwent CT scanning, with 6,530 participants included in the final analysis. The research found that only a few general health-related problems were associated with subclinical CAD, with no strong associations identified. The study concluded that using health-related symptoms may not be useful for pre-selecting individuals for CT coronary calcium scoring. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Attikon University Hospital in Athens, Greece, have conducted a study on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The study explores the cardiometabolic risks associated with PCOS, such as cardiovascular atherosclerotic alterations, and the relationship between PCOS and clinical cardiovascular disease. The research also discusses diagnostic challenges and management strategies, including lifestyle interventions and medications like metformin and hormonal contraceptives. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing both the reproductive and cardiometabolic dimensions of PCOS for comprehensive care. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences aimed to determine if the absence of breast arterial calcifications (BAC) on mammography could predict the absence of coronary artery calcifications (CAC) in asymptomatic women. The study found that the absence of BAC had a high diagnostic performance in predicting the absence of CAC, particularly in women under 60 years of age. The research suggests that screening mammography could be a valuable tool in assessing the risk of coronary artery calcifications in women. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Jiangnan University have discovered that nesfatin-1 plays a crucial role in enhancing vascular smooth muscle calcification by facilitating BMP-2 osteogenic signaling. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms driving vascular calcification, a condition associated with increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. The study suggests that nesfatin-1 could be a potential therapeutic target for preventing or treating vascular calcification, offering new insights into the molecular pathways involved in this critical cardiovascular condition. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Fuwai Hospital explored the potential causal association between non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and coronary artery calcification (CAC) using genetic analysis. The study found no significant genetic association between NAFLD and CAC, suggesting that previous observational studies linking the two may be influenced by other factors. The research concluded that the association between NAFLD and CAC may be related to metabolic disorders rather than direct hepatic steatosis. For more information, the study titled "The Association between Non-Alcohol Liver Fatty Disease and Coronary Artery Calcification: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study" can be accessed in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh explored the potential association between oral diseases like gingivitis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). The study analyzed data from 552 participants and found that while oral disease markers were not significant predictors of ASCVD markers, critical lipid and lipid-signaling pathway metabolites were associated with gingivitis, periodontitis, and decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The discovery of a common sphingomyelin metabolite in both gingivitis and ASCVD suggests potential shared metabolic pathways, offering insights for future mechanistic studies to establish causal relationships and influence disease prevention and treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Suita, Japan, conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of machine learning models in predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) using coronary artery calcification scores and clinical parameters. The study, which involved 1,187 patients with suspected coronary artery disease, found that the machine learning random forest model outperformed conventional logistic regression in predicting MACEs. However, the model's accuracy in an external validation cohort was not as high, indicating the need for further investigation and validation. The study was supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the use of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) to target osteoclastic macrophages and reduce early vascular calcification in patients with peripheral artery disease. The study found that SDT significantly decreased calcified sites and improved osteoclastic function in both human patients and ApoE-/- mice models. By modulating the function of macrophages through the ROS-DGKE-PA pathway, SDT showed promising results in alleviating early calcification in atherosclerotic plaques. The research highlights the potential of SDT in treating vascular calcification, although the preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, focused on the utilization of PET/CT scans in breast cancer patients to screen for cardiovascular disease, specifically incidental coronary calcium. The research found that there is under-reporting of coronary calcium burden in these patients, highlighting a missed opportunity for stronger primary prevention strategies in a population with higher cardiovascular risk. The study suggests that awareness of incidental findings of coronary atherosclerosis could potentially improve cardiovascular outcomes for breast cancer patients. [Extracted from the article]

A case report from the University of Freiburg Medical Center discusses the successful use of Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) in treating stent under-expansion in a 62-year-old male patient with coronary artery disease. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing stent under-expansion, as it can lead to complications like in-stent restenosis and stent thrombosis. IVL was found to be a safe and effective treatment option in this case, highlighting the significance of lesion preparation in complex coronary lesions. The research was published in the European Heart Journal - Case Reports and can be accessed for further information. [Extracted from the article]

The research article from California University of Science and Medicine focuses on the initial presentation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in previously healthy individuals. The study, conducted on 6,779 participants, found that the most common first presentation of ASCVD was death/resuscitated cardiac arrest. Factors such as coronary artery calcium (CAC), traditional risk factors, and demographics like race and gender were associated with different presentations of ASCVD. The findings suggest that CAC scoring may help identify individuals at risk for death or resuscitated cardiac arrest as the first presentation of ASCVD. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden examined the relationship between long-term ambient air pollution exposure and coronary atherosclerosis. The research, which included over 30,000 participants, found that while air pollution was not associated with the total burden of coronary atherosclerosis, exposure to PM2.5 was linked to a higher prevalence of non-calcified plaques. The results suggest that air pollution may increase the risk of early-stage atherosclerosis or rupture, rather than overall atherosclerotic burden. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published by Mayo Clinic discusses the findings from the Fourth Princeton Consensus Conference on the management of erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease. The research emphasizes the importance of treating men with ED as being at risk for cardiac events until proven otherwise, updating algorithms for diagnosis and treatment with new recommendations for cardiovascular risk stratification. The study also explores the potential cardioprotective effects of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in men with ED and cardiovascular disease. This peer-reviewed research provides valuable insights into the intersection of ED and cardiovascular health. [Extracted from the article]

Recent studies from Stanford University have found that genetically predicted Lipoprotein(a) is associated with coronary artery plaque severity independent of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The research, conducted on participants of the Million Veteran Program, showed significant associations between genetically predicted Lipoprotein(a) and obstructive plaque in coronary arteries. The findings suggest that reducing Lipoprotein(a) levels could protect against the development of obstructive coronary plaque beyond what can be achieved by lowering LDL-C alone. This research provides valuable insights into the role of Lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease risk factors. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Stanford University School of Medicine focused on the impact of opportunistic screening for coronary artery calcium (CAC) on statin prescription rates. The research found that screening for CAC on non-gated chest CT scans led to increased statin prescriptions at 6 and 12 months post-notification. The study concluded that opportunistic screening for CAC could be an effective strategy for promoting statin initiation and persistence in patients at risk for cardiovascular diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Biomedical Imaging Research Institute in Los Angeles, California, focused on using artificial intelligence to analyze cardiac chambers and myocardium from non-contrast CT scans to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in asymptomatic individuals without known coronary artery disease. The research found that individuals with higher left ventricle myocardial mass and chamber volume were more likely to experience MACE, with AI-derived measurements showing promise in improving risk stratification for MACE. The study highlights the potential of AI technology in preventive cardiology for long-term risk assessment in patients without prior cardiovascular issues. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Murray, Utah, focused on angiographic findings in symptomatic patients with evidence of ischemia but zero coronary artery calcium (CAC). The research found that the majority of patients with ischemia and zero CAC did not have obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), suggesting other pathologies such as microvascular dysfunction. The study highlights the importance of interpreting a zero CAC score in the context of clinical judgment when deciding on further testing. For more information, the full article can be accessed in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has found that deep learning-based plaque measurements from coronary computed tomography angiography can be used to predict the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack). The study analyzed data from 2,803 patients and found that patients in the 75th percentile of total plaque volume had a significantly higher risk of heart attack compared to those below the 50th percentile. The findings suggest that age- and sex-specific distributions of coronary plaque volumes can be used as a predictive tool for identifying individuals at higher risk of heart attack. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in the United Kingdom have published new studies and findings on atherectomy, a procedure used during percutaneous coronary intervention. The presence of coronary artery calcification is associated with a higher risk of stent under-expansion, which can lead to stent failure. The researchers explore different calcium modification strategies, such as balloon-based devices and atherectomy devices, and discuss the potential synergistic advantages of combining these tools. The article aims to review the evidence for the use of multiple calcium modification techniques. [Extracted from the article]

Siemens Healthineers AG has submitted a patent application for computer-implemented methods and evaluation systems that analyze image data sets of a patient's imaging region. The focus of the patent application is on evaluating coronary artery disease (CAD) using computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and calcium scoring (CaSc) scans. The proposed method involves segmenting and labeling anatomical structures, determining evaluation information based on inference rules, and presenting the evaluation data in an interactive format. The patent application was filed by a team of researchers including Suha Ayman, Serkan Cimen, Mehmet Akif Gulsun, Christian Hopfgartner, Ashish Jaiswal, Rumman Khan, Felix Lades, Max Schoebinger, Chris Schwemmer, and Michael Wels. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina has found that ultrahigh-spatial-resolution (UHR) photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) can lead to more accurate measurements of coronary stenosis, a narrowing of the coronary arteries. The study compared the measurements obtained from PCD-CT and energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) and found that PCD-CT resulted in lower stenosis values for plaques with calcified components. This led to a reclassification of 49% of patients to a lower Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) category. The findings suggest that PCD-CT may be a valuable tool for diagnosing and assessing coronary artery disease. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Gothenburg has found that steatotic liver disease, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, specifically coronary artery disease (CAD). The study analyzed the plasma lipidome, or the profile of lipids in the blood, of 2,579 Swedish participants aged 50 to 65 years. The researchers identified several lipids that were associated with both liver steatosis and CAD, with two fatty acids, docosatrienoate (22:3n6) and 2-hydroxyarachidate, showing the highest mediating effect between the two conditions. The findings suggest that these lipids may play a role in the relationship between steatotic liver disease and CAD, and further research is needed to explore their potential as mediators alongside known risk factors. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology examined the presence and burden of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in cancer patients at moderate and high risk of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity. The study found that the CAC score was a strong predictor of cardiovascular events and that high-risk patients had a significantly higher CAC score compared to moderate-risk patients. Additionally, high-risk patients were more likely to have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and chronic kidney disease. The study suggests that assessing the presence and burden of CAC could be an effective way to evaluate additional cardiovascular risk in cancer patients. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research conducted at the University of Alabama Birmingham on the role of genetic risk and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores in personalizing antihypertensive treatment. The study included participants without cardiovascular disease who were not taking antihypertensive medications. The findings suggest that including genetic information in risk estimation for individuals with elevated blood pressure and low-risk stage 1 hypertension has modest value in initiating antihypertensive therapy. The research concludes that both genetic risk and CAC scores can be effective in personalizing antihypertensive treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review conducted by researchers at the George Institute for Global Health aimed to determine whether bisphosphonates and NF-kB ligand (RANKL) inhibitors delay the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC). The review included four observational studies and one randomized controlled trial, with a total of 377 participants. The findings showed insufficient evidence to support a correlation between the use of bisphosphonates or RANKL inhibitors and CAC progression. Further research is needed in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, has found that variability in lipid profiles during young adulthood is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery calcium (CAC) incidence in midlife. The study analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which included 2,395 participants. The findings suggest that maintaining consistently low levels of atherogenic lipids throughout early adulthood may help reduce subclinical atherosclerosis in midlife. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in Circulation Cardiovascular Imaging. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center in Texas aimed to investigate the relationship between low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and coronary plaque in asymptomatic individuals undergoing coronary tomography angiography (CCTA) assessment in the United States. The study analyzed baseline data from 1808 participants and found that the presence of atherosclerosis varied across different LDL-C levels. The researchers concluded that further exploration of CCTA's value in risk-stratifying asymptomatic adults is necessary. This research was supported by Baptist Health South Florida and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing, China, examined the association between ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) and the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis (SA). The study followed 972 asymptomatic Chinese participants for 5.7 years and evaluated their CVH using the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score. The results showed that higher LE8 scores were associated with lower risks of carotid plaque, coronary artery calcification, and overall SA progression. The study concluded that maintaining optimal CVH in the long term was more beneficial in preventing SA progression. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal, India, found that patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who undergo dialysis have a significantly higher risk of coronary artery calcification (CAC) compared to healthy individuals of the same age. The study included 50 ESRD patients on dialysis and 20 normal subjects, and it found that CAC scores were significantly higher in the ESRD patients. Risk factors associated with increased CAC incidence in ESRD patients included elevated levels of calcium phosphate products, serum leptin, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), presence of diabetes mellitus, and longer duration of dialysis. The researchers concluded that managing these risk factors may help reduce CAC burden in ESRD patients and improve cardiovascular outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York and the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) in Madrid has found that the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaques accumulate on the arterial wall, is independently associated with the risk of death from any cause. The study included 5,716 asymptomatic adults and used imaging techniques to measure the burden of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries and calcification of the coronary arteries. The findings suggest that monitoring the extent and progression of atherosclerosis can improve the prediction and prevention of death. [Extracted from the article]

A new study led by researchers from Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital has found that the progression of atherosclerosis in individuals without symptoms is independently associated with the risk of death from any cause. The study also showed that advanced imaging can detect atherosclerotic disease in large blood vessels before symptoms appear, which could be used globally to prevent cardiovascular disease and death. The research emphasizes the importance of early detection of atherosclerosis and suggests that monitoring its progression can improve prediction and prevention of death. The study included 5,716 asymptomatic adults and found that carotid plaque burden and coronary artery calcification were both associated with death from any cause. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Cantabria in Spain examined the progression of subclinical cardiovascular disease in patients with HIV. The study found that HIV-infected patients are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers used multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to assess cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic patients with subclinical atherosclerosis. After six years of follow-up, the study observed an increase in cardiovascular risk factors such as coronary artery calcification, carotid plaques, and overall cardiovascular risk scores. The findings suggest that MDCT, along with other clinical and laboratory parameters, could be an important marker for assessing cardiovascular disease progression in HIV patients with low cardiovascular risk. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Kyung Hee University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, examined the use of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores in predicting cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with negative treadmill stress echocardiography (TSE) results. The study included 1095 patients who were followed up for a median duration of 5.8 years. The findings showed that patients with increased cIMT and CAC scores had a higher incidence of CV outcomes, indicating that they should be closely monitored despite negative TSE results. This research provides valuable insights into assessing cardiovascular risk in patients and highlights the importance of considering additional diagnostic techniques beyond TSE. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil explored the relationship between left atrial volume and coronary artery calcium score in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The study found that the left atrial volume index was independently associated with a positive coronary artery calcium score, suggesting that it may be a useful risk marker for coronary artery disease in this population. The research provides valuable insights into predicting the incidence of acute myocardial infarction and death from cardiovascular disease in patients on peritoneal dialysis. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in New York City examined the utilization of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning among different ethnic and racial groups. The study found that while the diversity of patients undergoing stress/rest radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) increased over time, CAC scanning was disproportionately used by self-paying White patients. The researchers concluded that there is a need to make CAC scanning more accessible to ethnoracial minorities. The study was supported by the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for a method and system to assess vessel obstruction using machine learning. The patent aims to improve the assessment of narrowed or blocked blood vessels in coronary artery disease. The proposed method involves using fractional flow reserve and computational fluid dynamics applied to cardiac computed tomography angiography to accurately assess vessel obstruction. However, there are limitations to this approach, such as the need for adenosine infusion and the exclusion of collateral flow and vascular remodeling. The invention aims to improve the accuracy of assessing vessel obstruction using non-invasive imaging techniques. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Ningbo University in Zhejiang, China explores the genetic associations between lipid profiles, immune cell phenotypes, and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. The study utilized a comprehensive Mendelian randomization approach and analyzed data from large-scale genome-wide association studies. The findings suggest that certain immune cell phenotypes, specifically HLA DR+ natural killer cells, may play a role in the lipid-CAD causal pathway, highlighting potential new targets for therapy. However, further evidence is needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Montefiore Medical Center discusses the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and coronary artery disease (CAD) in young adults. The study found that higher EAT volume was associated with the presence of CAD in a diverse cohort of young patients without a history of CAD. The findings suggest that EAT could be a potential marker for CAD risk-assessment and a therapeutic target in young patients. This research provides new insights into the pathogenesis and progression of heart disease in young individuals. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the Federal University of Sao Paulo in Brazil discusses the improved survival rates of pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients due to advancements in dialysis and transplantation. However, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in CKD patients. The study aimed to estimate cardiovascular risk in children with CKD after kidney transplantation and investigate the association between cardiovascular risk and various markers. The research found a low incidence of cardiovascular changes in the studied population, highlighting the benefits of transplantation for children's cardiovascular health. However, long-term follow-up is recommended due to the limited duration of kidney function provided by transplantation. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Creteil in France explored the feasibility of combined screening for lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in a community population. The study enrolled 302 subjects who met the criteria for participation and included low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, spirometry, evaluations of coronary artery calcifications (CACs), and a smoking-cessation plan. The results showed that the screening detected 4% of lung cancers, 27% of unknown cases of COPD, and 43.4% of moderate/severe CACs requiring cardiology consultation. The study demonstrated the potential for early detection of COPD and CVD through combined screening and highlighted the importance of centralized organization and coordination of care providers. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in China aimed to develop and validate nomograms for predicting coronary artery calcification (CAC) and severe coronary artery calcification (sCAC). The study included 666 patients with an average age of 75 years, of whom 56% were male. Through regression analysis, several factors such as age increase, hypertension, carotid artery calcification, coronary heart disease (CHD), and CHADS2 score were identified as predictive factors for CAC. Serum calcium level, carotid artery calcification, and CHD were identified as predictive factors for sCAC. The nomograms developed in this study demonstrated robust predictive capabilities for both CAC and sCAC. However, it is important to note that this study has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of California Harbor-UCLA Medical Center examined the impact of nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis, or fatty liver disease, on the warranty period of a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of 0. The study found that individuals with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis had a shorter warranty period for a CAC score of 0 compared to those without the condition. This association remained consistent across different demographics and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors. The findings suggest that individuals with nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis and a CAC score of 0 may require more frequent rescans. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers from Zhejiang University in China explores the use of artificial neural networks in diagnosing coronary artery calcification (CAC). The researchers developed a machine learning algorithm that successfully identified cases of CAC and categorized patients into different risk groups. The study found that a layer thickness of 0.5 mm on chest CT scans was slightly less accurate in detecting CAC and evaluating risk. This research provides valuable insights into the potential of artificial neural networks in improving the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in the journal JACC suggests that metal exposure from environmental pollution is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that metal exposure is linked to calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosis. The researchers suggest that metal exposure should be considered as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and that new prevention and treatment strategies targeting metal exposure may be beneficial. The study highlights the need for stronger environmental regulations and further research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University Hospital Center Zagreb in Croatia explores the impact of aging on the cardiovascular system and the role of multimodality imaging in detecting and assessing these changes. The study highlights that aging can lead to various vascular changes, such as arterial wall thickening, calcification, and stiffening, as well as left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial dilatation. Multimodality imaging techniques, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging, can be used to detect these changes and aid in advanced cardiovascular risk stratification. The research emphasizes the importance of using these imaging techniques for preventive strategies and decision-making in asymptomatic individuals. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report discusses research on hemorrhagic stroke and its predictors. The study found that individuals with a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of 0 have a low risk of stroke events. However, the predictors of incident stroke among those with a CAC score of 0 are not known. The study analyzed data from three prospective cohorts and identified modifiable risk factors associated with stroke, such as systolic blood pressure, carotid intima-media thickness, current cigarette smoking, and C-reactive protein. The researchers concluded that the rate of incident stroke was low among individuals with a CAC score of 0 and that it was associated with modifiable risk factors. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from medrxiv.org discusses a study on the use of deep learning to automate the segmentation of coronary arteries and quantify coronary artery calcium (CAC) from CT scans. The study developed a three-step model that achieved high validation performance, indicating its potential for accurate risk assessment based on CAC scores. The automated approach significantly reduces the time and expertise required for traditional calcium scoring, allowing for rapid and reliable assessments in clinical settings. The research suggests that integrating advanced computational techniques into routine clinical practice could enhance the management of coronary artery disease and improve patient outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Florida aimed to investigate the relationship between preoperative arterial calcifications and postoperative outcomes in Ivor Lewis esophagectomies. The study involved a retrospective review of patients who underwent esophagectomies from 2013 to 2018. The findings showed that major coronary artery calcifications were significantly associated with major complications and 90-day readmissions. However, further exploration is needed to understand the correlation between splanchnic calcifications and postoperative outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Department of Internal Medicine explores the use of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in treating heavily calcified coronary arteries. The study reviewed 70 case reports and case series, involving 84 patients with various clinical scenarios. IVL was found to be successful in treating calcified coronary lesions, including in-stent restenosis and under-expanded stents. The researchers concluded that IVL has been used effectively in a range of clinical situations. For more information, the full article can be accessed through The Egyptian Heart Journal. [Extracted from the article]