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Abstract Background The impact of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on mortality following myocardial infarction (MI) remains uncertain. Additionally, the role of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF) in modulating the effectiveness of these drugs post-MI are not fully understood. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association of SGLT2 inhibitors with all-cause mortality in post-MI patients and to explore key moderators influencing this benefit. Methods PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for randomized controlled trials (RTCs) and propensity score-matched (PSM) observational studies assessing SGLT2 inhibitors' impact on post-MI mortality. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. We pooled hazard ratios (HRs) to estimate the intervention's effect on the overall population and stratified studies into early (SGLT2 inhibitors administered within eight weeks post-MI) and delayed treatment trials. Meta-regression assessed the moderating effects of T2DM and HF. Results A total of five RCTs and four PSM observational studies involving 26,753 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.9 [10.5] years; 6,406 female [24.0%]; 16,369 T2DM [61.2%]; 13,933 HF [52.1%]) were included. Early and delayed treatment trials comprised 16,165 (60.4%) and 10,588 (39.6%) patients, respectively. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced all-cause mortality following MI (HR 0.79, 95% CI [0.68, 0.91]; p = 0.001; I2 = 59%). Stratified analysis demonstrated consistent effects in both early (HR 0.76, 95% CI [0.59, 0.98]; p = 0.03; I2 = 65%) and delayed (HR 0.81, 95% CI [0.67, 0.98]; p = 0.03; I2 = 60%) treatment. Meta-regression identified T2DM as a significant moderator of the mortality benefit (β = − 0.0049; p = 0.0006). Conclusion In this meta-analysis, early and delayed treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors following MI was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality. Furthermore, the presence of T2DM was associated with a greater mortality reduction, while HF was not significantly associated with the outcome. Graphical Abstract Association of SGLT2 Inhibitors with Mortality Across the Spectrum of Myocardial Infarction. Data from 26,753 post-MI patients are summarized, including baseline characteristics. The plots represent the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), comparing SGLT2 inhibitors to control (placebo/no treatment), with HRs below 1 favoring SGLT2 inhibitors. The diagram shows early and delayed treatment trial subgroups, presenting the number of participants, the percentage receiving SGLT2 inhibitors, and the respective HRs for mortality. The meta-regression panel highlights T2DM and HF as moderators, reporting β-coefficients (β), p-values, and residual heterogeneity (I2). Negative β (−) indicates that as the percentage of the moderator increases, the HR for mortality decreases. Abbreviations: HF, heart failure; MI, myocardial infarction; SGLT2i, sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors; T2DM, type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathophysiological problem that may involve several clinical symptoms and be linked to various respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Its diagnosis is made invasively by Right Cardiac Catheterization (RHC), which is difficult to perform routinely. Aim of the current study was to develop a Machine Learning (ML) algorithm based on the analysis of anamnestic data to predict the presence of an invasively measured PH. Methods: 226 patients with clinical indication of RHC for suspected PH were enrolled between October 2017 and October 2020. All patients underwent a protocol of diagnostic techniques for PH according to the recommended guidelines. Machine learning (ML) approaches were considered to develop classifiers aiming to automatically detect patients affected by PH, based on the patient’s characteristics, anamnestic data, and non-invasive parameters, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) results and spirometry outcomes. Results: Out of 51 variables of patients undergoing RHC collected, 12 resulted significantly different between patients who resulted positive and those who resulted negative at RHC. Among them 8 were selected and utilized to both train and validate an Elastic-Net Regularized Generalized Linear Model, from which a risk score was developed. The AUC of the identification model is of 83 % with an overall accuracy of 74 % [95 % CI (61 %, 84 %)], indicating very good discrimination between patients with and without the pathology. Conclusions: The PH-targeted ML models could streamline routine screening for PH, facilitating earlier identification and better RHC referrals.

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.

Naxos disease is a rare autosomal recessive condition combining arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, woolly hair, and palmoplantar keratoderma. The first identified causative variant was in the gene encoding the desmosomal protein plakoglobin. Naxos disease exhibits fibro-fatty myocardial replacement with immunohistological abnormalities in cardiac protein and signaling pathways, highlighting the role of inflammation and potential anti-inflammatory treatments. Childhood cutaneous signs precede cardiac features, which are diagnosed by familial and genetic evaluation, electrocardiography and cardiac imaging. Disease progression necessitates holistic care with risk management and lifestyle adjustments, often needing treatment for arrhythmia and heart failure. Similar phenotypes have been linked to desmoplakin and rarely desmocollin2 gene variants, highlighting the importance of familial and genetic evaluation. This document summarizes current knowledge on Naxos disease and related cardiocutaneous syndromes and initiates an international endeavor to collect and study all global cases, aiming to improve understanding, treatment, and patient care through shared data and research.

Background: Cardiac tamponade (TMP) is a catastrophic complication of type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD), increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the characteristics, management, and outcomes of TAAAD patients with preoperative TMP enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection database from 1996 to 2022. Methods: Data from 63 aortic centers were analyzed and TAAAD patients with and without preoperative TMP were compared. Multivariable modeling to assess factors associated with the presence of preoperative cardiac TMP and survival curves were performed. Overall median follow-up was 35.8 months (Q1-Q3: 11.6-59.4 months). Results: Of the 6,014 patients with TAAAD in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection during the 25-year study period, 865 individuals (14.4%) developed TMP. Patients with TMP were older (age 64.9 vs 60.8 years; P

Background Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) following cardiovascular interventions is associated with adverse events during hospitalization and follow‐up. Mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair is increasingly utilized for treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR). We investigated whether SIRS following mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair may occur and be associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Methods and Results A total of 158 consecutive patients with severe MR undergoing mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair were studied. SIRS was defined by leukocytosis (≥12 × 109/L) and fever (≥38 °C) within 48 hours after intervention. Baseline inflammation was measured by absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio. The primary end point of major cardiovascular events was the composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and all‐cause death. Recurrent MR at follow‐up was also recorded. The mean patient age was 80.8±8.8 years. Forty‐four (27.9%) developed SIRS. Neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio correlated with onset of leukocytosis and fever (P=0.04). During a median follow‐up of 12.5 (5.4–17.4) months, the primary end point occurred in 27 (17.1%) patients (6 myocardial infarction, 5 strokes, and 16 deaths). Patients with SIRS more often had severe MR (79.5% versus 62.7%, P=0.02) at follow‐up. After adjustment for pertinent variables, SIRS (HR 2.73 [95% CI, 1.08–6.86]; P=0.03) was independently associated with major cardiovascular events. Conclusions SIRS after mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair is a strong independent predictor of major cardiovascular events. Closer follow‐up is warranted because patients with SIRS have more severe MR at follow‐up.

Background: Sex-specific differences in left ventricular (LV) geometry might help in developing tailored strategies for hypertension management. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate sex-related differences in LV geometry at baseline and over time in hypertension. Methods: From a prospective registry, we included hypertensives without prevalent cardiovascular disease, incident myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease > stage III, and with normal LV ejection fraction. LV mass index >115 g/m2 in males and >95 g/m2 in females, identified LV hypertrophy (LVH). Relative wall thickness ≥0.43 defined LV concentric geometry. LVH in presence of concentric geometry was defined as concentric LVH, whereas relative wall thickness

Despite updated guidelines and technological developments that allow for an accurate diagnosis, many asymptomatic individuals have a high risk of developing CAD or cardiac events. The CAC score can estimate a correct risk level for these subjects, which is clinically significant for adequate management of risk factors and obtaining personalized preventive therapy. This systematic review aims to assess the prognostic value of CAC score in asymptomatic individuals. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic literature search was performed to identify original articles since 2010 that evaluated the prognostic value of CAC score in asymptomatic individuals. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the QUIPS tool. A total of 45 articles were selected. Many of these (25 studies) evaluated the prognostic value of CAC score in asymptomatic subjects. In comparison, others (20 studies) evaluated the association of CAC score with other clinical parameters and imaging modalities or the comparison with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA). Our findings showed that the CAC score provides valuable prognostic information for predicting CAD risk in asymptomatic individuals.

Background and aims: Cardiac ParaGangliomas (PGLs) are rare extra-adrenal tumours that arise from chromaffin cells of the sympathetic ganglia. PGL are often diagnosed incidentally, with no symptoms or symptoms related to cardiovascular dysfunction. Methods: Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT) and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) can detect the correct morphology and position of the lesion and provide proper tissue characterization.Nuclear medicine imaging, with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) with specific radiotracers, can evaluate the functionality of the PGL and to distinguish a secreting from a non-secreting tumour. Results: In association with biochemical parameters, a multimodal imaging approach, not yet standardized, can be useful both in the diagnosis, in the monitoring and in the treatment planning. Conclusions: In this systematic review, we aim to investigate the role of diagnostic imaging, in particular CCT, CMR, PET and SPECT in diagnosis, characterization and monitoring of cardiac PGLs.

Photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) represents a paradigm shift from conventional CT imaging, propelled by a new generation of X-ray detectors capable of counting individual photons and measuring their energy. The first part of this narrative review is focused on the technical aspects of PCCT and describes its key advancements and benefits compared to conventional CT but also its limitations. By synthesizing the existing literature, the second part of the review seeks to elucidate the potential of PCCT as a valuable tool for assessing carotid artery disease. Thanks to the enhanced spatial resolution and image quality, PCCT allows for an accurate evaluation of carotid luminal stenosis. With its ability to finely discriminate between different tissue types, PCCT allows for detailed characterization of plaque morphology and composition, which is crucial for assessing plaque vulnerability and the risk of cerebrovascular events.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the aortic dissection detection risk score (ADD-RS) used alone or in combination with D-dimer for detecting acute aortic syndrome (AAS) in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of AAS.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to February 2024. Additionally, the reference lists of included studies and other systematic reviews were thoroughly searched. All diagnostic accuracy studies that assessed the use of ADD-RS alone or with D-Dimer for diagnosing AAS compared with a reference standard test (e.g. computer tomographic angiography (CTA), ECG-gated CTA, echocardiography, magnetic resonance angiography, operation, or autopsy) were included. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted data. Risk of bias was appraised using QUADAS-2 tool. Data were synthesised using hierarchical meta-analysis models.ResultsWe selected 13 studies from the 2017 citations identified, including six studies evaluating combinations of ADD-RS alongside D-dimer>500ng/L. Summary sensitivities and specificities (95% credible interval) were: ADD-RS>0 94.6% (90%, 97.5%) and 34.7% (20.7%, 51.2%), ADD-RS>1 43.4% (31.2%, 57.1%) and 89.3% (80.4%, 94.8%); ADD RS>0 or D-Dimer>500ng/L 99.8% (98.7%, 100%) and 21.8% (12.1%, 32.6%); ADD RS>1 or D-Dimer>500ng/L 98.3% (94.9%, 99.5%) and 51.4% (38.7%, 64.1%); ADD RS>1 or ADD RS = 1 with D-dimer>500ng/L 93.1% (87.1%, 96.3%) and 67.1% (54.4%, 77.7%).ConclusionsCombinations of ADD-RS and D-dimer can be used to select patients with suspected AAS for imaging with a range of trade-offs between sensitivity (93.1% to 99.8%) and specificity (21.8% to 67.1%).

Abstract Aims Testosterone deficiency (TD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, data in women are scanty. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of TD on women with HFrEF. Methods Among 480 patients prospectively enrolled in the T.O.S.CA. (Terapia Ormonale Scompenso CArdiaco) registry, a prospective, multicentre, nationwide, observational study, 94 women were included in the current analysis. The TD was defined as serum testosterone levels lower than 25 ng/dl. Data regarding clinical status, echocardiography, exercise performance, cardiovascular hospitalization, and survival after an average follow‐up of 36 months were analysed. Results Thirty patients (31.9%) displayed TD. TD was associated with lower tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE) to pulmonary arterial systolic pressure PASP ratio (TAPSE/PASP) (P = 0.008), peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) (P = 0.03) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (P

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.

The optimal management of heart valve disease (HVD) is still debated and many studies are underway to identify the best time to refer patients for the most appropriate treatment strategy (either conservative, surgical or transcatheter interventions). Exercise pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be detected during exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and has been demonstrated to have an important prognostic role in HVD, by predicting symptoms and mortality. This review article aims to provide an overview on the prognostic role of exercise PH in valvulopathies, and its possible role in the diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm for the management of HVD.