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ABSTRACTBackgroundLow-dose chest computed tomography (CT) is used for lung cancer screening, but can also detect coronary artery disease as coronary artery calcium. We sought to determine the prevalence and prognostic utility of coronary artery calcium in a population at high risk of cancer. MethodsWe reviewed CT scans from consecutive participants screened for lung cancer between March 2017 and November 2018 as part of the Ontario Health Lung Cancer Screening Pilot for People at High Risk. We quantified coronary artery calcium using an estimated Agatston score. We identified the composite primary outcome of all-cause death and cardiovascular events using linked electronic medical record data from The Ottawa Hospital to December 2023. ResultsAmong 1486 people who underwent screening CT, coronary artery calcium was detected in 1232 (82.9%) and was extensive in 439 (29.5%). On multivariable analysis, extensive coronary artery calcium was associated with the composite primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR] 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–3.38), all-cause death (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.34–4.27), and cardiovascular events (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.13–3.77). Extensive coronary artery calcium remained predictive of cardiovascular events after we adjusted for noncardiovascular death as a competing risk (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.09–3.85). InterpretationAmong people undergoing low-dose chest CT for lung cancer screening, extensive coronary artery calcium was an independent predictor of all-cause death and cardiovascular events, even after adjustment for noncardiovascular death. The opportunity to identify and reduce risks from coronary artery disease may represent an additional benefit of lung cancer screening.

An elevated preoperative white blood cell count has been associated with a worse outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Leukocyte subtypes, and particularly the neutrophil-lymphocyte (N/L) ratio, may however, convey superior prognostic information. We hypothesized that the N/L ratio would predict the outcome of patients undergoing surgical revascularization. Baseline clinical details were obtained prospectively in 1938 patients undergoing CABG. The differential leukocyte was measured before surgery, and patients were followed-up 3.6 years later. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. The preoperative N/L ratio was a powerful univariable predictor of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.13 per unit, P < .001). In a backward conditional model, including all study variables, it remained a strong predictor (HR 1.09 per unit, P = .004). In a further model, including the European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation, the N/L ratio remained an independent predictor (HR 1.08 per unit, P = .008). Likewise, it was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and predicted death in the subgroup of patients with a normal white blood cell count. This excess hazard was concentrated in patients with an N/L ratio in the upper quartile (>3.36). An elevated N/L ratio is associated with a poorer survival after CABG. This prognostic utility is independent of other recognized risk factors.

The goals of primary prevention in coronary atherosclerosis are to avoid sudden cardiac death, myocardial infarction or the need for revascularization procedures. Successful prevention will rely on accurate identification, effective therapy and monitoring of those at risk. Identification and potential monitoring can be achieved using cardiac computed tomography (CT). Cardiac CT can determine coronary artery calcification (CAC), a useful surrogate of coronary atherosclerosis burden. Cardiac CT can also assess coronary CT angiography (CCTA). CCTA can identify arterial lumen narrowing and highlight mural atherosclerosis hitherto hidden from other anatomical approaches. Herein we consider the role of CCTA and CAC-scoring in subclinical atherosclerosis. We explore the use of these modalities in screening and discuss data that has used CCTA for guiding primary prevention. We examine therapeutic trials using CCTA to determine the effects of plaque-modifying therapies. Finally, we address the role of CCTA and CAC to guide therapy as defined in current primary prevention documents. CCTA has emerged as an essential tool in the detection and management of clinical coronary artery disease. To date, its role in subclinical atherosclerosis is less well defined, yet with modern CT scanners and continued pharmacotherapy development, CCTA is likely to achieve a more prominent place in the primary prevention of coronary atherosclerosis.

We sought to assess the prognostic value of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) in patients with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) by meta-analysis. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus were searched for relevant original articles published up to July 2021. CCTA prognostic studies enrolling patients with CABG were screened and included if outcomes included all-cause mortality or major adverse cardiac events. Maximally adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were extracted for CCTA-derived prognostic factors. HRs were log-transformed and pooled across studies using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model and statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Of 1,576 screened articles, 4 retrospective studies fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Collectively, a total of 1,809 patients with CABG underwent CCTA (mean [SD] age 67.0 [8.5] years across 3 studies, 81.5% male across 4 studies). Coronary artery disease severity and revascularization were categorized using 2 models: unprotected coronary territories and coronary artery protection score. The pooled HRs from the random-effects models using the most highly adjusted study estimate were 3.64 (95% confidence interval 2.48 to 5.34, I2 = 57.8%, p <0.001; 4 studies) and 4.85 (95% confidence interval 3.17 to 7.43, I2 = 39.9%, p <0.001; 2 studies) for unprotected coronary territories and coronary artery protection score, respectively. In conclusion, in a limited number of studies, CCTA is an independent predictor of adverse events in patients with CABG. Larger studies using uniform models and endpoints are needed.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a common inherited cardiac condition in which regional myocardial thickening and scarring can lead to a range of symptoms including breathlessness, dizziness, chest pain, and collapse with loss of consciousness. It is vital to be able to understand the mechanisms behind these epiphenomena and to be able to distinguish, for example, between syncope because of arrhythmia versus syncope because of mechanical outflow tract obstruction. Therefore, we require a technique that can characterize anatomy, physiology, and myocardial substrate. Traditionally, this role has been the preserve of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. This review makes the case for cardiac computed tomography (CT) as an alternative imaging method. We review the use of functional CT to identify the components of outflow tract obstruction (and obstruction at other levels, which may be simultaneous), and as an aid to interventional and surgical planning. We demonstrate the added value of multiplanar isotropic reformats in this condition, particularly in cases where the diagnosis may be more challenging or where complications (such as early apical aneurysm) may be difficult to recognize with 2-dimensional techniques. In conclusion, our aim is to convince readers that cardiac CT is a highly valuable and versatile tool, which deserves wider usage and greater recognition in those caring for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Purpose of Review The goal of this article is to review the data supporting the use of fractional flow reserve derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (FFR CT ) in patients with chest pain. Review Findings Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that the diagnostic accuracy of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) can be improved with the use of FFR CT , primarily due to its superior specificity when compared to CCTA alone. This promising development may help reduce the need for invasive angiography in patients presenting with chest pain. Furthermore, some studies have indicated that incorporating FFR CT into decision-making is safe, with an FFR CT value of ≥ 0.8 being associated with favorable outcomes. While FFR CT has been shown to be feasible in patients with acute chest pain, further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm its utility. Summary The emergence of FFR CT as a tool for the management of patients with chest pain is promising. However, potential limitations require the interpretation of FFR CT in conjunction with clinical context.

Elevated left ventricular filling pressure after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be identified using clinical assessment, echocardiography, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. All of these predict outcome in this setting. There are, however, no data assessing their relative prognostic value. The current study addresses this. Four hundred patients underwent detailed echocardiography and measurement of BNP levels after AMI (median 1 day). The study end points were (1) a composite of death, recurrent AMI, and/or admission to hospital with heart failure within 1 year and (2) all-cause mortality during medium-term follow-up (median 2.9 years). Both an elevated ratio of early transmitral flow to early mitral annulus velocity ( E/ e') and higher BNP levels were associated with an increased risk of an adverse event within the first year (odds ratio 6.14 for E/ e' >15, P < .001; odds ratio 1.19 per 50-pg/mL increase in BNP, P < .001) and medium-term mortality (hazard ratio 4.67 for E/ e' >15, P < .001; hazard ratio 1.10 per 50-pg/mL increase in BNP, P < .001). Among patients with BNP levels higher than the median or in the upper quartile, an E/ e' ratio >15 identified a subgroup at greatest risk of mortality ( P < .001 for both). The E/ e' ratio and BNP levels play important and complementary roles in the risk stratification of patients after AMI.

Background Quantifiable biomarkers may be useful for a better risk and frailty assessment of patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Hypothesis To determine if adiponectin serum concentration predicts all‐cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVI. Methods 77 consecutive patients, undergoing TAVI, were analyzed. The CT axial slices at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra were used to measure the psoas muscle area, and its low‐density muscle fraction (LDM (%)). To assess the operative risk, the STS (Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality) score, Log. Euroscore, and Euroscore II were determined. A clinical frailty assessment was performed. ELISA kits were used to measure adiponectin serum levels. We searched for a correlation between serum adiponectin concentration and all‐cause mortality after TAVI. Results The mean age was 80.8 ± 7.4 years. All‐cause mortality occurred in 22 patients. The mean follow‐up was 1779 days (range: 1572–1825 days). Compared with patients with the lowest adiponectin level, patients in the third tertile had a hazards ratio of all‐cause mortality after TAVI of 4.155 (95% CI: 1.364–12.655) (p = .004). In the multivariable model, including STS score, vascular access of TAVI procedure, LDM (%), and adiponectin serum concentration, serum adiponectin level, and LDM(%) were independent predictors of all‐cause mortality after TAVI (p = .178, .303, .042, and .017, respectively). Adiponectin level was a predictor of all‐cause mortality in females and males (p = .012 and 0.024, respectively). Conclusion Adiponectin serum level is an independent and incremental predictor of all‐cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVI.

Purpose of the review Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is one of the most common major surgical procedures performed. Atherosclerosis however is a progressive condition; it is probably therefore that patients with CABG will represent with ischemic symptoms. The purpose of this review is to provide familiarity with testing in CABG patients to assist clinicians in their decision-making. Recent findings CT angiography of coronary arteries and grafts (CCTA) has evolved into an alternative approach to diagnose graft disease or occlusion. As such, CCTA may help risk stratify patients post-CABG. CCTA thus joins the armamentarium of traditional functional tests that can be used. The consequences of which type of test is chosen are discussed. Summary Through discussion of the contemporary literature for imaging in CABG patients, this review will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of both anatomical and functional approaches. It appears that the impact of which index test is chosen is as important post-CABG as it is in patients with suspected CAD.