scholarly journals Carotid Geometry and Wall Shear Stress Independently Predict Increased Wall Thickness—A Longitudinal 3D MRI Study in High-Risk Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Strecker ◽  
Axel Joachim Krafft ◽  
Lilli Kaufhold ◽  
Markus Hüllebrandt ◽  
Martin Treppner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Carotid Atherosclerosis ◽  
Bifurcation Angle ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Carotid Wall ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Ica Stenosis ◽  
Group 1

Introduction: Carotid geometry and wall shear stress (WSS) have been proposed as independent risk factors for the progression of carotid atherosclerosis, but this has not yet been demonstrated in larger longitudinal studies. Therefore, we investigated the impact of these biomarkers on carotid wall thickness in patients with high cardiovascular risk.Methods: Ninety-seven consecutive patients with hypertension, at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor and internal carotid artery (ICA) plaques (wall thickness ≥ 1.5 mm and degree of stenosis ≤ 50%) were prospectively included. They underwent high-resolution 3D multi-contrast and 4D flow MRI at 3 Tesla both at baseline and follow-up. Geometry (ICA/common carotid artery (CCA)-diameter ratio, bifurcation angle, tortuosity and wall thickness) and hemodynamics [WSS, oscillatory shear index (OSI)] of both carotid bifurcations were measured at baseline. Their predictive value for changes of wall thickness 12 months later was calculated using linear regression analysis for the entire study cohort (group 1, 97 patients) and after excluding patients with ICA stenosis ≥10% to rule out relevant inward remodeling (group 2, 61 patients).Results: In group 1, only tortuosity at baseline was independently associated with carotid wall thickness at follow-up (regression coefficient = −0.52, p < 0.001). However, after excluding patients with ICA stenosis ≥10% in group 2, both ICA/CCA-ratio (0.49, p < 0.001), bifurcation angle (0.04, p = 0.001), tortuosity (−0.30, p = 0.040), and WSS (−0.03, p = 0.010) at baseline were independently associated with changes of carotid wall thickness at follow-up.Conclusions: A large ICA bulb and bifurcation angle and low WSS seem to be independent risk factors for the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in the absence of ICA stenosis. By contrast, a high carotid tortuosity seems to be protective both in patients without and with ICA stenosis. These biomarkers may be helpful for the identification of patients who are at particular risk of wall thickness progression and who may benefit from intensified monitoring and treatment.

scholarly journals Is low antiepileptic drug dose effective in long-term seizure-free patients?

2003 ◽  
Vol 61 (3A) ◽  
pp. 566-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tânia A.M.O. Cardoso ◽  
Fernando Cendes ◽  
Carlos A.M. Guerreiro
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Antiepileptic Drug ◽  
Randomized Study ◽  
Drug Dose ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Seizure Recurrence ◽  
Partial Group ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of leaving seizure-free patients on low-dose medication. METHOD: This was an exploratory prospective randomized study conducted at our University Hospital. We evaluated the frequency of seizure recurrence and its risk factors following complete or partial antiepileptic drug (AED) withdrawal in seizure free patients for at least two years with focal, secondarily generalized and undetermined generalized epilepsies. For this reason, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (complete AED withdrawal), and Group 2 (partial AED withdrawal). Partial AED withdrawal was established as a reduction of 50% of the initial dose. Medication was tapered off slowly on both groups. Follow-up period was 24 months. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were followed up: 45 were assigned to complete (Group 1) AED withdrawal and 49 to partial (Group 2) AED withdrawal. Seizure recurrence frequency after two years follow-up were 34.04% in group 1 and 32.69% in Group 2. Survival analysis showed that the probability of remaining seizure free at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after randomization did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.8). Group 1: 0.89, 0.80, 0.71 and 0.69; group 2: 0.86, 0.82, 0.75 and 0.71. The analysis of risk factors for seizure recurrence showed that more than 10 seizures prior to seizure control was a significant predictive factor for recurrence after AED withdrawal (hazard ratio = 2.73). CONCLUSION: Leaving seizure free patients on low AED dose did not reduce the risk for seizure recurrence. That is, once the decision of AED withdrawal has been established, it should be complete.

VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNTING AFTER ANEURYSMAL SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE

Neurosurgery ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 618-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew S. Little ◽  
Joseph M. Zabramski ◽  
Madelon Peterson ◽  
Pamela W. Goslar ◽  
Scott D. Wait ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus ◽  
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Ventricle Size ◽  
Group 1

Abstract OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to investigate the risk factors, indications, complications, and outcome for patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) after subarachnoid hemorrhage and to define a subgroup eligible for future prospective studies designed to clarify indications for placement of a VPS. METHODS Clinical characteristics of 236 prospectively evaluated patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 6 months of follow-up were analyzed. Hydrocephalus was estimated by the relative bicaudate index (RBCI) measured on computed tomographic scans at the time of shunting. Patients were divided into three groups by ventricle size: Group 1 included 121 patients with small ventricles (RBCI <1.0), Group 2 included 88 patients with borderline ventricle size (RBCI 1.0–1.4), and Group 3 included 27 patients with markedly enlarged ventricles (RBCI >1.4). RESULTS Initially, 86 patients (36%) underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting: 19 in Group 1 (16%), 43 in Group 2 (49%), and 24 in Group 3 (90%). Indications for placement of a VPS, risk factors, and outcome differed markedly by group. Four patients (3% of those not initially shunted) developed delayed hydrocephalus requiring a VPS, including one in Group 2 (2%). The 6-month shunt complication rate was 13%. Evaluation of patients in Group 2 indicated that functional status was an important factor in selecting candidates for shunting, and that patients receiving shunts and shunt-free patients demonstrated improvement in functional status during follow-up. CONCLUSION Although we currently use a proactive shunting paradigm for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus, this report demonstrates that a conservative approach to patients with borderline ventricle size (i.e., RBCI of 1.0–1.4) and normal intracranial pressure should be evaluated in a prospective randomized trial.

Staged management of cardiac disease and concomitant early lung cancer: a 20-year single-center experience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jérémy Tricard ◽  
Daniel Milad ◽  
Anaëlle Chermat ◽  
Serge Simard ◽  
Yves Lacasse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Cardiac Procedure ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Disease Free ◽  
Group 1

Abstract OBJECTIVES The association of unstable heart disease and resectable lung cancer is rare. The impacts of staged management, cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) versus angioplasty, on long-term survival and cancer recurrence remain debated. We report our experience using staged management. METHODS From 1997 to 2016, 107 patients were treated at the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute: 72 underwent cardiac surgery with CPB (group 1), 35 were treated with angioplasty (group 2), followed by oncological pulmonary resection. RESULTS Two postoperative deaths (3%) and 1 ischaemic heart complication (1%) were reported in group 1. One death (3%) was reported in group 2. Two-year overall survival was 82% (59/72) in group 1 and 80% (28/35) in group 2; 5-year overall survival was 62% (33/53) in group 1 and 63% (19/30) in group 2. Two-year disease-free survival in group 1 was 79% (57/72) and 77% (27/35) in group 2; 5-year disease-free survival was 58% (31/53) in group 1 and 60% (18/30) in group 2. The independent risk factors for death after thoracic surgery were transfusions (P = 0.004) and grade ≥3 complications (P = 0.034). Independent risk factors for recurrence included the cancer stage (P < 0.001) and, paradoxically, a shorter delay between cardiac and lung procedures (P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS When a staged management remains feasible after cardiac procedure, oncological outcomes of patients with cardiopathy and lung cancer are satisfactory. CPB does not seem to be deleterious. The delay between procedures should intuitively be as small as possible but not at the expense of good recovery after the cardiac procedure.

scholarly journals Association of Long-Term Risk Factor Levels With Carotid Atherosclerosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jarett D. Berry ◽  
Anurag Mehta ◽  
Kai Lin ◽  
Colby R. Ayers ◽  
Timothy Carroll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Young Adulthood ◽  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Carotid Atherosclerosis ◽  
Necrotic Core ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Carotid Wall

Background: Absence of cardiovascular risk factors (RF) in young adulthood is associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease. However, it is unclear if low RF burden in young adulthood decreases the quantitative burden and qualitative features of atherosclerosis. Methods: Multi-contrast carotid magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 440 Chicago Healthy Aging Study participants in 2009 to 2011, whose RF (total cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and smoking) were measured in 1967 to 1973. Participants were divided into 4 groups: low-risk (with total cholesterol <200 mg/dL and no treatment, blood pressure <120/80 mm Hg and no treatment, no smoking, and no diabetes mellitus), 0 high RF but some RF unfavorable (≥1 RF above low-risk threshold but below high-risk threshold), 1 high RF (total cholesterol ≥240 mg/dL or treated, blood pressure ≥140/90 or treated, diabetes mellitus, or smoking), and 2 or more high RF. Association of baseline RF status with carotid atherosclerosis (overall mean carotid wall thickness and lipid-rich necrotic core) at follow-up was assessed. Results: Among 424 participants with evaluable carotid magnetic resonance images, the mean age was 32 years at baseline and 73 years at follow-up; 67% were male, 86% white, and 36% were low-risk at baseline. Two or more high RF status was associated with higher carotid wall thickness (0.99±0.11 mm) and lipid-rich necrotic core prevalence (30%), as compared with low-risk group (0.94±0.09 mm and 17%, respectively). Each increment in baseline RF status was associated with higher carotid wall thickness (β-coefficient, 0.015; 95% CI, 0.004–0.026) and with higher lipid-rich necrotic core prevalence at older age (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.00–1.58) in models adjusted for baseline RF and demographics. Conclusions: RF status in young adulthood is associated with the burden and quality of carotid atherosclerosis in older age suggesting that the decades-long protective effect of low-risk status might be mediated through a lower burden of quantitative and qualitative features of atherosclerotic plaque.

scholarly journals Exercise in a Healthy Heart Program: A Cohort Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. CMC.S12654 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Meikle ◽  
A. Al-Sarraf ◽  
M. Li ◽  
K. Grierson ◽  
J. Frohlich
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Prevention Clinic ◽  
Group 1

Objective To assess the effects of exercise on resting heart rate (RHR), weight, lipid profile, and blood pressure. We hypothesized that the participants who increased their physical activity would show improvement in their cardiovascular risk factors compared to those who did not. Design Retrospective chart review over the mean duration of 4.9 years of follow-up. Setting Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Participants We reviewed 300 charts of patients randomly selected from those who attended the Prevention Clinic between 1984 and 2009. 248 (82.7%) patients were referred for primary prevention and 52 (17.3%) for secondary prevention. Primary and secondary outcome measures Weight, RHR, lipid profile, and blood pressure were recorded at the initial and last visit. Results During a mean of 4.9 years of follow-up, 55% of participants improved their exercise. The mean decrease in the RHR for these patients (group 1) was 5.9 beats per minute (bpm) versus the mean increase of 0.3 bpm for the “no change” group (group 2) ( P < 0.01). The mean net weight increase in group 1 was 0.06 kg/year versus 0.25 kg/year in group 2. Because of medications, all patients had a significant improvement in their lipid profiles. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant greater reduction in Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in group 1 versus group 2 (11.8% versus 15.1%, P < 0.01). Conclusion Participation in the program significantly reduces modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Improved exercise regimen results in lower RHR and greater reduction in FRS. However, even in a Prevention Program, despite strong advocacy of the importance of exercise, a significant percentage of participants does not improve their exercise habits.

Single-center experience with intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use in lung transplantation

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tugba Cosgun ◽  
Sandra Tomaszek ◽  
Isabelle Opitz ◽  
Markus Wilhelm ◽  
Macé M. Schuurmans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Renal Replacement Therapy ◽  
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽  
Lung Transplantation ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Ecmo Support ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Background: Studies have shown that survival after lung transplantation is impaired if extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support is implemented. We investigated the outcome and potential independent risk factors on survival in recipients undergoing lung transplantation with intraoperative ECMO support. Materials and methods: Medical records of recipients were retrospectively evaluated (January 2000-December 2014). Retransplantation and bridge to transplantation on ECMO were excluded. Recipients (n = 291) were divided into 2 groups: those who needed intraoperative ECMO support (Group 1, n = 134) and those who did not receive intraoperative ECMO support (Group 2, n = 157). Independent risk factors were identified by a stepwise backward regression analysis. Results: 1-year survival was 84.2% in Group 1 vs. 90.4% in Group 2, and 5-year survival was 52.8% in Group 1 vs. 70.5% in Group 2 (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis indicated that recipient age (p = 0.001), renal replacement therapy (p = 0.001) and intraoperative ECMO support (p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for overall survival. The rate of postoperative early surgical complications was comparable between the two groups (p = 0.09). The number of patients requiring renal replacement therapy and experiencing late pulmonary complications was significantly higher in Group 1 (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Our data showed that lung transplantation with intraoperative ECMO support is associated with poor outcomes.

scholarly journals Surgical remission of Cushing's syndrome reduces cardiovascular risk

2014 ◽  
Vol 171 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Terzolo ◽  
B Allasino ◽  
A Pia ◽  
G Peraga ◽  
F Daffara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Persistent Disease ◽  
Disease Remission ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

ObjectiveRecent studies have questioned the reversibility of complications of Cushing's syndrome (CS) after successful surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of patients with CS who achieved disease remission compared with those patients with persistent hypercortisolism and matched controls.DesignA retrospective study of 75 patients with CS followed at an academic center.MethodsCardiovascular risk profile was evaluated in 51 patients with CS in remission (group 1) and 24 patients with persistent disease (group 2) and compared with 60 controls. Mortality of patients with CS was compared with the background population.ResultsIn group 1, the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors dropped after disease remission even if it remained higher at the last follow-up than in the control group. In group 2, the frequency of cardiovascular risk factors remained unchanged during follow-up. The rate of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events was higher in group 2 than in group 1, as was the mortality rate (two deaths in group 1 and nine in group 2; ratio of two SMRs, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.011–0.512). Survival was significantly longer in group 1 than in group 2 (87 months, 80–98 vs 48 months, 38–62;P<0.0001).ConclusionsSuccessful surgical treatment of hypercortisolism significantly improves cardiovascular risk and may reduce the mortality rate. Patients with persistent disease have increased morbidity and mortality when compared with patients in remission.

scholarly journals Fibrotic Changes Depicted by Thin-Section CT in Patients With COVID-19 at the Early Recovery Stage: Preliminary Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Lu Yang ◽  
Chong Chen ◽  
Lu Huang ◽  
Shu Chang Zhou ◽  
Yu Na Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Recovery Phase ◽  
Early Recovery ◽  
Recovery Stage ◽  
Erythrocyte Sedimentation ◽  
Fibrotic Change ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Function Testing ◽  
Group 1

Objectives: To analyze follow-up CTs of patients recovering from COVID-19 in Wuhan, focusing on fibrotic change and its relevant risk factors.Methods: From January 13 to February 27, 2020, 166 hospitalized patients meeting our criteria were included. The scores of fibrotic patterns on follow-up CT were evaluated. Patients were designated as group 1 (with CT evidence of fibrotic pattern) and group 2 (without CT evidence of fibrotic pattern). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to explore risk factors for fibrotic change in patients with COVID-19.Results: The follow-up CTs were obtained on 56 days (median, IQR 51–63 days) after symptom onset. Of the 166 patients (mean age, 57 ± 15 years; 69/166 male), 46% (76/166) had CT evidence of fibrotic change and 77% (127/166) were severe or critical cases. Among patients with fibrotic change on CT, 84% (64/76) got a minimal or mild score of fibrosis. The high total score on peak CT, peak eosinophils, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and advancing age were related to lung fibrotic change in patients with COVID-19.Conclusion: Forty six percentages of patients (mainly severe or critical cases) with COVID-19 showed fibrotic change on follow-up CT at early recovery phase, while the extent of fibrosis was not large. The advancing age, high total score on peak CT, peak eosinophils and ESR were associated with fibrotic change depicted by CT in patients recovering from COVID-19. An extended follow up by CT imaging and pulmonary function testing is necessary to fully assess the sequela of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Risk factors for progression of paroxysmal to persistent atrial fibrillation following successful PV isolation

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Mohanty ◽  
C Trivedi ◽  
D.G Della Rocca ◽  
C Gianni ◽  
A Salwan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Posterior Wall ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background Progression from paroxysmal (PAF) to persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) following effective PV isolation (PVI) has important clinical implications, as it is relevant for subsequent management of the arrhythmia. Objective We evaluated risk factors responsible for progression of PAF to PerAF following successful PVI. Methods Consecutive AF patients that received their first catheter ablation as well as the first redo at our center were identified (n=1352). Patients were included in group 1 if the diagnosis was PAF at both first and redo procedure (PAF to PAF) and group 2 if PAF at index progressed to PerAF at redo. All patients received PVI plus isolation of LA posterior wall and SVC at the first procedure. Results A total of 822 patients remained as PAF at redo, whereas 530 (39%) progressed from PAF to PerAF. Clinical characteristics of the study population are presented in table 1. In multivariate analysis, BMI (OR 1.02, 1.01–1.04, p=0.04), hypertension (1.4, 1.08–1.8, p=0.01), heart failure (1.67, 1.03–2.69, p=0.03), LA size (2.75, 2.29–3.31, p&lt;0.001) were independent predictors of progression of PAF to PerAF. Data on serum-transthyretin level was available for 37 and 48 patients in group 1 and 2 respectively. It was &lt;18 mg/dL (normal) in 33 (68.7%) patients in group 2 vs 6 (16.2%) in group 1 (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion In our patients, after successful PVI, progression of PAF to PerAF was mediated by independent risk factors such as high BMI, heart failure, hypertension, larger LA size and lower LVEF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

P5414Factors influencing mortality in a long-term follow-up after heart transplantation; role of immunomonitoring

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Alyaydin ◽  
H Welp ◽  
C Pogoda ◽  
R Pistulli ◽  
H Reinecke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Heart Transplantation ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy ◽  
Cardiac Allograft ◽  
Allograft Vasculopathy ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Abstract Background Despite relevant improvements in the last years, increased mortality limits the success of heart transplantation therapy. Although many factors influencing mortality have been identified, the most studies analyzed relatively short follow-up time following heart transplantation. Purpose Therefore, the aim of our present study was to evaluate risk factors for enhanced mortality with emphasis on quantitative changes in immunological blood cells late after heart transplantation. Methods 174 patients with a mean time after heart transplantation of 13.1±6.5 years were retrospectively analyzed using data collected during follow-up visits in our center. Clinical examinations, results of laboratory tests, including immunomonitoring of CD4+, CD8+, CD19+ cells and natural killer cells, ultrasound vessel visualization and coronary angiography were evaluated with respect to the all-cause mortality. Results In patients who were still alive at the time of data analysis (group 1, n=134), glomerular filtration rate, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were significantly increased compared to the group encompassing patients who died before this time point (group 2, n=40) (p<0.05 for all). In contrast, c- reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte count, triglycerides and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were significantly decreased in group 1 versus group 2 (p<0.05 for all). In the first group the patients were relevantly less frequently on dialysis, presented lower NYHA classes, later onset of cardiac allograft vasculopathy and received hearts from donors with lower body mass (p<0.05 for all). Additionally, patients from the first group were characterized by significantly higher CD4 and lower CD8 percentages as well as a tendency towards higher CD19 cell count. In a multivariate cox regression analysis CD4 percentage (hazard ratio (HR): 0.454, confidence interval (CI): 0.236–0.871; p=0.018), onset of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (HR: 0.422, CI: 0.190–0.941; p=0.035) and CRP (HR: 0.325, CI: 0.170–0.621; p=0.018) were independent risk factors for increased mortality. Conclusions Increased inflammation, anemia, renal and heart insufficiency, early onset of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, worse functional status and donor associated factors such as higher body mass correlated significantly with enhanced mortality among patients after heart transplantation. In contrast to the early phase following heart transplantation, where the suppression of CD4+ cell number contributes to the decrease in the frequency of acute rejections, aggressive reduction of CD4+ cells by high doses of immunosuppressive agents late after cardiac transplantation may augment risk of mortality. It may be explained due to the creation of a subclinical chronic immunosuppressive condition and potentiation of side effects of immunosuppressive drugs.

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