scholarly journals Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction and the Role of Noninvasive Cardiovascular Imaging

Diagnostics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 679
Author(s):  
Muhammad Talha Ayub ◽  
Dinesh Kalra

Patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) have significantly higher rates of cardiovascular events, including hospitalization for heart failure, sudden cardiac death, and myocardial infarction (MI). In CMD, several pathophysiological changes lead to functional and structural abnormalities in the coronary microvasculature, which disrupt the ability of the vessels to vasodilate and augment myocardial blood flow in response to increased myocardial oxygen demand, causing ischemia and angina. With the advent of more advanced non-invasive cardiac imaging techniques, the coronary microvasculature has been subjected to more intense study in the past two decades—this has led to further insights into the diagnosis, pathophysiology, treatment, prognosis and follow-up of CMD. This review will highlight and compare the salient features of the currently available non-invasive imaging modalities used in these patients, and discuss the clinical utility of these techniques in the workup and management of these patients.

Author(s):  
Marta Sitges ◽  
Genevieve Derumeaux

Cardiac imaging techniques have an important role in the follow-up of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as they provide objective evidence of changes in cardiac dimensions and function. The role of echocardiography is well established in the assessment of left ventricular reverse remodelling and the evaluation of secondary (functional) mitral regurgitation. Additionally, echocardiography might be used for optimizing the programming of atrio-ventricular (AV) and inter-ventricular (VV) delays of current CRT devices. Acute benefits from this optimization have been demonstrated, but longer follow-up studies have failed to show a clear benefit of optimized CRT on top of simultaneous biventricular pacing on the outcome of patients with CRT. This chapter reviews the role of imaging in assessing follow-up and outcome of patients undergoing CRT, as well as the rationale, the methods used, and the clinical impact of optimization of the programming of CRT devices.


Author(s):  
Marta Sitges ◽  
Erwan Donal

Cardiac imaging techniques have an important role in the follow-up of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) as they provide objective evidence of changes in cardiac dimensions and function. The role of echocardiography is well established in the assessment of left ventricular reverse remodelling and the evaluation of secondary (functional) mitral regurgitation. Additionally, echocardiography might be used for optimizing the programming of atrioventricular (AV) and interventricular (VV) delays of current CRT devices. Acute benefit from this optimization has been demonstrated, but longer follow-up studies have failed to show a clear benefit of optimized CRT on top of simultaneous biventricular pacing on the outcome of patients with CRT. This chapter reviews the role of imaging in assessing follow-up and outcome of patients undergoing CRT as well as the rationale, the methods used, and the clinical impact of optimization of the programming of CRT devices.


ESC CardioMed ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 1325-1329
Author(s):  
Filippo Crea ◽  
Gaetano Antonio Lanza

Myocardial ischaemia is caused by a mismatch between myocardial oxygen demand and myocardial blood flow supply, which results in reversible myocardial suffering and, when prolonged, in irreversible injury. The main causes of myocardial ischaemia include (1) atherosclerotic flow-limiting stenoses which are responsible for chronic stable angina; (2) coronary thrombus superimposed on an atherosclerotic plaque which is responsible for acute coronary syndromes; (3) coronary artery spasm which is responsible for vasospastic angina; and (4) coronary microvascular dysfunction which is responsible for microvascular angina and can also contribute to myocardial ischaemia in various clinical settings. Functional alterations (thrombus, spasm, and microvascular dysfunction) may act on angiographically normal coronary arteries or arteries presenting stenoses of variable severity. Less frequent coronary causes of myocardial ischaemia include spontaneous coronary artery dissection, myocardial bridge, coronary thromboembolism, an abnormal origin of the right or left coronary artery, and ascending aorta dissection involving coronary ostia. Finally, myocardial ischaemia can occur in the presence of severe left ventricular hypertrophy as observed in aortic stenosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Floor Groepenhoff ◽  
R.G.M. Klaassen ◽  
G.B. Valstar ◽  
S.H. Bots ◽  
N.C. Onland-Moret ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is an important underlying cause of angina pectoris. Currently, no diagnostic tool is available to directly visualize the coronary microvasculature. Invasive microvascular reactivity testing is the diagnostic standard for CMD, but several non-invasive imaging techniques are being evaluated. However, evidence on reported non-invasive parameters and cut-off values is limited. Thus, we aimed to provide an overview of reported non-invasive parameters and corresponding cut-off values for CMD.Methods: Pubmed and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for studies enrolling patients with angina pectoris without obstructed coronary arteries, investigating at least one non-invasive imaging technique to quantify CMD. Methodological quality assessment of included studies was performed using QUADAS-2.Results: Thirty-six studies were included. Nine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) studies reported MPRI (n = 9) and nine positron emission tomography (PET) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) studies reported CFR. Mean MPRI ranged from 1.47 ± 0.36 to 1.83 ± 0.50 in patients and from 1.50 ± 0.47 to 2.23 ± 0.37 in healthy controls. Reported mean CFR in PET and TTE ranged from 1.39 ± 0.31 to 2.85 ± 1.35 and 1.69 ± 0.40 to 2.40 ± 0.40 for patients, and 2.68 ± 0.83 to 4.32 ± 1.78 and 2.65 ± 0.65 to 3.31 ± 1.10 for controls, respectively.Conclusions: This systematic review summarized current evidence on reported parameters and cut-off values to diagnose CMD for various non-invasive imaging modalities. Nonetheless, standardization of methodology and reporting of outcome measures is required to provide clinically applicable reference values.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Groepenhoff ◽  
R. G. M. Klaassen ◽  
G. B. Valstar ◽  
S. H. Bots ◽  
N. C. Onland-Moret ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is an important underlying cause of angina pectoris. Currently, no diagnostic tool is available to directly visualize the coronary microvasculature. Invasive microvascular reactivity testing is the diagnostic standard for CMD, but several non-invasive imaging techniques are being evaluated. However, evidence on reported non-invasive parameters and cut-off values is limited. Thus, we aimed to provide an overview of reported non-invasive parameters and corresponding cut-off values for CMD. Methods Pubmed and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for studies enrolling patients with angina pectoris without obstructed coronary arteries, investigating at least one non-invasive imaging technique to quantify CMD. Methodological quality assessment of included studies was performed using QUADAS-2. Results Thirty-seven studies were included. Ten cardiac magnetic resonance studies reported MPRI and nine positron emission tomography (PET) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) studies reported CFR. Mean MPRI ranged from 1.47 ± 0.36 to 2.01 ± 0.41 in patients and from 1.50 ± 0.47 to 2.68 ± 0.49 in controls without CMD. Reported mean CFR in PET and TTE ranged from 1.39 ± 0.31 to 2.85 ± 1.35 and 1.69 ± 0.40 to 2.40 ± 0.40 for patients, and 2.68 ± 0.83 to 4.32 ± 1.78 and 2.65 ± 0.65 to 3.31 ± 1.10 for controls, respectively. Conclusions This systematic review summarized current evidence on reported parameters and cut-off values to diagnose CMD for various non-invasive imaging modalities. In current clinical practice, CMD is generally diagnosed with a CFR less than 2.0. However, due to heterogeneity in methodology and reporting of outcome measures, outcomes could not be compared and no definite reference values could be provided.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (32) ◽  
pp. 3915-3927 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Ballestri ◽  
Claudio Tana ◽  
Maria Di Girolamo ◽  
Maria Cristina Fontana ◽  
Mariano Capitelli ◽  
...  

: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) embraces histopathological entities ranging from the relatively benign simple steatosis to the progressive form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is associated with fibrosis and an increased risk of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is the most common liver disease and is associated with extrahepatic comorbidities including a major cardiovascular disease burden. : The non-invasive diagnosis of NAFLD and the identification of subjects at risk of progressive liver disease and cardio-metabolic complications are key in implementing personalized treatment schedules and follow-up strategies. : In this review, we highlight the potential role of ultrasound semiquantitative scores for detecting and assessing steatosis severity, progression of NAFLD, and cardio-metabolic risk. : Ultrasonographic scores of fatty liver severity act as sensors of cardio-metabolic health and may assist in selecting patients to submit to second-line non-invasive imaging techniques and/or liver biopsy.


1970 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 61-66
Author(s):  
Patrícia Resende Penido ◽  
Rhanna Junqueira Westin de Carvalho ◽  
Roger Willian Moraes Mendes

RESUMOIntrodução: A Arterite de Takayasu (AT) consiste em uma vasculopatia de origem indefinida, sendo de caráter crônico, que afeta a aorta e seus ramos principais. Em gestantes é uma condição complexa, em que o tratamento clínico é realizado com restrições. A utilização de corticoides tem sido favorável no controle inflamatório, principalmente naqueles casos em que antes da gravidez se fazia uso de imunossupressores. Casuística: Foi relatado um caso de uma gestante portadora de AT, através da análise de prontuário e de exames complementares, sendo realizado o pré-natal pelas equipes de Obstetrícia e Reumatologia, onde foi realizado tratamento clínico com corticoides, mostrando uma evolução satisfatória, ocorrendo apenas uma hospitalização que foi seguida de uma cesárea na trigésima sexta semana de gravidez, com recém nato saudável de 3.810g. Discussão: A AT pode estar associada a várias etiologias, sendo a gênese pouco conhecida. O diagnóstico na maioria das vezes é demorado, pela dificuldade da suspeita clínica, além de demandar o uso de técnicas de imagem mais sofisticadas. A gestação associada é fenômeno raro, já que as portadoras são orientadas a evitarem a gravidez. O controle clínico permitiu uma gestação sem grandes complicações e serviu como meio para levar a gestação até praticamente o fim do terceiro trimestre. Conclusão: Deve-se ressaltar o papel do acompanhamento clínico, especialmente com esta pan-arterite, mostrando os medicamentos que podem ser utilizados nesse grupo, especialmente quando se usava imunossupressores antes da gravidez. Palavras chave: Arterite de Takayasu, Gravidez, Vasculite. ABSTRACT:Introduction: Takayasu's arteritis (TA) consists of a vascular disease of unknown origin and chronic nature, which affects the aorta and its main branches. In pregnant women it is a complex condition, in which the clinical treatment is performed with restrictions. The use of corticosteroids has been favorable to control inflammation, especially in those cases when immunosuppressant had been used before pregnancy. Case Report: A case of a pregnant patient with TA has been reported through the analysis of medical records and laboratory tests. The Obstetrics and Rheumatology staff performed the prenatal care, and clinical treatment with corticosteroids was done showing a satisfactory outcome. There was only one hospitalization of the patient, which was followed by a cesarean in the thirty sixth week of pregnancy.  The newborn was a healthy one, weighing 3.810g. Discussion: TA may be associated with several etiologies, and the genesis is little known. The diagnosis most often takes time due to the difficulty of clinical suspicion, and requires the use of more sophisticated imaging techniques. The pregnancy is rare phenomenon, since the carriers are advised to avoid pregnancy. The clinical management allowed a pregnancy without major complications and served as a means to carry the pregnancy to almost the end of the third quarter. Conclusion: The role of the clinical follow-up should be noticed especially with this pan-arteritis, showing the drugs that can be used in this group, especially when there is use of immunosuppressive drugs before pregnancy. Keywords: Takayasu Arteritis, Pregnancy, Vasculitis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph F Dietrich ◽  
Wiem Douira-Khomsi ◽  
Hassen Gharbi ◽  
Malay Sharma ◽  
Xin Wu Cui ◽  
...  

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatidosis (hydatid cysts) is an infection with a wide spectrum of manifestations, from symptomatic infection to fatal disease. Ultrasound (US) allows screening, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment guidance and follow-up of CE under many circumstances. Hydatid cysts are predominantly observed in the liver. Herewith we present a review to demonstrate established and innovative imaging features of CE of the hepatobiliary tract.


Author(s):  
Carlotta Giani ◽  
Liborio Torregrossa ◽  
Ramone Teresa ◽  
Romei Cristina ◽  
Antonio Matrone ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Tumour capsule integrity is becoming a relevant issue to predict the biological behaviour of human tumours, including thyroid cancer. Aim To verify if a whole tumour capsule in the classical variant of PTC (CVPTC) could have a predictive role of a good outcome as for follicular variant (FVPTC). Methods FVPTC (n=600) and CVPTC (n=554) cases, were analysed. We distinguished encapsulated-FVPTC (E-FVPTC) and encapsulated-CVPTC (E-CVPTC) and, thereafter, invasive (Ei-FVPTC and Ei-CVPTC) and non-invasive (En-FVPTC and En-CVPTC) tumours, according to the invasion or integrity of tumour capsule, respectively. Cases without tumour capsule were indicated as invasive-FVPTC (I-FVPTC) and invasive-CVPTC (I-CVPTC). Sub-group of each variant was evaluated for BRAF mutations. Results E-FVPTC was more frequent than E-CVPTC (p<0.0001). No differences were found between En-FVPTC and En-CVPTC or between Ei-FVPTC and Ei-CVPTC. After 18 years of follow-up, a greater number of not-cured cases were observed in Ei-CVPTC with respect to Ei-FVPTC, but not in En-CVPTC to En-FVPTC. Multivariate clustering analysis showed that En-FVPTC, En-CVPTC, and Ei-FVPTC have similar features but different from I-FVPTC and I-CVPTC and, to a lesser extent, from Ei-CVPTC. 177/614 (28.8%) cases were BRAF  V600E-mutated and 10/614(1.6%) carried BRAF-rare alterations. Significantly higher rate of En-CVPTC (22/49,44.9%) than En-FVPTC (15/195,7.7%) (p<0.0001) were BRAF  V600E-mutated. Conclusions En-CVPTC is less prevalent than En-FVPTC. However, they have a good clinical/ pathological behavior comparable to En-FVPTC. This finding confirms the good prognostic role of a whole tumour capsule also in CVPTC. New nomenclature for En-CVPTC, similar to that introduced for En-FVPTC (i.e, NIFTP) could be envisaged.


2021 ◽  
pp. 973-976
Author(s):  
Ivan Zammit-Maempel

Various imaging techniques are used in the staging and follow-up of head and neck cancer and evaluating patients presenting with a neck mass. The workhorses in imaging the neck are ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) increasingly being requested. Plain radiographs, contrast studies, video fluoroscopy, angiography, and cone beam CT have limited but important roles. This chapter discusses the role of some of these modalities.


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