Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and pulse wave velocity in patients with controlled systemic hypertension — a preliminary report

Background. Increased arterial stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement is a marker of arterialwall dysfunction and has an independent predictive value for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. A positive correlation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and PWV has been reported in chronic inflammatory conditions and the general population as well. Furthermore, an association between NLR and PWV has been assumed in hypertensive patients. However, the available data are scarce. The objective of the study was to validate the association between NLR and PWV in a homogenous group of controlled-hypertensive patients without chronic inflammatory conditions. Material and methods. A retrospective observational study was conducted in outpatient cardiology and a general practice. A total number of 25 already on-target treated essential hypertensive, non-diabetic and non-chronic kidney disease (non-CKD) patients were selected. PWV was automatically calculated for each patient using the ABPM BPLab® device. The following laboratory data were collected: complete blood count, fibrinogen, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, uric acid, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, iron, calcium, and creatinine. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was calculated. Antihypertensive treatment classes were also assessed. Results. A correlation between increased NLR and PWV in a homogenous group of controlled-hypertensive patientswas identified. Conclusions. There is an evident relation between increased NLR and increased PWV in controlled hypertensivepatients without evidence of chronic inflammatory conditions

Cardiovascular Events throughout the Disease Course in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Patients Treated with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors—A Single-Centre Retrospective Study

Introduction. Cardiovascular risk factors, pre-existing comorbidities, molecular factors, and the direct effects of second- and third-generation BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors on the vascular endothelium contribute to the progression of cardiovascular (CV) events, especially atherothrombotic conditions. The study objective was to evaluate comorbidities, the cardiovascular risk profile, and events throughout the chronic myeloid leukaemia disease course. Methods. Retrospective data from adults who experienced haematology treatment at a single centre were continuously updated and followed throughout the disease course. A total of 43 subjects conforming with the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study protocol were finally recruited. The median disease course was 77.0 ± 17.5 months. Statistical analyses were performed. Results. More than three CV risk factors were identified in 41.9% of cases. Almost half of the cases had relevant comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥ 4), and no statistically significant comorbidities were found when comparing the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment subgroups (p = 0.53). The patients at high and very high CV risk, according to Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) risk classification, had 75.0% CV events (12/22 patients), p = 0.45. Throughout the disease course, 19 cardiovascular events were reported in 37.2% patients (13 males/3 females, p < 0.03). Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study exploring cardiovascular risk factors in Romanian chronic myeloid leukaemia patients. This study reinforces the need for close long-term follow-up that should be performed by a multidisciplinary team. The target should be not only the disease and specific drug-related toxicities but, also, the identification of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors before the commencement of and throughout TKI therapy

Right Heart Failure as an Atypical Presentation of Chronic Type A Aortic Dissection - Multimodality Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment. A case report and mini-review of literature

An intrapericardial organized haematoma secondary to chronic type A aortic dissection is an extremely rare cause of right heart failure. Imaging studies are essential in recognising and diagnosis of this distinctive medical condition and guiding the anticipated treatment