Comparative insight into the interfacial phase evolutions during solution treatment of dissimilar friction stir welded AA2198-AA7475 and AA2198-AA6013 aluminum sheets

In the current research, dissimilar friction stir welded (FSW) sheets of AA2198-AA7475 and AA2198-AA6013 were solution treated at 460–580◦C for 1 h. Annealing at 580◦C led to complete degradation of both dissimilar weldments from the AA2198 side. According to the microstructure inspection, solution treatment triggered abnormal grain growth within the stir zone (SZ), and applying higher treatment temperatures enhanced the fraction of transformed grains. SEM analysis revealed that the pre-melting of grain boundaries (GBs) over 540◦C encouraged the diffusion of solute atoms to the GBs. The massive diffusion of Cu to the GBs led to the formation of Cu-rich eutectic phases in AA7475 and AA2198 and dense Cu-rich particles in AA6013. In the meantime, the diffusion of Mg and Zn to the GBs of AA7475 and Fe and Si to the GBs of AA6013 eventuated in the formation of coarse particles at the GBs which, in return, attenuated the bonding adhesion of the grains at SZ. The formation of remarkable Cu-rich phases in the pre-melted regions and significant contraction of the eutectic phase while cooling as well as the formation of particles at GBs resulted in intergranular failure of the joints from the AA2198 side of the SZ

Pheochromocytoma-induced reverse tako-tsubo with rapid recovery of left ventricular function

Pheochromocytoma is a rare, catecholamine-secreting tumor of neuroendocrine cells. It has been documented to present atypically as myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, or congestive heart failure. We present the case of a patient who had transient cardiomyopathy with hypokinesia of the basal portions of the left ventricle and hyperkinesia of the apex triggered by a pheochromocytoma crisis similar to that of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy, but with an inverse left ventricular contractile pattern (‘inverted tako-tsubo’). (Cardiol J 2012; 19, 5: 527-531

Cardiac Hydatid cyst without liver involvement: A case report

Hydatid disease is a rare parasitic disease, which mainly involves liver then lung tissues. Cardiac involvement is very rare, especially when there is not hepatic in-volvement. We describe a 47-year-old woman with a history of a lung hydatid cyst who was referred to Rajaei Heart Center, Tehran, Iran in 2012. Her chest computed tomographic scan showed a cardiac mass. Echocardiographic exami-nation illustrated a large, well-defined heterogeneous mass (4.5 � 2.5 cm) in the roof of the right atrium with attachment to the crista terminalis without com-pressive effect on the inferior and superior venae cavae. The patient was candi-date for open-heart surgery via median sternotomy. A cystic mass was observed in the lateral aspect of the right atrial wall. After an injection of hypertonic nor-mal saline into the cystic lesion, the mass was excised totally. The right atrial de-fect was reconstructed with autologous pericardium. The patient was discharged from the hospital in good condition. Histological examination confirmed the di-agnosis of the hydatid cyst. © 2016, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). All rights reserved

Mid-term patency in radial artery and saphenous vein after coronary artery bypass grafting in asymptomatic patients using 128-slice CT coronary angiography

Background: Patency of the revascularization conduit is an essential predictor of long-standing survival after coronary artery bypass grafting. Objectives: We have conducted this study to compare the mid-term patency rates of radial artery (RA), left internal thoracic artery (LITA) and also saphenous vein (SV) grafts in asymptomatic patients following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) undergoing total IV anesthesia. Patients and Methods: In this study, 30 three-vessel disease patients with 104 RA, LITA, and SV grafts used concomitantly for primary isolated non-emergent CABG surgery were assessed. The primary end point was CT angiographic graft patency rate. After 53.5 (24-97) months� follow-up, graft patency was assessed using 128-slice CT coronary angiography. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect the independent predictors of graft failure. Results: A total of 104 grafts, including 30 LITA, 44 SV, and 30 RA grafts, were studied. Cumulative graft patency rates were 93.3 in LITA, 83.3 in RA, and 70.5 in SV grafts. Statistically significant difference was found between the LITA and the SV graft patency rates (P = 0.019), whereas the difference between the RA conduit patency and the LITA or SV graft patency rates did not have any statistical significance (P = 0.424 and P = 0.273, respectively). Independent predictors of RA grafts occlusion were native coronary stenosis < 70 and female gender. Conclusions: In our patients, the RA grafts had an acceptable patency rate in 2 to 5 years� follow-up. Although the SV grafts had a relatively higher patency rate than RA grafts in our asymptomatic patients, the patency rates in RA and SV grafts were close to each other. The RA graft function was poor in the patients with a higher number of risk factors and in the females. © 2015, Iranian Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ISRAPM)

A monte carlo platform for characterization of x-ray radiation dose in ct imaging

Background: Computed tomography (CT) is currently known as a versatile imaging tool in the clinic used for almost all types of cancers. The major issue of CT is the health risk, belonging to X-ray radiation exposure. Concerning this, Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is recognized as a key computational technique for estimating and optimizing radiation dose. CT simulation with MCNP/MCNPX MC code has an inherent problem due to the lack of a fan-beam shaped source model. This limitation increases the run time and highly decreases the number of photons passing the body or phantom. Recently, a beta version of MCNP code called MCNP-FBSM (Fan-Beam Source Model) has been developed to pave the simulation way of CT imaging procedure, removing the need of the collimator. This is a new code, which needs to be validated in all aspects. Objective: In this work, we aimed to develop and validate an efficient computational platform based on modified MCNP-FBSM for CT dosimetry purposes. Material and Methods: In this experimental study, a setup is carried out to measure CTDI100 in air and standard dosimetry phantoms. The accuracy of the developed MC CT simulator results has been widely benchmarked through comparison with our measured data, UK�s National Health Service�s reports (known as ImPACT), manufacturer�s data, and other published results. Results: The minimum and maximum observed mean differences of our simulation results and other above-mentioned data were the 1.5, and 9.79, respectively. Conclusion: The developed FBSM MC computational platform is a beneficial tool for CT dosimetry. © 2021, Shriaz University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

The association between increased carotid intima-media thickness and SYNTAX Score in coronary artery disease: A single center study

Background: Carotid artery lesions frequently coexist with coronary arterial disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the extent of CAD and whether CIMT could be predictive of severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Methods: Coronary angiography and carotid ultrasound evaluations of 100 consecutive patients with CAD who had undergone elective coronary angiography were reviewed. IMT was measured at both carotid arteries. CIMT and severity of CAD relationship based on SYNTAX score was assessed. The relation between CIMT and cardiovascular risk factors was determined. Results: Mean overall SYNTAX score was 15.76 + 4.82. Mean right CIMT was 0.86 ± 0.29 and mean left CIMT was 0.83 ± 0.24. There were no significant correlation between the SYNTAX score and CIMT (r: 10, P: 30). There was significant relationship between hypertension,diabetes and CIMT (P: 0.01). Conclusion: we found no relationship between CIMT and SYNTAX score in patients who underwent coronary angiography. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are related to increased carotid intima-media thickness. © 2018

Dilated cardiomyopathy as a rare presentation of the pulmonary sequestration: A case report with aberrant vessel from aorta to left lower pulmonary lobe

Late onset non-ischemic cardiomyopathy is a rare manifestation of the presence of aberrant vessel from descending thoracic aorta to left lower lobe of lung. This congenital anomaly is associated with pulmonary sequestration. Our case was a 23-year-old male who was under observation since the age of 19 years for evaluation of shortness of breath, functional class II. He had history of professional athletic training and he denied consumption of any compound. Ejection fraction had deteriorated during three years from 45�50 to 40 and left ventricular size increased from normal size to mild enlargement. Cardiac computed tomography showed presence of aberrant artery from descending aorta to left lower pulmonary lobe with pulmonary sequestration. His cardiac function improved after successful coil embolization of aberrant vessel. In conclusion, pulmonary sequestration and aberrant pulmonary supply from aorta should be considered as a rare cause of dilated cardiomyopathy which can be reversible by proper intervention. © 2019 Japanese College of Cardiolog

Determinants of perivascular adipose tissue stranding as a novel imaging marker and its relation to inflammatory biomarker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) stranding in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and the determinants of PVAT stranding in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Material and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was done by collecting data from CAD patients who were referred to Rajaie Cardiovascular Centre between January 2018 and September 2020, with CCTA and hsCRP test 72 hours apart from the CCTA. PVAT stranding was defined as irregular obscuration of PVAT adjacent to the coronary arteries. An attempt was made to find a correlation between included variables and PVAT stranding by comparing them between 2 groups: patients with and without PVAT stranding. Results: From 92 patients, 31 participants had PVAT stranding, and statistically significant higher levels of hsCRP were detected in them (p = 0.007). We demonstrated significantly higher prevalence of history of hyperlipidaemia (OR = 3.83, p = 0.029), high-risk plaque features (OR = 11.80, p = 0.015), and obstructive coronary luminal stenosis (OR = 3.25, p = 0.025) in patients with PVAT stranding. Also, significantly higher PVAT attenuation was detected in patients with PVAT stranding (p < 0.001) independently from mean attenuation of epicardial fat. Conclusion: PVAT stranding could be used as a novel non-invasive marker in CCTA of CAD patients. More studies focusing on patient outcomes are required to better evaluate the reliability and prognostic value of this marker

The association between increased carotid intima-media thickness and SYNTAX Score in coronary artery disease: A single center study

Background: Carotid artery lesions frequently coexist with coronary arterial disease (CAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the extent of CAD and whether CIMT could be predictive of severity of coronary atherosclerosis. Methods: Coronary angiography and carotid ultrasound evaluations of 100 consecutive patients with CAD who had undergone elective coronary angiography were reviewed. IMT was measured at both carotid arteries. CIMT and severity of CAD relationship based on SYNTAX score was assessed. The relation between CIMT and cardiovascular risk factors was determined. Results: Mean overall SYNTAX score was 15.76 + 4.82. Mean right CIMT was 0.86 ± 0.29 and mean left CIMT was 0.83 ± 0.24. There were no significant correlation between the SYNTAX score and CIMT (r: 10, P: 30). There was significant relationship between hypertension,diabetes and CIMT (P: 0.01). Conclusion: we found no relationship between CIMT and SYNTAX score in patients who underwent coronary angiography. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are related to increased carotid intima-media thickness. © 2018