Multidetector computed tomography angiography for assessment of in-stent restenosis: meta-analysis of diagnostic performance

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Multi-detector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA)of the coronary arteries after stenting has been evaluated in multiple studies.</p> <p>The purpose of this study was to perform a structured review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of MDCTA for the detection of in-stent restenosis in the coronary arteries.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A Pubmed and manual search of the literature on in-stent restenosis (ISR) detected on MDCTA compared with conventional coronary angiography (CA) was performed. Bivariate summary receiver operating curve (SROC) analysis, with calculation of summary estimates was done on a stent and patient basis. In addition, the influence of study characteristics on diagnostic performance and number of non-assessable segments (NAP) was investigated with logistic meta-regression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Fourteen studies were included. On a stent basis, Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.82(0.72–0.89) and 0.91 (0.83–0.96). Pooled negative likelihood ratio and positive likelihood ratio were 0.20 (0.13–0.32) and 9.34 (4.68–18.62) respectively. The exclusion of non-assessable stents and the strut thickness of the stents had an influence on the diagnostic performance. The proportion of non-assessable stents was influenced by the number of detectors, stent diameter, strut thickness and the use of an edge-enhancing kernel.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The sensitivity of MDTCA for the detection of in-stent stenosis is insufficient to use this test to select patients for further invasive testing as with this strategy around 20% of the patients with in-stent stenosis would be missed. Further improvement of scanner technology is needed before it can be recommended as a triage instrument in practice. In addition, the number of non-assessable stents is also high.</p

Kawasaki disease: a review with emphasis on cardiovascular complications

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis that is currently the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood in the United States. Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of morbidity, are responsible for virtually all deaths from KD and should be evaluated as soon as possible after the acute phase to establish the baseline status, in order to predict disease progression and determine adequate treatment. In selected patients, electrocardiography (ECG)-gated cardiac computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are valuable non-invasive techniques that can be used to help diagnose the cardiovascular complications associated with KD. In this article, we review the epidemiology, aetiology and pathogenesis, histopathology, clinical features, cardiovascular complications and imaging, focusing on the role of cardiac CT and MR on the initial assessment and follow-up of the cardiovascular complications of KD

The role of multi-slice computed tomography in stable angina management: a current perspective

Contrast-enhanced CT coronary angiography (CTCA) has evolved as a reliable alternative imaging modality technique and may be the preferred initial diagnostic test in patients with stable angina with intermediate pre-test probability of CAD. However, because CTCA is moderately predictive for indicating the functional significance of a lesion, the combination of anatomic and functional imaging will become increasingly important. The technology will continue to improve with better spatial and temporal resolution at low radiation exposure, and CTCA may eventually replace invasive coronary angiography. The establishment of the precise role of CTCA in the diagnosis and management of patients with stable angina requires high-quality randomised study designs with clinical outcomes as a primary outcome

Metabolic constituents of grapevine and grape-derived products

The numerous uses of the grapevine fruit, especially for wine and beverages, have made it one of the most important plants worldwide. The phytochemistry of grapevine is rich in a wide range of compounds. Many of them are renowned for their numerous medicinal uses. The production of grapevine metabolites is highly conditioned by many factors like environment or pathogen attack. Some grapevine phytoalexins have gained a great deal of attention due to their antimicrobial activities, being also involved in the induction of resistance in grapevine against those pathogens. Meanwhile grapevine biotechnology is still evolving, thanks to the technological advance of modern science, and biotechnologists are making huge efforts to produce grapevine cultivars of desired characteristics. In this paper, important metabolites from grapevine and grape derived products like wine will be reviewed with their health promoting effects and their role against certain stress factors in grapevine physiology

Evaluation of plaque characteristics in acute coronary syndromes: non-invasive assessment with multi-slice computed tomography and invasive evaluation with intravascular ultrasound radiofrequency data analysis

Aims Atherosclerotic plaque characteristics play an important role in the development of coronary events. We investigated coronary plaque characteristics on multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) and virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH IVUS) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and results Fifty patients (25 with ACS, 25 with stable CAD) underwent 64-slice MSCT followed by VH IVUS in 48 (96%) patients. In ACS patients, 32% of plaques were non-calcified on MSCT and 59% were mixed [corresponding odds ratio (95% confidence intervals): 3.9 (1.6-9.5), P = 0.003 and 3.4 (1.6-6.9), P = 0.001, respectively]. In patients with stable CAD, completely calcified lesions were more prevalent (61%). On VH IVUS, the percentage of necrotic core was higher in the plaques of ACS patients (11.16 +/- 6.07 vs. 9.08 +/- 4.62% in stable CAD, P = 0.02). In addition, thin cap fibroatheroma was more prevalent in ACS patients (32 vs. 3% in patients with stable CAD, P = 0.001) and was most frequently observed in mixed plaques on MSCT. Plaque composition both on MSCT and VH IVUS was identical between culprit and non-culprit vessels of ACS patients. Conclusion On MSCT, differences in plaque characterization were demonstrated between patients with ACS and stable CAD. Plaques of ACS patients showed features of vulnerability to rupture on VH IVUS. Potentially, MSCT may be useful for non-invasive identification of atherosclerotic plaque patterns associated with higher risk

Tratamento endovascular da reestenose carotídea: resultados em curto prazo Endovascular treatment of carotid artery restenosis: short term results

CONTEXTO: O tratamento cirúrgico da reestenose carotídea apresenta alta taxa de lesão neurológica. Contrariamente, o tratamento endovascular da doença obstrutiva carotídea extracraniana tem se tornado mais factível e gradualmente menores taxas de risco cirúrgico vêm sendo reportadas, tornando-se uma opção em situações especiais, e provavelmente poderá ser considerado o tratamento padrão para reestenose carotídea. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a aplicabilidade, a segurança e a eficácia da angioplastia com o uso do stent (ACS) no tratamento da reestenose carotídea (REC) no intraoperatório e no pós-operatório recente (<30 dias). MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos pacientes portadores de reestenose carotídea submetidos à angioplastia com stent no período de março 2000 a junho de 2004. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 19 pacientes com reestenose carotídea. Quatorze pacientes (74%) eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 74 anos. Quinze (79%) eram assintomáticos com estenose >80%, enquanto quatro (21%) eram sintomáticos com estenose >70%. Apenas em um paciente não foi utilizado sistema de proteção cerebral. O sucesso técnico foi obtido em todos os casos. Não houve morte ou acidente vascular encefálico no intra ou no pós-operatório recente (30 dias). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento endovascular da reestenose carotídea mostrou-se uma abordagem factível e segura em curto prazo<br>CONTEXT: The surgical treatment of carotid artery restenosis presents a high risk of nerve injury. On the contrary, endovascular treatment for extracranial carotid artery obstructive disease has become more feasible. Gradually, lower rates of surgical risk have been reported, which makes the treatment a good option in special situations. It may be considered as the standard treatment for carotid artery restenosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the applicability, safety, and efficacy of the angioplasty with the use of a stent (Carotid Artery Stenting - CAS) for the treatment of carotid artery restenosis, in the intraoperative and early (<30 days) postoperative period. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with carotid artery restenosis who have undergone stenting angioplasty from March 2000 to June 2004. RESULTS: Nineteen patients with carotid artery restenosis were analyzed. Fourteen (74%) patients were male, with a mean age of 74 years. Fifteen (79%) patients were asymptomatic, with stenosis >80%, whereas 4 (21%) were symptomatic with stenosis >70%. In only one patient a cerebral protection system was not used. Technical success was achieved in all cases. There was no death or stroke in the intraoperative or the early postoperative period (30 days). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of carotid artery restenosis seems to be a feasible and safe approach in the short ter