Non-valvular atrial fibrillation is associated with a significantly increased risk of embolic stroke due to blood clot forming predominantly in the left atrial appendage(LAA). Preventive measures to avoid embolic even...Non-valvular atrial fibrillation is associated with a significantly increased risk of embolic stroke due to blood clot forming predominantly in the left atrial appendage(LAA). Preventive measures to avoid embolic events are permanent administration of anticoagulants or surgical closure of the LAA. Various clinical trials provide evidence about safety, effectiveness and therapeutic success of LAA occlusion using various cardiac occluder devices. The use of such implants for interventional closure of the LAA is likely to become a valuable alternative for stroke prevention, especially in patients with contraindication for oral anticoagulation as safety, clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of LAA occlusion has recently been demonstrated.展开更多
Background Recurrence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy （TTC） is a well-known complication. However, current literature lists only a few isolated cases. We aimed to determine the incidence and clinical significance of rec...Background Recurrence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy （TTC） is a well-known complication. However, current literature lists only a few isolated cases. We aimed to determine the incidence and clinical significance of recurrent TTC. Methods ＆ Results Our institutional database constituted a collective of 114 patients diagnosed with TTC since 2003. Close follow-up of these patients revealed a recurrence of TTC in seven of these （6.1%）. The time interval between the index event and its recurrence varied between six months and six years. Arterial hypertension was more revealed in the recurrence group of TTC compared to non-recurrence group, （P = 0.02）. Chronic obstructive pulmo- nary disease and/or asthma was more diagnosed in the recurrence group, （P = 0.04）. Clinical events like fight ventficular involvement, TTC related complications such as life-threatening arrhythmias, pulmonary congestion and in hospital death were observed more frequently in the recurrent episode. Over a mean follow-up of one year the mortality rate was similar in both groups. Conclusions Recurrence of TTC within six years after index event is not an uncommon phenomenon. In the event of right ventricular involvement in the relapse phase, it might be associated with a higher complication rate. TTC recurrence should be the first differential diagnosis in patients with a past history of TTC.展开更多
BACKGROUND As a result of improved and novel treatment strategies,the spectrum of patients with cardiovascular disease is consistently changing.Overall,those patients are typically older and characterized by increased...BACKGROUND As a result of improved and novel treatment strategies,the spectrum of patients with cardiovascular disease is consistently changing.Overall,those patients are typically older and characterized by increased burden with comorbidities.Limited data on the prognostic impact of age in cardiogenic shock(CS)is available.Therefore,this study investigates the prognostic impact of age in patients with CS.METHODS From 2019 to 2021,consecutive patients with CS of any cause were included.The prognostic value of age(i.e.,60-80 years and>80 years)was investigated for 30-day all-cause mortality.Spearman’s correlations,Kaplan-Meier analyses,as well as multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses were performed for statistics.Subsequent risk assessment was performed based on the presence or absence of CS related to acute myocardial infarction(AMI).RESULTS 223 CS patients were included with a median age of 77 years(interquartile range:69-82 years).No significant difference in 30-day all-cause mortality was observed for both age-groups(54.6%vs.63.4%,log-rank P=0.169;HR=1.273,95%CI:0.886-1.831,P=0.192).In contrast,when analyzing subgroups stratified by CS-etiology,AMI-related CS patients of the group>80 years showed an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality(78.1%vs.60.0%,log-rank P=0.032;HR=1.635,95%CI:1.000-2.673,P=0.050),which was still evident after multivariable adjustment(HR=2.072,95%CI:1.174-3.656,P=0.012).CONCLUSIONS Age was not associated with 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with CS of mixed etiology.However,increasing age was shown to be a significant predictor of increased mortality-risk in the subgroup of patients presenting with AMI-CS.展开更多
Coronary angiography is considered to be the gold standard in the morphological evaluation of coronary artery stenosis. The morphological assessment of the severity of a coronary lesion is very subjective. Thus, the i...Coronary angiography is considered to be the gold standard in the morphological evaluation of coronary artery stenosis. The morphological assessment of the severity of a coronary lesion is very subjective. Thus, the invasive fractional flow reserve(FFR) measurement represents the current standard for estimation of the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery stenosis. The FFR-guided revascularization strategy was initially classified as a Class-IA-recommendation in the 2014 European Society of Cardiology/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines on myocardial revascularization. Both the Deferral vs Performance of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Functionally Non-Significant Coronary Stenosis and Flow Reserve vs Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation studies showed no treatment advantage for hemodynamically insignificant stenoses. With the help of FFR(and targeted interventions), clinical results could be improved; however, the use in clinical practice is still limited due to the need of adenosine administration and a significant prolongation of the length of the procedure. Instantaneous wave-free ratio(iFR~) is a new innovative approach for the determination of the hemodynamic significance of coronary stenosis, which can be obtained at rest without the use of vasodilators. Regarding the periprocedural complications as well as prognosis, iFR~ showed non-inferiority to FFR in the SWEDEHEART and DEFINE-FLAIR trials. Furthermore, iFR~, enhanced by iFR~-pullback, provides the possibility to display the iFR~-change over the course of the vessel to create a hemodynamic map.展开更多
The COMBO stent(OrbusNeich Medical BV,the Netherlands)is a stainless-steel platform with the biodegradable abluminal coating containing antiproliferative sirolimus(5 mg/mm)and the luminal stent surface covered with an...The COMBO stent(OrbusNeich Medical BV,the Netherlands)is a stainless-steel platform with the biodegradable abluminal coating containing antiproliferative sirolimus(5 mg/mm)and the luminal stent surface covered with anti-CD-34 antibody.The CD-34 antibodies essentially capture endothelial progenitor cells resulting in rapid re-endothelialization of the treated segment.展开更多
Background Takotsubo syndrome （TS） is an important cardiac disease that affects predominantly postmenopausal women. This study was conducted to determine the impact of age on the short- and long-term outcome of TS p...Background Takotsubo syndrome （TS） is an important cardiac disease that affects predominantly postmenopausal women. This study was conducted to determine the impact of age on the short- and long-term outcome of TS patients. Methods ＆ Results The data from a collective of 114 TS patients with a mean follow-up of 1591 ：E 1079 days was retrospectively analysed. The study population was divided into two groups （≤ 65 and 〉 65 years） so as to evaluate the impact of age on the short- and long-term mortality of TS patients. In-hospital eventslike life-threatening arrhythmias （14.58% vs. 9.09%; P = 0.036）, need for mechanical respiratory support （41.66% vs. 28.78%; P = 0.15） as well as inotropic agent use （22.91% vs. 15.15%; P = 0.29）, although not reaching the statistical cut-of, tended to occur more often in the younger group. Heart failure was more common in the elderly age group （P = 0.03）. The use of multivariate analysis ruled out age as a significant marker of long term mortality （HR： 1.0; 95% CI： 0.9-1.0; P = 0.60）. Conclusions Age does not influence the clinical course of TS in terms of the short- as well as long-term outcome. The study revealed a higher incidence of life threatening arrhythmias in the younger patient age-group and a higher incidence of heart failure among the older group of patients.展开更多
Research revealed that the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis(AS) not merely comprises of a mechanical wear and tear process yet that active biological processes, similar to those of coronary artery disease are involved,...Research revealed that the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis(AS) not merely comprises of a mechanical wear and tear process yet that active biological processes, similar to those of coronary artery disease are involved, a promising role for statins in disease-modifying therapy was suggested. However, recently, many prospective studies could not observe decreased progression nor regression of the disease. Here, we review the current knowledge on the pathomechanisms of AS and its similarities and differences with atherosclerosis. Moreover, we discuss whether there is still a place for statins in the treatment of particular AS patient subgroups.展开更多
Obesity used to be among the more neglected public health problems, but has unfolded as a growing medical and socioeconomic burden of epidemic proportions. Morbid obesity is linked to traditional cardiovascular risk f...Obesity used to be among the more neglected public health problems, but has unfolded as a growing medical and socioeconomic burden of epidemic proportions. Morbid obesity is linked to traditional cardiovascular risk factors like, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes, and suspected to incur increased morbidity and mortality in the Western and even third world populations. This patient cohort is also at greater risk to develop coronary artery disease. Recent population-based registries revealed that 43% and 24% of all cases of coronary revascularization were carried out in overweight and obese patients, respectively. However, despite evidence of a positive correlation between obesity and increased cardiovascular morbidity, some authors have described a better clinical outcome in overweight and obese patients, a phenomenon they coined "obesity paradoxon". Thus, there is an ongoing debate in light of conflicting data and the possibility of confounding bias causing misconception and challenging the "obesity paradox". In this review article we present the current evidence and throughly discuss the validity of the "obesity paradoxon" in a variety of clinical settings.展开更多
In a recent article published in Nature,Stewart and co-workers provide transformative insights into the mechanisms by which hair follicle stem cells(HFSCs)regulate apoptotic cell clearance to maintain tissue fitness.T...In a recent article published in Nature,Stewart and co-workers provide transformative insights into the mechanisms by which hair follicle stem cells(HFSCs)regulate apoptotic cell clearance to maintain tissue fitness.This study focuses on exploring how HFSCs adopt a temporary phagocytic role at precise moments and balance this duty with their regenerative functions,and identifying key molecules for stem cell sensing and engulfing apoptotic cells.展开更多
文摘Non-valvular atrial fibrillation is associated with a significantly increased risk of embolic stroke due to blood clot forming predominantly in the left atrial appendage(LAA). Preventive measures to avoid embolic events are permanent administration of anticoagulants or surgical closure of the LAA. Various clinical trials provide evidence about safety, effectiveness and therapeutic success of LAA occlusion using various cardiac occluder devices. The use of such implants for interventional closure of the LAA is likely to become a valuable alternative for stroke prevention, especially in patients with contraindication for oral anticoagulation as safety, clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of LAA occlusion has recently been demonstrated.
文摘Background Recurrence of takotsubo cardiomyopathy （TTC） is a well-known complication. However, current literature lists only a few isolated cases. We aimed to determine the incidence and clinical significance of recurrent TTC. Methods ＆ Results Our institutional database constituted a collective of 114 patients diagnosed with TTC since 2003. Close follow-up of these patients revealed a recurrence of TTC in seven of these （6.1%）. The time interval between the index event and its recurrence varied between six months and six years. Arterial hypertension was more revealed in the recurrence group of TTC compared to non-recurrence group, （P = 0.02）. Chronic obstructive pulmo- nary disease and/or asthma was more diagnosed in the recurrence group, （P = 0.04）. Clinical events like fight ventficular involvement, TTC related complications such as life-threatening arrhythmias, pulmonary congestion and in hospital death were observed more frequently in the recurrent episode. Over a mean follow-up of one year the mortality rate was similar in both groups. Conclusions Recurrence of TTC within six years after index event is not an uncommon phenomenon. In the event of right ventricular involvement in the relapse phase, it might be associated with a higher complication rate. TTC recurrence should be the first differential diagnosis in patients with a past history of TTC.
文摘BACKGROUND As a result of improved and novel treatment strategies,the spectrum of patients with cardiovascular disease is consistently changing.Overall,those patients are typically older and characterized by increased burden with comorbidities.Limited data on the prognostic impact of age in cardiogenic shock(CS)is available.Therefore,this study investigates the prognostic impact of age in patients with CS.METHODS From 2019 to 2021,consecutive patients with CS of any cause were included.The prognostic value of age(i.e.,60-80 years and>80 years)was investigated for 30-day all-cause mortality.Spearman’s correlations,Kaplan-Meier analyses,as well as multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses were performed for statistics.Subsequent risk assessment was performed based on the presence or absence of CS related to acute myocardial infarction(AMI).RESULTS 223 CS patients were included with a median age of 77 years(interquartile range:69-82 years).No significant difference in 30-day all-cause mortality was observed for both age-groups(54.6%vs.63.4%,log-rank P=0.169;HR=1.273,95%CI:0.886-1.831,P=0.192).In contrast,when analyzing subgroups stratified by CS-etiology,AMI-related CS patients of the group>80 years showed an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality(78.1%vs.60.0%,log-rank P=0.032;HR=1.635,95%CI:1.000-2.673,P=0.050),which was still evident after multivariable adjustment(HR=2.072,95%CI:1.174-3.656,P=0.012).CONCLUSIONS Age was not associated with 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with CS of mixed etiology.However,increasing age was shown to be a significant predictor of increased mortality-risk in the subgroup of patients presenting with AMI-CS.
文摘Coronary angiography is considered to be the gold standard in the morphological evaluation of coronary artery stenosis. The morphological assessment of the severity of a coronary lesion is very subjective. Thus, the invasive fractional flow reserve(FFR) measurement represents the current standard for estimation of the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery stenosis. The FFR-guided revascularization strategy was initially classified as a Class-IA-recommendation in the 2014 European Society of Cardiology/European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines on myocardial revascularization. Both the Deferral vs Performance of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Functionally Non-Significant Coronary Stenosis and Flow Reserve vs Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation studies showed no treatment advantage for hemodynamically insignificant stenoses. With the help of FFR(and targeted interventions), clinical results could be improved; however, the use in clinical practice is still limited due to the need of adenosine administration and a significant prolongation of the length of the procedure. Instantaneous wave-free ratio(iFR~) is a new innovative approach for the determination of the hemodynamic significance of coronary stenosis, which can be obtained at rest without the use of vasodilators. Regarding the periprocedural complications as well as prognosis, iFR~ showed non-inferiority to FFR in the SWEDEHEART and DEFINE-FLAIR trials. Furthermore, iFR~, enhanced by iFR~-pullback, provides the possibility to display the iFR~-change over the course of the vessel to create a hemodynamic map.
文摘The COMBO stent(OrbusNeich Medical BV,the Netherlands)is a stainless-steel platform with the biodegradable abluminal coating containing antiproliferative sirolimus(5 mg/mm)and the luminal stent surface covered with anti-CD-34 antibody.The CD-34 antibodies essentially capture endothelial progenitor cells resulting in rapid re-endothelialization of the treated segment.
文摘Background Takotsubo syndrome （TS） is an important cardiac disease that affects predominantly postmenopausal women. This study was conducted to determine the impact of age on the short- and long-term outcome of TS patients. Methods ＆ Results The data from a collective of 114 TS patients with a mean follow-up of 1591 ：E 1079 days was retrospectively analysed. The study population was divided into two groups （≤ 65 and 〉 65 years） so as to evaluate the impact of age on the short- and long-term mortality of TS patients. In-hospital eventslike life-threatening arrhythmias （14.58% vs. 9.09%; P = 0.036）, need for mechanical respiratory support （41.66% vs. 28.78%; P = 0.15） as well as inotropic agent use （22.91% vs. 15.15%; P = 0.29）, although not reaching the statistical cut-of, tended to occur more often in the younger group. Heart failure was more common in the elderly age group （P = 0.03）. The use of multivariate analysis ruled out age as a significant marker of long term mortality （HR： 1.0; 95% CI： 0.9-1.0; P = 0.60）. Conclusions Age does not influence the clinical course of TS in terms of the short- as well as long-term outcome. The study revealed a higher incidence of life threatening arrhythmias in the younger patient age-group and a higher incidence of heart failure among the older group of patients.
文摘Research revealed that the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis(AS) not merely comprises of a mechanical wear and tear process yet that active biological processes, similar to those of coronary artery disease are involved, a promising role for statins in disease-modifying therapy was suggested. However, recently, many prospective studies could not observe decreased progression nor regression of the disease. Here, we review the current knowledge on the pathomechanisms of AS and its similarities and differences with atherosclerosis. Moreover, we discuss whether there is still a place for statins in the treatment of particular AS patient subgroups.
文摘Obesity used to be among the more neglected public health problems, but has unfolded as a growing medical and socioeconomic burden of epidemic proportions. Morbid obesity is linked to traditional cardiovascular risk factors like, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes, and suspected to incur increased morbidity and mortality in the Western and even third world populations. This patient cohort is also at greater risk to develop coronary artery disease. Recent population-based registries revealed that 43% and 24% of all cases of coronary revascularization were carried out in overweight and obese patients, respectively. However, despite evidence of a positive correlation between obesity and increased cardiovascular morbidity, some authors have described a better clinical outcome in overweight and obese patients, a phenomenon they coined "obesity paradoxon". Thus, there is an ongoing debate in light of conflicting data and the possibility of confounding bias causing misconception and challenging the "obesity paradox". In this review article we present the current evidence and throughly discuss the validity of the "obesity paradoxon" in a variety of clinical settings.
基金supported by DZHK(German Center for Cardiovascular Research),the BMBF(German Ministry of Education and Research)(No.81Z0500204)the Hector foundation(M2401)and Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2022YFS0610).
文摘In a recent article published in Nature,Stewart and co-workers provide transformative insights into the mechanisms by which hair follicle stem cells(HFSCs)regulate apoptotic cell clearance to maintain tissue fitness.This study focuses on exploring how HFSCs adopt a temporary phagocytic role at precise moments and balance this duty with their regenerative functions,and identifying key molecules for stem cell sensing and engulfing apoptotic cells.
