Multimodality imaging approach in a case of vascular toxicity caused by cabozantinib

Vascular toxicity caused by cancer treatment can present as vasospasm, arterial thrombosis, and accelerated atherosclerosis. We report a case of a 60-year-old man with metastatic renal cell carcinoma under cabozantinib treatment for 3 years who presented to the hospital with relapsing episodes of rest angina. Due to the presence of ST depression in the 12-lead electrocardiogram and elevated troponin, a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction was suspected. The patient underwent invasive coronary angiography, which revealed extended coronary artery spasm, and it subsided totally after nitrate administration. One year later, the patient presented again at the cardio-oncology outpatient clinic, reporting relapsing episodes of angina during the previous month. Coronary computed tomography angiography was performed, and it revealed 2 subsequent 70%-99% stenosis in OM1. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a patient treated with cabozantinib presenting with coronary artery spasm and accelerated atherosclerosis, in which a multimodality imaging approach was followed.

Time-related aortic inflammatory response, as assessed with 18F-FDG PET/CT, in patients hospitalized with severely or critical COVID-19: the COVAIR study

AIM

Arterial involvement has been implicated in the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging is a valuable tool for the assessment of aortic inflammation and is a predictor of outcome. We sought to prospectively assess the presence of aortic inflammation and its time-dependent trend in patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

Between November 2020 and May 2021, in this pilot, case-control study, we recruited 20 patients with severe or critical COVID-19 (mean age of 59 ± 12 years), while 10 age and sex-matched individuals served as the control group. Aortic inflammation was assessed by measuring 18F-FDG uptake in PET/CT performed 20-120 days post-admission. Global aortic target to background ratio (GLA-TBR) was calculated as the sum of TBRs of ascending and descending aorta, aortic arch, and abdominal aorta divided by 4. Index aortic segment TBR (IAS-TBR) was designated as the aortic segment with the highest TBR.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in aortic 18F-FDG PET/CT uptake between patients and controls (GLA-TBR: 1.46 [1.40-1.57] vs. 1.43 [1.32-1.70], respectively, P = 0.422 and IAS-TBR: 1.60 [1.50-1.67] vs. 1.50 [1.42-1.61], respectively, P = 0.155). There was a moderate correlation between aortic TBR values (both GLA and IAS) and time distance from admission to 18F-FDG PET-CT scan (Spearman's rho = - 0.528, P = 0.017 and Spearman's rho = - 0.480, p = 0.032, respectively). Patients who were scanned less than or equal to 60 days from admission (n = 11) had significantly higher GLA-TBR values compared to patients that were examined more than 60 days post-admission (GLA-TBR: 1.53 [1.42-1.60] vs. 1.40 [1.33-1.45], respectively, P = 0.016 and IAS-TBR: 1.64 [1.51-1.74] vs. 1.52 [1.46-1.60], respectively, P = 0.038). There was a significant difference in IAS- TBR between patients scanned ≤ 60 days and controls (1.64 [1.51-1.74] vs. 1.50 [1.41-1.61], P = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study suggesting that aortic inflammation, as assessed by 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, is increased in the early post COVID phase in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 and largely resolves over time. Our findings may have important implications for the understanding of the course of the disease and for improving our preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Changes of RV-PC coupling during negative for myocardial ischemia dobutamine stress echocardiography

Background

Coupling between RV contractile function and pulmonary circulation (PC) reflects the comprehensive performance of the RV by integrating afterload and contractility. RV-PC coupling is nowadays frequently expressed by the non-invasively measured ratios TAPSE/RVSP and RVFWLS/RVSP. It has been shown that it decreases slightly during exercise, whereas no known data exist on how dobutamine does affect it.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in RV-PC coupling and RV mechanics during the different stages of dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in cases without known coronary artery disease (CAD) and negative for myocardial ischemia DSE.

Methods

Patients with a low-to-intermediate risk for CAD were referred for and underwent DSE. RV systolic function was evaluated with TAPSE, S' and RV Free Wall (RVFW) Strain. The non-invasively measured RV-PC coupling was evaluated by indexing TAPSE and RV free wall longitudinal strain to right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) during baseline echocardiogram, low dose (inotropic dobutamine effect) and peak dose (chronotropic effect) stages of DSE.

Results

Initially, a total of 53 patients underwent DSE. Eight patients had a positive for ischemia response and were excluded.

The remaining 45 patients {mean age 65±8.7, 28 (63%) male}, 24 (53%) had hypertension, 24 (53%) were smokers, 33 (74%) had dyslipidemia, 15 (34%) had family history of CAD and 7 (15%) had diabetes mellitus. TAPSE, S' and RVFW Strain increased from baseline to peak dose [23.55±2.91 vs 28.76±1.9 (p<0.001), 13.13±1.79 vs 23.83±4.87 (p<0.001) and 19.7±5.87 vs 23.46±5.42 (p=0.044) respectively].

TAPSE/RVSP showed a significant steady decrease between baseline and low dose (0.88±0.14 vs 0.79±0.19) and peak dose (0.88±0.14 vs 0.74±0.12) stages with a difference of 0.09 (p value 0.013) and 0.14 (p value 0.000) respectively. On the other hand, RVFW Strain/ RVSP exhibited a significant decrease (0.60±0.15, p value 0.000) only between baseline and peak dose.

There was no significant correlation of the change in TAPSE/RVSP with the change in E/E' or change in Systolic Blood Pressure.

Conclusions

RV-PC coupling decreases during negative for ischemia DSE independently of LV dynamic changes and therefore, future studies should be oriented to evaluate the incremental role of this novel index not only for the assessment and evaluation of myocardial ischemia and RV disease that affects RV coupling, but also as a prognostic marker for patients with no evident ischemia.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Time-related aortic inflammatory response, as assessed with 18F-FDG PET/CT, in patients hospitalized with severely or critical COVID-19

Aim

Arterial involvement has been implicated in the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging is a valuable tool for the assessment of aortic inflammation and is a predictor of outcome. We sought to prospectively assess the presence of aortic inflammation and its time-dependent trend in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Between November 2020 and May 2021, in this pilot, case-control study, we recruited 20 patients with severe or critical COVID-19 (mean age of 59±12 years), while 10 age and sex-matched individuals served as the control group. Aortic inflammation was assessed by measuring 18F-FDG uptake in PET/CT performed 20–120 days post-admission. Global aortic target to background ratio (GLA-TBR) was calculated as the sum of TBRs of ascending and descending aorta, aortic arch, and abdominal aorta divided by 4. Index aortic segment TBR (IAS-TBR) was designated as the aortic segment with the highest TBR.

Results

There was no significant difference in aortic 18F-FDG PET/CT uptake between patients and controls (GLA-TBR: 1.46 [1.40–1.57] vs. 1.43 [1.32–1.70], respectively, p=0.422 and IAS-TBR: 1.60 [1.50–1.67] vs. 1.50 [1.42–1.61], respectively, p=0.155). There was a moderate correlation between aortic TBR values (both GLA and IAS) and time distance from admission to 18F-FDG PET-CT scan (Spearman's rho=−0.528, p=0.017 and Spearman's rho=−0.480, p=0.032, respectively), Figure 1. Patients who were scanned less than or equal to 60 days from admission (n=11) had significantly higher GLA-TBR values compared to patients that were examined more than 60 days post-admission (GLA-TBR: 1.53 [1.42–1.60] vs. 1.40 [1.33–1.45], respectively, p=0.016 and IAS-TBR: 1.64 [1.51–1.74] vs. 1.52 [1.46–1.60], respectively, p=0.038). There was a significant difference in IAS-TBR between patients scanned ≤60 days and controls (1.64 [1.51–1.74] vs. 1.50 [1.41–1.61], p=0.036), Figure 2.

Conclusion

This is the first study suggesting that aortic inflammation, as assessed by 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, is increased in the early post-COVID phase in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 and largely resolves over time. Our findings may have important implications for the understanding of the course of the disease and for improving our preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effect of 1st line treatment on aortic inflammation as assessed by 18 FDG PET/CT in patients with Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Background

Despite advances in the treatment of oncology patients, therapy-related side effects may lead to premature morbidity among cancer survivors. Inflammatory activation that has been linked to cardiovascular disease is particularly crucial for the pathogenesis of both Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Objectives

To assess the vascular effects of chemotherapy in patients with HL and NHL by 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG PET/CT) and to investigate possible interactions with systemic inflammation as assessed by circulating inflammatory markers.

Methods

Between July 2015 and July 2019, sixty-five consecutive patients (37 males, mean age 56±17.8 years) with histologically confirmed new diagnosis of either HL (n=33) or NHL (n=32), were prospectively studied. PET/CT imaging was performed at baseline, at an interim phase and after 1st line treatment. Aortic FDG uptake was assessed by measuring global aortic TBR. Serum interleukin-6 (IL6) and interleukin-1b (IL1b) were measured at each phase for all patients and served as circulating inflammatory markers.

Results

Patients with HL demonstrated significant reduction in aortic TBR after 1st line treatment (aortic TBRbaseline=1.98, aorticTBR3rdscan=1.75, p=0.001, F=8.335), which remained significant after adjustment for 10-year cardiovascular risk (Framingham risk score), dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes (p=0.002, F=7.664). In contrast, patients with NHL did not demonstrate a significant aortic inflammation response (aortic TBRbaseline = 2.13, aorticTBR3rd scan=2.015, p=0.596, F=0.527), Figure 1. Regarding inflammatory markers, after 1st line treatment IL6 levels were reduced significantly in both HL and NHL groups (IL6baseline HL=3.25, IL6 post 1st line treatment HL=0.448, p=0.00; IL6baseline NHL=0.475, IL6 post 1st line treatment NHL=0.144, p=0.001); IL1b levels did not change significantly in either group, Table 1.

Conclusions

We demonstrate for the first time that aortic inflammation as assessed by 18-FDG PET-CT is reduced in HL patients after 1st line treatment but not in NHL patients. These findings imply that different pathophysiological pathways and different therapies might affect the arterial bed in different ways in lymphoma patients. Further, a strong potential role of molecular imaging in cardio-oncology emerges, offering valuable information on disease prognosis and progression with a single examination.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Hellenic Society of Hypertension

Smoking promotes vascular damage in apparently healthy men with low testosterone and increased subclinical inflammation

Background

Testosterone deficiency and increased inflammation are both associated with an unfavourable vascular profile. Aim of the study was to examine whether smoking significantly deteriorates the effect of these pathophysiological mechanisms on arterial wall properties.

Methods

Carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) were measured in 87 smokers and 112 aged-matched never smokers (mean age: 49±5 yrs) with no other cardiovascular (CV) risk factors/or manifest CV/atherosclerotic disease. Plasma total testosterone (TT) and high sensitivity reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were measured in the whole study population.

Results

Both smokers and never smokers were divided into four subgroups according to measured low or normal TT levels (low TT<3.5 ng/ml) and high or low hsCRP levels. BMI and LDL-C levels were not different between the subgroups. In smokers the four TT/CRP subgroups had comparable cumulative tobacco smoke exposure. In smokers the low TT/high CRP subgroup had significantly higher aPWV and cIMT compared to the three other subgroups (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively by ANOVA, figures A-B) while in never smokers the four TT/CRP subgroups had comparable aPWV and cIMT (all P>0.05, figures C-D). The differences in aPWV and cIMT measurements between TT/CRP subgroups in smokers remained statistically significant after adjustment for age.

Conclusions

The study shows that low TT combined with high CRP are associated with increased carotid IMT and aortic PWV in smokers with no other CV risk factors, while in never smokers the effect of combined low TT and high CRP concentration was not significant. Considering the predictive value of aortic stiffness and carotid thickness, the finding of this study imply interrelationships between tobacco cigarette smoke, subclinical inflammation and low testosterone level regarding changes in arterial wall properties.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Acute effects of COVID-19 vaccination on inflammatory, macrovasular and microvascular biomarkers

Purpose

To fight the COVID-19 pandemic, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines were the first to be adopted by vaccination programs worldwide. We sought to investigate the short-term effect of mRNA vaccine administration on endothelial function and arterial stiffness.

Methods

Thirty-two participants (mean age 37±8 years, 20 men) that received the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were studied in 3 sessions in a sequence-randomized, sham-controlled, assessor-blinded, cross-over design. Primary outcome was endothelial function assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and secondary outcomes were aortic stiffness, evaluated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), microvascular function that was estimated with hyperemic mean blood flow velocity (HMBFV) of the brachial artery, and inflammation measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukins (hsIL-6 and hsIL-1b) in blood samples. The outcomes were assessed prior to, and at 8h, 24h post the 1st dose of vaccination, and 8h, 24h and 48h post the 2nd.

Results

There was an increase in hsCRP that was apparent at 24h after both the 1st dose (−0.60 [95% Confidence intervals [CI]: −1.60 to −0.20], p=0.013) and the 2nd dose (max median difference at 48h −6.60 [95% CI: −9.80 to −3.40], p<0.001) compared to sham. Similarly, interleukins also increased. The vaccine did not change PWV. FMD remained unchanged during the 1st dose but decreased significantly by 1.5% (95% CI: 0.1% to 2.9%, p=0.037) at 24h post the 2nd dose (Figure). FMD values returned towards baseline at 48h. HMBFV remained unchanged during the 1st dose but at 48h post the 2nd dose was numerically lower than the sham procedure but the difference between the 2 sessions was not statistically significant (max mean difference at 48h 8.6 [95% CI: −0.6 to 17.8], p=0.067).

Conclusions

Our study shows that the mRNA vaccine causes a prominent increase in inflammatory markers, especially after the 2nd dose and a transient deterioration of endothelial function at 24h that returns towards baseline at 48h. These results confirm the short-term cardiovascular safety of the vaccine.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The effect of an mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 on endothelial function and arterial stiffness

To fight the COVID-19 pandemic, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines were the first to be adopted by vaccination programs worldwide. We sought to investigate the short-term effect of mRNA vaccine administration on endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Thirty-two participants (mean age 37 ± 8 years, 20 men) who received the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were studied in three sessions in a sequence-randomized, sham-controlled, assessor-blinded, crossover design. The primary outcome was endothelial function (assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD)), and the secondary outcomes were aortic stiffness (evaluated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV)) and inflammation (measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in blood samples). The outcomes were assessed prior to and at 8 h and 24 h after the 1st dose of vaccine and at 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h after the 2nd dose. There was an increase in hsCRP that was apparent at 24 h after both the 1st dose (-0.60 [95% confidence intervals [CI]: -1.60 to -0.20], p = 0.013) and the 2nd dose (maximum median difference at 48 h -6.60 [95% CI: -9.80 to -3.40], p < 0.001) compared to placebo. The vaccine did not change PWV. FMD remained unchanged during the 1st dose but decreased significantly by 1.5% (95% CI: 0.1% to 2.9%, p = 0.037) at 24 h after the 2nd dose. FMD values returned to baseline at 48 h. Our study shows that the mRNA vaccine causes a prominent increase in inflammatory markers, especially after the 2nd dose, and a transient deterioration of endothelial function at 24 h that returns to baseline at 48 h. These results confirm the short-term cardiovascular safety of the vaccine.

Dobutamine stress echocardiography during covid-19 pandemic: impact on volume and positivity rates in a tertiary hospital

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

The emergence of coronavirus 2019 infection (covid-19) was accompanied by severe social and economic restrictions and applied significant pressure to the healthcare systems. The first pandemic wave started in March to May 2020 and was characterized by the peak of confinement measures and lockdown application. The second wave started in September and peaked in November to December 2020 and was characterized by improved healthcare organization but significant burden for the hospitals and intensive care units. Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is used for evaluation of ischemia in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

Purpose

To compare DSE volume and positivity rates between 2019 and 2020 time periods in a department of a public tertiary hospital.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed DSE studies performed in our department in 2020 including the peak of covid-19 restrictions and compared the data to the 2019.

Results

Volume of DSE studies decreased from 1516 in 2019 to 996 in 2020 (-34.3%). The study volume reduction was greater in April (-93.7%) and May (-54.5%) when the covid-19 restrictions were at the peak. Great decreases were also recorded in November (-46.8%) and December (-53.5%) when the second wave of covid-19 disease emerged. Conversely, small increases were recorded in September (7.1%) and October (10.6%) (figure 1). Regarding positivity rates, a statistically non-significant increase was recorded (33.6% vs 34.2% in 2019 and 2020 respectively, p = 0.73). Interestingly a statistically significant increase in positivity levels was recorded during the period March to May 2020 compared to the same period of 2019 (44.7% vs 36.9%, p = 0.029). On the contrary, positivity rates were decreased at the period September to December (27.1% vs 34.2%, p = 0.019) (figure 2).

Conclusions

Volume of DSE studies was significantly reduced in 2020 when compared to 2019 during respective peaks of the pandemic and the accompanying restriction measures. Positivity rates were higher during the first pandemic wave, possibly due to decreased hospital attendance of mildly symptomatic patients in combination with stricter admission criteria at the emergency department. Lower positivity rates during the second pandemic wave possibly reflect an adjustment of both healthcare systems and patients to the new conditions imposed by the covid-19 pandemic. Abstract Figure 1  Abstract Figure 2

Arterial stiffness improves with effective chemotherapy in patients with lymphoma

Introduction

Arterial stiffness independently predicts cardiovascular risk and has been associated with the presence of inflammation. Chemotherapy-induced cardiac dysfunction is a major contributor to adverse morbidity and mortality rates in cancer patients. There is extensive literature describing the cardiotoxic effects of anti-cancer treatment on left ventricular systolic function, that may be the result of direct effects of the cancer treatment on heart function, or due to an indirect acceleration of atherosclerosis. However there is only little evidence regarding chemotherapy effects on arterial elastic properties. The gold standard for measuring arterial stiffness is carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and it is calculated as a function of transit time and distance of the pulse wave derived from the carotid and femoral arteries.

Purpose

Our aim was to investigate the effect of chemotherapy in aortic stiffness in patients with lymphoma, a malignancy with known high metabolic burden.

Methods

Sixty-six patients (22 male, mean age 56 years) with Hodgkin (n=34) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n=32) were enrolled in the study. Patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma underwent therapy with Doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD). The interim of their treatment was set at 1 to 3 days prior to initiating the 3rd chemotherapy cycle. Patients with non Hodgkin Lymphoma underwent therapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone+rituximab (R-CHOP). Blood pressure (BP) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-f PWV) were measured at baseline, interim and after completion of chemotherapy.

Results

Changes in systolic and diastolic BP from baseline, to interim phase and 6 weeks post therapy were insignificant (decrease by 3.87±1.37 mmHg p-0.277 and 3.05±0.92 mmHg p-0.422 respectively). Figure illustrates c-f PWV changes from baseline to interim and 6 weeks after completion of chemotherapy. As figure shows, c-f PWV progressively decreased at the interim phase and at 6–8 weeks after chemotherapy completion (by 0.37±0.14 m/s), (overall P-0.010, by ANOVA) The progressive decrease in c-f PWV remained statistically significant after adjustment for age, systolic BP and diabetes (F=5.173, P-0.009). Patients' baseline characteristics are demonstrated in table 1.

Conclusion

Carotid-Femoral PWV decreased at 6–8 weeks post chemotherapy in patients with lymphoma, suggesting that aortic elastic properties improve with chemotherapy in these patients. Considering that aortic stiffness increases due to systemic inflammation and that lymphomas are increased metabolic burden tumors, the significant improvement in arterial stiffness implies that the presence of inflammation caused by the malignancy may play a significant role in the arterial stiffness progression.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Discordance between plain coronary angiography and quantitative flow ratio in revascularization guidance

Background/Introduction

Functional coronary stenosis severity has been associated with less clinical adverse events compared with plain invasive coronary angiography in guiding revascularization. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) has proven to be a reliable tool of functional assessment of coronary lesions.

Purpose

To investigate the level of agreement between plain coronary angiography and QFR in guiding the decision to treat a coronary lesion.

Methods

We retrospectively performed an offline QFR analysis in consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography in a single center. Patients with referral for coronary artery bypass graft surgery were excluded. We aimed to measure QFR in all vessels of each patient. All vessels with calculated QFR were divided into four groups based on whether percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed and on the QFR result with a cut-off point &lt;0.8 indicating revascularization: Group A (PCI+, QFR &lt;0.8); group B (PCI−, QFR &gt;0.8); group C (PCI+, QFR &gt;0.8); group D (PCI−, QFR &lt;0.8) (Figure 1).

Results

We identified 785 patients with available coronary angiography satisfying the technical requirements of QFR software. QFR measurement in at least one vessel was feasible in 546 patients (70%). Mean age was 65.6 (±10.9) and 80% of patients were male. Acute coronary syndrome was the indication for coronary angiography in 36% of the cohort. QFR was calculated in 1193 vessels (∼51% of total vessels). In particular, QFR analysis was feasible in 448 (57%) left anterior descending (LAD), 457 (58%) left circumflex (LCX), and 288 (37%) right coronary arteries (RCA) coronary arteries. The most common reason for inability to calculate QFR was the absence of appropriate projections (30% of the missing cases). A mismatch in treatment strategy between coronary angiography and QFR result was detected in 151 (12.7%) vessels. In 78 (6.6%) cases PCI was performed while QFR was measured above 0.8 (group C). In 73 (6.1%) cases PCI was not performed while QFR was measured below 0.8 (Group D) (Figure 1). Among mismatch cases LAD was more likely to fall within group D whereas RCA was more often related with group C.

Conclusion

Discordance between plain coronary angiography and quantitative flow ratio regarding the decision to perform or to defer PCI was found in a relatively high proportion among patients undergoing coronary angiography. Prognostic evidence is warranted to determine the clinical significance of the mismatch between the two methods.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Alterations in lymphocyte subsets and monocytes in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: a mini review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Complete blood count parameters are frequently altered in COVID-19 patients. Leucopenia and lymphopenia are the most common findings. This is not specific to COVID-19 as similar alterations are found in various other viral infections. This work is intended to summarize the evidence regarding white blood cell and lymphocyte subset alterations in COVID-19 and their clinical implications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PubMed search was conducted to identify relevant original studies. Articles not available in English or referring exclusively to pediatric patients were excluded. The study was designed as a narrative review from its inception.

RESULTS

Complete white blood cell number and lymphocytes may be reduced in COVID-19 patients. Circulating CD4+ cells (helper T lymphocytes), CD8+ cells (cytotoxic T lymphocytes), regulatory T cells and natural killer (NK) cells may be reduced, with a greater reduction observed in critically ill patients. CD4+ and regulatory cell deficiencies may contribute to the cytokine storm and subsequent tissue damage observed in severe COVID-19 infection. NK and CD8+ cell deficiency might delay infection clearance. These aberrations of cellular immunity may contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of the disease. Alterations observed in monocyte function can also be implicated as they are effector cells responsible for tissue damage and remodeling. B cell dysfunction and maturation abnormalities have also been reported, suggesting that the virus also impairs humoral immunity.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphocyte subset abnormalities may be useful prognostic biomarkers for COVID-19, with circulating CD8+ cell count being the most promising as a predictor of severe disease requiring mechanical ventilation and mortality.

Prevalence and significance of mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 infection

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 is the causative factor of Coronavirus Disease 2019. Early in the pandemic, mediastinal lymphadenopathy was not considered to be a significant radiologic finding of the SARS-COV-2 disease. Nevertheless, most recent studies associate mediastinal lymphadenopathy with more severe COVID-19 disease and poorer patient outcomes.

Management of Hypertension and Blood Pressure Dysregulation in Patients with Parkinson's Disease-a Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review article was to summarize the cardiovascular and blood pressure profile regarding Parkinson disease patients and to provide an update on the recent advancements in the field of the diagnosis and management of blood pressure abnormalities in these patients. Our goal was to guide physicians to avoid pitfalls in current practice while treating patients with Parkinson disease and blood pressure abnormalities. For this purpose, we searched bibliographic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar) for all publications published on blood pressure effects in Parkinson disease until May 2020. Furthermore, we highlight some thoughts and potential perspectives for the next possible steps in the field.

RECENT FINDINGS

Blood pressure dysregulation in patients with Parkinson's disease has several implications in clinical practice and presents an ongoing concern. Compared with chronic essential hypertension, the syndrome of combined neurogenic orthostatic hypotension and supine hypertension in Parkinson's disease has received little attention. If left untreated, hypertension may lead to cardiovascular disease whereas hypotension may lead to fall-related complications, with tremendous impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. The effect of blood Epressure control and the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in Parkinson disease are largely unexplored. Blood pressure abnormalities in Parkinson disease present bidirectional relationship and the rationale for treating and controlling hypertension in persons with Parkinson disease and concurrent neurogenic orthostatic hypotension and/or supine hypertension is compelling. Further research is warranted in order to clarify the mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential reversibility of compromised cardiovascular function, in persons with Parkinson disease.

Aortic stiffness and incident diabetes: the hard, bittersweet truth

Background/Introduction

Aortic stiffness increases with advancing age and is a major risk factor for age-related morbidity and mortality. Aortic stiffness and glycaemic dysregulation are related; however, temporal relationships between aortic stiffness and incidence of diabetes have not been fully delineated.

Purpose

We sought to investigate the role of arterial stiffness in the prediction of incident diabetes.

Methods

376 untreated hypertensive patients (mean age 52.6±12.5 years, 201 males) without known cardiovascular disease and without known history of diabetes, were included in the study. Markers of subclinical organ damage [carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)] were evaluated in all patients. eGFR was estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and blood glucose were measured in venous blood samples. Patients were prospectively followed-up, for incidence of diabetes as defined by the American Diabetes Association criteria.

Results

During a median 13.5 years follow-up, forty-six patients (12.2%) patients were diagnosed with diabetes. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, only higher PWV (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.271, 95% Confidence intervals [CI]: 1.002–1.612, P=0.048) was associated with higher risk of incident diabetes, which was independent of age, sex, pulse pressure, HbA1c, fasting blood glucose and eGFR. In further analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the ability of PWV to discriminate subjects with diabetes. The area under the curve (AUC) and 95% CIs of the ROC curve was AUC=0.66 (95% CI: 0.58–0.74, P=0.001) for PWV (Figure 1).

Conclusions

In our cohort, higher aortic stiffness was associated with higher risk of incident diabetes.

Figure 1. ROC curve for the prediction of diabetes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Effect of smoking cessation with varenicline on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients

Purpose

The interaction between smoking and blood pressure (BP) is complex. Despite the strong association between cigarette smoking and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, there is paucity about the effect of pharmacotherapies for treating tobacco dependence on BP in already established arterial hypertension. Varenicline has been shown to be an effective and well-tolerated pharmaceutical intervention for smoking cessation. Aim of the study was to investigate the improvement in BP control in smokers with a diagnosis of hypertension who quit or reduced substantially their tobacco consumption by using varenicline and the association of nicotine dependence with BP changes.

Methods

A total of 89 (mean age:48±7, 52 males) regular smokers (28±9 pack-years) with a diagnosis of hypertension and on anti-hypertensive drugs were studied. All patients received low-intensity counseling and pharmacotherapy with varenicline (1 mg twice daily) for 12 weeks. Point prevalence smoking abstinence was defined by self-report of complete abstinence in the 7 days before the 12 week clinic visit (end of therapy). Office BP was measured at baseline and each follow-up visit (4 and 12 weeks) office BP. The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was used for assessing nicotine dependence. High nicotine dependence (ND) was defined as a FTND score ≥6.

Results

At 12 weeks, 60 (67%) patients were abstinent from smoking and 14 (16%) were non-abstainers who reduced daily consumption to 50% of baseline. The mean time interval between the initiation of treatment with varenicline and smoking abstinence was 1.8±0.6 weeks. There were not significant differences in age, baseline BP level, severity of nicotine dependence and total cigarette consumption (pack-years) between the two groups. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) decreased significantly in abstainers (by 7.2 and 5.5 mmHg at 12 weeks, P&lt;0.01 and P&lt;0.05, respectively) while the decrease in BP level in non-abstainers was minimal. Among patients with sustained tobacco abstinence, 18 were highly ND and 42 had mild and moderate ND. The two ND groups had similar age and BP levels at baseline. Changes in SBP and DBP from baseline in smokers with arterial hypertension between the two ND groups are illustrated in Figure. The observed reductions in SBP and DBP were significant (P&lt;0.05, both for SBP and DBP) when comparing the high ND group to the mild/moderate ND group at 12 weeks. No severe adverse reactions were reported with varenicline use throughout the entire follow-up duration.

Conclusion

Varenicline may help smokers with arterial hypertension under antihypertensive therapy to remain abstinent from tobacco cigarette smoking. A novel and important message of this study is also the substantial improvements in office SBP and DBP in highly nicotine dependent sustained tobacco abstainers.

ND-BP changes after varenicline therapy

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

The combined effect of Sacubitril-valsartan treatment on right ventricular function and cardiorespiratory response in patients with chronic heart failure

 

Cardiorespiratory response, right ventricular and global diastolic function is known to deteriorate the clinical course of patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), even under optimal treatment. In this work we sought to evaluate the impact of sacubitril/valsartan initiation in patients with chronic HFrEF in NYHA clinical status II-III, under optimal medical and invasive treatment. Methods 180 patients (85% male, mean age 62±9 years old, 60% ischemic heart failure, 73% with ICD, 45%with CRT and 45% with diabetes mellitus) in NYHA classification II-III-, who were prescribed Sacubitril-Valsartan were evaluated.

Clinical status, biochemical parameters, cardiorespiratory exercise response and bi-ventricular Doppler indices were evaluated at first visit and 6 months after. The pulsed tissue Doppler imaging of the systolic and diastolic function of mitral and tricuspid annulus was characterized by the systolic waves Smv and Stv, and the diastolic waves: Emv and Amv; E was the early filling wave in transmitral velocity. Left atrial maximal volume and global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle (GLPS) were measured. In cardiorespiratory exercise Vo2max, VE/VCO2 and Mets achieved were evaluated. All of them received b-blockers, 90% eplerenone or spironolactone, 25% ivabradine and 90% diuretic treatment. Seventy percent of them started with the dose of 50mg of sacubitril/valsartan; while 80% finally received the full dose of 200 mg bid. One third of them were on clinical status NYHA III.

Results

Eight of the patients discontinued the medication due to hypotension or renal function worsening. All patients expressed improvement in clinical status; while diuretic therapy was down titrated in all of them and discontinued in 30%. As compared with the initial examination, tricuspid annulus systolic wave velocity increased by 5% (p=0.04); maximum volume of left atrium was decreased by 6% (p=0.004); GLPS average was improved by 41% (p=0.001) and E/Emv ratio was decreased by 22% (p=0.04). Moreover, improvement in Stv was more prominent in DCM as compared to IHF patients; In cardio respiratory exercise VE/VCO2 decreased by 5% (p=0.05); while VO2 max showed a trend in improvement (p=0.06), with no difference detected between DCM and ICM patients; although there was a significant increase (47%) in METS achieved (p=0.02).

Conclusion

Sacubitril/valsartan initiation was associated with improved left diastolic function and right ventricular function, along with functional status improvement in patients with HFrEF. These finding underline the beneficial role of sacubitril/valsartan initiation on the hemodynamic course of patients with systolic heart failure and clinical status deterioration.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Combined effect of cigarette smoking and prediabetes on structural and functional changes of large arteries

Purpose

Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and prediabetes is associated with excess risks for adverse cardiovascular outcomes and death. Aim of this study was to explore whether smoking and prediabetes exert a synergistic unfavourable effect on functional and structural parameters of large arteries.

Methods

We measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), augmentation index (AIx) and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) in 407 individuals without known atherosclerotic disease (mean age: 52±8 years) categorized into four age-matched groups according to glucose metabolic and smoking status: Smokers with diabetes (n=68), Smokers with prediabetes (n=87), Non-smokers with prediabetes (n=98) and Non- smokers with normal fasting blood glucose (FBG) (n=154). Prediabetes was defined as impaired fasting glucose (100–125 mg/dL), impaired glucose tolerance (2-hour glucose level of 140–199 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test), or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 5.7% to 6.4%. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was measured in all patients.

Results

Systolic pressure, pulse pressure were increased and hsCRP levels were higher in smokers with diabetes compared to the three other groups (overall P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.01 and P&lt;0.05, respectively, ANOVA). The cumulative tobacco exposure (measured in pack-years) was similar between smokers with diabetes and smokers with prediabetes (45 pack-years). Figure 1 shows cfPWV, AIx and cIMT of the four groups. Interestingly, smokers with diabetes and smokers with prediabetes have similar mean cfPWV and cIMT and significantly higher values compared to non-smokers with prediabetes and non-smokers with normal FBG. The associations remained statistically significant even after adjusting for systolic pressure and hsCRP level. AIx was not different between the four study groups.

Conclusion

The combination of prediabetes and smoking is associated with higher cfPWV and cIMT values compared to prediabetes alone. The smokers with impaired glucose regulation have functional and structural alterations of large arteries similar to that of smokers with established diabetes. Considering the risk for developing prediabetes in relation to smoking status and the number of cigarettes smoked daily and the independent predictive value of assessing vascular changes in large arteries, the present findings may have important clinical and prognostic implications.

Figure 1. Smoking, prediabetes and vascular changes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

The effects of chemotherapy on arterial inflammation assessed by 18 FDG PET-CT in patients with Lymphoma

Introduction

Anti-cancer treatment can lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity among lymphoma survivors. This may be the result of direct effect of treatment on heart function, or indirect acceleration of atherosclerosis. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake is a sensitive and robust marker for assessment of atherosclerotic inflammation.

Purpose

To investigate the effects of chemotherapy on arterial inflammation using FDG-PET CT in patients with lymphoma.

Methods

Fifty nine (mean age 58±17 years) patients with Hodgkin (n=39) or non-Hodgkin lymphomas (n=20) underwent 18FDG PET-CT imaging at baseline, interim and after completion of chemotherapy as part of their routine protocol. Arterial inflammation was assessed by arterial target to background ratio (TBR) of the aortic wall along the entire aorta. The index vessel TBR (the vessel with the higher value at baseline) was used for assessment of arterial inflammation. Patients with Hodgkin Lymphomas (HL) underwent therapy with Doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD). The interim of their treatment was set at 1 to 3 days prior to initiating the 3rd chemotherapy cycle. Patients with non Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) underwent therapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone+rituximab (R-CHOP). The interim of their treatment was set at 2 weeks post the 4th chemotherapy cycle. All patients we reassessed 6 weeks after chemotherapy completion.

Results

There were no differences in age and atherosclerotic risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking), between the two groups (all P&gt;0.05). Similarly, there were no differences in mean (±SD) index vessel TBR between HL and NHL patients (2.4±0.7 vs 2.7±0.9, respectively, P=0.65). In the whole study population the index vessel TBR progressively decreased after the end of therapy (by 0.53±0.11, from baseline to 6 weeks following the end of therapies) (F=10.94, P&lt;0.001, ANOVA). The index vessel TBR decreased in both HL and NHL patients at 6 weeks after therapy compared to baseline level (all P&lt;0.01, ANOVA, figure). The decrease at the interim scan was more pronounced in NHL compared to HL patients, however at 6 weeks after chemotherapy completion the index vessel TBR decreased further in patients with HL, while it increased slightly compared to interim levels in NHL patients (figure 1).

Conclusion

Arterial inflammation is reduced during and post-chemotherapy in patients with lymphoma. The index vessel TBR changes at the interim phase and 6 weeks after therapy completion indicate a different effect of specific treatment regimes in arterial inflammation between HL and NHL patients.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Exploring functional and structural vascular changes in obesity: are metabolically healthy obese individuals really healthy?

Purpose

Aim of the study is to compare vascular function and structure parameters among middle-aged men with differences in body mass index (BMI) and metabolic status and to investigate whether obese individuals with a normal metabolic profile have a unhealthy vascular profile.

Methods

We measured carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) and brachial flow-mediated dilation (bFMD) in 141 obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2) and in 176 aged-matched men with normal BMI (&lt;25 kg/m2) individuals. All participants had no clinical manifestations or a history of atherosclerotic disease. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and total testosterone (TT) were measured in all patients.

Results

The two BMI groups were subdivided into subgroups according to presence/absence of abnormal metabolic profile (presence of major cardiovascular risk factors): Metabolically unhealthy obese (MeUO, n=114), metabolically healthy obese (MeHO, n=27), metabolically unhealthy with normal BMI (MeUN, n=122) and metabolically healthy with normal BMI individuals (MeHN, n=54). The four subgroups had similar age. Figure 1 shows the mean cIMT (left plot), cfPWV (middle plot) and bFMD (right plot) of the four subgroups. Carotid IMT and cfPWV is higher and bFMD is lower in metabolically unhealthy compared to individuals with a normal metabolic profile in both patients with obesity and subjects with normal BMI. Interestingly, the MeNO patients had significantly lower cIMT (P&lt;0.05) and cfPWV (P&lt;0.01) and higher bFMD (P&lt;0.01) level compared to MeUN individuals. However, as figure shows all measured vascular parameters were significantly impaired in MeNO patients compared to those of MeHN individuals. MeHO patients had comparable hsCRP and TT levels to those of MeUO and MeUN individuals denoting increased inflammatory activation and endogenous androgen deficiency.

Conclusions

MeHO which is a obesity phenotype that has created lot of debate is associated with a better vascular profile compared to MeUN status, however patients with MeHO have more impaired vascular function and structure parameters than MeHN individuals. This finding implies that even in the absence of overt metabolic aberrations, the MeHO profile may be associated with endothelial dysfunction, increased aortic stiffness and thickness of the carotid arterial wall.

Figure 1. BMI, metabolic status and vascular changes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Aortic wall stiffness as a side-effect of anti-cancer medication

Introduction: Malignancies and cardiovascular disease are the two leading causes of mortality worldwide. There is a growing concern that anti-cancer drugs may lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity among cancer survivors. This may be the result of direct effects of the cancer treatment on heart function, or due to an indirect acceleration of atherosclerosis.Areas covered: We searched two bibliographic databases [PubMed, Scopus] and one full-text database (Google Scholar) for publications on chemotherapy and arterial stiffness since 1970. Anthracyclines, alkylating agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors seem to affect arterial elastic properties. These effects can be non-reversible and may appear after treatment termination. Monoclonal antibodies may induce either a temporary increase or no change on arterial stiffness of patients with malignancies. Anti-microtubule agents and antimetabolites have not been extensively studied so far.Expert opinion: This literature review suggests that certain anticancer medications may impair arterial stiffness, and that assessment of arterial elastic properties before and after initiation of anti-neoplasmatic therapy may be clinically useful in order to develop protective strategies against chemotherapy-induced vascular effects. Further research is warranted to confirm the effects of anti-cancer agents on arterial stiffness, as well as their potential clinical implications. Future research lies in finding new targeted biomarkers identifying arterial stiffness such as micro RNAs while imaging techniques could also be implemented in assessment of vascular toxicity.

P4467PCSK9 and Lp(a) levels of children born after assisted reproduction technologies: results from a pilot study

Background

Since the introduction of Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) in clinical practice several studies have addressed concerns regarding the long-term health of the offspring and have revealed indications of an adverse cardiovascular/cardiometabolic outcome. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) levels have been associated with cardiovascular risk.

Purpose

To investigate PCSK9 and Lp(a) levels of children born after ART compared with naturally conceived (NC) controls.

Methods

In this case-control study, 73 sex- and age-matched children (mean age 98±35 months) of ART (intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]: n=33, classic in vitro fertilization [IVF]: n=40) and 73 NC children were assessed. Blood lipid profile, including PCSK9 and Lp(a) levels, was measured. Children were grouped according to age (<8 years, 8–10 years, ≥10 years).

Results

In the univariate model of the overall population, circulating PCSK9 levels were related to total cholesterol (r=0.186, P=0.025), LDL-C (r=0.180, P=0.029) and SBP (r=0.199, P=0.021). Similarly, circulating Lp(a) levels were related to age (r=0.269, P=0.001), apoB (r=0.214, P=0.01), birth weight (r=−0.183, P=0.037), height (r=0.263, P=0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (r=−0.350, P<0.001), HOMA-IR (r=0.319, P<0.001), insulin (r=0.316, P<0.001), and hsCRP (ρ=0.241, P=0.018). No significant differences were observed regarding lipid biomarkers between ART and NC children. (p=0.515 for PCSK9 and p=0.277 for Lp(a) values). It is noteworthy that a significant interaction was found between age groups and conception method (P<0.001) showing that PCSK9 levels increase with age in ART children, while they decline with age in NC offspring (Figure 1). IVF children showed higher levels of adjusted mean Lp(a) than ICSI (13.5 vs. 6.8 mg/dl, P=0.010) and NC children (12.3 vs. 8.3 mg/dl, P=0.048).

Mean LogPCSK9 concentrations with the st

Conclusions

PCSK9 and Lp(a) levels did not differ between ART and NC children. Nonetheless, PCSK9 levels increase with age in ART children indicating a gradual deterioration of lipidemic profile that could lead to increased cardiovascular risk. Moreover, our results imply that ART method may be of importance given that classic IVF is associated with higher levels of Lp(a). The impact of the method of conception on PCSK9 and Lp(a) values should be validated in larger patient series.

P4394Two-year therapeutic effectiveness of pharmacotherapy versus electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation: A single-center experience

Purpose

Aim of this study is to compare the long-term (2-year) effectiveness of e-cigarettes (EC) vs pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.

Methods

We analyzed data from 173 smokers visiting our unit from January 2012 to December 2016 followed for two years. Of them, 128 were treated with varenicline for 3 months and 45 used EC for 3 months to quit smoking.

Results

There were not significant differences in severity of nicotine dependence and cigarette consumption (pack-years) between the two groups. Compared to smokers under varenicline therapy, EC users were younger (38±7 vs 49±12 years, P<0.01). The two groups had no gender difference and similar prevalence of traditional risk factors and coronary artery disease. Figure shows the smoking abstinence rates at the end of treatment period (3 months) and the continuous abstinence rates at 2 years. At the end of treatment period, 79 (62%) of subjects under therapy with varenicline were abstinent from smoking while 31 (69%) of individuals using EC did not smoke combustile cigarettes 3 months after the initiation of vaping. The continuous abstinence rates at 2 years was significantly higher among individuals treated with varenicline compared to EC (41% vs 24%, P<0.05). Interestingly, at 2 years, 12 EC users (27%) continued vaping alone and 21 (47%) were dual (EC and tobacco cigarette) users.

EC vs varenicline and smoking abstinence

Conclusions

Our preliminary data indicate that smokers who received varenicline had significantly higher continuous abstinence rates compared to individuals who used EC at a 2-year follow-up. Furthermore, almost half of the later group maintained dual use.

P3363Severity of lymphoma is associated with aortic FDG uptake assessed by FDG PET/CT imaging

Introduction

There is increasing evidence that metabolic disease burden in lymphoma modifies patients' outcome. However, the impact of disease severity on cardiovascular system remains unknown.

Purpose

To investigate whether lymphoma is associated with arterial inflammation by examining the relationship between disease burden and arterial F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake assessed by positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin sub-types.

Methods

Sixty-two patients (43 male, mean age 58±18 years) with Hodgkin (n=29) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n=33) underwent FDG PET/CT imaging before chemotherapy. Disease severity was quantified by total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) that represents the volume exhibiting standard uptake values (SUV) ≥41% or ≥2.5 of maximum SUV within lymphoma regions, while aortic FDG uptake assessment was based on target-to-background ratio (TBR). Serum high sensitivity-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood count (WBC), ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (N/L), albumin and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) values were recorded in all the patients.

Results

TMTV measurements correlated significantly with hs-CRP, WBC, N/L ratio, albumin and LDH. (Table) Patients with advanced stage disease (III-IV) had higher aortic TBR values compared to those with stage I-II disease (median 2.19 interquartile range (1.96–2.54) vs. 2.04 (1.83–2.15) p=0.046 respectively). Aortic TBR was related with N/L ratio (R=0.370, p=0.009), while no significant correlation was observed with either WBC or hs-CRP values (p=0.930 and p=0.296, respectively). There were significant associations between aortic TBR uptake and TMTV values even after adjustment for age, sex, LDH, albumin, N/L ratio, as well as for the number of cardiovascular risk factors of each patient (β=0.353, p=0.001, adjusted R2=0.318 for TMTV41%, β=0.442, p=0.001, adjusted R2=0.269 for TMTV2.5).

Table 1. Pearson correlation between indices of lymphomas' severity and serum biomarkers PET derived measurements Hs-CRP P-value Neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio P-value MTV41% 0.306 0.016 0.317 0.026 MTV2.5 0.312 0.013 0.389 0.006 Albumin LDH MTV41% −0.281 0.044 0.465 <0.001 MTV2.5 −0.419 0.002 0.616 <0.001

Conclusions

Aortic wall FDG uptake is related with disease severity and subtype of lymphoma indicating a vascular effect of lymphoma, as well as a new potential role of molecular imaging in cardio-oncology by evaluation of disease severity and its consequences to vascular beds with a single examination.

Clinical significance of pleural effusions and association with outcome in patients hospitalized with a first episode of acute pericarditis

The clinical significance of pleural effusions (PLEs) in the setting of acute pericarditis remains poorly investigated. We sought to identify predictive factors for PLEs and their association with the short- and long-term prognosis of patients with acute pericarditis. We enrolled 177 patients hospitalized with a first episode of acute pericarditis. In all cases an extensive clinical, biochemical, and diagnostic work-up to detect PLEs and establish etiological diagnosis was performed. All patients included were prospectively followed for a maximum of 18 months (median 12, range 1-18) and complications were recorded. PLEs were detected in n = 94 cases (53.1% of the cohort; bilateral 53.2%, left-sided 28.7%, right-sided 18.1%) and were strongly associated with c-reactive protein (CRP) levels at admission (rho = 0.328, p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors for PLEs were female gender (OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.03-5.83), age (per 1-year increment OR = 1.030, 95% CI 1.005-1.056), CRP levels (per 1 mg/L increment OR = 1.012, 95% CI 1.006-1.019) and size of pericardial effusion (per 1 cm increment, OR = 1.899, 95% CI 1.228-2.935). Bilateral PLEs were associated with increased risk for in-hospital cardiac tamponade (OR = 7.52, 95% CI 2.16-26.21). There was no association of PLEs with new onset atrial fibrillation or pericarditis recurrence during long-term follow-up (χ2 = 0.003, p = 0.958). We conclude that PLEs are common in patients hospitalized with a first episode of acute pericarditis. They are related to the intensity of inflammatory reaction, and they should not be considered necessarily as a marker of secondary etiology. Bilateral PLEs are associated with increased risk of in-hospital cardiac tamponade, but do not affect the long-term risk of pericarditis recurrence.

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 mRNA levels strongly correlate with the prognosis of myelodysplastic syndromes

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) has a central role in the repair of DNA breaks and is a promising treatment target in malignancy. We measured PARP1 mRNA levels by a SYBR-green-based PCR in the bone marrow of 74 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and correlated them to their demographic, hematologic and prognostic characteristics. The median PARP1 mRNA levels were correlated to the type of MDS (2008/2016 WHO classification, P=0.005) and to the IPSS score (P=0.002). A correlation was also found with the IPSS-R score (P=0.011) and the cytogenetic risk (P=0.008). In all cases, higher PARP1 levels were correlated with a higher risk category. Moreover, we found a significant survival disadvantage for patients with high PARP1 levels (median survival of 37.4 months versus ‘not reached’ for low PARP1 levels, P=0.0001, and a 5-year survival rate of 29.8 versus 88.9%, respectively). PARP1 mRNA levels were found to be the stronger predictor of survival in multivariate analysis. These correlations have never been reported in the past and may render PARP1 a prognostic factor to be incorporated in the current prognostic systems for MDS, also laying the basis for clinical trials evaluating PARP1 inhibitors in higher-risk MDS.

Magnetic resonance imaging and image analysis of post - radiation changes of bone marrow in patients with skeletal metastases

PURPOSE

To evaluate the post-radiation lesions of the bone marrow with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and image analysis in patients with bone metastases undergoing radiation therapy (RT).

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with bone metastases were studied from June 2008 to December 2010. All patients had osseous metastases from various primary malignancies and underwent palliative RT. MRI was performed in a Philips Gyroscan Intera 1T scanner at the beginning of RT and 12-18 days later. T1-TSE, T2-TSE and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences were used. All images obtained were evaluated for early post-radiation lesions. Additionally, 1st and 2nd order textural features were extracted from these images and were introduced into a probabilistic neural network (PNN) classifier in order to create an automated classification system for those lesions.

RESULTS

Changes of signal intensity in T1-TSE, T2-TSE and STIR sequences were evaluated for the presence of edema, fatty conversion of the bone marrow or areas of hemorrhage within the limits of the irradiated area. The automated classification system showed positive results in correctly discriminating the post-radiation lesions that MRI revealed. The overall classification accuracy for discriminating between pre-radiation and post-radiation lesions was 93.2%. Furthermore, the overall classification accuracy for discriminating between post-radiation lesions was 86.67%.

CONCLUSION

It seems that MRI can evaluate the degree of early therapy-induced bone marrow lesions observed during the first 18 days from the beginning of RT. The proposed neural network-based classification system might be used as an assisting tool for the characterization of these lesions.

MRI investigation for neurofibromatosis type 1 lesions during pregnancy--a case report

BACKGROUND

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that causes tumor growth on the nerves, skin changes and bone deformities, and it is reported to be associated with adverse perinatal outcome in pregnant women.

CASE

We report a case of MRI investigation of a pregnant woman with a known NF1 disease who showed exacerbation of skin lesions during pregnancy. No dangerous lesions that could compromise pregnancy outcome were detected, thus allowing the pregnancy to continue to term uneventfully.

CONCLUSION

MRI has strong indications for the follow-up of pregnant patients with neurofibromatosis as it can detect lesions that can serve as risk factors for pregnancy complications.

Quantitative evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities in subclinical hepatic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Cirrhotic patients often demonstrate high signal intensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MRI) images in basal ganglia with accumulation of manganese being the predominant causing factor. In these patients, electrophysiological tests and especially electroencephalogram (EEG) are considered to be the most sensitive methods in detection of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy. The aim of this study is to correlate MRI findings with biochemical parameters and EEG alterations in cirrhotic patients without clinically overt encephalopathy.

METHODOLOGY

Twenty-two cirrhotic patients (16 males and 6 females, mean age of 65.2 +/- 9.5 years), classified according to Child-Pugh score, were submitted to brain MRI, neurological assessment (including psychometric tests and EEG) and complete biochemical testing. None of them had any clinical signs of brain dysfunction. MRI findings were evaluated both qualitatively (normal, mild, moderate and severe) and quantitatively with the ROI method. EEG alterations were also classified as normal, mild, moderate and severe.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis revealed a significant linear association between EEG grading and MRI signal intensity (r2=0.248, p=0.035). Among clinical and biochemical parameters, overall Child-Pugh score and albumin levels were identified as significant predictors of the MRI signal intensity (p=0.006 and p=0.021 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Although further investigation must be performed to confirm the clinical impact of brain MRI in hepatic cirrhosis, our study strongly suggests that MRI alterations are good predictors of liver and brain dysfunction in cirrhotic patients.

Multiple spinal epidural abscesses extending to the whole spinal canal

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare life-threatening disease mostly affecting patients with an altered immune system. It presents as a sequela of adjacent infection or hematogenous spread. MRI is the method of choice in evaluating patients with suspected SEAs and should always include the whole spinal canal, excluding the exceedingly rare possibility of multiple epidural collections. We present a rare case of a patient with no predisposing factors suffering from multiple SEAs, extending to the whole spinal canal.

Simple (non-parasitic) liver cysts: clinical presentation and outcome

Non-parasitic hepatic cysts are frequent and usually asymptomatic. Investigation must differentiate from parasitic or neoplastic cysts. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and serology do not always ensure a definitive diagnosis, where as other diagnostic methods offer little assistance. Symptoms, complications or uncertain diagnosis make treatment necessary. Various techniques have been used in management of non-parasitic hepatic cysts. Both surgical and recent minimally invasive methods such as laparoscopy and percutaneous aspiration with sclerotherapy are discussed and evaluated. Treatment of choice or indications for each method remains a controversial subject that requires further study.

Evaluation of an anatomical filter-based exposure equalization technique in mammography

An anatomical filter-based exposure equalization technique in mammography is clinically evaluated. An observer performance comparative study, between this technique and the conventional one, is carried out on the basis of the visualization of six anatomical features situated at the breast periphery. The effect of parenchymal breast patterns and compressed breast thickness in the visualization of these features is studied. 533 craniocaudal mammograms were interpreted by two radiologists independently, using a five-point rating scale. Use of the Wilcoxon ranking test for unpaired data shows statistically highly significant improvement (p < 0.0001) in the visualization of the nipple, areola, skin and subcutaneous fat in all cases, for the equalization technique. The improvement is dependent on parenchymal breast patterns and compressed breast thickness for peripheral Cooper's ligaments and peripheral surface veins. In the case of total fatty replacement and/or thin breasts neither technique seems to be superior (p > 0.05) with respect to these two features. Clinical results indicate the value of this technique in clinical routine.

Comparison of somatomedin-C (SMC/IGF-I), human placental lactogen and Doppler velocimetry between appropriate and small-for-gestational-age pregnancies

Thirty-two pregnant women with small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses and 45 pregnant women with appropriate-for-gestional-age (AGA) fetuses (controls) were recruited after the 32nd week of gestation. Blood samples were collected for estimation of somatomedin-C (SMC/IGF-I) and hPL in the maternal serum and in the umbilical cord serum. The systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio of the umbilical artery was also recorded. The results showed somatomedin-C and hPL levels in the maternal serum and in the umbilical cord to be significantly decreased and the Doppler S/D ratio to be significantly increased in the SGA group. In this group, using the multivariable regression analysis, we found significant correlations between maternal hPL, somatomedin-C, Doppler S/D ratio and birth weight.

Advanced non-small cell lung cancer chemotherapy: a randomized trial of two active regimens (MVP and PE)

The treatment of advanced or metastatic NSCLC remains a controversial issue and cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy is by far the most common treatment. Two of these cisplatin-based standard combinations, MVP and PE, were compared in this study in order to evaluate their response rates and survival times. Eighty-five previously untreated NSCLC patients were randomly selected to receive either MVP or PE and 72 of these patients were eligible for evaluation for response rate and survival. Response rates for MVP were: CR 11%, PR 35%, SD 19% and PD 35% and for PE: CR 0%, PR 26%, SD 22% and PD 52%. The median survival time was 9.7 months for MVP and 6.9 months for PE. Both schedules were well tolerated. The administration of MVP in advanced NSCLC resulted in superior response rates and survival times over those produced by PE.