The Challenges and Prospects in Clinical Cardiology and Angiology

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Cardiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 6289

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Internal and Subintensive Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
Interests: endothelial cells; atherosclerosis; endothelial progenitor cells; deep vein thrombosis; pulmonary embolism; cardiovascular regenerative medicine; sepsis and septic shock
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Interests: antithrombotic treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating the continuous exploration of innovative diagnostic techniques, treatment strategies and preventive measures.

This Special Issue aims to delve into the multifaceted landscape of challenges and prospects that shape the practice of clinical cardiology and angiology in today's medical landscape. From the evolving understanding of complex pathophysiological mechanisms to the development of innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions, this collection of articles seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of clinical cardiology and angiology.

In this Special Issue, renowned experts and researchers will contribute their insights on a range of topics, including the identification and management of risk factors, breakthroughs in non-invasive imaging techniques, personalized approaches to treatment and the integration of digital health technologies in cardiovascular practice. By addressing these challenges head-on and exploring potential future directions, this collection aims to foster a deeper understanding of the dynamic field of cardiology and angiology, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced cardiovascular care.

We are seeking original research, reviews, case studies, clinical trials and opinion pieces exploring challenges and prospects in clinical cardiology and angiology. Innovative diagnostics, treatments, translational research and healthcare delivery topics are welcome, contributing to advancements in cardiovascular and vascular care.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in JCM.

Dr. Vincenzo Zaccone
Dr. Giulio Francesco Romiti
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • cardiology
  • angiology
  • cardiovascular diseases
  • vascular health
  • diagnostic techniques
  • treatment strategies
  • translational research

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Right vs. Left Radial Access in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Impact on Silent Cerebral Ischemia
by Abdulkadir Kara, Korhan Soylu, Ufuk Yildirim, Muhammet Uyanik, Metin Coksevim and Bahattin Avci
Medicina 2024, 60(8), 1193; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60081193 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 717
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Silent cerebral ischemia (SCI) is defined as a condition that can be detected by biochemical markers or cranial imaging methods but does not produce clinical symptom. This study aims both to compare the frequency of SCI in PCIs performed [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Silent cerebral ischemia (SCI) is defined as a condition that can be detected by biochemical markers or cranial imaging methods but does not produce clinical symptom. This study aims both to compare the frequency of SCI in PCIs performed with right transradial access and left transradial access and to evaluate the influencing factors. Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-center study included 197 patients undergoing PCI via transradial access between November 2020 and July 2022. The patients were categorized into right radial and left radial groups. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) values were measured and recorded before and 18 h after the procedure. A post-procedure NSE level higher than 20 ng/dL was defined as SCI. Results: SCI occurred in 60 of the 197 patients. NSE elevation was observed in 37.4% (n = 37) of the right radial group and in 23.5% (n = 23) of the left radial group (p = 0.032). Patients with SCI had higher rates of smoking (p = 0.043), presence of subclavian tortuosity (p = 0.027), and HbA1c (p = 0.031). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the level of EF (ejection fraction) (OR: 0.958 95% CI 0.920–0.998, p = 0.039), right radial preference (OR: 2.104 95% CI 1.102–3.995 p = 0.023), and smoking (OR: 2.088 95% CI 1.105–3.944, p = 0.023) were observed as independent variables of NSE elevation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PCI via right radial access poses a greater risk of SCI compared to left radial access. Anatomical considerations and technical challenges associated with right radial procedures and factors such as smoking and low ejection fraction contribute to this elevated risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges and Prospects in Clinical Cardiology and Angiology)
18 pages, 911 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Cardiovascular Comorbidities in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
by Marius Rus, Adriana Ioana Ardelean, Claudia Judea Pusta, Simina Crisan, Paula Marian, Liliana Oana Pobirci, Veronica Huplea, Alina Stanca Osiceanu, Gheorghe Adrian Osiceanu, Felicia Liana Andronie-Cioara and Madalina Ioana Guler
Medicina 2024, 60(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010038 - 25 Dec 2023
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is two times higher compared to the general population. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine which cardiovascular complications can appear in men [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is two times higher compared to the general population. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine which cardiovascular complications can appear in men vs. women with rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis and initiation of therapeutic measures to reduce the progression rate of rheumatoid arthritis, while also maintaining an active lifestyle, are the most important problems in young patients. Materials and Methods: We included a number of 200 patients, divided into two groups according to gender (124 women and 76 men) with rheumatoid arthritis, presenting various stages of disease concomitant with cardiovascular complications. We assessed traditional and non-traditional risk factors, as well as electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings in both groups. Results: All patients presented an atherogenic coefficient over two, indicating a significant risk of atherogenesis. Men had elevated levels of total cholesterol compared with women (≥200 mg/dL; 77.6%—men vs. 25.8%—women, p < 0.001). The participants presented cardiac arrhythmias, especially in the active stage of RA. Women had an increased risk of atrial fibrillation by 2.308 times compared to men (p = 0.020). One of the most important complications found in young women was pulmonary arterial hypertension (p = 0.007). Conclusions: In daily clinical practice, the screening of RA is carried out in sufficiently. This disease is often undiagnosed, and the risk factors remain unassessed. As a result, RA patients continue to present an increased risk of developing CVD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges and Prospects in Clinical Cardiology and Angiology)
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9 pages, 1912 KiB  
Article
Echo Intensity of Gastrocnemius Is Independently Associated with 6-Minute Walking Distance in Male Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease
by Satoshi Yuguchi, Yusuke Ochi, Yukari Sagata, Mitsuhiro Idesako, Shino Maeda, Ryoma Asahi and Masahito Taniguchi
Medicina 2023, 59(11), 1894; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina59111894 - 26 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1315
Abstract
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the differences in the thickness and echo intensity (EI) of the gastrocnemius muscle measured via ultrasonography between healthy adults and patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and to determine the associations of gastrocnemius thickness [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the differences in the thickness and echo intensity (EI) of the gastrocnemius muscle measured via ultrasonography between healthy adults and patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and to determine the associations of gastrocnemius thickness (GT) and EI within a 6 min walking distance (6MD) in patients with PAD. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted 35 male patients with PAD (mean age, 73.7 years; mean body mass index [BMI], 23.5 kg/m2) and age- and gender-matched 73 male healthy adults (mean age, 73.2 years; mean BMI, 23.3 kg/m2). The gastrocnemius thickness (GT) and EI were measured using ultrasound. Both legs of patients with PAD were classified based on higher and lower ankle brachial pressure index (ABI), and the GTs and EIs with higher and lower ABI were compared with those of healthy adults. Multiple regression analysis incorporated 6MD as a dependent variable and each GT and EI with higher and lower ABI, age, and BMI as independent variables. Results: This study showed that GT was considerably greater in healthy adults than in both legs with higher and lower ABI (median values, 13.3 vs. 11.3 vs. 10.7, p < 0.01), whereas EI was lower in healthy adults than in the lower ABI leg (72.0 vs. 80.8 vs. 83.6, p < 0.05). The 6MD was shown to be substantially related to EI in both legs with higher and lower ABIs (p < 0.01) but not in the GT. Conclusions: In patients with PAD, the GT was lower, and EI was higher than in healthy adults. In addition, EIs in both legs with higher and lower ABIs were independently associated with 6MD in male PAD patients. This study showed that the EI measured via ultrasonography could become an important indicator for treatments for patients with PAD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges and Prospects in Clinical Cardiology and Angiology)
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Review

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17 pages, 1663 KiB  
Review
Current Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges in Superficial Venous Thrombosis
by Ana-Maria Balahura, Adrian-Gabriel Florescu, Teodora-Maria Barboi, Emma Weiss, Daniela Miricescu, Ciprian Jurcuț, Mariana Jinga and Silviu Stanciu
Medicina 2024, 60(9), 1466; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60091466 - 6 Sep 2024
Viewed by 659
Abstract
Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is a fairly common disorder, characterized by the formation of thrombi inside superficial veins, with or without an associated inflammatory reaction. Its evolution is frequently self-limited. However, serious complications may change this clinical course with extension to deep vein [...] Read more.
Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is a fairly common disorder, characterized by the formation of thrombi inside superficial veins, with or without an associated inflammatory reaction. Its evolution is frequently self-limited. However, serious complications may change this clinical course with extension to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). SVT shares similar risk factors with DVT and is frequently associated with the presence of varicose veins. However, the occurrence of non-varicose veins could conceal risk factors such as malignancies, thrombophilia, or Buerger’s disease. While the clinical diagnosis is generally straightforward, additional diagnostic evaluations are often necessary. Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is an invaluable tool that provides the location of SVT, the proximity to the sapheno–femoral junction, and the clot length, all of which influence the decision for optimal management. The treatment of SVT should be symptomatic, pathogenic (limiting the extension of thrombosis), and prognostic (to prevent complications). There are several guidelines that provide recommendations, and despite the need for more consensus and for further studies, the treatment of SVT should be mainly medical, including anticoagulation in specific clinical situations and symptom relief, with invasive treatment in a minority of cases. Initiation, intensity, and length of anticoagulant treatment should be based on the eventual risk of progression to DVT or PE, which can be high, intermediate, or low, based on the location of SVT and the clot length. Our review summarizes the evaluation and proper management of SVT and highlights the importance of a shared decision within the heart team regarding this condition in order to prevent further complications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges and Prospects in Clinical Cardiology and Angiology)
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Other

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0 pages, 2327 KiB  
Systematic Review
One-Year Outcomes of CGuard Double Mesh Stent in Carotid Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Konstantinos Tigkiropoulos, Spyridon Nikas, Abatzis-Papadopoulos Manolis, Katerina Sidiropoulou, Kyriakos Stavridis, Dimitrios Karamanos, Ioannis Lazaridis and Nikolaos Saratzis
Medicina 2024, 60(2), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020286 - 8 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1564
Abstract
Background: Prospective single and multicenter studies have shown improved outcomes of patients who underwent carotid artery stenting with the novel CGuard dual-layer mesh stent at 1 year. Objectives: The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis [...] Read more.
Background: Prospective single and multicenter studies have shown improved outcomes of patients who underwent carotid artery stenting with the novel CGuard dual-layer mesh stent at 1 year. Objectives: The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all published studies to assess 1-year efficacy and outcomes of CGuard in patients with carotid stenting. Methods: A systematic search was performed. All studies enrolling at least 20 patients were included in our analysis. The primary endpoints were death (all-cause, cardiovascular and ipsilateral stroke-related death) and stroke rate at 1 year. The secondary endpoint was in-stent restenosis at 1 year. Results: The final analysis included 1709 patients. The one-year all-cause mortality rate was 2.97% (39/1699, 95% CI: 1.26–6.86%, I2 = 67%, t2 = 0.3442, p < 0.01), cardiovascular-related death was 0.92% (10/1616, 95% CI: 0.35–2.39%, I2 = 34%, t2 = 0.2302, p = 0.18), and ipsilateral stroke-related death was 0.3% (1/1649, 95% CI: 0.1–0.87%, I2 = 0%, t2 = 0, p = 0.69). The one-year ipsilateral stroke rate was 1.21% (16/1649, 95% CI: 0.58–2.5%, I2 = 28%, t2 = 0.1433, p = 0.23), transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) rate was 1.78% (19/1149, 95% CI: 1.11–2.84%, I2 = 0%, t2 = 0, p = 0.69), and total composite 1-year stroke/TIA rate was 2.97% (32/1149, 95% CI: 1.84–4.77%, I2 = 0%, t2 = 0, p = 0.41). The in-stent restenosis rate at 1 year was 1.06% (13/1653, 95% CI: 0.48–2.34%, I2 = 28%, t2 = 0.2308, p = 0.22). Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that CAS with CGuard is safe with minimal neurological adverse events and in-stent restenosis rate at 1 year. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Challenges and Prospects in Clinical Cardiology and Angiology)
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