Features Of Lesions Research Articles

The Clinical Application of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Canine Masses of Mesenchymal and Epithelial Origin: A Preliminary Case Series

Evaluating masses of mesenchymal and epithelial origin accurately using computed tomography (CT) has several limitations in dogs. This study aimed to present dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) parameters to aid in improving the diagnostic accuracy for masses of mesenchymal and epithelial origin in veterinary medicine. Four dogs diagnosed with benign and malignant soft tissue sarcoma (STS), cholesteatoma, or squamous cell carcinoma underwent CT, conventional MRI, and DCE-MRI. Ktrans is a quantitative DCE-MRI parameter representing vascular permeability and tissue perfusion and is related to the potential for malignancy. Hemangiopericytomas (Grade II, STS) showed a higher Ktrans than normal muscle tissue and myxosarcoma (Grade I, STS). Squamous cell carcinoma (a malignant epithelial tumor) also showed a higher Ktrans than normal muscle tissue and cholesteatoma (a mass originating from keratinized squamous epithelium). These results suggest that higher Ktrans values may indicate a greater likelihood that a lesion is more malignant. In conclusion, Ktrans might be useful as a biomarker for evaluating the malignancy of a mass and as an indicator of lesion characteristics in dogs.

One-Step Cartilage Repair of Full-Thickness Knee Chondral Lesions Using a Hyaluronic Acid-Based Scaffold Embedded With Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate: Long-term Outcomes After Mean Follow-up Duration of 14 Years.

One-step cell-based techniques of cartilage repair that lead to restoration of durable chondral tissue and long-term maintenance of joint function are cost-effective and ideal for routine use. To examine the long-term clinical outcomes, after a mean follow-up duration of 14 years, of cartilage repair in the knee using a hyaluronic acid-based scaffold in association with bone marrow aspirate concentrate (HA-BMAC) and to evaluate the effect of age, lesion characteristics, and associated treatments on the outcome of this cartilage repair method. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Patients were followed prospectively for a mean duration of 14.0 years after undergoing treatment of knee full-thickness articular cartilage injury using HA-BMAC. Clinical evaluation consisted of the patient-reported scoring tools of the visual analog scale and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, which were completed preoperatively and at the time of final follow-up. A total of 26 patients with a mean age of 48.3 years (17 male, 9 female) and median chondral lesion size of 6.6 cm2 (range, 1-27 cm2) were followed prospectively. There were 3 treatment failures, and 1 patient who underwent medial compartment unicompartmental arthroplasty 12 years after HA-BMAC treatment of patellar chondral injury. Of the 22 remaining patients, after a mean final follow-up duration of 14.0 years (range, 12-16 years), the median visual analog scale score of 0.6 was significantly decreased from the preoperative median score of 5.0 (P < .001). The median Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Pain (92), Symptoms (86), Activities of Daily Living (96), Sports (85), and Quality of Life (88) subscale values were all increased compared with the preoperative scores (P≤ .001). There was no correlation of clinical outcome score and body mass index. One-step cartilage repair of full-thickness chondral defects in the knee using an HA-BMAC led to successful long-term clinical outcomes and maintenance of joint junction after a mean follow-up duration of 14 years. Long-term clinical success in active, nonobese patients has been uniformly demonstrated across a wide range of patient ages and lesion types, including cases of multicompartment involvement, treatment of associated conditions, and large or bipolar chondral lesions.

Feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection including papilla (with video).

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is a low-invasive treatment for duodenal tumors including papilla. The limit of lesion size and local recurrence have been issues in EP. We developed endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the duodenal tumors including papilla (ESDIP: ESD including papilla) to overcome the problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ESDIP. We included the patients who underwent ESDIP from August 2010 to January 2024 in this study. We evaluated the retrospective characteristics of patients and lesions, clinical results of ESDIP and of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as prevention for delayed adverse events, and pathological findings. We also calculated the cumulative recurrence rate and overall survival rate at 12 months after ESDIP. Fifty-four patients were included in this study. The mean lesion size was 39 mm. The third-quarter cases revealed a less than half-circumferential lesion, and the one case with a full-circumferential lesion. Resection was accomplished in 96% (n = 52), and also the en-bloc resection rate was 96%. Of the cases in accomplished resection, 98% of patients were intubated with a pancreaticobiliary drainage tube by ERCP. Intraprocedural perforation occurred in eight cases. Delayed bleeding occurred in 10 cases. Delayed perforation was seen only in one case. The incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis was 25%. Cumulative local recurrence rate and the overall survival rate were 15% and 96%, respectively. ESDIP may be feasible for duodenal tumors including papilla, and is a potential alternative option to avoid pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Clinicopathological features of lacrimal gland biopsy lesions in 582 Chinese patients

Background This study was conducted to assess the clinicopathological characteristics of biopsy lesions in the lacrimal gland, in response to evolving pathological technologies and the emergence of new diseases. A retrospective review of case notes was conducted for 582 patients with biopsied lacrimal gland lesions at West China Hospital of Sichuan University in China. This study, spanning from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021, recorded demographics, clinical features, imaging findings, histopathological diagnoses, and recurrence rates. In a cohort of 582 patients, the mean age was 47.5 years, with 318 being female. Bilateral disease was present in 127 patients. Common signs and symptoms included a palpable mass, lid swelling, proptosis, and decreased ocular movements or diplopia. The predominant pathologies identified were inflammation, epithelial tumors, and lymphoproliferative lesions. Patients with inflammation (mean 32.8 months) experienced symptoms for a longer period compared to those with lymphoproliferative lesions (mean 22.2 months) (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53–19.27, P = 0.022). Younger patients tended to have structural lesions (mean 42.5 years) (95%CI 4.74–21.59, P = 0.003), inflammation (mean 42.9 years) (95%CI 0.46–6.57, P<0.001), or epithelial tumors (mean 46.4 years) (95%CI 6.21–12.38, P<0.001), while older patients more frequently had lymphoproliferative lesions (mean 55.7 years). The period from 2016 to 2021 saw a higher diagnosis rate of biopsied lacrimal gland lesions than from 2010 to 2015. During this later period, there was an increase in cases of immunoglobulin G4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD) and malignant epithelial tumors, while lymphoid hyperplasia cases declined. Adenoid cystic carcinoma showed the highest recurrence rate, with lesion extent and Ki-67 index identified as independent risk factors in our study. Inflammation, epithelial tumors, and lymphoproliferative lesions were the three primary causes of lacrimal gland lesions in our study group. Among the inflammatory conditions, IgG4-ROD was the most specific. The incidence of lacrimal gland lesions has risen, particularly for IgG4-ROD. Adenoid cystic carcinoma among the lacrimal gland lesions was prone to recurrence, with the extent of the lesion and Ki-67 index serving as independent risk factors.

The Complexity of Health Self-Management Behavior. Beliefs and Attitudes of Individuals Living With Spinal Cord Injury in Switzerland.

Within the objective of defining targets for interventions to support self-management behaviors among people living with spinal cord injury, this study aims to describe self-management attitudes and beliefs in community-dwelling people living with spinal cord injury in Switzerland and to identify their correlates in terms of personal characteristics and outcomes, such as secondary health conditions and quality of life. This is a cross-sectional, observational study using data from the third community survey of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study. Out of 1158 individuals, the data revealed high endorsement in areas of prevention importance, perceived knowledge, adherence to recommendations, and proactive problem-solving. Personal and lesion characteristics were significantly associated with differing self-management beliefs and attitudes. Overall, a more positive and proactive stance toward self-management correlated with enhanced outcomes. However, readiness to renounce activities to adhere to self-management recommendations was associated with lower quality of life. The findings confirm the complex nature of self-management among individuals with spinal cord injury, advocating for a tailored, person-centered approach in designing interventions. Highlighting a potential trade-off between strict self-management adherence and quality of life outcomes posits an avenue for balanced, individualized self-management strategies to ameliorate health outcomes and life quality for individuals with spinal cord injury.

The Value of Second-look Ultrasound and Mammography for Assessment and Biopsy of MRI-detected Breast Lesions

Rationale and ObjectivesSuspicious lesions detected in multiparametric breast MRI can be further analyzed with second-look ultrasound (SLUS) and/or mammography. This study aims to assess the value of second-look imaging in selecting the appropriate biopsy method for different lesion characteristics. Materials and MethodsBetween January 2021 and December 2023, 212 women underwent contrast-enhanced multiparametric breast MRI at 3.0 Tesla. A total of 241 suspicious lesions (108 malignancies, 44.8%) were further assessed with SLUS and second-look mammography. Subsequent image-guided biopsy of each lesion was performed using the most suitable modality. Size-dependent lesion detection rates in SLUS and mammography were compared by means of the McNemar test. ResultsLesions referred to MRI-guided biopsy were predominantly ≤ 10 mm in size (52.8%). SLUS displayed higher detection rates than mammography for mass lesions (55.6% [95% confidence interval 46.4–64.4%] versus 16.7% [10.6–24.3%]; p<0.001) with a particularly high sensitivity for malignant mass lesions > 10 mm (88.5 % [69.9–97.6%]). In contrast, the detection rate for malignant non-mass lesions was lower in SLUS than in second-look mammography (22.0% [11.5–36.0%] versus 38.0% [24.7–52.8%]; p<0.001). The malignancy rates in ultrasound-, mammography-, and MRI-guided biopsies were 53.7%, 55.2%, and 35.0%, respectively. ConclusionSLUS is an excellent tool for further assessment and biopsy of suspicious mass lesions > 10 mm without associated calcifications. In contrast, supplemental ultrasound is of limited value in the evaluation and biopsy guidance of suspicious non-mass lesions compared to second-look mammography.

LSSF-Net: Lightweight segmentation with self-awareness, spatial attention, and focal modulation

Accurate segmentation of skin lesions within dermoscopic images plays a crucial role in the timely identification of skin cancer for computer-aided diagnosis on mobile platforms. However, varying shapes of the lesions, lack of defined edges, and the presence of obstructions such as hair strands and marker colors make this challenge more complex. Additionally, skin lesions often exhibit subtle variations in texture and color that are difficult to differentiate from surrounding healthy skin, necessitating models that can capture both fine-grained details and broader contextual information. Currently, melanoma segmentation models are commonly based on fully connected networks and U-Nets. However, these models often struggle with capturing the complex and varied characteristics of skin lesions, such as the presence of indistinct boundaries and diverse lesion appearances, which can lead to suboptimal segmentation performance. To address these challenges, we propose a novel lightweight network specifically designed for skin lesion segmentation utilizing mobile devices, featuring a minimal number of learnable parameters (only 0.8 million). This network comprises an encoder–decoder architecture that incorporates conformer-based focal modulation attention, self-aware local and global spatial attention, and split channel-shuffle. The efficacy of our model has been evaluated on four well-established benchmark datasets for skin lesion segmentation: ISIC 2016, ISIC 2017, ISIC 2018, and PH2. Empirical findings substantiate its state-of-the-art performance, notably reflected in a high Jaccard index.

Root caries: Prevalence, risk indicators, and clinical characteristics – A cross-sectional study

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of root caries (RC) in South Coastal population of India, to identify the risk indicators associated with it and to describe some clinical characteristics of RC lesions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 1062 subjects to assess the prevalence of RC. Each subject underwent an oral examination, performed by a single-calibrated examiner. Questionnaires were used to collect the data on oral hygiene habits, diet, smoking, alcohol habits, systemic conditions, and education level. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify the risk indicators associated with RC. Results: The prevalence of RC was found to be 7.5%, with a mean RC Index of 17.66%. The results of multiple logistic regression showed that age (≥40 years), systemic conditions, and exposed root surfaces were statistically significantly associated with RC (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: RC is prevalent not only in the older age group but also the younger adults in this cohort. This study suggests an association between RC and the variables age (≥40 years), exposed root surfaces and systemic conditions.

Etiology and Characteristics of Pseudotumoral Lesions and Tumefactive Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis

IntroductionCerebral pseudotumoral lesions (CPTL) (>2cm) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may pose a clinical challenge. A majority will occur in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS) – also referred to as tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDL). The aim of this study was to define and analyze clinical, MRI, and paraclinical data for MS and non-MS patients. MethodsThis prospective study included adult patients with CPTL on brain MRI referred to the Neurology Clinic, Belgrade as a tertiary University Center (2019-2023) for clinical workup and treatment. Demographic, clinical, MRI, and paraclinical data were reviewed. ResultsThis study included 75 patients, of which 58.7% had MS. Fourteen patients had previously been diagnosed with MS, while 30 (68.2%) received the diagnosis of MS in the later course. The concordance of initial and final diagnoses was 52%. Relapsing disease (p<0.001) and brainstem presentation (p=0.039) were significantly more common in MS patients. Headache (p= 0.008) and lethal outcome (p=0.014) were significantly more common in the non-MS group. Lesions were ring-like more frequently in the MS group (p<0.001), while patients in the non-MS group frequently displayed infiltrative (p=0.001) and nonspecific lesions (p=0.002). The presence of headache and megacystic morphology was associated with the presence of pathology other than MS while the relapsing disease was in favor of MS. ConclusionMultiple sclerosis was the most common cause of CPTL. Headache, relapsing course of disease, and megacystic morphology may help discern MS from non-MS pathology. These findings should be challenged in future studies examining larger cohorts.

Aquaporin-4 Immunoglobulin G-seropositive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder MRI Characteristics: Data Analysis from the International Real-World PAMRINO Study Cohort.

Background Patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are often seropositive for antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4). The importance of MRI monitoring in this disease requires evaluation. Purpose To profile MRI features from a large international cohort with AQP4 immunoglobulin G (IgG)-seropositive NMOSD (from the Parallel MRI in NMOSD [PAMRINO] study) and to evaluate and confirm existing knowledge regarding the incidence, location, and longitudinal development of characteristic lesions in the central nervous system associated with AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study (from August 2016 to January 2019), MRI and clinical data were collected from 17 NMOSD expert sites in 11 countries across four continents. Clinical features and lesions identified at cross-sectional and longitudinal MRI were assessed. No formal statistical tests were used to compare observations; however, means, SDs, and 95% CIs are reported when evaluating lesion frequencies. Results Available T1-weighted and T2-weighted MRI scans in patients with AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD (n = 525) were read. Among the 525 patients, 320 underwent cerebral MRI examinations with T2-weighted hyperintense cerebral (264 of 320; 82.5%), cerebellar (44 of 320; 13.8%), and brainstem (158 of 321 [49.2%], including one lesion observed at cervical spinal cord [SC] MRI) lesions. Lesions in the optic nerves, analyzed from 152 MRI examinations, were mainly found in the central (81 of 92; 88%) and posterior (79 of 92; 86%) sections (bilaterally in 39 of 92; 42%). Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis was the predominant SC lesion pattern (upper compartment from 322 MRI examinations, 133 of 210 [63.3%]; and lower compartment from 301 MRI examinations, 149 of 212 [70.3%]). However, nonlongitudinal extensive transverse myelitis lesions were also observed frequently (105 of 210; 50.0%) in the cervical SC. Clinical data (n = 349; mean age, 44 years ± 14 [SD]; 202 female patients) and acute lesions at contrast-enhanced (CE) MRI (n = 58, performed within 30 days of the last attack) were evaluated. CE lesions were detected in the cerebrum (eight of 13; 62%), optic nerves (14 of 19; 74%), or chiasm (three of four; 75%) within 15 days of any relapse. In the upper SC (29 of 44; 66%), CE lesions were frequently observed up to 20 days after a clinical myelitis event. Conclusion A high incidence of abnormal brain MRI examinations and nonlongitudinal extensive SC lesions was found in patients in PAMRINO with AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Assessed correlation between biological diversity of oropharyngeal microbiota and atopic dermatitis severity and exacerbations

Atopic dermatitis (AtD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disease characterized by itching, chronic recurrent course and age-related features of lesions. AtD pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated yet. An important factor for AtD emergence and progression is the imbalance in symbiotic microbiota. The research publications provide a few studies about a role for oropharyngeal microorganisms in AtD immunopathogenesis. The aim of the study is to analyze biological diversity of oropharyngeal microbial communities in varying AtD severity. 97 male patients, aged from 16 to 19 years, with different AtD severity were included in the study. Culture study of oropharyngeal discharge was also performed. Biological material was seeded on the expanded list of growth media and incubated for 5 days at the 37°С. To assess the biological diversity of the oropharyngeal microbiota, the coefficient of constancy (C) was used, in order to classify individual microorganisms as permanent, additional or transient. Statistical data processing was performed using the Stat Tech software (version 4.0.0, Stattech LLC, Russia). While examining biological diversity of the oropharyngeal microbiota in AtD patients, 58 microbial species were isolated and identified. After statistical analysis the significant differences in frequency of isolation, depending on different AtD severity were observed for microbes such asStreptococcus vestibularisandRothia dentocariosa. WhenR. dentocariosais isolated from the oropharynx, the chances of AtD exacerbation emergence decreased by 6 times, whereas in case ofS. vestibularis, on the contrary, it increased by 5 times. Therefore, identification of transitions of individual microbes from transient to additional and permanent microbiota and vice versa, depending on the AtD stage and severity, allows to analyze an influence of specific microorganisms in AtD pathological processes and to establish definite new microbiological predictors of AtD exacerbation and remission.

Onychoscopy in Palmoplantar Psoriasis: A Comparative Study of Nonpustular Palmoplantar Psoriasis and Palmoplantar Pustulosis

Introduction: Palmoplantar psoriasis (PP) is classified as nonpustular psoriasis (NPPP) or palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). Objective: We sought to shed light on the phenotypic diversity of nail psoriasis (NP) and conducted a thorough study of the dermoscopic features of nail lesions from patients with NPPP and PPP. Methods: A prospective study included 35 patients with NPPP and 20 patients with PPP who had macroscopic NP changes in at least three of their nails. Demographic and clinical data, such as general characteristics, history, a thorough dermatological examination, and musculoskeletal assessment, were recorded. Each patient had their nails evaluated with video dermoscopy. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software, including descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: Dermoscopic patterns of nail lesions in both groups differed from those seen in psoriasis vulgaris (PV). Trachyonychia was the most common dermoscopic pattern among NPPP patients. Nail bed pustules were found in 75% of the PPP patients, and they were the most common dermoscopic finding identifying PPP nail lesions. In comparison to the NPPP group, patients with PPP had a higher frequency of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and higher PP and NP severity scores. In the PPP group, all patients with PsA had pustules. Conclusions: NP has a heterogeneous presentation and various clinical manifestations in NPPP, PPP, and PV. The differences in dermoscopic patterns of nail lesions among NPPP, PPP, and PV reflect the diseases' distinct characteristics. A thorough dermoscopic examination of the nails may reveal information about both the underlying pathophysiological pathways and the overall course of psoriasis.

Antepartum Wernicke’s Encephalopathy: Common, and Yet Rarely Diagnosed. Discussion on the Disease and Its Treatment

This review article presents a comprehensive discussion on antepartum Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE), a serious neurological disorder. This disorder stems from thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, which is critical for normal metabolism and neuronal integrity. During pregnancy, women are more susceptible to this condition due to increased nutritional requirement and metabolic changes. In WE, inadequate thiamine (Vitamin B1) causes disruption of metabolism in cells and impedes neurotransmitter synthesis in the brain, ultimately causing adverse neural consequences. Key risk factors contributing to antepartum WE include conditions that hinder thiamine absorption or increase metabolic demand, such as hyperemesis gravidarum (intense antepartum vomiting), malnutrition, alcoholism, and post-bariatric surgery states. WE's classic triad of symptoms, confusion, ataxia (loss of balance and coordination), and ophthalmoplegia (occlumotor incoordination), are not commonly seen in antepartum WE. Therefore, diagnosing the disorder in pregnancy is challenging and the condition is often misdiagnosed. Pregnancy symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and fatigue often overlap with WE's presentation, complicating diagnosis and confounding treatment. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal characteristic lesions in brain areas such as the thalamus and mammillary bodies, these may not always appear in early stages, adding further diagnostic difficulty. Effective management of antepartum WE relies on early recognition and timely administration of high-dose thiamine, particularly parenteral administration for affected pregnant women. Prompt treatment is critical to preventing irreversible sequalae, neurological and otherwise in both the woman and the child. Once acute symptoms are managed, transitioning to oral thiamine supplementation is the norm to prevent recurrence and maintain normal thiamine levels. Balanced diet of macro-nutrients and maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, also plays an essential role in recovery. In severe or treatment-resistant cases, more intensive, prolonged thiamine therapy and regular monitoring of maternal and fetal health are necessary, usually managed by a multidisciplinary medical team. This coordinated care approach aims to prevent recurrence and minimize risks associated with WE. The article emphasizes following clinical guidelines, which recommend regular thiamine monitoring and preventive measures in high-risk pregnancies, to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. By adhering to established protocols, healthcare providers can reduce the likelihood of severe complications associated with WE, ensuring better care and recovery for affected pregnant women. Categories: Pregnancy, Neurology, Nutrition.

Age-related macular degeneration: natural history revisited in geographic atrophy.

Progression of geographic atrophy varies significantly based on individual and lesion characteristics. Much research has strived to understand prognostic indicators of lesion progression over time, yet integrating findings to date may pose a challenge to clinicians. This review strives to synthesize current knowledge on genetic, behavioral, structural, and functional factors that influence geographic atrophy across the lifetime. Further, it highlights how vision-related quality of life allows for a more holistic appraisal of the impact of geographic atrophy on everyday functioning. The ultimate aim of this paper is to aid clinicians in counseling patients on medical management as well as providing accurate disease prognostication tailored to the individual patient.

Clinical significance of 12-lead electrocardiogram QRS scores on admission in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background A QRS scoring system by 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) is a quick and simple method to evaluate degree and extension of myocardial infarction. Previous studies have shown that high QRS scores (≥5) at hospitalization (before reperfusion) related to impaired myocardial reperfusion during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and subsequent poor prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (Figure 1). However, the pathogenesis and associated factors with high QRS scores remain poorly defined. Therefore, this study aimed to explore clinical and lesion characteristics associated with QRS scores at hospitalization in patients with STEMI. Methods This retrospective observational study enrolled 138 broad anterior-wall STEMI patients who underwent PCI in the proximal left anterior descending artery and achieved reperfusion within 3 hours of onset. Patients were divided by QRS scores at hospitalization into low (&amp;lt;5: n=97) and high (≥5: n=41) QRS-scores, and clinical and lesion characteristics were compared between the 2 groups. Lesion characteristics were evaluated by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Results Despite early phase of STEMI, QRS scores at hospitalization varied (3 [2-5] points). Clinical characteristics, including onset-to-door time (66 [41-101] min vs. 55 [42-76] min) and onset-to-reperfusion time (112 [88-145] min vs. 106 [81-120] min), were comparable between patients with low and high QRS-scores. In contrast, significantly higher percentages of lipid plaques, plaque rupture and large thrombus were seen at the culprit lesion sites in patients with high versus low QRS scores (Figure 2). As a result, patients with high QRS scores had higher incidence of no-reflow phenomenon during PCI (36.6% vs. 12.6%, p&amp;lt;0.05) and larger infarct size assessed by peak CK values (5333 [3307-7443] IU/l vs. 1941 [759-3559], p&amp;lt;0.05) compared with those with low QRS-scores. Conclusions High QRS scores at hospitalization were associated with vulnerable lesion characteristics, as well as impaired coronary reperfusion and large infarct size. Although the exact mechanisms of the associations require future studies, QRS scores may help risk stratification before reperfusion and prognostic prediction after reperfusion.Figure 1.Figure 2.

Correlation between LDL/HDL-cholesterol ratio and long term prognosis after acute coronary syndrome and severity of coronary artery disease

Abstract Introduction Dyslipidaemia is an important correctable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Many studies have confirmed that the lower the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are, the lower is the CAD morbidity and mortality rates (1). However, many patients who achieved low levels of LDL-C still experience a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) because of the other residual risk factors. Therefore, there is a constant need for better stratification of patients who are at higher risk for novel MACE following their first acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Evidence increasingly suggests that the ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C might be a new and better marker of cardiovascular disease, as it simultaneously evaluates the levels of both LDL-C and HDL-C (2). Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the prediction value of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio for long term prognosis after ACS as well as its correlation with CAD severity. Methods We included patients hospitalized at out centre with ACS from January 2017 to January 2024. Demographic data, data on LDL-C and HDL-C levels on admission and calculated Syntax score were used. Syntax score is a comprehensive angiographic scoring system which determines complexity by using coronary anatomy and lesion characteristics (3). Follow-up data were collected either by clinical follow-up visits or by telephone interviews. The MACE was defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome and need for elective or urgent percutaneous or surgical revascularization. Results This registry-based study included 2471 patients with ACS, median age of 64 (interquartile range 56-73) years, 31% female. Total of 1099 patients (44%) had non-ST elevation ACS and 1372 (54%) had ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Median Syntax score was 13 (IQR 7-20.5), with 1494 (61%) patients having low Syntax score (≤16), 508 (21%) patients medium (16-22), and 448 (18%) high score (&amp;gt;22), respectively. Median follow up was 17 (3-27) months. LDL-C/HDL-C ratio correlated significantly with cardiovascular death, with weak coefficient (2.94 vs. 2.54 p&amp;lt;0.001; rho=0.102, p&amp;lt;.0001), however did not correlate with MACE (2.88 vs. 2.92, p=0.188, rho=0.06, p=0.77). This remained identical when tested for patients with STEMI and non-STE ACS. In addition, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio did not correlate with CAD severity as assessed with Syntax score (low 2.92 vs. medium 2.83 vs. high 2.86, p=0.597; rho=0.4, p=0.09). Conclusion Our data suggest that LDL-C/HDL-C ratio cannot be used as a relevant predictor of post-ACS long-term MACE or cardiovascular death, nor it can be correlated with CAD severity. Further studies are needed to establish the real value of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio as a post-ACS predictor.

Machine learning prediction models for individualized technical success of chronic total occlusion revascularization using anatomical input

Abstract Introduction Chronic total occlusion revascularization (CTO PCI) remains a challenging procedure in the realm of percutaneous coronary interventions. Efforts such as implementing the hybrid algorithm for CTO crossing have been made. Interventional techniques are evolving, and complexity scores such as the J-CTO score might get outdated. Machine learning models can be used to overcome this limitation by constantly providing new data and improving the models by continuous data feeding. In this study, we introduced machine learning models to predict individualized technical success of CTO PCI using anatomical coronary information and baseline information. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions were enrolled in this study. Angiographic data and lesion characteristics from coronary angiography were extracted. Machine learning models were applied to predict technical success. A total of 271 patients were used to validate and train the models and 50 separate patients for testing. Data was normalized and fed to several classifying machine learning models including decision trees (DT), random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), CatBoost (CB) classifiers, and light gradient boosting (LGB). Finally, accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score of the selected hyperparameters and cross-validation was performed. Results CB was the best performing model with an accuracy of 0.81, precision of 0.83 and recall of 0.98. The F1 score was 0.90. RF was the second-best performing model with accuracy of 0.77, precision of 0.82, recall of 0.92 and F1 score 0.87. The tuned models performed modestly with RF having a low F1 score of 0.44, due to small sample size. In the tuned models. LGB had a higher F1 score and a relatively high accuracy (0.782) and precision (0.508). The feature importance matrix found age, CTO length, reference diameter to have the highest value among the lesion complexity parameters. Discussion: Overall, the normal-run CB was the best model for predicting the technical success after a CTO PCI with a high accuracy. The fine-tuned and cross-validated models performed modestly because of the relatively small, unbalanced dataset and overfitting. However, data showed promising first results in implementing machine learning into predicting interventional outcomes. Further studies like data augmentation and providing a weighted dataset would increase the model performance and provide a very precise statement whether a patient would have increased chances to have a successful PCI based on baseline anatomic information. Conclusion This is one of the first studies to predict technical success of CTO PCI using angiographic baseline parameters using machine learning. Future studies with larger patient cohorts are needed to involve deploying the selected model in larger patient cohorts including external validation and assessing its performance with new, unseen data.Figure 1.Machine learning modelsFigure 2.Feature importance matrix

Prognostic impact of intravascular imaging in percutaneous coronary intervention according to atherothrombotic risk

Abstract Background Recent randomized controlled trials support intravascular imaging-guided PCI to improve patient prognosis, however, future risk of clinical events in patient with coronary artery disease is not solely determined by lesion characteristics or how these lesions are treated. Objectives Current study investigated whether the effects of intravascular imaging in complex percutaneous coronary invention (PCI) would differ according to atherothrombotic risks. Methods This study was post-hoc analysis of the RENOVATE-COMPLEX-PCI trial that compared intravascular imaging-guided PCI with angiography-guided PCI in patients with complex coronary artery lesions. Study population was stratified according to atherothrombotic risk assessed by Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction Risk Score for Secondary Prevention (TRS-2P) (a sum of age≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, coronary artery bypass grafting, heart failure, and renal dysfunction) into low-risk (TRS-2P&amp;lt;3) or high-risk (TRS-2P≥3) groups. The primary endpoint was target vessel failure (TVF), a composite of cardiac death, target vessel related myocardial infarction, or clinically driven target vessel revascularization. Results Among the total patients, 1,247 were low-risk and 392 were high-risk. The risk of TVF was significantly higher in the high-risk group than the low-risk group (15.5% vs. 7.2%; hazard ratio [HR], 2.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51–3.00; P&amp;lt;0.001). The benefits of intravascular imaging-guided PCI over angiography-guided PCI did not differ between the low-risk group (5.6% vs. 10.4%; HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36–0.86) and the high-risk group (14.1% vs. 18.5%; HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.41–1.24) without significant interaction (interaction P=0.496). Conclusions Although patients with high atherothrombotic risk had significantly worse clinical outcome than those with low atherothrombotic risk, the prognostic impact of intravascular imaging-guided PCI compared with angiography-guided PCI was similarly observed in both low and high future atherothrombotic risk groups.Structured Graphical Abstract

Evaluation of non-target lesions in femoropopliteal disease using near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound imaging

Abstract Aim This study aims to assess the plaque morphology of non-target lesions, especially lipid-core-containing plaque (LCP), and compare it to target lesions using near-infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS) in patients with femoropopliteal disease. Methods We conducted a single-center prospective observational study on 14 patients who underwent endovascular therapy for femoropopliteal disease between July 2022 and November 2023. NIRS-IVUS assessment was performed on the whole femoropopliteal arterial segment. Forty-one LCP lesions &amp;gt; maximum lipid-core burden index in any 4-mm region (max LCBI4mm) 100 were detected by NIRS-IVUS. We evaluated patient and lesion characteristics. In addition, the LCP lesions were divided into two groups, the target lesion group (n=18) and the non-target lesion group (n=23), and compared. Results Patient characteristics were notable for advanced age (76.8±6.6 years), high incidence of male (78.7%), hypertension (100%), dyslipidemia (78.6%), diabetes (64.3%), statin use (71.4%). Lipid profiles were as follows: LDL-cholesterol 85.9±26.7 mg/dl, HDL-cholesterol 48.9±12.7 mg/dl, triglyceride 138.9±80.3 mg/dl, lipoprotein(a) 19.6±16.3 mg/dl. Ten participants had LCPs in the non-target lesion (71.4%). For IVUS findings, the target lesion group had significantly longer lesion length (34.6±11.9 mm vs. 22.6±8.7 mm, p=0.001), smaller minimum lumen area (7.0±2.8 mm2 vs. 14.8±5.4 mm2, p&amp;lt;0.001), and larger plaque burden (78.0±5.0 % vs. 53.0±12.0 %, p&amp;lt;0.001) than those in the non-target lesion group. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of calcification (target lesion group vs. non-target lesion group: 83.3 % vs. 91.3 %, p=0.64) and the extent of calcification (p=0.76). For NIRS findings, the target lesion group contained a significantly smaller proportion of LCP in the lesion length (25.9±15.7 % vs. 50.6±29.2 %, p=0.002) than the non-target lesion group. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the value of max LCBI4mm (284.4±153.4 vs. 289.5±113.1, p=0.90) and the length of LCP lesion (9.8±9.7 mm vs. 10.7±6.9 mm, p=0.74) and distribution of LCP (p=0.08) between both groups. In addition, the number of LCPs in the target femoropopliteal artery was positively correlated with max LCBI4mm in the target femoropopliteal artery (r=0.671, p=0.008) Conclusion NIRS-IVUS findings in this study demonstrated that the non-target lesions contained LCPs to the same degree as the target lesions.

Characterization of plaque hemorrhage with optical coherence tomography imaging in statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease: comparison with noncontrast T1-weighted MRI

Abstract Background Plaque hemorrhage is a phenotypic feature of coronary lesions associated with future coronary events. Noncontrast T1-weighted MRI has a potential to non-invasively identify plaque hemorrhage. Plaque to myocardium ratio (PMR) evaluated by noncontrast T1-weighted MRI has been shown to pathohistologically correspond to plaque hemorrhage. In several case reports comparing OCT images with coronary specimens, low intensity area without its attenuation was observed at lesions presenting plaque hemorrhage. However, whether the association of this OCT-derived feature with PMR remains to be elucidated yet. Purpose To characterize plaque hemorrhage in vivo by comparing with OCT and noncontrast T1-weighted MRI. Methods The current study prospectively enrolled 80 statin-treated patients with coronary artery disease requiring elective PCI. A total of 103 target lesions were imaged by both noncontrast T1-weighted MRI and OCT prior to PCI. Plaque hemorrhage on noncontrast T1-weighted MRI was defined as PMR&amp;gt;1.0. On OCT imaging analysis, low intensity area without attenuation (LIA) was defined according to the following criteria; (1) area presenting homogeneous low intensity signals, (2) clear border and (3) no signal attenuation behind its area. The maximum arc of LIA was manually measured. OCT-derived plaque features were compared in lesions with and without PMR&amp;gt;1.0. Results PMR&amp;gt;1.0 was observed at 49.5% of analyzed lesions. Patients with PMR&amp;gt;1.0 were more likely older (72 vs. 66 years, p=0.02), whereas there was no significant difference in on-treatment LDL-C levels (median: 80 vs. 77 mg/dL, p=0.62) (Table). On lesion-based analysis, while fibrous cap thickness was similar between the two groups (80 vs. 100um, p=0.10), a larger lipid arc (270 vs. 230º, p=0.02) and a greater frequency of macrophage (90.2 vs. 53.9%, p&amp;lt;0.01), layered plaque (62.8 vs. 32.7%, p=0.003) and cholesterol crystal (70.6 vs. 30.8%, p&amp;lt;0.001) were observed at lesions with PMR&amp;gt;1.0. Furthermore, lesions with PMR&amp;gt;1.0 more frequently exhibited LIA (66.7 vs. 19.2%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and its greater maximum arc (33 vs. 0º, p&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure). Of note, PMR was significantly correlated to the maximum arc of LIA (r=0.51, p&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure). Multivariate analysis demonstrated LIA and cholesterol crystal as independent OCT-derived features associated with PMR&amp;gt;1.0 (Table). Conclusion In statin-treated patients, 49.5% of analyzed lesions presented PMR&amp;gt;1.0. Coronary lesions with PMR&amp;gt;1.0 more frequently harbored LIA and cholesterol crystals, in addition to other vulnerable OCT features. Our findings suggest OCT-derived LIA as a potential signature of plaque hemorrhage. Given that cholesterol crystal was another feature of PMR&amp;gt;1.0, plaque inflammation driven by cholesterol crystallization may exist at plaque hemorrhage despite statin use. Whether anti-inflammation agent could modulate plaque hemorrhage requires future investigation.