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Background: Despite advances in surgery and pharmacotherapy, there remains significant residual ischemic risk after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Methods: In REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl–Intervention Trial), a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, statin-treated patients with controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia were randomized to 4 g daily of icosapent ethyl or placebo. They experienced a 25% reduction in risk of a primary efficacy end point (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina) and a 26% reduction in risk of a key secondary efficacy end point (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) when compared with placebo. The current analysis reports on the subgroup of patients from the trial with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting. Results: Of the 8179 patients randomized in REDUCE-IT, a total of 1837 (22.5%) had a history of coronary artery bypass grafting, with 897 patients randomized to icosapent ethyl and 940 to placebo. Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups. Randomization to icosapent ethyl was associated with a significant reduction in the primary end point (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76 [95% CI, 0.63–0.92]; P =0.004), in the key secondary end point (HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.56–0.87]; P =0.001), and in total (first plus subsequent or recurrent) ischemic events (rate ratio, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.50–0.81]; P =0.0002) compared with placebo. This yielded an absolute risk reduction of 6.2% (95% CI, 2.3%–10.2%) in first events, with a number needed to treat of 16 (95% CI, 10–44) during a median follow-up time of 4.8 years. Safety findings were similar to the overall study: beyond an increased rate of atrial fibrillation/flutter requiring hospitalization for at least 24 hours (5.0% vs 3.1%; P =0.03) and a nonsignificant increase in bleeding, occurrences of adverse events were comparable between groups. Conclusions: In REDUCE-IT patients with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting, treatment with icosapent ethyl was associated with significant reductions in first and recurrent ischemic events. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT01492361.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop a risk prediction model for patients with nonobstructive CAD. BACKGROUND: Among stable chest pain patients, most cardiovascular (CV) events occur in those with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Thus, developing tailored risk prediction approaches in this group of patients, including CV risk factors and CAD characteristics, is needed. METHODS: In Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE) computed tomographic angiography patients, a core laboratory assessed prevalence of CAD (nonobstructive 1% to 49% left main or 1% to 69% stenosis any coronary artery), degree of stenosis (minimal: 1% to 29%; mild: 30% to 49%; or moderate: 50% to 69%), high-risk plaque (HRP) features (positive remodeling, low-attenuation plaque, and napkin-ring sign), segment involvement score (SIS), and coronary artery calcium (CAC). The primary end point was an adjudicated composite of unstable angina pectoris, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and death. Cox regression analysis determined independent predictors in nonobstructive CAD. RESULTS: Of 2,890 patients (age 61.7 years, 46% women) with any CAD, 90.4% (n = 2,614) had nonobstructive CAD (mean age 61.6 yrs, 46% women, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [ASCVD] risk 16.2%). Composite events were independently predicted by ASCVD risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.03; p = 0.001), degree of stenosis (30% to 69%; HR: 1.91; p = 0.011), and presence of ≥2 HRP features (HR: 2.40; p = 0.008). Addition of ≥2 HRP features to: 1) ASCVD and CAC; 2) ASCVD and SIS; or 3) ASCVD and degree of stenosis resulted in a statistically significant improvement in model fit (p = 0.0036; p = 0.0176; and p = 0.0318; respectively). Patients with ASCVD ≥7.5%, any HRP, and mild/moderate stenosis had significantly higher event rates than those who did not meet those criteria (3.0% vs. 6.2%; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced coronary plaque features have incremental value over total plaque burden for the discrimination of clinical events in low-risk stable chest pain patients with nonobstructive CAD. This may be a first step to improve prevention in this cohort with the highest absolute risk for CV events.

Acute aortic syndrome (AAS) includes the entities of acute aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer. AAS typically presents with sudden onset of severe, tearing, anterior, or interscapular back pain. Symptoms may be dominated by malperfusion syndrome, due to obstruction of the lumen of the aorta and/or a side branch when the intimal and medial layers are separated. Timely diagnosis of AAS is crucial to permit prompt management; for example, early mortality rates are reported to be 1% to 2% per hour after the onset of symptoms for untreated ascending aortic dissection. The appropriateness assigned to each imaging procedure was based on the ability to obtain key information that is used to plan open surgical, endovascular, or medical therapy. This includes, but is not limited to, confirming the presence of AAS; classification; characterization of entry and reentry sites; false lumen patency; and branch vessel compromise. Using this approach, CT, CTA, and MRA are all considered usually appropriate in the initial evaluation of AAS if those procedures include intravenous contrast administration. Ultrasound is also considered usually appropriate if the acquisition is via a transesophageal approach. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Infective endocarditis can involve a normal, abnormal, or prosthetic cardiac valve. The diagnosis is typically made clinically with persistently positive blood cultures, characteristic signs and symptoms, and echocardiographic evidence of valvular vegetations or valvular complications such as abscess, dehiscence, or new regurgitation. Imaging plays an important role in the initial diagnosis of infective endocarditis, identifying complications, prognostication, and informing the next steps in therapy. This document outlines the initial imaging appropriateness of a patient with suspected infective endocarditis and for additional imaging in a patient with known or suspected infective endocarditis. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Coronary atherosclerotic disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity due to major cardiovascular events in the United States and abroad. Risk stratification and early preventive measures can reduce major cardiovascular events given the long latent asymptomatic period. Imaging tests can detect subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and aid initiation of targeted preventative efforts based on patient risk. A summary of available imaging tests for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk asymptomatic patients is outlined in this document. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

The size of the heart may predict major cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with stable chest pain. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of 3D whole heart volume (WHV) derived from non-contrast cardiac computed tomography (CT). Among participants randomized to the CT arm of the Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE), we used deep learning to extract WHV, defined as the volume of the pericardial sac. We compared the WHV across categories of cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery disease (CAD) characteristics and determined the association of WHV with MACE (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina; median follow-up: 26 months). In the 3798 included patients (60.5 ± 8.2 years; 51.5% women), the WHV was 351.9 ± 57.6 cm3/m2. We found smaller WHV in no- or non-obstructive CAD, women, people with diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and metabolic syndrome. Larger WHV was found in obstructive CAD, men, and increased atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score (p < 0.05). In a time-to-event analysis, small WHV was associated with over 4.4-fold risk of MACE (HR (per one standard deviation) = 0.221; 95% CI: 0.068–0.721; p = 0.012) independent of ASCVD risk score and CT-derived CAD characteristics. In patients with non-obstructive CAD, but not in those with no- or obstructive CAD, WHV increased the discriminatory capacity of ASCVD and CT-derived CAD characteristics significantly. Small WHV may represent a novel imaging marker of MACE in stable chest pain. In particular, WHV may improve risk stratification in patients with non-obstructive CAD, a cohort with an unmet need for better risk stratification. • Heart volume is easily assessable from non-contrast cardiac computed tomography. • Small heart volume may be an imaging marker of major adverse cardiac events independent and incremental to traditional cardiovascular risk factors and established CT measures of CAD. • Heart volume may improve cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with non-obstructive CAD.

Blunt cardiac injuries range from myocardial concussion (commotio cordis) leading to fatal ventricular arrhythmias to myocardial contusion, cardiac chamber rupture, septal rupture, pericardial rupture, and valvular injuries. Blunt injuries account for one-fourth of the traumatic deaths in the United States. Chest radiography, transthoracic echocardiography, CT chest with and without contrast, and CT angiography are usually appropriate as the initial examination in patients with suspected blunt cardiac injury who are both hemodynamically stable and unstable. Transesophageal echocardiography and CT heart may be appropriate as examination in patients with suspected blunt cardiac injuries. This publication of blunt chest trauma-suspected cardiac injuries summarizes the literature and makes recommendations for imaging based on the available data and expert opinion. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare Coronary Artery Disease Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) to traditional stenosis categories and the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) for predicting cardiovascular events in patients with stable chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Background The 2016 CAD-RADS has been established to standardize the reporting of CAD on coronary CT angiography (CTA). Methods PROMISE (Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain) trial participants’ CTAs were assessed by a central CT core laboratory for CACS, traditional stenosis-based categories, and modified CAD-RADS grade including high-risk coronary plaque (HRP) features. Traditional stenosis categories and CAD-RADS grade were compared for the prediction of the composite endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, or hospitalization for unstable angina over a median follow-up of 25 months. Incremental prognostic value over traditional risk factors and CACS was assessed. Results In 3,840 eligible patients (mean age: 60.4 ± 8.2 years; 49% men), 3.0% (115) experienced events. CAD-RADS (concordance statistic [C-statistic] 0.747) had significantly higher discriminatory value than traditional stenosis-based assessments (C-statistic 0.698 to 0.717; all p for comparison ≤0.001). With no plaque (CAD-RADS 0) as the baseline, the hazard ratio (HR) for an event increased from 2.43 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16 to 5.08) for CAD-RADS 1 to 21.84 (95% CI: 8.63 to 55.26) for CAD-RADS 4b and 5. In stepwise nested models, CAD-RADS added incremental prognostic value beyond ASCVD risk score and CACS (C-statistic 0.776 vs. 0.682; p Conclusions These data from a large representative contemporary cohort of patients undergoing coronary CTA for stable chest pain support the prognostic value of CAD-RADS as a standard reporting system for coronary CTA.

A growing body of evidence, primarily based on cohorts with low cardiovascular risk, suggests that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), a metabolically active tissue surrounding coronary arteries, is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and adverse cardiac events ([1][1],[2][2]). However

Histopathologic studies described subendocardial or transmural intramyocardial fat (IMF) at the site of prior myocardial infarction (MI) ([1][1]). In patients with stable chest pain with no history of MI, myocardial scar phenotypic for MI depicted with late gadolinium enhancement is identified in 11

Nitroglycerin increases vessel diameter and improves coronary artery evaluation in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA). It is routinely given sublingually as a tablet or spray in doses of 0.4 to 0.8 mg 3 to 5 min before coronary CTA acquisition [(1)][1]. Sublingual administration has a

A Man with New Heart Failure A 54-year-old man presented with severe symptoms of heart failure. An evaluation revealed a wide pulse pressure, displaced cardiac impulse, volume overload, and a diast...

Background Several large trials demonstrated that coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a triage strategy could lead to increased secondary cardiac risk stratifying testing (SCRST). Whether this is true for routine clinical care remains unclear. We measured SCRSTs after coronary CTA was implemented in our emergency department (ED) practice by CTA result, and if locally existing management recommendations for a structured post CTA diagnostic strategy were followed. Methods This single site retrospective cohort study included all our ED patients who received coronary CTA between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2016. SCRST's included functional cardiac tests and invasive coronary angiography (ICA), performed during the ED coronary CTA visit or related admission. Results A total of 1916 subjects were included with a mean age of 52.9 ± 10.8 years. Of their coronary CTAs, 179 were positive (severe stenosis, occlusion or ventricular wall motion abnormalities; 9.3%), 105 intermediate (moderate stenosis; 5.5%), 1611 negative (no to mild obstructive CAD; 84.1%) and 21 non-diagnostic (1.1%). SCRSTs were performed in 237 (overall 12.4%, noninvasive in 5.6%, ICA in 6.7%). After positive coronary CTA, 73.7% of subjects received SCRSTs. For intermediate, negative and non-diagnostic CTAs this was 72.4%, 1.1% and 47.6% respectively. Management conformed to local management recommendations in 96.2% of cases. Conclusion In spite of previous trials, rates of secondary cardiac risk stratifying tests after routine clinical ED coronary CTA are low, especially in patients with negative coronary CTA. Structured management guidelines for post coronary CTA, and adherence to these guidelines, appear essential.

OBJECTIVE Obesity and metabolic syndrome are associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). However, whether distinct metabolic phenotypes differ in risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and MACE is unknown. We sought to determine the association of distinct metabolic phenotypes with CAD and MACE. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We included patients from the Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE) who underwent coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography. Obesity was defined as a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and metabolically healthy as less than or equal to one metabolic syndrome component except diabetes, distinguishing four metabolic phenotypes: metabolically healthy/unhealthy and nonobese/obese (MHN, MHO, MUN, and MUO). Differences in severe calcification (coronary artery calcification [CAC] ≥400), severe CAD (≥70% stenosis), high-risk plaque (HRP), and MACE were assessed using adjusted logistic and Cox regression models. RESULTS Of 4,381 patients (48.4% male, 60.5 ± 8.1 years of age), 49.4% were metabolically healthy (30.7% MHN and 18.7% MHO) and 50.6% unhealthy (22.3% MUN and 28.4% MUO). MHO had similar coronary CT findings as compared with MHN (severe CAC/CAD and HRP; P > 0.36 for all). Among metabolically unhealthy patients, those with obesity had similar CT findings as compared with nonobese (P > 0.10 for all). However, both MUN and MUO had unfavorable CAD characteristics as compared with MHN (P ≤ 0.017 for all). A total of 130 events occurred during follow-up (median 26 months). Compared with MHN, MUN (hazard ratio [HR] 1.61 [95% CI 1.02–2.53]) but not MHO (HR 1.06 [0.62–1.82]) or MUO (HR 1.06 [0.66–1.72]) had higher risk for MACE. CONCLUSIONS In patients with stable chest pain, four metabolic phenotypes exhibit distinctly different CAD characteristics and risk for MACE. Individuals who are metabolically unhealthy despite not being obese were at highest risk in our cohort.

A Man with Syncope A 63-year-old man who had a history of coronary artery disease and coronary-artery bypass grafting presented with syncope. Echocardiography revealed two masses external to the ri...

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency and implications of perivascular fat stranding on coronary computed tomography (CT) angiograms obtained for suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective registry study was approved by the institutional review board. The authors reviewed the medical records and images of 1403 consecutive patients (796 men, 607 women; mean age, 52.8 years) who underwent coronary CT angiography at the emergency department from February 2012 to March 2016. Fat attenuation, length and number of circumferential quadrants of the affected segment, and attenuation values in the unaffected epicardial and subcutaneous fat were measured. “Cases” were defined as patients with perivascular fat stranding. Patients with significant stenosis but without fat stranding were considered control subjects. Baseline imaging characteristics, ACS frequency, and results of subsequent downstream testing were compared between cases and control subjects by using two-sample t, Mann-Whitney U, and Fisher tests. RESULTS: Perivascular fat stranding was seen in 11 subjects, nine with atherosclerotic lesions and two with spontaneous coronary artery dissections, with a mean fat stranding length of 19.2 mm and circumferential extent averaging 2.9 quadrants. The mean attenuation of perivascular fat stranding, normal epicardial fat, and normal subcutaneous fat was 17, −93.2, and −109.3 HU, respectively (P < .001). Significant differences (P < .05) between cases and control subjects included lower Agatston score, presence of wall motion abnormality, and initial elevation of serum troponin level. ACS frequency was 45.4% in cases and 3.8% in control subjects (P = .001). CONCLUSION: Recognition of perivascular fat stranding may be a helpful additional predictor of culprit lesion and marker of risk for ACS in patients with significant stenosis or spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

PURPOSE: To assess concordance and relative prognostic utility between central core laboratory and local site interpretation for significant coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE) trial, readers at 193 North American sites interpreted coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography as part of the clinical evaluation of stable chest pain. Readers at a central core laboratory also interpreted CT angiography blinded to clinical data, site interpretation, and outcomes. Significant CAD was defined as stenosis greater than or equal to 50%; cardiovascular events were defined as a composite of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction. RESULTS: In 4347 patients (51.8% women; mean age ± standard deviation, 60.4 years ± 8.2), core laboratory and site interpretations were discordant in 16% (683 of 4347), most commonly because of a finding of significant CAD by site but not by core laboratory interpretation (80%, 544 of 683). Overall, core laboratory interpretation resulted in 41% fewer patients being reported as having significant CAD (14%, 595 of 4347 vs 23%, 1000 of 4347; P < .001). Over a median follow-up period of 25 months, 1.3% (57 of 4347) sustained myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death. The C statistic for future myocardial infarction or cardiovascular death was 0.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54, 0.68) for the core laboratory and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.56, 0.70) for the sites. CONCLUSION: Compared with interpretation by readers at 193 North American sites, standardized core laboratory interpretation classified 41% fewer patients as having significant CAD. (©) RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article. Clinical trial registration no. NCT01174550.

Background The number of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is substantial. We tested whether identification of coronary artery calcium (CAC) can improve the negative predictive value (NPV) of clinical risk assessment for ACS in patients with acute chest pain. Methods and results We included 826 consecutive patients (mean age: 53±11years; 42% female) without known coronary artery disease (CAD) or initially elevated serum biomarkers, whom underwent non-contrast CT, to assess the CAC score, and CT angiography (CTA), to detect coronary stenosis. We analyzed the diagnostic performance of CAC and the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score for our primary outcomes (ACS and obstructive CAD). No CAC was found in 54% (n=444) of all patients, 63% (n=524) had a TIMI score of 0 and 40% (n=328) had both. The prevalence of obstructive CAD was 16% for ≥50% stenosis and 8.7% for ≥70% stenosis. The incidence of ACS was 7.9%, (MI=11, UAP=54). The NPV of CAC=0 was 99.5% for ACS. The NPV of a combination of TIMI score=0 and no CAC was 89% for any CAD (any plaque or stenosis) and 99.7% for ≥50% stenosis. A 100% NPV was found for ≥70% stenosis and ACS, correctly identifying 328 (40%) patients. Conclusions The exclusion of CAC, in combination with clinical risk assessment, has high clinical value in patients with acute chest pain, as it identifies patients at low risk for ACS and obstructive CAD more accurately as compared to clinical risk assessment alone.

Background & Aims Hepatic steatosis has been associated with increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) but it is not clear whether steatosis is independently associated with risk of MACE. We investigated whether steatosis is associated with risk of MACE independently of the presence and extent of baseline coronary artery disease, assessed by comprehensive contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA). Methods We conducted a nested cohort study of 3756 subjects (mean age, 60.6 years; 48.4% men) who underwent coronary CTA at 193 sites in North America, from July 2010 through September 2013, as part of the PROMISE study, which included noninvasive cardiovascular analyses of symptomatic outpatients without coronary artery disease. Independent core laboratory readers measured hepatic and splenic attenuation, using non-contrast computed tomography images to identify steatosis, and evaluated coronary plaques and stenosis in coronary CTA images. We collected data on participants’ cardiovascular risk factors, presence of metabolic syndrome, and body mass index. The primary endpoint was an adjudicated composite of MACE (death, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina) during a median follow-up time of 25 months. Results Among the 959 subjects who had steatosis (25.5% of the cohort), 42 had MACE (4.4%), whereas among the 2797 subjects without steatosis, 73 had MACE (2.6%) (hazard ratio [HR] for MACE in subjects with steatosis, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.16–2.48; P = .006 for MACE in subjects with vs without steatosis). This association remained after adjustment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk scores, significant stenosis, and metabolic syndrome (adjusted HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.16–2.54; P = .007) or obesity (adjusted HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.19–2.59; P = .005). Steatosis remained independently associated with MACE after adjustment for all CTA measures of plaques and stenosis. Conclusions Hepatic steatosis is associated with MACE independently of other cardiovascular risk factors or extent of coronary artery disease. Strategies to reduce steatosis might reduce risk of MACE. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT01174550

Coronary computed tomography angiography (coronary CTA) allows efficient triage of low to intermediate risk patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the emergency department (ED). Techniques for coronary CTA acquisition in the ED continue to evolve with the establishment of standardized scan protocols and the introduction of newer generations of CT hardware.To evaluate qualitative and quantitative image quality and radiation dose exposure of coronary CTA acquired on 2nd versus 3rd generation dual source CT (DSCT) scanners using a standardized institutional scan protocol designed for the ED.A retrospective observational case-control study was performed of 246 ED patients referred to coronary CTA with suspicion of ACS (56.5% male; mean age 53.3 ± 11.6 years) between October 2013 and August 2015.123 consecutive patients were scanned on 3rd generation DSCT, and a cohort of 123 patients matched by age, BMI and heart rate were identified who had undergone 2nd generation DSCT imaging utilizing the same standard clinical protocol. Qualitative and quantitative image quality parameters and radiation exposures were evaluated.Qualitative image quality was significantly higher using 3rd generation DSCT as compared to 2nd generation (p 0.001). Mean attenuation in the proximal coronary arteries was also significantly higher on 3rd generation DSCT than for 2nd generation (586 HU vs. 426 HU in the left main coronary artery (LM), p 0.001). Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) values, however, were lower in 3rd generation DSCT than 2nd generation (SNR 11.2 [9.9-13.4] vs 13.5 [11.0-15.5] and CNR 12.4 [10.9-14.8] vs 15.2 [12.8-17.9] in the LM, p 0.001). Median effective dose was also lower for 3rd generation DSCT than for 2nd generation (2.9 [2.3-5.0] mSv and 3.7 mSv [2.5-5.7], respectively) although this trend did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.065).Qualitative image quality and mean CT attenuation values of the assessed coronary segments were significantly higher using 3rd generation DSCT. SNR and CNR were lower on 3rd generation DSCT, however this was accompanied by a trend toward lower radiation dose exposure when using the same standard institutional protocol.

To evaluate the efficiency and safety of emergency department (ED) coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) during a 3-year clinical experience. Single-center registry of coronary CTA in consecutive ED patients with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The primary outcome was efficiency of coronary CTA defined as the length of hospitalization. Secondary endpoints of safety were defined as the rate of downstream testing, normalcy rates of invasive coronary angiography (ICA), absence of missed ACS, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during follow-up, and index radiation exposure. One thousand twenty two consecutive patients were referred for clinical coronary CTA with suspicion of ACS. Overall, median time to discharge home was 10.5 (5.7-24.1) hours. Patient disposition was 42.7 % direct discharge from the ED, 43.2 % discharge from emergency unit, and 14.1 % hospital admission. ACS rate during index hospitalization was 9.1 %. One hundred ninety two patients underwent additional diagnostic imaging and 77 underwent ICA. The positive predictive value of CTA compared to ICA was 78.9 % (95 %-CI 68.1-87.5 %). Median CT radiation exposure was 4.0 (2.5-5.8) mSv. No ACS was missed; MACE at follow-up after negative CTA was 0.2 %. Coronary CTA in an experienced tertiary care setting allows for efficient and safe management of patients with suspicion for ACS. • ED Coronary CTA using advanced systems is associated with low radiation exposure. • Negative coronary CTA is associated with low rates of MACE. • CTA in ED patients enables short median time to discharge home. • CTA strategy is characterized by few downstream tests including unnecessary ICA.

Background: There is no safe level of exposure to second hand tobacco smoke (SHS). The World Health Organization has stressed that 100% smoke-free environments are the only effective way to protect the population from the harmful effects of exposure to SHS. Design: A multiphase study with a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire phase 1 and a phase 2 cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT), conceptualized to determine the effectiveness of a school-based ‘tobacco free’ health education intervention on adolescents’ knowledge and attitude towards SHS. Methods: Baseline assessment will include a questionnaire followed by estimation of salivary cotinine levels. The experimental arm will receive the ‘tobacco free’ intervention, which includes 40 min health education session delivered once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Participants will also be given ‘take home brochures’ every week containing messages on the effects of tobacco and how to make their homes smoke-free. The sample of 250 participants, for the Phase 2 RCT, with salivary cotinine levels of > 0.1 ng/mL will be selected from the participants of the Phase 1 study. The effect of the intervention will be quantitatively assessed by estimating the salivary cotinine levels after the intervention. Participants in the control arm will receive conventional standard health education once. Conclusion: This research will help in assessing if there is any change in the salivary cotinine levels and the knowledge, attitude and behaviour scores after the health educational intervention and help in developing an effective school-based ‘tobacco free’ intervention program which could be incorporated into the school curriculum. This study has received the Public Health Research Initiative (PHRI) Research Grant of Rs. 18,99,205 and is registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) with number CTRI/2018/09/015706 (Registered on 13/09/2018). Ethical approval has been obtained from The Institutional Ethics Committee (No.17021 dated 13 march 2017).

Coronary artery disease spans a wide spectrum of imaging appearances over the course of disease development and progression, and knowledge of this range of variation is crucial for the cardiac imager. Atherosclerotic plaques may be noncalcified, partially calcified, or heavily calcified which can affect image interpretability. A range of degrees of stenoses exists from early nonobstructive plaque to chronic total occlusion. In addition, particular plaque features have been identified that are linked with a higher rate of adverse cardiac events, which are important to recognize due to their potential clinical significance. Such high-risk plaque features include spotty calcification, low attenuation, the “napkin-ring” sign, and positive remodeling. An awareness of the gamut of imaging appearances of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries is an indispensible foundation when evaluating computed tomography (CT) of the heart.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is more common than previously thought and is present in up to 4% of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. SCAD predominantly occurs in relatively young women and is an important cause of myocardial infarction in young patients without traditional risk factors of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. There have been substantial improvements in spatial and temporal resolution and reduction in ionizing radiation dose with new generation scanners. The risk of dissection propagation with an invasive coronary angiogram, improved CT scanner parameters, and predominantly conservative management of SCAD make coronary CT angiography a useful noninvasive imaging modality for the assessment of SCAD. © RSNA, 2020.

Introduction Assessment of learning is an important component of the education system. The multiple choice question is the commonest method used in written tests for the undergraduate, postgraduate and high stake examinations. Hence, the prevalent tests should be reliable and valid as they attribute quality and efficacy to the assessment system. Methods Forty students of First year Bachelor of Dentistry course attended MCQ test in the subject of Anatomy at Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa. 25 MCQs of the best single response type with four options were selected from the available textbooks (question bank) in anatomy. Each item comprising of one mark had to be answered in 50 s. There was no negative marking and 50% score was considered as pass. Pre-validation of MCQs was not done considering that the items may have been already pre-validated. Post-validation of the MCQs was done by item analysis for difficulty index, discrimination index and distractor effectiveness. Results The mean score of the difficulty index (p) showed that 14 (56%) of the items were within the acceptable limits, 11 (44%) were too difficult and too easy were nil; discrimination index (d value) showed that 7 (28%) needs to be discarded, 5 (20%) of the items were acceptable, 4 (16%) were good and 9 (36%) were excellent; distractor effectiveness (de) showed that 2 (8%) items were non-functional distractors, 3 (12%) items had negative discrimination and 20 (80%) were functional distractors. Discussion Item analysis can tell us if an item was too easy or too difficult, how it can be discriminated between high and low achievers and also whether all the distractors were effective.

AIMS: To update pretest probabilities (PTP) for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD ≥ 50%) across age, sex, and clinical symptom strata, using coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in a large contemporary population of patients with stable chest pain referred to non-invasive testing. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included patients enrolled in the Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE) trial and randomized to CTA. Exclusively level III-certified readers, blinded to demographic and clinical data, assessed the prevalence of CAD ≥ 50% in a central core lab. After comparing the recent European Society of Cardiology-Diamond and Forrester PTP (ESC-DF) with the actual observed prevalence of CAD ≥ 50%, we created a new PTP set by replacing the ESC-DF PTP with the observed prevalence of CAD ≥ 50% across strata of age, sex, and type of angina. In 4415 patients (48.3% men; 60.5 ± 8.2 years; 78% atypical angina; 11% typical angina; 11% non-anginal chest pain), the observed prevalence of CAD ≥ 50% was 13.9%, only one-third of the average ESC-DF PTP (40.6; P

Non-invasive imaging of the aorta has undergone considerable advancements in recent times; largely driven by the technological advances in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This review article highlights these recent advancements and discusses the current role of different imaging tools in the management of aortic diseases.

Importance Coronary computed tomographic angiography (coronary CTA) can characterize coronary artery disease, including high-risk plaque. A noninvasive method of identifying high-risk plaque before major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) could provide practice-changing optimizations in coronary artery disease care. Objective To determine whether high-risk plaque detected by coronary CTA was associated with incident MACE independently of significant stenosis (SS) and cardiovascular risk factors. Design, Setting, and Participants This prespecified nested observational cohort study was part of the Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE) trial. All stable, symptomatic outpatients in this trial who required noninvasive cardiovascular testing and received coronary CTA were included and followed up for a median of 25 months. Exposures Core laboratory assessment of coronary CTA for SS and high-risk plaque (eg, positive remodeling, low computed tomographic attenuation, or napkin-ring sign). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was an adjudicated composite of MACE (defined as death, myocardial infarction, or unstable angina). Results The study included 4415 patients, of whom 2296 (52%) were women, with a mean age of 60.5 years, a median atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score of 11, and a MACE rate of 3% (131 events). A total of 676 patients (15.3%) had high-risk plaques, and 276 (6.3%) had SS. The presence of high-risk plaque was associated with a higher MACE rate (6.4% vs 2.4%; hazard ratio, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.89-3.93). This association persisted after adjustment for ASCVD risk score and SS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.72; 95% CI, 1.13-2.62). Adding high-risk plaque to the ASCVD risk score and SS assessment led to a significant continuous net reclassification improvement (0.34; 95% CI, 0.02-0.51). Presence of high-risk plaque increased MACE risk among patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease relative to patients without high-risk plaque (aHR, 4.31 vs 2.64; 95% CI, 2.25-8.26 vs 1.49-4.69). There were no significant differences in MACE in patients with SS and high-risk plaque as opposed to those with SS but not high-risk plaque (aHR, 8.68 vs. 9.31; 95% CI, 4.25-17.73 vs 4.21-20.61). High-risk plaque was a stronger predictor of MACE in women (aHR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.25-4.64) vs men (aHR, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.81-2.39) and younger patients (aHR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.20-4.51) vs older ones (aHR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.77-2.39). Conclusions and Relevance High-risk plaque found by coronary CTA was associated with a future MACE in a large US population of outpatients with stable chest pain. High-risk plaque may be an additional risk stratification tool, especially in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease, younger patients, and women. The importance of findings is limited by low absolute MACE rates and low positive predictive value of high-risk plaque. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Indentifier:NCT01174550

Common medical interventions performed by cardiologists, radiologists, surgeons, dentists, and alternative practitioners can result in complications within the thorax that lead to significant patient morbidity. Prompt radiologic identification of iatrogenic complications of medical procedures in the thorax is essential to guide patient triage and treatment. Understanding the approach to common thoracic interventions and the placement of thoracic medical devices can aid radiologists in the evaluation of iatrogenic complications.

Focal subendocardial/transmural low attenuation in the left ventricular myocardium (LVM) in cardiac CT represent fatty metaplasia after myocardial infarction (MI). However, the frequency of intramyocardial fat (IMF) in patients with no history of coronary artery disease (CAD) is unknown. We

In the era of advanced cross-sectional imaging, the focus has been on the association of individual heart chamber sizes and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We explore the potential prognostic value of 3D whole heart volume (WHV) with traditional morphometric measures of cardiovascular

Race is a component of the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk score. How ASCVD risk relates to cardiac events and epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD) in blacks vs whites with stable chest pain is not known. The PROMISE trial included 8,764 non-Hispanic blacks (12%; 1,071) and

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) has become increasingly common in the US patient population and can be a highly symptomatic and significant source of morbidity. When PAD is suspected, the first-line screening study that is obtained is typically a noninvasive evaluation that includes the ankle brachial index (ABI). Following a positive screening study, invasive catheter digital subtraction angiography (DSA) has been historically used to image the peripheral artery system and still remains the gold standard. However, newer developments in axial imaging including computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) have in large part supplanted DSA for imaging the peripheral artery system in clinical practice. Benefits of CTA include rapid noninvasive acquisition, wide availability, high spatial resolution, and the ability to generate isotropic datasets on 64-detector row and higher CT scanners, thereby allowing for multiplanar 3D reformatting. Drawbacks of CTA include the exposure to both iodinated contrast and ionizing radiation, although the radiation dose exposure is lower than for DSA, and newer techniques such as using low tube voltage and rapid acquisition times allow for lower contrast doses. The presence of vascular calcification also limits the evaluation of small distal arteries using CTA, although the development of dual-energy CT techniques has significantly addressed this issue. Benefits of MRA include the avoidance of exposure to ionizing radiation and high diagnostic accuracy, while drawbacks include limited availability and increased cost along with the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis that is associated with gadolinium-based contrast agents, although the latter can be mitigated by using newer non-contrast MR angiography techniques. Future technical advances in CT and MR hardware and software and MR pulse sequences will likely lead to the broader applicability and increased accuracy of noninvasive axial imaging in the evaluation of patients with peripheral artery disease.

Common cancer treatments including anthracycline-based chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and thoracic radiation therapy can result in short- and long-term cardiovascular complications with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors are associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure. Radiation therapy is associated with restrictive cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, as well as pericardial and valvular disease. The current standard surveillance of oncology patients for cardiotoxicity involves echocardiography, radionuclide cardiac blood pool imaging, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. CMR can be used to evaluate ventricular structure and function, which is important for management decisions to prevent further cardiac injury. In patients for whom standard surveillance imaging demonstrates a drop in systolic function with or without symptoms, the use of CMR is an appropriate next step for further evaluation due to the accuracy and reproducibility of measurements of function and volumes combined with the additive information provided by tissue characterization through imaging of myocardial edema and myocardial fibrosis, although the clinical applications of these latter are as yet unclear. Overall, detection of early cardiotoxicity is important since therapeutic response is improved with prompt initiation of medical treatment.

Thoracic aortic disease is increasing in prevalence and can result in serious morbidity and mortality. Computed tomography (CT) angiography is an important imaging modality for assessment of thoracic aortic pathology due to wide availability, rapid acquisition, reproducibility, superior spatial and temporal resolution, and capability for 3D image post-processing. CT is the preferred imaging modality in the acute setting to rapidly identify patients with acute aortic syndromes including dissection, intramural hematoma, and penetrating aortic ulcer. CT also plays an important role in post-procedural surveillance of the thoracic aorta for early and late complications from open or endovascular repair. Incidentally detected thoracic aortic aneurysms and congenital aortic anomalies such as coarctation can be thoroughly characterized and followed over time for potential elective intervention. Drawbacks of CT include exposure to radiation and iodinated contrast media; however, recent strategies for dose reduction and contrast optimization have significantly decreased these risks. Electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated CT angiography provides additional information about the aortic root, coronary arteries, and other cardiac structures without motion artifacts.

To evaluate a new system for processing and performing inpatient STAT diagnostic imaging with respect to utilization and time-based performance metrics.This HIPAA-compliant study had institutional review board approval; informed consent was not required. The radiology information system of a large academic medical center was queried for all inpatient diagnostic imaging exams performed and interpreted from August 1, 2010, to October 31, 2012. Using customized software, data were evaluated based on order priority (non-STAT or STAT) and exam modality with respect to exam volume and time-based performance metrics (time-to-performance and preliminary interpretation time). Data were compared over 3 periods: August 1, 2010, to October 31, 2010 (preimplementation period); November 1, 2010, to October 31, 2011 (year 1 postimplementation); and November 1, 2011, to October 31, 2012 (year 2 postimplementation).In the first year after implementation of the new STAT policy, the percentage of inpatient exams ordered STAT significantly decreased from 22.1% to 5.4% (P0.001). This represented a proportional decrease of 26% (CT), 16% (MRI), 20% (US), and 24% (radiographs) relative to pre-STAT policy levels. The median time-to-performance and median preliminary interpretation time significantly decreased for all modalities after implementation of the policy (P0.05 for all modalities), decreasing by an average of 104 and 162 minutes, respectively. These changes persisted throughout year 2 postimplementation.A new institutional system for handling inpatient STAT diagnostic imaging results in a decreased number of STAT exams ordered and improved time-based performance metrics, thereby increasing workflow efficiency.

Objectives: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition that can affect multiple organs and lead to tumefactive, tissue-destructive lesions. Reports have described inflammatory aortitis and periaortitis, the latter in the setting of retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF), but have not distinguished adequately between these 2 manifestations. The frequency, radiologic features, and response of vascular complications to B cell depletion remain poorly defined. We describe the clinical features, radiology findings, and treatment response in a cohort of 36 patients with IgG4-RD affecting large blood vessels. Methods: Clinical records of all patients diagnosed with IgG4-RD in our center were reviewed. All radiologic studies were reviewed. We distinguished between primary large blood vessel inflammation and secondary vascular involvement. Primary involvement was defined as inflammation in the blood vessel wall as a principal focus of disease. Secondary vascular involvement was defined as disease caused by the effects of adjacent inflammation on the blood vessel wall. Results: Of the 160 IgG4-RD patients in this cohort, 36 (22.5%) had large-vessel involvement. The mean age at disease onset of the patients with large-vessel IgG4-RD was 54.6 years. Twenty-eight patients (78%) were male and 8 (22%) were female. Thirteen patients (36%) had primary IgG4-related vasculitis and aortitis with aneurysm formation comprised the most common manifestation. This affected 5.6% of the entire IgG4-RD cohort and was observed in the thoracic aorta in 8 patients, the abdominal aorta in 4, and both the thoracic and abdominal aorta in 3. Three of these aneurysms were complicated by aortic dissection or contained perforation. Periaortitis secondary to RPF accounted for 27 of 29 patients (93%) of secondary vascular involvement by IgG4-RD. Only 5 patients demonstrated evidence of both primary and secondary blood vessel involvement. Of those treated with rituximab, a majority responded positively. Conclusions: IgG4-RD is a distinctive, unique, and treatable cause of large-vessel vasculitis. It can also involve blood vessels secondary to perivascular tumefactive lesions. The most common manifestation of IgG4-related vasculitis is aortitis with aneurysm formation. The most common secondary vascular manifestation is periaortitis with relative sparing of the aortic wall. Both primary vasculitis and secondary vascular involvement respond well to B cell depletion therapy.

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is an established tool for evaluation of low- to intermediate-risk emergency department (ED) patients with acute chest pain. We evaluated the medical management of patients diagnosed with previously unknown non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in the ED. The

Infertility is a complex disorder which affects about 15% of couple. Animal and human studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is involved in both male and female infertility. The expression levels of vitamin D receptors and CYP24A1 in human spermatozoa serve as positive predictive markers of semen quality. In women, vitamin D status has been associated with better IVF outcomes, anti Mullerian hormone production and maintenance of ovarian reserve. Serum [25(OH)] D levels have a direct relationship with clinical pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF. Women with sufficient levels of vitamin D show higher implantation rates, higher rates of clinical pregnancy in IVF and ET cycles. In women undergoing IVF, higher vitamin levels in their serum and follicular fluid are more likely to achieve clinical pregnancy. Its most important role in reproduction may be at the endometrial level.