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Background: The radial approach is now recommended as the default strategy in diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention. Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is the most common complication that limits subsequent angiographic procedures through this access. Recently, distal radial access (DRA) has been recommended as an alternative access site. Despite lower RAO rates in DRA in some recent clinical trials, concerns remain regarding possible complications and limitations due to the small size of the distal radial artery. Objective: The present study aimed to compare traditional radial access (TRA) and DRA concerning RAO in percutaneous coronary procedures. Methods: In the present prospective cohort study, percutaneous coronary procedures were performed via DRA or TRA in 2 study groups. All consecutive participants underwent DRA from September 2021 to March 2022 and TRA from April 2022 to June 2022. Ultrasonography was performed preprocedurally in the DRA group, and patients with small distal artery diameters (

Thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR) is a valuable alternative to open surgical repair for aortic aneurysms, offering several benefits. However, one potential complication that demands attention is endoleak. This case report highlights a unique occurrence of type 2 endoleak, typically associated with aortic aneurysms treated by TEVAR, originating from an undiagnosed patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The patient, a 68-year-old woman, underwent TEVAR for an aortic aneurysm complicated by underlying lung disease and pulmonary artery hypertension. During the procedure, an unexpected shunt between the aorta and the pulmonary artery was identified and subsequently revealed to be an undiagnosed PDA. Remarkably, the decision was made to continue with TEVAR while simultaneously deploying a stent graft to close the PDA. This case underscores the significance of comprehensive preprocedural aortic assessment and careful consideration of PDA closure to prevent type 2 endoleak in TEVAR, reinforcing the importance of thorough evaluation before such procedures.

Summary: Background: The clinical relevance of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) after discontinuing anticoagulation in patients with COVID-19-associated VTE remains uncertain. We estimated the incidence rates and mortality of VTE recurrences developing after discontinuing anticoagulation in patients with COVID-19-associated VTE. Methods: A prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study was conducted between March 25, 2020, and July 26, 2023, including patients who had discontinued anticoagulation after at least 3 months of therapy. All patients from the registry were analyzed during the study period to verify inclusion criteria. Patients with superficial vein thrombosis, those who did not receive at least 3 months of anticoagulant therapy, and those who were followed for less than 15 days after discontinuing anticoagulation were excluded. Outcomes were: 1) Incidence rates of symptomatic VTE recurrences, and 2) fatal PE. The rate of VTE recurrences was defined as the number of patients with recurrent VTE divided by the patient-years at risk of recurrent VTE during the period when anticoagulation was discontinued. Findings: Among 1106 patients with COVID-19-associated VTE (age 62.3 ± 14.4 years; 62.9% male) followed-up for 12.5 months (p25-75, 6.3–20.1) after discontinuing anticoagulation, there were 38 VTE recurrences (3.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5–4.7%), with a rate of 3.1 per 100 patient-years (95% CI: 2.2–4.2). No patient died of recurrent PE (0%, 95% CI: 0–7.6%). Subgroup analyses showed that patients with diagnosis in 2021–2022 (vs. 2020) (Hazard ratio [HR] 2.86; 95% CI 1.45–5.68) or those with isolated deep vein thrombosis (vs. pulmonary embolism) (HR 2.31; 95% CI 1.19–4.49) had significantly higher rates of VTE recurrences. Interpretation: In patients with COVID-19-associated VTE who discontinued anticoagulation after at least 3 months of treatment, the incidence rate of recurrent VTE and the case-fatality rate was low. Therefore, it conceivable that long-term anticoagulation may not be required for many patients with COVID-19-associated VTE, although further research is needed to confirm these findings. Funding: Sanofi and Rovi, Sanofi Spain.

Abstract Background The aim of the current study is to assess the prevalence of different categories of thyroid dysfunction and their associated risk factors among the modern urban population of Tehran, the capital of Iran. Methods The present investigation is a sub-study of the HAMRAH study, a population-based prospective study designed to assess the prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and their changes through a 10-year follow-up. 2228 (61% female) adults aged between 30 and 75 years old and with no overt cardiovascular diseases were selected through a multistage cluster randomized sampling. Blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxin (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) were measured with the aim of assessing the prevalence of abnormal thyroid function status among the modern urban Iranian population, and in order to report the total prevalence of participants with clinical hypo- or hyperthyroidism, the number of individuals taking thyroid-related drugs were added to the ones with overt thyroid dysfunction. A subgroup analysis was also performed to determine the associated risk factors of thyroid dysfunction. Results The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among the total population was 7% (95%CI: 5.9 − 8%) and 0.4% (95% CI: 0.1 − 0.6%) for subclinical and overt hypothyroidism, and 1.6% (95% CI: 1 − 2%) and 0.2% (95% CI: 0 − 0.3%) for subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism, respectively. Clinical thyroid dysfunction was detected in 10.3% of the study population (9.4% had clinical hypo- and 0.9% had clinical hyperthyroidism). In the subgroup analysis, thyroid dysfunction was significantly more prevalent among the female participants (P-value = 0.029). Conclusions In the current study, the prevalence of different categories of abnormal thyroid status, and also the rate of clinical hypo- and hyperthyroidism was assessed using the data collected from the first phase of the HAMRAH Study. In this study, we detected a higher prevalence of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism among the Iranian population compared to the previous studies.

Objective: While most of the evidence in CTO interventions emerge from Western and Japanese studies, few data have been published up today from the Middle East. Objective of this study was to evaluate technical success rates and clinical outcomes of an Iranian population undergoing CTO PCI in a tertiary referral hospital. Moreover, we sought to evaluate the efficacy of our CTO teaching program. Methods: This is a retrospective single-center cohort study including 790 patients who underwent CTO PCI performed by operators with different volumes of CTOs PCI performed per year. According to PCI result, all patients have been divided into successful (n = 555, 70.3 %) and unsuccessful (n = 235, 29.7 %) groups. Study endpoints were Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Health Status Improvement evaluated using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire at one year. Results: A global success rate of 70 % for antegrade and 80 % for retrograde approach was shown despite the lack of some CTO-dedicated devices. During the enrollment period, the success rate increased significantly among operators with a lower number of CTO procedures per year. One-year MACE rate was similar in both successful and unsuccessful groups (13.5 % in successful and 10.6 % in unsuccessful group, p = 0.173). One year patients’ health status improved significantly only in successful group. Conclusions: No significant differences of in-hospital and one-year MACE were found between the successful and unsuccessful groups. Angina symptoms and quality of life significantly improved after successful CTO PCI. The RAIAN registry confirmed the importance of operator expertise for CTO PCI success.

BackgroundVitamins D, E, A, B, C, and Omega-3 play crucial roles in modulating inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, both implicated in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development. Recent research has explored the potential impact of dietary supplements on AAA progression. The systematic review aims to assess interventional studies investigating the effects of various dietary supplements on the development and severity of abdominal aortic aneurysms.MethodA systematic search using relevant keywords related to abdominal aortic aneurysm and dietary supplements was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science). Quality assessment for animal studies employed SYRCLE and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool for randomized control trials. The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO under the registry code CRD42023455958.ResultsSupplementation with Omega-3, Vitamins A, C, D, E, and the Vitamin B family exhibited positive effects in AAA progression. These supplements contributed to a reduction in AAA diameter, elastin degradation, inflammatory responses, and reactive oxygen species. Additional supplements such as Zinc, methionine, and phytoestrogen also played roles in mitigating AAA progression.ConclusionThe findings of this study underscore the potential role of dietary supplements in the progression of AAA. Predominantly based on animal studies, the results indicate that these supplements can limit AAA progression, primarily evidenced by their ability to mitigate inflammatory processes and oxidative stress pathways.

Abstract Accounting for 1.5% of thoracic trauma, blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is a rare disease with a high mortality rate that nowadays is treated mostly via thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Personalised computational models based on fluid–solid interaction (FSI) principals not only support clinical researchers in studying virtual therapy response, but also are capable of predicting eventual outcomes. The present work studies the variation of key haemodynamic parameters in a clinical case of BTAI after successful TEVAR, using a two-way FSI model. The three-dimensional (3D) patient-specific geometries of the patient were coupled with three-element Windkessel model for both prior and post intervention cases, forcing a correct prediction of blood flow over each section. Results showed significant improvement in velocity and pressure distribution after stenting. High oscillatory, low magnitude shear (HOLMES) regions require careful examination in future follow-ups, since thrombus formation was confirmed in some previously clinically reported cases of BTAI treated with TEVAR. The strength of swirling flows along aorta was also damped after stent deployment. Highlighting the importance of haemodynamic parameters in case-specific therapies. In future studies, compromising motion of aortic wall due to excessive cost of FSI simulations can be considered and should be based on the objectives of studies to achieve a more clinical-friendly patient-specific CFD model

Abstract This cross-sectional study was designed to assess alterations of choroidal and retinal microvasculature in patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) and compare them with a normal age and sex-matched population. Fifty-two eyes of 26 patients with HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]

Abstract Background Post-coarctoplasty aortic pseudoaneurysms constitute a lethal problem occurring in up to 38% of patients with a history of aortic coarctation surgical repair. Such pseudoaneurysms are prone to rupture if managed conservatively and high mortality and morbidity if treated with open surgery. Therefore, the endovascular approach has been proposed for their management. Case report We describe a patient with a post-coarctoplasty aortic pseudoaneurysm complicated by an aortobronchial fistula. The case was treated via the endovascular approach (thoracic endovascular aortic repair and endovascular coarctoplasty) with an atrial septal defect occluder device. Conclusions Endovascular repair is a feasible, safe, and promising treatment for thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysms secondary to coarctation repair.

Abstract Background May–Thurner anomaly is characterized as external venous compression by the arterial framework against hard bony structures. This chronic anatomical lesion infrequently leads to deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremity, and it may lead to leg swelling as a long-term post-thrombotic complication. Left iliac vein compression may not be as uncommon as was previously thought, and it typically occurs in women more than men. Congenital anomalies of venous tree are not rare; they exist in 8.7% of the general population. Case-presentation We herein present the first case of right-sided May Thurner Syndrome in a patient with IVC anomalies. In our patient, both common iliac veins formed the left-sided IVC, which extended to the hemiazygos vein and the superior vena cava. Additionally, there was a right-sided suprarenal IVC, which extended to the right atrium. Conclusion Understanding the proper anatomy in May-Thurner syndrome helps in better decision making for management of disease pathophysiology.

Abstract Background Mounting evidence indicates an association between endothelial dysfunction and the coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the possible role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) 894G/T and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) 315C/T polymorphisms as possible risk factors for CSFP. Methods This prospective study enrolled patients with CSFP and individuals with normal coronary arteries. Genotypes were assessed using regular polymerase chain reaction and direct Sanger-sequencing techniques. Results The study population consisted of 267 individuals: 180 patients with CSFP (49 women [27.2%]) at a median age of 55 (48–62) years and 87 controls with normal coronary arteries (56 women [64.4%]) at a median age of 47 (41–58) years. The allelic distribution of eNOS 894G/T was significantly associated with CSFP (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04–2.42; P = 0.03). This polymorphism increased the risk of CSFP under the dominant model (OR 1.73; 95% CI I.02–2.95; P = 0.04). However, the allelic frequencies (1.05; 95% CI 0.68–1.59; P = 0.83) and genotypic frequencies (0.88; 95% CI 0.52–1.49; P = 0.63) of the IL-1β 315C/T polymorphism were not associated with the incidence of CSFP in the Iranian population. Conclusions The CSFP and control groups were statistically different regarding the eNOS 894G/T polymorphism. Our findings also demonstrated that the IL-1β 315C/T polymorphism was not a risk factor for CSFP.

Abstract Introduction Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by the dilation and impaired contraction of 1 or both ventricles and can be caused by a variety of disorders. Up to 50% of idiopathic DCM cases have heritable familial diseases, and the clinical screening of family members is recommended. Identifying a genetic cause that can explain the DCM risk in the family can help with better screening planning and clinical decision-making. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) has aided significantly in the detection of causative genes in many genetically heterogeneous diseases. In the present study, we applied WES to identify the causative genetic variant in a family with heritable DCM. Methods WES was applied to identify genetic variants on a 26-year-old man as the proband of a family with DCM. Subsequently, Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the variant in the patient and all the available affected and unaffected family members. The pathogenicity of the variant was evaluated through co-segregation analysis in the family and employment of in silico predictive software. Results WES demonstrated the missense pathogenic heterozygous nucleotide variant, c.1907G > A, (p.Arg636His, rs267607004, NM_0011343), in exon 9 of the RBM20 gene in the proband. The variant was co-segregated in all the affected family members in a heterozygous form and the unaffected family members. The in silico analysis confirmed the variant as pathogenic. Conclusion Pathogenic RBM20 nucleotide variants are associated with arrhythmogenic DCM. We believe that our report is the first to show an RBM20 variant in Iranian descent associated with DCM.

Abstract Background Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms (AAPs) constitute a rare, albeit potentially dangerous, condition that occurs in up to 13% of patients after cardiac or aortic surgeries. For patients with a history of cardiac surgery, repeat thoracotomy poses additive risks. The high morbidity and mortality rates associated with the surgical management of AAPs have led to the development of transcatheter approaches. Case report We report a case of AAP percutaneous closure at the site of aortic cannulation with an ASO device in a post-CABG 65-year-old man, who refused surgery. Conclusion The use of the Amplatzer Atrial Septal Defect Occluder (ASO) device represents an acceptable alternative to surgery in treatment of Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms.

Background There are limited data about the clinical outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who present with ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Objectives The aim of this multicenter study is to compare baseline clinical and procedural data between the case group (STEMI patients with COVID-19) and the control group (STEMI patients before the COVID-19 pandemic) and to determine in-hospital infarct-related artery thrombus grades; major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as a composite of deaths from any cause (cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular), nonfatal strokes, and stent thrombosis. Results There were no significant differences between two groups regarding baseline characteristics. Primary PCI was performed in 81% of the case group and 97% of the control group (P=0.043), and primary CABG was performed in 7% of the case group and 1.4% of the control group (P=0.04). The number of successful PCI procedures (final TIMI flow grade III) was significantly lower in the case group (66.5% vs 93%; P=0.0). The baseline thrombus grade before wire crossing was not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups. The summation of thrombus grades IV and V was 75% in the case group and 82% in the control group (P=0.43). The rate of MACCE was 17% and 2.1% in the case and control groups, correspondingly (P=0.002). Conclusions In our study, the thrombus grade had no significant differences between the case group and the control group; however, the in-hospital rates of the no-reflow phenomenon, periprocedural MI, mechanical complications, and MACCE were statistically significantly higher in the case group.

Abstract Background Screening program tend to recognized patients in their early stage and consequently improve health outcomes. Cost-effectiveness of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening program has been scarcely studied in developing countries. We sought to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a screening program for the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in men aged over 65 years in Iran. Methods A Markov cohort model with 11 mutually exclusive health statuses was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a population-based AAA screening program compared with a no-screening strategy. Transitions between the health statuses were simulated by using 3-month cycles. Data for disease transition probabilities and quality of life outcomes were obtained from published literature, and costs were calculated based on the price of medical services in Iran and the examination of the patients’ medical records. The outcomes were life-years gained, the quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), costs, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The analysis was conducted for a lifetime horizon from the payer’s perspective. Costs and effects were discounted at an annual rate of 3%. Uncertainty surrounding the model inputs was tested with deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results The mean incremental cost of the AAA screening strategy compared with the no-screening strategy was $140 and the mean incremental QALY gain was 0.025 QALY, resulting in an ICER of $5566 ($14,656 PPP) per QALY gained. At a willingness-to-pay of 1 gross domestic product (GDP) per capita ($5628) per QALY gained, the probability of the cost-effectiveness of AAA screening was about 50%. However, at a willingness-to-pay of twice the GDP per capita per QALY gained, there was about a 95% probability for the AAA screening program to be cost-effective in Iran. Conclusions The results of this study showed that at a willingness-to-pay of 1 GDP per capita per QALY gained, a 1-time AAA screening program for men aged over 65 years could not be cost-effective. Nevertheless, at a willingness-to-pay of twice the GDP per capita per QALY gained, the AAA screening program could be cost-effective in Iran. Further, AAA screening in high-risk groups could be cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay of 1 GDP per capita per QALY gained.

Background: Patients' hesitation to seek medical care has seriously compromised the management of acute coronary syndrome during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. In the present study, we have reported the rate of discharged against medical advice (DAMA) among patients referred to chest pain unit (CPU) of a tertiary cardiovascular center and compared their clinical outcomes with whom admitted or managed conservatively. Methods: Patients with modified HEART risk score ≥4 referred to the CPU were included in the present study. Population requiring CPU admission due to positive serial troponin were divided into admitted and DAMA groups. Patients with negative serial troponin were managed as outpatient (conservative treatment group). 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality were compared between the study groups. Results: A modified HEART risk score (≥4) was calculated for 440 of 5490 patients visited our CPU. One hundred and one (22.9%), 80 (18.1%), and 249 (56.5%) patients were categorized as DAMA, admitted, and conservative treatment groups, respectively. Myocardial infarction was significantly higher in the DAMA versus admitted group (2 vs. 0; P ≤ 0.001). MACE and all-cause mortality were significantly higher in the DAMA group than that in the conservative treatment group (5 vs. 2; P = 0.02 and 4 vs. 2; P = 0.055, respectively). Conclusion: In the present study, we have demonstrated a considerable rate of DAMA in patients with high modified HEART risk score referring to CPU during the COVID-19 outbreak. Importantly, the DAMA group experienced a higher incidence rate of 30-day MACE and all-cause mortality compared to patients who were admitted or managed conservatively.

PURPOSEWe aimed to evaluate and compare thrombus aspiration efficiency between side-hole and end-hole thrombus-aspirating catheters.METHODSUsing an in vitro model of acute thrombus occlusion, we performed thrombus aspiration with two catheter designs. Two end-hole and two side-hole catheters, 8 F and 10 F in diameter, were examined. Thrombus aspiration was performed with each catheter 30 times, and the amount of thrombotic material aspirated in each attempt was determined. The mean weight of the thrombotic material and the mean weight of the non-fluid thrombotic material extracted in all 30 attempts by each catheter were also determined.RESULTSThe 10 F side-hole catheter aspirated more thrombotic material than did the 10 F end-hole catheter (44.76 g vs. 28.35 g). The 8 F side-hole catheter had higher thrombus aspiration capacity than did the 8 F end-hole catheter in terms of the mean weight of the aspirated thrombus at each aspiration attempt (1.41 g vs. 0.58 g; P < 0.001) and the mean volume of the aspirated thrombotic material at each aspiration attempt (1.79 mL vs. 1.01 mL; P < 0.001). The mean weight of the non-fluid thrombotic material aspirated with the side-hole catheters was higher than that aspirated by the end-hole catheters with the same diameter size (31.06 g vs. 22.41 g for the 10 F catheters; P < 0.001; and 4.54 g vs. 2.99 g for the 8 F catheters; P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSide-hole catheters are more effective in aspirating acute thrombi. The added benefit of the side-hole design is more remarkable in smaller-sized catheters. Animal models are needed to examine their aspiration capacity in a real elastic vascular conduit and in the presence of wall-adherent thrombi.

Given the nature of heart disease and the importance of continuing heart surgery during the pandemic and its aftermath and in order to provide adequate safety for the surgical team and achieve the desired result for patients, as well as the optimal use of ICU beds, the medical team, blood, blood products, and personal protective equipment, it is essential to change the usual approach during the pandemic. There are still a lot of evidences and experiences needed to produce the perfect protocol. Some centers may have a special program for their centers during this period of epidemics that can be respected and performed. Generally, in pandemic conditions, the use of non-surgical approaches is preferred if similar outcomes can be obtained.

The concomitant occurrence of acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rare but challenging condition. Although anticoagulation therapy is essential in the treatment of PE, it may increase the risk of aortic rupture and bleeding complications. We herein describe a patient with acute TBAD complicated by PE, which was successfully treated with early thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) followed by anticoagulation. The present case report demonstrates that early TEVAR not only treats the aortic pathology but also allows the safe initiation of anticoagulation therapy.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the association between 2 polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) gene (-786T>C and +894G>T) and the no-reflow/slow-flow phenomenon in post-primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) patients. Methods: A total of 103 post-PPCI patients were enrolled. Coronary no-reflow phenomenon was defined as a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade 0–1 and coronary slow-flow phenomenon (CSFP) was defined as a TIMI flow grade ≤2. Results: Due to the small number of post-PPCI patients with the no-reflow phenomenon (n=4), the primary comparison was made between CSFP (n=20) and normal flow (n=83) groups. There was a greater frequency of CSFP among carriers of the –786C allele of the eNOS –786T>C polymorphism (odds ratio [OR]: 3.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87–17.45; p=0.07). However, no such association was detected between the +894T allele of the eNOS +894G>T and CSFP (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.21–3.98; p=0.91). In the adjusted analysis, the -786T>C polymorphism did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: There was no significant association between CSFP and 2 of the most common polymorphisms of the eNOS gene in post-PPCI patients.

Introduction: Most fatal presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been related to acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and we as a referral center in the country decide to launch a registry of patients with ACS to monitor the way they are managed and the way they are treated. Materials and Methods: Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center ACS registry (RHC-ACS registry) launched on December 2015 with enrolling all ACS patients referred or presented to the center. All patients' demographic variables, presenting symptoms, known risk factors, past medical history, past CAD records, serial ischemic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, presenting echocardiographic data (such as left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], valvular abnormality, and mechanical complication of myocardial infarction [MI]), laboratory assessment (biochemistry, complete blood count, cardiac markers, and inflammatory indicators), and their angiographic and angioplasty data were recorded. Results: Recordings showed in the RHC-ACS registry, most patients were men (73.2%), with mean age of 59.16 ± 11.64 years, hypertension were the most known cardiac risk factor. Most patients were non-ST elevation MI patients (43.2%), 32.8% were in premature CAD group, and typical retrosternal chest pain were complained in 83.5% of our registry population. Most patients had no new ECG changes (51.7%) and from whom with new ECG changes, anterior territory ECG changes were the most common pattern (28.2%). LVEF was reported 30% or less in 171 (16.6%) of patients. Angiographic findings revealed femoral access was most common access (63.9%), most involved vessel was left anterior descending with 49.3% of the patients, percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 48% of patients with drug-eluting stent implantation in 99.3% of these patients, dissection was the most angiographic-related complication in our registry (1%), and in-hospital death was reported in six patients (0.5%). Conclusion: RHC-ACS registry as a real-world middle-east running ACS registry would help cardiologists justify their revascularization strategy in ACS patients and would have a promising impact in future multi-center studies.

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) impose great burden on the health systems worldwide. The prevention of CVDs depends on the correct information about the perveance/incidence of them and their determinants in the community and population-based studies are the most accurate ways for obtaining these data. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of the classic risk factors of CVDs among healthy adult residents of Tehran and their changes through a 10-year follow-up in Tehran, the capital of Iran. This article presents the study protocol. Methods: Heart Assessment and Monitoring in RAjaie Hospital, is a population-based study conducted in Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, the largest tertiary care hospital for CVDs in Tehran. It consists two phases: A survey and a prospective cohort. People between 30 and 75 years of age, without known CVDs, invite through a multistage random sampling process. They will assess for the CVD risk factors, laboratory indices, electrocardiography and echocardiography features, diet, physical activity levels, psychological aspects, and peripheral vascular diseases. All the participants will be followed for 10 years and the changes in the above-mentioned factors and incidence of CVDs assessed. Discussion: It is expected that through obtaining valid, population-specific data, the information for policy making and efficient management of CVDs in Iranian people be provided.

Introduction: Clinical registries are a targeted way of data collection aimed at finding a solution to a specific clinical inquiry. The present report introduces the Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center percutaneous coronary intervention (RHC-PCI) Registry. The primary objectives of the RHC-PCI Registry consist of monitoring different complex PCI procedures and their mutual impact on interventional cardiology programs. Methods: RHC is a large and well-known cardiovascular tertiary center in Iran. The RHC-PCI Registry was first launched in 2015, since which time it has collected >5000 parameters regarding the baseline, clinical, and procedural characteristics of various PCI procedures. Noncomplex coronary interventions, bifurcation stenting, left main interventions, chronic total occlusion (CTO) PCI, and bypass graft interventions comprise the major categories gathered by the RHC-PCI Registry. The main registry outcomes are comprised in-hospital mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, vascular access site complications, and 6-month all-cause mortality. Results: In this primary report, we elaborate on the principal infrastructure of the RHC-PCI Registry and present a synopsis of the registry scope. During the first 40 months of the registry, 11,005 patients underwent PCI. The acute coronary syndrome was reported in 5043 (45.8%) patients. Bifurcation stenting, left main interventions, CTO PCI, and bypass graft interventions were performed in 1679 (15.2%), 236 (2.1%), 946 (8.5%), and 764 (6.9%) patients, respectively. The preferred access site was the femoral artery (n = 6614, 60%), and drug-eluting stents were deployed in 9230 (83.8%) patients. In-hospital mortality in the total registry data was reported in 104 (0.9%) patients. Conclusions: This report introduces the RHC-PCI Registry, its primary objectives, infrastructure, and preliminary results (the 3-year outcome).

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia (Calkins H, et al. 2012). There are various methods to treat AF of which Ablation is one of the most effective. We aimed to assess the cost-utility of Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) compared to Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat patients with paroxysmal AF in Iran. A cost-utility analysis was done using a decision-analytic model based on a lifetime Markov structure which was drawn considering the nature of interventions and the natural progress of the disease. Costs data were extracted from medical records of 47 patients of Shahid Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical Center in Tehran in 2019. Parameters and variables such as transition probabilities, risks related to side effects, mortality rates, and utility values were extracted from the available evidence. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis was also done. TreeAge pro-2020 software was used in all stages of analysis. In the base case analysis, the CBA strategy was associated with higher cost and effectiveness than RFA, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $11,223 per Quality-adjusted life year (QALY), which compared to Iran's GDP per capita as Willingness to pay threshold, CBA was not cost-effective. On the other hand, considering twice the GDP per capita as a threshold, CBA was cost-effective. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis confirmed the findings of base case analysis, showed that RFA was cost-effective and the probability of cost-effectiveness was 59%. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the results of the study have the highest sensitivity to changes in the RFA cost variable. Results of sensitivity analysis showed that the cost-effectiveness results were not robust and are sensitive to changes in variables changes. Primary results showed that CBA compared to RFA is not cost-effective in the treatment of AF considering one GDP per capita. But the sensitivity analysis results showed considerable sensitivity to changes of the ablation costs variable.

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Background: Cardiomyopathies are characterized by structural and functional abnormalities of myocardium that will probably lead to premature death from arrhythmia and/or progressive heart failure. Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium diagnosed by histological criteria definitively. To date, most information about the natural history and management of cardiomyopathies and myocarditis has derived from cohort studies in a small number of specialized centers. Aim: The prevalence of patients with cardiomyopathies who referred to Rajaei Cardiovascular medical and research center from all over the country is remarkable. Rajaie Cardiomyopathy and myocarditis Registry (RCMR) study is an observational registry of consecutive patients with four cardiomyopathy subtypes: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) as well as myocarditis designed to determine clinical characteristics, natural history, current therapeutic approaches, response to treatment and long-term outcomes of patients with cardiomyopathy and myocarditis. Prediction of mortality and response to different treatments in these patients using artificial intelligence is another aim of this registry. Covid 19 Myocarditis and its sequence as cardiomyopathy seems a new challenge in forthcoming years. Methods: Patients with a history of documented cardiomyopathy/ myocarditis fulfilling standard diagnostic criteria based on the ESC guideline for cardiomyopathy/ myocarditis and willing and able to give informed consent or in the case of child consent from a parent will be included. At baseline visit , past medical history, clinical signs/ symptoms, risk factors, physical examination and family history of cardiomyopathy, as well current standards for diagnostic workup and clinical follow-up and where relevant electrocardiogram, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, Holter monitoring, or biomarker analyses will be checked. Based on the type of disease and the physician's opinion, patients will undergo exercise test, electrophysiology study or endomyocardial biopsy. Outcome and results of various therapeutic approaches currently employed for patients including implantable cardioverter defibrillator, cardiac resynchronization therapy, septal myectomy, ablation, cardiac transplantation and medications will be assessed. Long-term outcomes including the benefits and complications of therapeutic interventions will be collected. Follow-up visit will be scheduled after 12 months for all patients and survival status, hospitalizations, co-morbidities, medications will be assessed. Data will be collected on a research electronic data source (Regitory) and will be analyzed at regular intervals based on study objectives and also by using artificial intelligence. Conclusion: RCMR aims to make a major contribution to understanding the natural history of the cardiomyopathy/ myocarditis, as well as guiding evidence-based decision making. Potential gaps with existing recommendations will be discussed as well as some suggestions for improvement of health care provision.

Background: It has been shown recently that a considerable burden of pulmonary embolism (PE) roots from an inflammatory response. The activated inflammatory cascade will be responsible for the final fibrotic response of pulmonary vascular bed, creating further mechanical obstruction which results in subsequent right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, influencing functional capacity and future prognosis. Although anticoagulants represent the cornerstone treatment of PE, the drug class has a minimal effect on the mentioned pathology. Study Design: The present study is a single-center randomized, double-blind, parallel group controlled trial with placebo which will evaluate the effect of high-intensity statin – rosuvastatin 20 mg daily on patients with intermediate-to-high-risk PE. Study population will be selected from patients for whom statin is not otherwise indicated. Primary end point of the present trial will be echocardiographic measures of RV function. We believe that the mentioned indexes represent an accurate surrogate for the functional capacity and prognosis. Our secondary end point will be the composites of PE recurrence and exertional capacity measured by 6-minute walk test. Conclusions: The result of the present trial might influence the complimentary treatment of acute PE.

Objectives: The endovascular treatment (EVT) of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) has received considerable interest in recent years and has significantly affected the associated amputation and survival rates. Nonetheless, that this management modality may be influenced by various logistical and regional situations prompted us to design a local registry to evaluate its applicability and efficacy in our community.Methods: The IRANCLI study is a prospective, observational study that has been established as a registry. The therapeutic and follow-up protocols of this study have been approved by a multidisciplinary team. Recruited patients with CLI are followed up after in-hospital therapeutic management, endovascular revascularization, or minor amputations or debridement in cases with ulcers. The follow-up consists of active monitoring to spot patients with a recurrence of CLI signs and symptoms at early stages. Within 3 years, eligible patients are recruited to the study and are followed up for 3 years. Analyses are carried out to evaluate outcomes – comprising major adverse limb events (the primary outcome), amputation-free survival, limb salvage, event-free survival, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, 30 days' postprocedural adverse events, and procedural success. The predictors of procedural failure and long-term follow-up adverse events are assessed. Result and Conclusion: The IRANCLI study evaluates postendovascular revascularization outcomes and the long-term follow-up of patients with CLI. Uncovering the predictors of EVT failure and adverse events during the follow-up may improve the prospect of cases with CLI by streamlining the determination of both the patients who would benefit the most from EVT and those who would need a closer active follow-up.

BACKGROUND: In the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic era, clinical programs and mandatory hands-on activities have been supplanted by remote teaching to maintain the fundamental capabilities of medical training and to furnish medical students with quality education. Nonetheless, the satisfaction of faculty members with this training method in the current pandemic has yet to be assessed. The aim of this study was to design a Persian questionnaire with appropriate validity and reliability on cardiology professors' satisfaction level with virtual education. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was devised drawing upon scientific sources and Iranian medical educators' expertise. Seventeen faculty members in various specialties evaluated the questionnaire concerning face and content validity. Content validity was assessed through the calculation of the content validity ratio (CVR) (values >0.62 were considered acceptable) and the content validity index (CVI) (values >0.79 were considered acceptable), construct validity was evaluated through principal component factor analysis by the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) statistic and Bartlett's sphericity test, internal reliability was measured through the calculation of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and consistency was appraised through the use of test-retest reliability at two different time points. RESULTS: The questionnaire had a reliability rate of 95%, indicating high internal validity. Concerning test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.96 (P < 0.001), demonstrating relatively good stability. The CVI was 0.81, and the CVR was 0.85. The KMO measure of sampling adequacy was 0.954, indicating the acceptability of the degree of common variance among the all items. CONCLUSIONS: This Persian questionnaire on virtual education aimed at cardiology faculty members in the current pandemic with its low question count and appropriate domains had high reliability and validity. By knowing the level of professors' satisfaction with the new method of education, it is possible to take steps to better provide specialized medical education to cardiology residents.

Background: Preinfarction angina has been recognized as a surrogate for preconditioning episodes. This study was designed to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of preinfarction anginal episodes among acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Materials and Methods: Of 520 patients who had undergone primary PCI, 393 patients were finally included in a prospective cohort study. Standard primary PCI procedure according to the latest guidelines was performed. The patients were divided into three groups based on previous symptoms as follows: asymptomatic (Group A), chronic stable angina (Group B) and unstable angina (Group C). Results: A total of 393 patients were evaluated. 185 (47.1%) patients were described as asymptomatic, 48 (12.2%) had stable angina and 160 (40.7%) were categorized as unstable angina. There was no significant difference among the study groups regarding pre- and post-PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade (P = 0.81). Median of peak post-PCI creatine-kinase-muscle/brain level of Group A (asymptomatic) was 250.5 (115.5–389), and it was significantly higher than Group C (176 [60.00–313.50]) (P = 0.03). Q wave formation was observed in 142 (88.75%), 31 (64.5%), and 96 (52.0%) patients of Group A, B, and C patients, respectively, which was significantly higher in asymptomatic patients (P = 0.002). There was no significant difference among the three groups regarding in-hospital and 6-month mortality (P = 0.36, 0.06, respectively). The composite endpoint of 6-month mortality, acute coronary events, cerebrovascular accidents, and target vessel revascularization was not significantly different between the three groups (P = 0.11). Conclusion: Preinfarction angina among AMI patients undergoing primary PCI seems to have a limited beneficial effect on infarct size, and this benefit was not translated to any clinical benefit.

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a chronic large-vessel arteritis in which the aorta, its major branches, and the pulmonary arteries are affected. The clinical signs of TA are insidiously varied, depending on the arterial sites involved. In this paper, we report an unusual presentation of TA with signs and symptoms of heart failure and the involvement of the renal artery in a 34-year-old male who was managed with medical treatments and an interventional procedure. Given the unusual presentation of TA, we recommend a high clinical index of suspicion of renal artery involvement and sufficient heed to its significance especially in view of the fact that its early diagnosis and timely appropriate treatment can confer a much better prognosis.

The management of floating right heart thrombi (FRHT) in patients with acute pulmonary emboli is controversial. Several recent case series have revealed similar efficacy and better survival rates with systemic thrombolytic therapy than with surgery. In this case series, we present our experience with the efficacy of “half-dose” or “safe-dose” thrombolytic therapy in the resolution of FRHT. Five patients who were admitted with confirmed acute pulmonary emboli and FRHT were included in the present report. Half-dose thrombolytic therapy (50 mg of alteplase) was administered to the patients. Follow-up echocardiography revealed complete resolution of the FRHT and considerable improvement in the right heart function. No bleeding events were recorded. Our small case series shows the efficacy and safety of half-dose thrombolytic therapy in FRHT resolution in a group of patients with high bleeding risk. Our findings should be tested in larger populations.

Background: Mitral stenosis tends to worsen during pregnancy because of the increase in the cardiac output and the heart rate. In nonresponders to medical therapy, percutaneous transluminal mitral commissurotomy (PTMC) may be performed when there is a suitable valvular anatomy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical and fetal outcomes of pregnant women with mitral stenosis who underwent PTMC. Methods: Thirty-one patients undergoing PTMC during pregnancy were enrolled in this study. The mitral valve area (MVA), the transmitral valve mean gradient (MVMG), and the severity of mitral regurgitation were assessed pre- and postprocedurally by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. The radiation time was measured during the procedure. The patients were followed up during pregnancy, and the neonates were monitored for weight, height, the head circumference, the birth Apgar score, and the adverse effects of radiation for at least 12 months. Results: PTMC was successfully performed on 29 (93.5%) patients. No maternal death or pulmonary edema was reported. The mean MVA significantly increased (from 0.73±0.17 cm2 to 1.28±0.24 cm2; P

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted the further virtualization of medical education. The satisfaction level of specific users such as cardiology residents with virtual education can augment its quality; hence, the significance of a valid and reliable questionnaire to obtain feedback is needed. This study aimed to design and measure validity and reliability of a satisfaction questionnaire for virtual education of cardiology residents during COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a self-administered questionnaire was developed by the faculty members of Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center. Reliability was tested utilizing Cronbach's alpha and intercorrelation which was tested using Pearson's correlation coefficient test (ICC). Factor analysis was done by the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin measure of sampling adequacy and Bartlett's sphericity test. The statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: The face validity index was determined via an assessment of the relevance, clarity, and simplicity of each item, and values >0.79 were accepted. The total Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated 0.93. Concerning test–retest reliability, the correlation between two rounds of evaluation was >80 (P > 0.001) and ICC was 0.99 (P = 0.001). The content validity evaluation yielded an index of 0.95 and a ratio of 0.91. The principal component factor analysis, conducted to investigate construct validity, generated four domains. CONCLUSIONS: The study results confirmed the validity and reliability of the designed questionnaire to evaluate the level of satisfaction of cardiology residents with virtual learning in COVID-19 pandemic.

Central vein perforation as a rare complication of venous interventions is considered a nightmare if occurring in thoracic cage but behaves benignly in abdominal or pelvic region. This is not a rule, as we unfortunately encountered during the procedure of venous intervention in our patient. Although mechanical control of iatrogenic perforation or rupture is the first and most critical step during interventional procedures, the importance of anticoagulant and thrombolytic agents reversal should not be overlooked.

Background: QT interval parameters have been suggested as a predictor of lethal arrhythmia and mortality in patients with myocardial infarction. The aim of the present study was to compare the value of QT interval indices in patients presenting with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) between a group of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a nondiabetic group of patients. Methods: This case-control study evaluated QT interval parameters in 115 patients (47 diabetic and 68 nondiabetic patients) diagnosed with NSTEMI between September 2011 and July 2012. The following QT interval indices were analyzed: maximum (max) and minimum (min) QT interval; max and min corrected QT interval (QTc); QT dispersion (QTd); and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd). All the patients were observed for ventricular arrhythmia during their hospital course and underwent coronary angiography. They were selected to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) or percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCI) based on their coronary anatomy. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60.8 ± 11.4 years. The patients were 40.0% female and 60.0% male. There were no significant differences in clinical characters between type 2 diabetic and nondiabetic patients with NSTEMI. Compared with post-myocardial infarction patients without diabetes, those with type 2 diabetes had higher QTc max , QTd and QTcd (p value < 0.05). There was a significant difference in QTd and QTcd in the patients needing coronary revascularization with diabetes as opposed to the nondiabetics (p value = 0.035 and p value = 0.025, respectively) as well as those who had ventricular arrhythmia with diabetes (p value = 0.018 and p value = 0.003, respectively). QTcd was higher in the patients who had higher in-hospital mortality (p value = 0.047). The QTc max, QTd and QTcd were significantly (all p values < 0.05) associated with ventricular arrhythmia, QTcd with need for revascularization and QTc max with in-hospital mortality in the diabetic patients. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it seems that type 2 diabetics with NSTEMI have greater QTc max, QTd, and QTcd and these QT parameters may have a relationship with worse cardiac outcomes and poorer prognoses.

A double left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery emerging from the left and right coronary arteries is classified among rare coronary anomalies. We herein report a 73-year-old man presenting with acute coronary syndrome (posterolateral myocardial infarction). He was admitted with typical chest pain, and due to his progressive ischemic changes on electrocardiography (ECG) and elevated cardiac enzyme, he was candidated for cardiac catheterization. The coronary angiography revealed an anomalous LAD from the right sinus of Valsalva. The unusual coronary anatomy was perfectly matched with the distribution of ischemia and its clinical evidence on echocardiography and ECG. The culprit lesion was stented, and the patient was discharged in good physical condition from the hospital.

Background: There is a paucity of data regarding the role of side branch (SB) predilation during the provisional stenting of bifurcation lesions. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effects of SB predilation on the outcomes of true bifurcation interventions. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with true bifurcation lesions according to the Medina classification were included in the study and randomly assigned to receive SB predilation before stenting the main branch (n = 30) or no predilation as the control group (n = 30). Results: There was a trend toward the higher occurrence of dissection in the predilated ostial lesions of the SB compared to the non- predilated group (16.7% vs. 0, P = 0.07). Performance of the SB predilation was not associated with improved flow of the SB or fewer degrees of ostial stenosis after stenting the main branch, the need to rewire, rewiring time, or the rate of use of the final kissing balloon dilation and double stents procedures. Conclusions: Routine predilation of the SB in provisional stenting of true bifurcation lesions seems to be ineffective and might be associated with some undesirable consequences. Still, there are some complex ostial lesions of the SB which could benefit from predilation.