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Search Results (879)

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10 pages, 231 KB  
Article
Use of Intravenous Lidocaine, Ketamine, and Magnesium for Acute Pain Control After Lung Resection Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
by Julissa Herrera, Silvia Torres, Maria Diaz, Iñaki Gascó, Alessandro Ruggiero, Nicolas Varela, Manuel Murie-Fernandez and Marc Vives
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 5295; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15135295 - 7 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background: Thoracic surgery is associated with severe postoperative pain caused by chest wall manipulation and intercostal nerve injury. Multimodal analgesia with non-opioid agents such as lidocaine, ketamine and magnesium might be beneficial for pain control and reduce opioid consumption. Methods: In [...] Read more.
Background: Thoracic surgery is associated with severe postoperative pain caused by chest wall manipulation and intercostal nerve injury. Multimodal analgesia with non-opioid agents such as lidocaine, ketamine and magnesium might be beneficial for pain control and reduce opioid consumption. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we recruited 118 consecutive patients who underwent lung resection via thoracotomy from January 2019 to January 2021 at Hospital Universitari de Girona Doctor Josep Trueta. The primary outcome was total intravenous morphine consumption within the first 24 h postoperatively. Multivariable linear regression modeling was used to determine the adjusted association between lidocaine, ketamine and magnesium administration and morphine consumption in the first 24 h after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon’s rank-sum and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: In total, 71 patients received lidocaine, ketamine and magnesium intraoperatively (LKM group) while 47 patients did not receive this regimen (non-LKM group). The LKM group had a higher prevalence of hypertension and higher proportions of patients undergoing lobectomy and pneumonectomy. Morphine consumption within 24 h postoperatively was lower in the LKM group than in the non-LKM group (median (interquartile range), 2 (0–6) mg vs. 5 (3–8) mg; p = 0.001). No drug-related adverse events were observed. After multivariable risk adjustment, lidocaine, ketamine and magnesium use was associated with significantly decreased total intravenous morphine consumption within 24 h postoperatively (−1.76, 95% confidence interval = −3.40 to −0.12, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Lidocaine, ketamine and magnesium use was associated with lower 24 h morphine consumption in our prospective cohort. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Advances in Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology)
16 pages, 1920 KB  
Article
Centroid Regression for Preoperative Risk Assessment of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection Based on Multivariate Clinical Data
by Yiming Xiong, Zichun Tang, Yu Liu, Chen Lu, Yajing Li, Jia Hu and Xiaoyan Yang
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 5277; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15135277 - 6 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) has high preoperative mortality, and an interpretable multivariable model based on clinically accessible data is crucial for clinical risk stratification. Methods: The data for this study were obtained from West China Hospital, Sichuan University. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) has high preoperative mortality, and an interpretable multivariable model based on clinically accessible data is crucial for clinical risk stratification. Methods: The data for this study were obtained from West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Centroid regression was used to construct the predictive model, with logistic regression, classification and regression tree, explainable boosting machine and extreme gradient boosting as the reference. Variables were screened by iterative selection, the literature review and clinical experience. Model performance was evaluated by accuracy, sensitivity, precision, Youden’s index, AUROC and AUPRC. Results: The vital signs and tests of 361 ATAAD patients during the first 24 h of their first admission were included in the final analysis. Centroid regression outperformed logistic regression, achieving accuracy (90.7% vs. 81.5%), sensitivity (0.813 vs. 0.741), specificity (0.983 vs. 0.900), Youden’s index (0.796 vs. 0.641), AUROC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.953 vs. 0.843) and AUPRC (area under the precision–recall curve, 0.978 vs. 0.863) in the test set. It revealed that the use of α-blocker (the weights w = −1.20) and hydrochlorothiazide (w = −1.20), clinical features like dyspnea (w = −0.94), chest pain (w = 0.91) and lactate dehydrogenase (w = −0.95) were variables that had the greatest impact on model prediction. Conclusions: The centroid regression model not only has relatively high predictive performance and interpretability but also can be easily implemented in hospital systems to provide a practical and cost-effective tool for ATAAD preoperative risk stratification. Full article
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15 pages, 260 KB  
Article
Knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Warning Signs Among Adults in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Hossam Shaabi, Hassan Jaafari, Naif Gharwi, Raghad Bajawi, Raneem Zakri and Taif Hakami
Healthcare 2026, 14(13), 2002; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14132002 - 6 Jul 2026
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia, and public knowledge of risk factors and warning signs supports early detection and prevention. This study aimed to assess CVD knowledge and its demographic predictors among adults in the Jazan [...] Read more.
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia, and public knowledge of risk factors and warning signs supports early detection and prevention. This study aimed to assess CVD knowledge and its demographic predictors among adults in the Jazan region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 adults (≥18 years) between February and April 2025. A questionnaire adapted from prior validated instruments assessed CVD awareness, knowledge of 11 risk factors and 10 warning signs, perceptions, and practices. Total knowledge scores (0–21) were dichotomized as adequate (≥8) versus inadequate (<8). Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for bivariate analysis, followed by binary logistic regression. Results: Most participants (89.5%) had heard of CVD, yet 53.7% had inadequate knowledge, and only 9.9% demonstrated good knowledge (≥15). The median total knowledge score was 7 (IQR 2–11) out of 21, with warning-sign knowledge (2.96/10) lower than risk-factor knowledge (3.95/11). Overweight/obesity (52.6%), hypertension (51.3%), and smoking (49.5%) were the most recognized risk factors; chest pain (47.6%) and shortness of breath (46.1%) were the most recognized warning signs. University education (aOR = 2.44, 95% CI 1.23–4.85, p = 0.011) and family history of chronic disease (aOR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.32–3.85, p = 0.003) were the only independent predictors of adequate knowledge. Conclusions: More than half of the surveyed adults in the Jazan region had inadequate CVD knowledge despite high general awareness. These findings suggest that targeted education using digital platforms and primary care providers may help improve knowledge of risk factors and warning signs in the region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Public Health and Preventive Medicine)
13 pages, 283 KB  
Article
Three- and Nine-Month Follow-Up of Patients with COVID-19: Clinical, Functional, and Radiological Outcomes
by Muhammed Değer, Talat Kılıç, Zeynep Ulutaş, Muhammed Said Tan, Hatice Ödümlü, Ayşenur Atila, Hilal Büşra Demir, Büşra Soysaldı, Miraç Karaağaç, Yunus Emre Er and Ozan Akdağ
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 5202; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15135202 - 3 Jul 2026
Viewed by 190
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The acute complications of COVID-19 have been well characterized and are frequently associated with increased mortality. Although substantial knowledge regarding long COVID has accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic, important uncertainties remain regarding the long-term clinical, functional, radiological, and metabolic consequences [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The acute complications of COVID-19 have been well characterized and are frequently associated with increased mortality. Although substantial knowledge regarding long COVID has accumulated since the beginning of the pandemic, important uncertainties remain regarding the long-term clinical, functional, radiological, and metabolic consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Identification of post-COVID-19 complications is therefore essential for appropriate recognition and management. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term complications of COVID-19 at 3 and 9 months after infection. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center. Patients who presented with active post-COVID-19 complaints or for routine follow-up were enrolled. Participants were evaluated at the pulmonology outpatient clinic at 3 and 9 months. At each visit, persistent or new-onset symptoms were assessed, and pulmonary function tests (PFT), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), echocardiography (ECHO), and thoracic computed tomography (CT) were performed as clinically indicated. Patients were stratified into three groups according to the severity of acute illness: outpatient, ward-hospitalized, and ICU-hospitalized. Results: A total of 205 patients (120 male, 85 female) were included. Male patients had significantly higher rates of ward and ICU hospitalization than female patients (p = 0.006). At 9 months, 85.3% of patients had at least one persistent symptom; dyspnea (69.6%), cough (35.6%), and chest pain (32.5%) were the most common. FVC showed a statistically significant increase between months 3 and 9 (p = 0.014), and the 6MWT distance improved significantly (423.56 m vs. 464.10 m; p = 0.008). Ground-glass opacity, present in 90.2% of patients at admission, persisted in 44.3% at 9 months (p < 0.001). Reticular opacities, pleuroparenchymal bands, and mosaic perfusion patterns increased over time. ICU patients had significantly lower ejection fraction values compared with ward and outpatient groups at 9 months (p = 0.046). During follow-up, 13 patients developed pulmonary embolism and 7 developed new-onset diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Despite the well-characterized acute phase, the long-term sequelae of COVID-19 remain a significant clinical challenge. Identification of late complications is critical for reducing morbidity and understanding the long-term societal and healthcare burden of the pandemic. Multidisciplinary long-term follow-up is warranted, particularly for patients who experienced severe acute illness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Respiratory Medicine)
22 pages, 3413 KB  
Review
The Evolution of Accelerated Diagnostic Protocols for Suspected Myocardial Infarction
by James Hatherley, Paul Collinson, Tarek Abuzahra and Aleem Khand
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 5125; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15135125 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 109
Abstract
There have been considerable developments in the analytic precision of cardiac troponins in the last three decades. Whilst there has been near-universal uptake of this technology, there is considerable variability in how to assess acute chest pain patients using high-sensitivity cardiac troponins. This [...] Read more.
There have been considerable developments in the analytic precision of cardiac troponins in the last three decades. Whilst there has been near-universal uptake of this technology, there is considerable variability in how to assess acute chest pain patients using high-sensitivity cardiac troponins. This review describes the historical narrative for cardiac troponins and details the evidence base behind decision rules, such as single sample rule-out, single sample rule-in, and accelerated diagnostic protocols (ADPs). There is particular focus on the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1 and 0/3 h and the high-STEACS ADPs. The ESC 0/3 h ADP appears to have reduced rule-out safety compared to both the ESC 0/1 h and high-STEACS ADP. However, whilst high-STEACS performed well in its validation population, external validation in the US has been less impressive and warrants further investigation. The ESC 0/1 h pathway has demonstrated strong rule-out performance, helped by its observational zone. However, real world implementation studies comparing these ADPs are required to understand their impact on Emergency Department efficiency and the safety of clinician decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acute Coronary Syndromes: From Diagnosis to Treatment (2nd Edition))
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23 pages, 12371 KB  
Article
Source-Only Transportability of Engineered ECG Features for Healthy-Versus-Myocardial Infarction Classification
by Fatih Aydın, Sefer Usta, Ezgi Kalaycıoğlu and Onder Aydemir
Diagnostics 2026, 16(13), 2061; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16132061 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 164
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Electrocardiogram (ECG)-based myocardial infarction (MI) classifiers may achieve high internal validation performance but show reduced performance when applied to data from another source. The task is a controlled binary healthy-versus-MI benchmark and is not intended to represent real-world chest-pain triage or autonomous [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Electrocardiogram (ECG)-based myocardial infarction (MI) classifiers may achieve high internal validation performance but show reduced performance when applied to data from another source. The task is a controlled binary healthy-versus-MI benchmark and is not intended to represent real-world chest-pain triage or autonomous clinical deployment. This study evaluated the source-only transportability of engineered 12-lead ECG feature families for binary healthy-versus-MI classification across a cardiologist-annotated hospital dataset and PTB-XL. Methods: The hospital dataset contained 1749 usable recordings from 1434 patients after excluding 206 broken-data records, with 1550 Healthy and 199 MI recordings. The matched PTB-XL binary subset contained 14,982 recordings from 13,436 patients, with 9513 Healthy and 5469 MI recordings. Eleven engineered feature families and five classifier families were compared under preprocessing, patient-aware splitting, source-validation hyperparameter and threshold selection, and bootstrap uncertainty estimation. The reported leading rows are the highest observed configurations in a prespecified benchmark grid, not locked clinical models. Results: Internal performance was higher than strict source-only transfer performance. In the hospital dataset, fiducial interval descriptors with Extra Trees reached balanced accuracy 0.775 and receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) 0.855. In PTB-XL, a broad hybrid feature bank with ST-segment information and XGBoost reached a balanced accuracy of 0.898 and ROC-AUC of 0.965. Strict source-only transfer was weaker and asymmetric: the highest observed balanced accuracy was 0.580 for hospital-to-PTB-XL transfer and 0.632 for PTB-XL-to-hospital transfer. Ranking transportability and operating-threshold transportability diverged, most notably for hospital-to-PTB-XL transfer, where ROC-AUC was 0.774 but sensitivity at the source-selected threshold was only 0.164. A secondary target-threshold analysis improved balanced accuracy to 0.682 and 0.640, respectively, but this used target labels only to re-select the operating threshold and was not a strict source-only result. Conclusions: The findings indicate a transportability gap: PTB-XL-to-hospital transfer was more balanced than hospital-to-PTB-XL transfer, but neither direction achieved performance comparable to internal validation. The source-only operating-point results are not acceptable for clinical MI screening or decision support without additional calibration, target-setting validation, and prospective assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics)
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8 pages, 620 KB  
Case Report
Early Summer Meningoencephalitis: Unusual yet Usual Diagnostic Challenge in a Geriatric Patient—A Case Report
by Georgiana Ciobanu, Daniel Pichler, Benjamin Hutter and Thomas Münzer
Reports 2026, 9(3), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9030205 - 28 Jun 2026
Viewed by 152
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: When diverse clinical presentations coincide with complex laboratory findings, particularly in older adults, the diagnostic process can be especially challenging. Case Presentation: We report the case of a geriatric patient who was hospitalized with initial gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: When diverse clinical presentations coincide with complex laboratory findings, particularly in older adults, the diagnostic process can be especially challenging. Case Presentation: We report the case of a geriatric patient who was hospitalized with initial gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, followed by progressive chest pain and profound weakness, accompanied by elevated transaminases, troponin elevation, and hyponatremia, initially suggesting multiple competing diagnostic entities. During the clinical course, the patient developed neurological symptoms. Ultimately, careful history-taking, including detailed exposure assessment, raised suspicion for tick-borne encephalitis, which was subsequently confirmed by serological testing. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of tick-borne encephalitis in older adults, where atypical and multisystem presentations may obscure the underlying etiology and delay recognition of a neuroinfectious disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geriatrics)
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12 pages, 4211 KB  
Article
Pyramidal-Shaped Costal Cartilage Columellar Strut Graft with Half-Harvest Technique for Augmentation Rhinoplasty: A Novel Approach to Tip Mobility Preservation
by Hyo Heon Kim and Hee Jun Son
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 4985; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15134985 - 26 Jun 2026
Viewed by 139
Abstract
Background: Costal cartilage is the preferred structural material for augmentation rhinoplasty when robust and durable tip support is required. However, conventional full-thickness harvest is associated with significant donor-site morbidity, and commonly employed rigid fixation strategies—such as the septal extension graft—substantially restrict postoperative nasal [...] Read more.
Background: Costal cartilage is the preferred structural material for augmentation rhinoplasty when robust and durable tip support is required. However, conventional full-thickness harvest is associated with significant donor-site morbidity, and commonly employed rigid fixation strategies—such as the septal extension graft—substantially restrict postoperative nasal tip compliance. The present study introduces a novel two-component technique combining a half-harvest costal cartilage procurement method with a pyramidal-shaped columellar strut graft anchored on the floating-tip principle, with the objective of maintaining postoperative nasal tip flexibility while providing structural support following augmentation rhinoplasty. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients who underwent primary or revision augmentation rhinoplasty using the pyramidal costal cartilage columellar strut graft technique by a single surgeon between June 2018 and February 2026. The medial half of the conjoined costal cartilage at the seventh, eighth, or ninth rib was procured via a half-harvest approach, preserving the lateral cortex and perichondrium to minimize donor-site morbidity and potential cartilage regeneration was considered a theoretical benefit. The harvested cartilage was carved into a pyramidal columellar strut and secured to the anterior nasal spine using a floating fixation construct; the inferior base of the strut was rigidly fixed to the nasal septum and anterior nasal spine with a minimum of three PDS 5-0 sutures, while the superior portion remained free to preserve physiologic nasal tip mobility. Adjunctive cap and shield grafts, perichondrial wrapping, and dermal fat grafts were employed as indicated. Primary outcomes included nasal tip projection, postoperative tip mobility, donor-site morbidity, and surgical complication rates. Results: Favorable clinical observations of maintained tip projection were noted throughout follow-up. Manual postoperative examination suggested preservation of tip flexibility in most patients; however, no validated objective mobility assessment tool was available. The revision rate for clinically significant tip deviation was low. No major donor-site adverse events—including pneumothorax or rib fracture—were encountered. Postoperative chest wall pain was minimal and transient, with most patients resuming daily activities within one week of surgery. Conclusions: The pyramidal-shaped costal cartilage columellar strut graft with half-harvest technique is a novel, biomechanically informed, and technically reproducible approach to augmentation rhinoplasty that was developed to address donor-site morbidity and postoperative tip rigidity, two commonly recognized limitations of conventional costal cartilage rhinoplasty: donor-site morbidity and postoperative nasal tip rigidity. Preservation of the lateral cortex and perichondrium during procurement may contribute to reduced postoperative donor-site discomfort, accelerates functional recovery, and may promote endogenous cartilage regeneration over time. The anatomically derived pyramidal strut geometry, combined with floating fixation to the anterior nasal spine, was designed to approximate the native columellar architecture, enabling consistent preservation of physiologic nasal tip mobility. The present series demonstrated a favorable safety profile with a low overall complication rate and an absence of major donor-site adverse events. Prospective studies with validated objective outcome measures are required to confirm these findings, to delineate the optimal patient selection criteria, and to establish evidence-based long-term outcome benchmarks for this technique. Full article
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19 pages, 11031 KB  
Review
Coronary Artery Vasospasm: Cellular and Molecular Insights
by Stefan Juricic, Milan Dobric, Sinisa Stojkovic, Milorad Tesic, Ivana Jovanovic, Marko Banovic, Ratko Lasica, Srdjan Aleksandric, Ana Perunicic, Jovana Klac, Dejan M. Lazovic, Filip Simeunovic, Sashko Nikolov, Olga Petrovic and Dejan Simeunovic
Cells 2026, 15(13), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15131145 - 24 Jun 2026
Viewed by 223
Abstract
Coronary artery vasospasm (CAV) is a transient, reversible constriction of the epicardial coronary arteries that reduces coronary blood flow and may cause myocardial ischemia. Despite its clinical significance, CAV remains underdiagnosed and can present as chest pain, acute coronary syndrome, malignant arrhythmias or [...] Read more.
Coronary artery vasospasm (CAV) is a transient, reversible constriction of the epicardial coronary arteries that reduces coronary blood flow and may cause myocardial ischemia. Despite its clinical significance, CAV remains underdiagnosed and can present as chest pain, acute coronary syndrome, malignant arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death. Vasospasm may occur in both angiographically normal coronary arteries and at sites of pre-existing atherosclerotic stenosis. The pathophysiology of CAV is multifactorial and involves vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) hyperreactivity, endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation and autonomic dysregulation. VSMCs contraction is mediated by phosphorylation of the myosin light chain (MLC) through calcium (Ca2+)/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), while relaxation is regulated by myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP). Increased intracellular Ca2+ levels and enhanced Ca2+ sensitivity contribute to excessive vasoconstriction. Rho-kinase (ROCK) plays a pivotal role in sustained vasospasm by inhibiting MLCP, thereby promoting prolonged smooth muscle contraction. Endothelial dysfunction contributes to CAV by disrupting normal vascular tone regulation, largely as a result of decreased nitric oxide (NO) mediated vasodilation. Chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress exacerbate both endothelial dysfunction and VSMCs contraction. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is essential for identifying novel therapeutic targets. Emerging treatment strategies, including ROCK inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists and anti-inflammatory agents, may improve outcomes in patients with refractory CAV. Full article
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14 pages, 268 KB  
Article
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Elderly Patients with Cardiopulmonary Comorbidities: Safety and Clinical Feasibility
by Miraç Öz Kahya, Mursal Isgenderli, Ömer Faruk Tüten and Öznur Yıldız
J. Clin. Med. 2026, 15(13), 4896; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15134896 - 24 Jun 2026
Viewed by 159
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides an integrated assessment of cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic responses during exercise. Although CPET is increasingly used in older adults for preoperative physiological evaluation and assessment of exercise limitation, evidence regarding its safety and clinical feasibility in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides an integrated assessment of cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic responses during exercise. Although CPET is increasingly used in older adults for preoperative physiological evaluation and assessment of exercise limitation, evidence regarding its safety and clinical feasibility in elderly patients with mixed cardiopulmonary comorbidities remains limited. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated 235 consecutive patients who underwent CPET at a tertiary referral center. Patients were categorized into two groups according to age: ≥65 years and <65 years. Clinical characteristics, pulmonary function parameters, CPET findings, feasibility outcomes, and adverse events during testing were analyzed. Results: A total of 235 patients were included, with a mean age of 62.3 ± 12.8 years. Among them, 112 (47.6%) patients were aged ≥65 years and 35 (14.8%) were aged ≥75 years. Comorbidities were present in 170 patients, with hypertension being the most common. The leading indication for CPET was preoperative evaluation prior to thoracic surgery. Most elderly patients successfully completed CPET and provided clinically interpretable physiological data. In the ≥65 years group, CPET was terminated prematurely in 10 patients due to syncope, severe dyspnea, bronchospasm, chest pain, or arrhythmia. In the ≥65 years group, exercise-induced desaturation occurred in 24 patients; the lowest recorded oxygen saturation was 84%, and no desaturation episode required premature termination of the test. No major complications, deaths, myocardial infarctions, or cardiac arrests were observed during CPET or within the subsequent three days. No statistically significant differences in adverse event rates were observed between the age groups. Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lower FEV1 % predicted and lower FEV1/FVC % predicted ratio were associated with clinically significant adverse events in elderly patients [OR (95% CI): 0.96 (0.94–0.99), p = 0.02, OR (95% CI): 0.90 (0.84–0.96), p = 0.001, respectively]. Conclusions: CPET was feasible in the majority of elderly patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidities, with most individuals successfully completing testing and providing clinically interpretable physiological data. No major complications were observed in this cohort. These findings suggest that, when performed under appropriate supervision and careful patient selection, CPET may represent a practical tool for functional assessment and preoperative physiological evaluation in older adults. Larger prospective multicenter studies are warranted to further define its safety and feasibility in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geriatric Medicine)
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8 pages, 1112 KB  
Case Report
Inoca and Its Diagnosis by Microvascular Study, A Case Report
by Bomonyo Fente, Ahmad El-Said, Hilda Yuson and Gavin Galasko
Reports 2026, 9(3), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9030196 - 23 Jun 2026
Viewed by 222
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Ischaemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) has attained more recognition in recent decades. These patients may present with typical cardiac sounding chest pain but have no evidence of obstructed coronary arteries on coronary angiography. This presents a challenge [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Ischaemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) has attained more recognition in recent decades. These patients may present with typical cardiac sounding chest pain but have no evidence of obstructed coronary arteries on coronary angiography. This presents a challenge to clinicians in terms of diagnosis and management. Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), or coronary spasm (whether epicardial or microvascular) may be the cause of their presentation, and they usually require further invasive investigations of their coronary microvascular circulation to determine the cause. Case Presentation: This case involves a male patient in his 60s presenting with recurrent nocturnal chest pain, clinical and ECG evidence of ischaemia, and diagnostic findings from invasive coronary angiography and a microvascular study. These findings confirmed an absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) but demonstrated significant microvascular dysfunction, consistent with a diagnosis of microvascular angina according to the COVADIS criteria, as well as epicardial coronary artery spasm leading to complete vessel closure. This case highlights the clinical and diagnostic complexities of microvascular angina and coronary artery spasm. It also emphasises the importance of advanced diagnostic testing in confirming this challenging diagnosis. This case was interesting due to the patient having a final diagnosis of microvascular angina and coronary artery spasm at the same time. This case also demonstrates how 300 mcg of intracoronary nitrate was given to dilate a vessel in coronary spasm with positive effect. This finding was supportive of the final diagnosis given the clinical context of this patient. Conclusions: This case report demonstrates the diagnostic steps, from symptom assessment through to angiography and microvascular testing and would add to the existing knowledge of INOCA and aid in the understanding and management of these patients especially in centres where acetylcholine testing to confirm inducible epicardial coronary spasm is not available, like it was not in our centre (Blackpool Victoria Hospital). Full article
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4 pages, 2338 KB  
Interesting Images
Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery: Cinematic Volume Rendering Technique for Enhanced Anatomic Visualization
by Shuo Liang, Kun Zhang and Hong Zhang
Diagnostics 2026, 16(12), 1940; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16121940 - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 190
Abstract
Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly with exceptional survival into adulthood. We present a 66-year-old woman with chest and back pain in whom ALCAPA was diagnosed using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with curved planar [...] Read more.
Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly with exceptional survival into adulthood. We present a 66-year-old woman with chest and back pain in whom ALCAPA was diagnosed using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with curved planar reformation and cinematic volume rendering technique (cVRT). Photorealistic three-dimensional reconstruction provided complementary three-dimensional visualization that may facilitate anatomic understanding and communication of the anomalous origin. Conservative management was adopted given the patient’s age and well-developed collateral circulation. This case underscores the value of advanced CCTA visualization in diagnosing rare coronary anomalies in elderly patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical Imaging and Theranostics)
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10 pages, 6845 KB  
Case Report
Subacute Left Ventricular Free-Wall Rupture After Thrombolysis: From Concealed Rupture on CT to Successful Surgical Patch Repair
by Mohamed Ghaleb, Omar Elsayed, Mahmoud F. Elshahat, Ahmed Goha, Ibrahim ALshaghdali, Nawwaf M. ALAnazi, Mohamed E. Abdeldayem, Sulieman B. Haddadin and Naif S. ALGhasab
Diagnostics 2026, 16(12), 1923; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16121923 - 21 Jun 2026
Viewed by 328
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Left ventricular free-wall rupture (LVFWR) is a rare but devastating mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with reported in-hospital mortality approaching 90% without surgical intervention. Although its incidence has declined in the contemporary primary percutaneous coronary intervention [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Left ventricular free-wall rupture (LVFWR) is a rare but devastating mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with reported in-hospital mortality approaching 90% without surgical intervention. Although its incidence has declined in the contemporary primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) era, LVFWR remains an important cause of early post-infarction death, particularly after delayed reperfusion or fibrinolytic therapy. Subacute or contained “oozing” ruptures pose a unique diagnostic challenge because hemodynamic stability and nonspecific symptoms can mask the underlying catastrophe, and standard transthoracic echocardiography may fail to visualize a sealed defect. Contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a valuable adjunct in this setting, enabling early recognition and surgical planning. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 51-year-old male, a heavy smoker, with acute lateral ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with thrombolysis at a referring hospital, followed by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to the obtuse marginal branch. Despite reperfusion, he developed persistent pleuritic chest pain and a small pericardial effusion. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a contained (sealed) lateral-wall oozing-type left ventricular free-wall rupture (LVFWR) with thrombus sealing the defect. A multidisciplinary heart team initially opted for diligent observation with frequent echocardiography. Within the first 24 h, the pericardial effusion increased, and echocardiography showed circumferential effusion with lateral wall thickening and hematoma, prompting emergent sternotomy. Intraoperatively, a large posterolateral infarct with an oozing-type LV free-wall rupture was identified. Surgical repair was performed using interrupted pledgeted sutures, native pericardial patch, BioGlue, and an overlying Teflon patch, with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support. This case demonstrates the complementary diagnostic value of multimodality imaging—echocardiography for serial monitoring of the pericardial effusion and regional wall changes, and cardiac CT for direct characterization of the contained (sealed) defect—and the timely transition from conservative to surgical management in oozing-type rupture. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged in stable condition. Conclusions: This case highlights the diagnostic value of multimodality imaging—particularly cardiac CT—in detecting contained (sealed) LVFWR when echocardiography is inconclusive. Early recognition and prompt surgical intervention enabled a successful outcome in this otherwise frequently fatal complication. Full article
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7 pages, 4492 KB  
Case Report
Myopericarditis Secondary to Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in an Immunocompetent Young Male—A Case Report
by Niall Leahy, Sandra Quinn and Derek Crinion
Reports 2026, 9(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/reports9020192 - 20 Jun 2026
Viewed by 201
Abstract
Background and Clinical Significance: Inflammatory myopericardial syndrome is an umbrella term recently introduced by the European Society of Cardiology, which encapsulates the overlap that exists in clinical practice between myocardial and pericardial disease. It has a heterogeneous aetiology and a broad spectrum [...] Read more.
Background and Clinical Significance: Inflammatory myopericardial syndrome is an umbrella term recently introduced by the European Society of Cardiology, which encapsulates the overlap that exists in clinical practice between myocardial and pericardial disease. It has a heterogeneous aetiology and a broad spectrum of severity in terms of its clinical features. Toxoplasma gondii is a rare but recognised infectious cause of myopericarditis and is typically seen in immunocompromised individuals. Case Presentation: We present the case of a young, immunocompetent male, presenting with pleuritic chest pain following a recent flu-like illness. Investigations revealed an acute myocardial injury based on elevated troponin T levels, in the absence of ventricular dysfunction. Toxoplasma immunoserology was consistent with primary toxoplasma infection. The remainder of his viral panel was negative. There was prompt symptom improvement following commencement of treatment with colchicine and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging post-discharge revealed findings consistent with prior myocarditis. Conclusions: This case is an example of the rare occurrence of toxoplasma myopericarditis in an immunocompetent individual. Cardiac MRI is an invaluable imaging modality used to evaluate myocardial function and tissue characteristics in patients presenting with inflammatory myopericardial syndrome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology/Cardiovascular Medicine)
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17 pages, 3049 KB  
Article
Optimizing Regional Access to Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Geographic-Information-System-Based Comparison of Hospital- and Prehospital-Initiated Strategies in Nara Prefecture, Japan
by Arisa Kinoshita, Hideki Asai, Yasuyuki Kawai, Keita Miyazaki, Koji Yamamoto, Hirozumi Okuda and Hidetada Fukushima
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1762; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121762 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 201
Abstract
Background: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) can improve outcomes following refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA); however, access is constrained by geography and resources. This study compared two strategies against the current system in Nara Prefecture, Japan: a two-stage hospital model using chest-pain network [...] Read more.
Background: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) can improve outcomes following refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA); however, access is constrained by geography and resources. This study compared two strategies against the current system in Nara Prefecture, Japan: a two-stage hospital model using chest-pain network hospitals as ECPR-initiation sites, and a prehospital ECPR model using physician-staffed ambulances from two extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-ready hospitals. Methods: A geographic information system (GIS)-based simulation was conducted using emergency medical service (EMS) records of witnessed cardiac-origin OHCA cases (2017–2022). Isochrone analyses estimated areas reachable within a 60 min arrest-to-ECMO target. In the two-stage hospital model, patients located within a 15 min transport radius from chest-pain network hospitals were considered geographically covered. In the prehospital ECPR model, a physician-staffed ambulance was assumed to reach arrest sites within a 25 min travel-time radius from ECMO-ready hospitals. The study outcome was geographic coverage, defined as the proportion of cases within each service area; the two strategies were compared using McNemar’s test for paired proportions. Results: Among 1476 included cases, the coverage rate was as follows: current system, 28.7%; two-stage hospital model, 65.2%; prehospital model, 70.4% (p < 0.001). Certain eastern and southern mountainous regions remained outside both coverage areas. Conclusions: Using real-world EMS data, a mobility-focused prehospital ECPR strategy provided broader potential geographic access without requiring additional fixed hospital infrastructure than expanding hospital-based initiation sites. Optimization of prehospital deployment may represent a geographically feasible approach to expanding ECPR access in mixed urban–rural regions, though operational feasibility and cost-effectiveness require further evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Healthcare Organizations, Systems, and Providers)
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