Near-infrared spectroscopy derived indexes as a potential predictor of plaque burden volume progression after unprotected left main coronary artery intervention

Martin Hudec, Jan Kaňovský, Vojtěch Brázdil, Martin Poloczek, Ivona Kask, Kristýna Hochmanová, Radka Smitalová, Otakar Boček, Petr Jeřábek, Roman Štípal, Simona Littnerová, Jiří Jarkovský, Klára Benešová, Petr Kala

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):6-15 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.010  

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, which has driven significant advances in the field of interventional cardiology. The combination of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and near-infrared light spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a detailed view of coronary artery morphology and plaque composition. This advanced imaging capability facilitates a more accurate assessment of CAD and enhances therapeutic strategies. Objective: NIRS can detect and quantify lipid content in atherosclerotic plaque using the Lipid Core Burden Index (LCBI) and the Maximal Lipid Core Burden Index in a 4 mm segment (maxLCBI4mm). In this study,...

18-Year Outcomes of Aortic Leaflet Extension Valvuloplasty Using Autologous Pericardium and Polytetrafluoroethylene: Single-Centre, Propensity-Matched Analysis

Matej Nosáľ, Fadi Sabateen, Pavel Valentík, Michal Šagát, Aref Saif Nagi, Kristína Kasičová, Vladimír Soják

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):16-23 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.105  

Background: Aortic valve repair with leaflet extension is routinely utilized in the management of aortic valve disease in children and adolescents. The material chosen may have an effect on the valve function and durability. Aims: To evaluate long-term outcomes of aortic valve repair using autologous pericardium and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) leaflet extensions and to investigate risk factors for aortic valve reoperation at single centre. Methods: A retrospective single-centre review of 89 patients undergoing aortic valvuloplasty by leaflet extensions with either autologous pericardium or PTFE from 2005 to 2023. Results: Eighty-nine patients (75%...

The prognostic importance of the percentage of immature granulocyte in 28-day mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Cihan Can, Hüseyin Narci, Akif Yarkaç, Özcan Örsçelik, Cüneyt Ayrik

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):24-29 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.009  

Background: The percentage of immature granulocytes (IG%) is an early marker of inflammation and has a prognostic significance in many diseases. Objective: In this study, we tried to investigate whether the percentage of immature granulocytes has a prognostic value in 28-day mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Method: This study was carried out retrospectively between 1.1.2019 and 30.6.2019 at Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine. Patients older than 18 years who applied to the emergency department with chest pain and were hospitalized with a preliminary diagnosis of ACS were included in the...

Thyroid Doppler parameters association with coronary atherosclerosis burden

Ali AlQazzaz, Wasan Kadhum Abbas, Hussein Nafakhi, Abdulameer A. Al-Mosawi, Hayder Nafakhi

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):30-34 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.097  

Background: Little is known about the potential association between thyroid vascular parameters and coronary atherosclerotic burden in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Objectives: To assess the potential association between superior thyroid artery Doppler parameters and coronary atherosclerotic markers, including stenosis severity, coronary artery calcification (CAC), and plaque assessed by multi-detector CT (MDCT) coronary angiography among patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 100 patients with chest pain who underwent MDCT coronary angiography to exclude the...

(Continuous thermodilution - a novel method for direct measurement of coronary flow and resistance)

Petr Kala, Radka Adlová, Veronika Gašpárková, Petr Ošťádal, Petr Hájek

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):35-42 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.101  

Angina with non-obstructive coronary artery disease is a frequent finding in patients with chest pain. Its pathophysiology involves two main mechanisms: structural and functional dysfunction of microcircula- tion, functional dysfunction of epicardial arteries, and their combination. The review article focuses on the diagnostics of microvascular dysfunction, particularly continuous thermodilution, as a safe, easy, fast, and operator-independent method. It describes both theoretical background and practical aspects with graphical examples of measurements.

(Detection and treatment of arrhythmias in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis)

Ivona Šimková, Renáta Aiglová, Enikö Marczibál, Marián Fedorco, Miloš Táborský

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):43-47 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.099  

Arrhythmias are a very common manifestation of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. The review article focuses on the mechanisms that lead to the development of atrial fibrillation, cardiac conduction disorders, and ventricular arrhythmias, as well as their incidence and prevalence. It emphasizes the possibilities of using external and implantable monitoring devices in the detection of arrhythmias. It summarizes modern therapeutic approaches with particular attention to radiofrequency catheter ablation and the use of direct oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation and flutter. It mentions the challenges of cardiac pacing and prevention of sudden cardiac...

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Published Case Reports

Andrianto, Chabib F. Albab, Nabila R. Putri, Pratista Oktafia, Roy B. Kurniawan

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):48-55 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.081  

Background: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) presents a unique challenge due to its prompt diagnosis and treatment requirements, demanding an in-depth understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the SCAD cases in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: We performed a systematic search across databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane, on June 3, 2023. We included reported cases of SCAD in COVID-19 patients that described individual patient data. Results: The study analyzed 12 case reports, revealing that all patients were confirmed COVID-19 cases with a...

Minimally Invasive Management of Cystic Adventitial Disease in the Popliteal Artery: A Case Report and Review

Alexander Daskalov, Boris Ilchev

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):56-59 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.011  

Background: Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare cause of arterial stenosis, primarily affecting the popliteal artery. Case presentation: A 46-year-old male presented with sudden right calf pain. Physical examination and CT angiography revealed significant stenosis of the right popliteal artery. Initial thrombectomy failed to remove thrombotic material, prompting a hybrid approach with PTA and stent implantation. MRI confirmed CAD, and the patient remained asymptomatic at 24-month follow-up. Discussion: The etiology of CAD is debated, with theories including local trauma and synovial/ganglion origin. Traditional management has been surgical,...

Persistent Severe Bradyarrhythmia Following Donepezil Discontinuation in Dementia Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

Okky Wahyu Firmansyah, Budi Baktijasa Dharmadjati, Rerdin Julario, Chabib Fachry Albab, Pandit Bagus Tri Saputra, Emil Prabowo

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):60-65 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.060  

Background: Donepezil is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in Alzheimer's disease management. It improves clinical symptoms but carries risks of orthostatic hypotension and bradycardia. Uncommon severe bradyarrhythmias post-discontinuation deserve attention. In addition, there have been no previous case reports regarding severe bradyarrhythmias post donepezil discontinuation. Case presentation: We report a case of a 33-year-old woman with a history of recurrent fainting. She has dementia and regularly takes donepezil. She experienced severe bradyarrhythmia with heart rate of 45 beats per minute regular on dopamine 5 µg/kg/min and unresponsive...

(Rare rhythm disorder in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy during endocardial radiofrequency ablation of septal hypertrophy)

Katarína Doležalová, Zdeněk Stárek, Tomáš Honek, Filip Souček, Martin Pešl, Jan Krejčí

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):67-72 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.108  

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCMP) is characterized by abnormal thickening or enlargement of the left ventricular myocardium mass of non-dilated left ventricle not explained solely by loading conditions and presence of obstruction in outflow tract of left ventricle. Surgical septal myectomy was the first choice method of invasive treatment of septal hypertrophy in the past which was replaced by alcohol septal ablation in the nineties of the 20th century and nowadays it is still worldwide used, safe, and effective method in reduction of septal hypertrophy. Nowadays there is a new method of non-pharmacological treatment of septal hypertrophy...

The Role of Oral Calcium and Vitamin D in Hypocalcemia-Associated Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report

Meity Ardiana, Bambang Herwanto, Inna Maya Sufiyah, Wynne Widiarti, Alviannur Halim

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):73-76 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.058  

Hypocalcemia-associated cardiomyopathy, a rare but serious condition, presents challenges in diagnosis and management. Severe hypocalcemia resulting from hypoparathyroidism can precipitate rare yet reversible cases of dilated cardiomyopathy. This case report reported a 31-year-old woman with heart failure precipitated by hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy. Despite conventional heart failure treatments, her condition persisted until correction of hypocalcemia. Treatment involved calcium supplementation and guideline-directed heart failure therapy. Significant improvement was observed then. Hence, monitoring serum calcium levels is imperative...

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Elevation and Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia. Is it Always Acute Coronary Syndrome?

Serena Miccichè, Giuseppe Pelaggi, Maria Claudia Lo Nigro, Simone Celeste, Alice Moncada, Olga La Cognata, Armando Lo Savio, Salvatore Bonanno, Paolo Bellocchi, Graziella Agnelli, Alessio Currò

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):77-81 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2024.063  

Background: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a common arrhythmia often presenting with symptoms mimicking acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Case presentation: We present a case of a 58-year-old man with PSVT accompanied by chest pain and elevated high-sensitivity troponin (hs-Tn) levels. Coronary angiography revealed slow coronary flow in absence of obstructive disease. The patient's symptoms resolved spontaneously, and echocardiographic findings normalized upon discharge. Conclusions: This case underscores the diagnostic challenge of individuating ACS and highlights the transient troponin elevation seen in PSVT, potentially due to myocardial...

Centra sportovní kardiologie

Vladimír Tuka, Bogna Jiravská Godula, Otakar Jiravský,, Peter Kubuš, Eliška Sovová

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):83-84  

Centra sportovní kardiologie: odborné stanovisko

Vladimír Tuka, Bogna Jiravská Godula, Otakar Jiravský, Peter Kubuš, Eliška Sovová

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):85-86  

Radek Ptáček, Petr Bartůněk (editoři): Bolest v medicíně

Prof. MUDr. Jan Petrášek, DrSc.

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):88  

Zemřel prof. MUDr. Jiří Fodor, CSc., FRCPC, FAHA (28. 10. 1927–10. 12. 2024)

Prof. MUDr. Renata Cífková, CSc.

Cor Vasa 2025, 67(1):87