The association between hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and the risk of cerebrovascular events has attracted much attention. Although previous studies have reported that the incidence of HALT after TAVR in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is comparable to that in patients with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV), the specific contributing factors remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, predictors, and prognosis of HALT in a TAVR cohort of young patients with 50-50% bicuspid-TAV anatomy.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is associated with severe electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. Current prediction relies heavily on static ECG parameters, limiting accuracy. This study aimed to explore dynamic ECG parameters, particularly the S-wave area and its circadian variations, as novel markers for SCD risk prediction.

Epidemiological evidence suggests an association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and incident atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the magnitude of this association and its prognostic value in predicting the recurrence of AF after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) have not been fully characterized. The present study was designed to elucidate the complex interplay between NAFLD and the risk of AF recurrence after ablation.

Four-dimensional flow cardiac magnetic resonance (4D flow CMR) continues to predominantly utilize conventional diaphragmatic navigation, despite its inherent limitations of prolonged acquisition times and suboptimal image quality. Targeted respiratory regulation enhances participant stability during imaging, while precision diaphragm localization-implemented through the balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequence-delivers superior localization accuracy. The integration of these techniques may reduce scan time and improve image quality. However, the impact of targeted respiratory regulation and precision diaphragm localization on 4D flow CMR has not been systematically investigated. This study evaluates an improved diaphragmatic navigation approach that combines these methodologies, providing a direct comparison with conventional diaphragmatic navigation for 4D flow CMR applications.

Increased aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), a marker of arterial stiffness, is associated with poor prognosis in patients with or at risk for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Increasingly, advanced imaging using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to evaluate cardiac dysfunction, including coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). To facilitate investigation linking CMD with HFpEF, we compared MRI-measured aPWV with traditional invasive or noninvasive measurements of aPWV.

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is a common valvular disease, but data comparing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for pure native AR are limited. The aim of this study is to provide more robust evidence for employing TAVR in patients with pure native AR.

The diagnostic and prognostic values of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and high-sensitivity cardiac troponins T (hs-cTnT) and I (hs-cTnI) in syncope remain to be elucidated. The objective of this study is to conduct a thorough assessment of their utility in diagnosing and predicting outcomes for syncope patients.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a widely used tool for writing, including in scientific research and publications. While its application to cardiovascular research is the focus of numerous studies, the policies related to its use for manuscript writing are rapidly evolving and not well understood. We sought to compare the policies of high-impact cardiovascular journals regarding AI for manuscript writing assistance and assess the prevalence of its use. Cardiovascular medicine journals with an SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) ≥3 and h-index ≥100 were screened for an AI policy. Journal policies were assessed for author disclosure requirements, standardization of disclosure section and language, and AI detection software used during the submission process. Each journal with an AI policy that required disclosure of its use was systematically searched to evaluate the prevalence of articles disclosing its use for writing assistance from January 2023 to August 2025. The number of publications with AI disclosure and publication characteristics was recorded. Seventeen journals met inclusion criteria and were screened for an AI policy, of which 14 journals (82%) contained such a policy. Among these, three journals (18%) had an AI policy that required disclosure, but that was not specific to AI use for manuscript writing. One journal (6%) did not require disclosure. The remaining three journals (18%) did not have any AI policy. None of the journals mandated a dedicated AI disclosure section or provided authors with standardized disclosure language. Fifteen journals (88%) used identifiable AI detection software, while only one posted this information publicly. Among the 14 journals with an AI disclosure policy, 11 AI-disclosing works were found. ChatGPT was the most common AI tool used (n=9, 82%). Journal policies regarding AI use for manuscript writing assistance vary widely, and therefore, there is a growing need for standardization. The prevalence of articles disclosing the use of AI was profoundly low across all journals evaluated, with significant variation in how AI use was disclosed. Having clear and consistent policies across journals and requiring authors to disclose their use of AI for manuscript writing is essential to uphold transparency and maintain medical research integrity.

In Africa alone, 500,000 live newborns are born each year with congenital heart disease (CHD). Sub-Saharan Africa contributes a larger portion of these numbers. The prevalence of delayed diagnosis in Ethiopia is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of delayed diagnosis of CHD and associated factors at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH).

The relationship between improved glycemic control and mortality reduction in diabetes remains controversial. This study aimed to examine the temporal trends and association between haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) control status and mortality risk among adults with diabetes.

Medial arterial calcification (MAC) increases vascular stiffness and reduces arterial compliance, often leading to serious systemic vascular diseases. However, research progress in this field has been limited by the lack of effective animal models. To address this gap and facilitate MAC research, this study established a novel experimental animal model of MAC in wild-type C57BL/6J mice and developed corresponding pathological grading standards.

Despite successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest (CA), patients often develop a fatal post-resuscitation syndrome due to ischemia-reperfusion injury. The disruption of hemodynamic coherence, where restored macrocirculation fails to improve microcirculation, leads to persistent tissue hypoperfusion and organ failure, making early non-invasive assessment of the microvasculature crucial for detecting these post-resuscitation disturbances. This study aimed to identify markers of peripheral circulatory disturbances in the early post-resuscitation period after asphyxial CA in rats.

Insulin resistance (IR) and central obesity play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. However, the association between the triglyceride-glucose index combined with waist-to-height ratio (TyG-WHtR)-a novel proxy for both insulin resistance and central obesity-and mortality outcomes in adults with prediabetes and diabetes remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the association between TyG-WHtR and all-cause and cardiovascular (CVD) mortality in prediabetic and diabetic adults.

Thoracic aortic fenestration is one of the methods employed for aortic arch reconstruction. To address the technical complexities of conventional fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (f-TEVAR) for aortic diseases involving the arch, we developed a streamlined approach using a novel physician-modified Relay nonbare stent graft (Terumo Aortic), eliminating the need for time-consuming marker suturing or guidewire-assisted fenestration alignment. This study evaluated the clinical application of this minimalist modification protocol.

Existing studies demonstrated that myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE), which provides residual myocardial viability (MV) information, is an effective long-term prognostic tool. However, the specific prognostic value of microvascular perfusion (MVP) parameters detected by contemporary intravenous MCE (IV-MCE) remains to be fully elucidated. Moreover, there is ongoing debate regarding the optimal quantitative diagnostic indicator measured by IV-MCE, including A, β, and myocardial blood flow (MBF), for major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). This study aims to identify the most effective IV-MCE parameter for predicting MACCEs through a comprehensive meta-analysis.

Cardiovascular surgery demands deep knowledge of the heart's intricate three-dimensional (3D) anatomy, but current teaching methods do not adequately develop students' spatial skills. Advances in precise imaging and 3D printing offer transformative potential for clinical education. In this study, taking the teaching of cardiovascular surgery as an example, we aimed to integrate precision imaging and 3D printing technologies with case-based learning (CBL), problem-based learning (PBL), and team-based learning (TBL). Our objective was to explore digital teaching approaches in clinical surgery and address the limitations of current learning models in spatial visualization training.

The association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of HBV infection on 13 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) among patients with CVD with or without statin use.

In intensive care units (ICUs), managing septic shock requires maintaining adequate tissue perfusion with vasopressors, most commonly norepinephrine, while avoiding under or over-dosing that can worsen hypotension, organ injury, and adverse effects. Bedside vasopressor titration often depends on clinician judgment and simple rules, with limited tools providing individualized, time-aware guidance or early warning of impending hypotension. ChronoSynthNet aimed to create a data-driven model that learns from routine electronic health record (EHR) time-series data to personalize vasopressor therapy and anticipate deterioration. To develop and validate a dual-task deep learning model that predicts real-time norepinephrine requirements and detects hypotension early in adults with septic shock.

Preserving the pulmonary valve during tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair via a right subaxillary approach is important as it reduces pulmonary regurgitation, maintains right ventricular function, and minimizes long-term complications, thereby improving patient outcomes. It is also innovative as it combines minimally invasive techniques with advanced surgical precision, offering better cosmetic results and expanding surgical options for complex congenital heart defects. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of right subaxillary mini-incision procedures for TOF transatrial repair with pulmonary valve preservation.

Aortopathies do not only occur in acquired heart disease but are often associated with congenital heart defects (CHD) or hereditary connective tissue disease (HCTD). Individuals diagnosed with these conditions have an increased risk of life-threatening events, such as aortic dissection or rupture. The diagnosis of an aortopathy or the occurrence of complications are life-changing and psychologically stressful events, possibly inducing post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and a reduced quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PTSS and QoL related to cardiological parameters in adults with aortopathies and CHD or HCTD.

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare vascular anomaly characterized by an abnormal shunt originating from a coronary artery and terminating at an atypical endpoint, typically involving dilated and tortuous vessels. The increased shunt flow can lead to a "coronary steal" phenomenon, resulting in angina pectoris. At present, the complications of CAF other than fistula steal need to be paid more attention, especially aneurysm rupture, thrombosis, and myocardial infarction. CAF may be accompanied by aneurysms, but it is seldomly reported that the aneurysm is giant with thrombosis and possibly relevant to myocardial infarction.