Diseases Commons^™

Development And Validation Of Risk Stratification For Heart Failure After Acute Coronary Syndrome Based On Dynamic S100a8/A9 Levels, Jie Ma, Ke Ma, Jing Chen, Xinying Yang, Fei Gao, Hai Gao, Hui Zhang, Xin-Liang Ma, Jie Du, Ping Li, Yulin Li

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: The early assessment of heart failure (HF) risk in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can help reduce mortality. S100A8/A9 is not only rapidly released after myocardial ischemia, but is also involved in reperfusion injury, which is an important predictor of HF after ACS. We attempted to construct a reliable HF risk stratification tool for evaluating patients with ACS after reperfusion therapy based on S100A8/A9 dynamic changes.

METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective study included 3 independent cohorts of patients with ACS who received reperfusion therapy. The discovery cohort was divided into 2 subgroups: the longitudinal subgroup (n=264) with serum …

Sex-Specific And Regional Analysis Of Heart Disease Prediction Using Machine Learning Algorithms: Insights From The Uc Irvine Public Heart Disease Datasets (Cleveland And Long Beach), Jonathan Asanjarani

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

For this capstone project, I investigated how well machine learning models can predict heart disease, while also studying how the patient’s gender affects these predictions, as well as determining how well the same model performs across different regions. This project utilizes two clinical datasets from the publicly accessible UCI Machine Learning Repository under the collection "Heart Disease." This repository is composed of data from patients across four distinct locations, capturing varying levels of heart disease severity. These datasets are part of a collection of databases, open to the public, and can be used by anyone looking to conduct empirical analysis. …

Sudden Cardiac Death Associated With Fatty Liver Disease, Jonathan Vo, Thien T T T Truyen, Audrey Uy-Evanado, Arayik Sargsyan, Harpriya Chugh, Christopher Young, Sean Hurst, Christina Y Miyake, Kyndaron Reinier, Sumeet S Chugh

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: Fatty liver disease or steatotic liver disease (SLD) affects 25% of the global population and has been associated with heart disease. However, there is a lack of postmortem studies in the context of sudden cardiac death (SCD).

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between SLD and SCD.

METHODS: A post-mortem case-case study was conducted in victims of SCD from an ongoing community-based study in Southern California (Ventura, CA, 2015-2023). Diagnosis of SLD was determined from post-mortem liver histopathology reports. For each patient, demographic variables, laboratory values, and presence of co-morbidities were ascertained from medical records and were compared between patients …

Case Studies In Heritable Vascular Disease: Proceedings Of The Uthealth Houston Multidisciplinary Aortic Conference, Milan Jaiswal, Lucas Ribe, Rana O Afifi, Yuki Ikeno, Alana C Cecchi, Bihong Zhao, Akiko Tanaka, Gustavo S Oderich, L Maximilian Buja, Dianna M Milewicz, Siddharth K Prakash, Anthony L Estrera

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Heritable thoracic aortic disease is caused by dominantly inherited mutations in more than a dozen genes, including TGFB2 mutations that cause Loeys-Dietz syndrome. McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston convenes a regular conference that includes cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, cardiologists, geneticists, radiologists, and pathologists to formulate multidisciplinary approaches for the management of complex heritable thoracic aortic disease cases. In this report, we highlight the unique management of individuals with distinct presentations of Loeys-Dietz syndrome owing to TGFB2 mutations.

Recent Advances In Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Current Treatment And Future Direction, Arasalan Siddiqui, Vasiliki Tasouli-Drakou, Marc Ringor, Micael V. Dicaro, Brianna Yee, Kachon Lei, Tahir Tak

Department of Internal Medicine Faculty Research

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) has been established as a major component of heart failure management, resulting in a significant reduction in patient morbidity and death for patients with increased QRS duration, low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and high risk of arrhythmias. The ability to synchronize both ventricles, lower heart failure hospitalizations, and optimize clinical outcomes are some of the attractive characteristics of biventricular pacing, or CRT. However, the high rate of CRT non-responders has led to the development of new modalities including leadless CRT pacemakers (CRT-P) and devices focused on conduction system pacing (CSP). This comprehensive review aims to …

Comparative Outcomes Of Endovascular Vs. Surgical Treatment In Craniocervical Junction Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Basel Musmar, Joanna Roy, Atakan Orscelik, Sravanthi Koduri, Spyridon Karadimas, Saman Sizdahkhani, Elias Atallah, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Michael Gooch, Hekmat Zarzour, Ritam Ghosh, Richard Schmidt, Robert Rosenwasser, Pascal Jabbour

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Craniocervical junction dural arteriovenous fistulas (CCJ-DAVFs) are rare and complex vascular malformations that are challenging to diagnose and treat. This study aims to compare surgical and endovascular treatments for CCJ-DAVFs through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to July 2024.

RESULTS: Fifteen studies involving 266 patients were included. Of these, 143 (53.8 %) patients underwent surgical treatment alone and 123 (46.2 %) underwent endovascular treatment alone. In the surgical group, the complete obliteration rate at last …

Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence Risk After Catheter Ablation In Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Pongprueth Rujirachun, Phuuwadith Wattanachayakul, Svita Taveeamornrat, Patompong Ungprasert, Nithi Tokavanich, Krit Jongnarangsin

Einstein Health Papers

BACKGROUND: The association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) is well-established. However, data on the impact of RA on AF recurrence postcatheter ablation (CA) remain unclear. This current study aimed to assess the impact of RA on AF recurrence after catheter-based pulmonary vein isolation.

METHODS: Potentially eligible studies were identified from Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to December 20, 2023. Eligible study must consist of two cohorts of patients with and without RA who underwent catheter ablation for AF. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI were calculated using Dersimonian and Laird's random-effect, …

Adenosine-Sensitive Upper Septal Fascicular Ventricular Tachycardia Associated With Takotsubo Syndrome, Parker O'Neill, Daniel Underberg, Reginald Ho, Darius Farzad, Gregary Marhefka

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

We describe a rare case of upper septal fascicular ventricular tachycardia (VT) associated with takotsubo syndrome that failed to convert with synchronized shock but converted to normal sinus rhythm after intravenous adenosine administration. The excess catecholamine state of takotsubo syndrome likely provided substrate for cyclic adenosine monophosphate–mediated triggered activity, causing fascicular VT.

Residual Traditional Risk In Non-Traditional Atherosclerotic Diseases, Federico Biscetti, Giorgia Polito, Maria Margherita Rando, Maria Anna Nicolazzi, Luis H. Eraso, Paul J. Dimuzio, Massimo Massetti, Antonio Gasbarrini, Andrea Flex

Department of Surgery Faculty Papers

Individuals with chronic inflammatory and immune disorders are at an increased risk of atherosclerotic events and premature cardiovascular (CV) disease. Despite extensive literature exploring the relationship between "non-traditional" atherosclerotic conditions and CV risk, many aspects remain unresolved, including the underlying mechanisms promoting the "non-traditional CV risk", the development of an innovative and comprehensive CV risk assessment tool, and recommendations for tailored interventions. This review aims to evaluate the available evidence on key "non-traditional" CV risk-enhancer conditions, with a focus on assessing and managing CV risk factors. We conducted a comprehensive review of 412 original articles, narrative and systematic reviews, and …

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Masquerading As Angioedema: A Chemotherapy Port Complication, Vishal Shah, Philip Mardock, Austin Patrick-Eisenberg, Thaddeus Golden

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Shortness Of Breath In A 39 Year Old: A Rare Case Of Heart Failure, Mohammed Rashik, Olufunmilola Adeleye, Jason Thompson, Tasaduq Mir

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Currently, 2.6% of Americans suffer from heart failure. Common causes include coronary artery disease, chronic hypertension, arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction, often managed in clinical and hospital settings. A rare cause, however, is infiltrative cardiomyopathy, affecting just 0.04% of the U.S. population. This condition, often caused by amyloid buildup or sarcoidosis, is challenging to diagnose and typically requires a heart transplant due to its rapid progression. Thorough investigations into heart failure causes are crucial to identify this rare condition. A 39-year-old male with no significant medical history presented to the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) Family Medicine clinic …

Hearts Hidden Message: Right Ventricular Thrombus Reveals Esophageal Adenocarcinoma, Devika Adusumilli, Seline Haci, Jafri Imran, Arman Vaghefi, Mehdi Khalafi, Ikponmwosa Iyamu, Sarvanan Balamuthusamy

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction Right ventricular thrombi are uncommon, usually found with concurrent pulmonary emboli and associated with significant mortality. They often originate from deep vein thrombi but may also be due to primary intracardiac processes . A right ventricular thrombus can be an unexpected marker for underlying malignancies, including esophageal cancer. This occurs due to the hypercoagulable state often induced by malignancy. Here we report a presentation where the identification of a right ventricular thrombus led to the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. Case Presentation Our patient is a 57-year old male with no past medical history who experienced an episode of dizziness …

Use Of Va Ecmo In Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism Presenting With Obstructive Cardiogenic Shock Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy, Luke Taylor, Otoniel Espinoza, Omar O. Hernandez, Shannon Biggers, Shirin Miller, Srinivas Yallapragada, Amer Alaiti, Andrew Fredericks, Song Li, Claudius Mahr

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Background Patients with massive/sub-massive pulmonary embolism (PE) and right ventricular strain have a significant risk of hemodynamic collapse. VA ECMO support provides an excellent salvage option for patients with acute/unstable pulmonary embolism with obstructive cardiogenic shock undergoing mechanical thrombectomy. Using VA-ECMO for a “protective PE” procedure allows control of hemodynamics and enables interventionalists to perform the thrombectomy in a more controlled environment. Here, we present our experience. Methods A retrospective data analysis on consecutive VA ECMO patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to pulmonary embolism was abstracted from August 2022 to June 2024. Results Patient characteristics and outcomes are described in …

Women’S Health In Rural American Communities, Leandra Moukoudi Ndoko, Stephanie Zeszutek Do, Renee Reijo Pera Phd

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (Great Falls) Publications and Research

Limited data have been published on the status of women’s health in rural areas, particularly pertaining to women of color and rural women in the United States. The aim of this review is to briefly describe the trends in women’s health in rural areas, the factors contributing to poor health outcomes and potential ways to focus improvements most effectively. To provide this overview, approximately 310 articles were screened by full text on the database PubMed. Of these, 27 articles are described in more detail in this piece. Data focus on women’s health in the United States and include information bulletin …

Is There An Association Between Living In A Rural Area And The Incidence Of Postoperative Complications Or Hospital Readmissions Following Left Ventricular Assist Device (Lvad) Implantation, Compared To Urban Lvad Recipients? A Systematic Review., Samrat Gollapudi, Abhiram Gollapudi, Sri Banala, Sheraj Singh, Kiran Tadi

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are utilized as a therapeutic option for patients with end-stage heart failure. While LVAD implantation can enhance survival rates and quality of life, the procedure has its risks, and postoperative complications are common. This review aims to investigate whether there is an association between living in a rural area and the incidence of postoperative complications or hospital readmissions following LVAD implantation, compared to urban LVAD recipients.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature review examined studies that compared postoperative outcomes between rural and urban LVAD recipients. Data on adverse events, hospitalizations, and mortality rates were extracted, focusing …

Coexisting Type A And B Aortic Dissection With Extension To Carotid Arteries Resulting In Acute Ischemic Stroke, Dung Nguyen, Jilpa Shah, Amnah Andrabi

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Coexisting Type A and B aortic dissection with extension to carotid arteries resulting in acute ischemic stroke Abstract Background: Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a rare cause of ischemic stroke. Additionally, it is even rarer to have a combined type A and type B aortic dissection. ADD is a high-mortality disease that can lead to immediate decompensation and can be masked by stroke-like symptoms, which can result in delayed or missed diagnosis. We report a patient with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with subsequent combined type A and type B aortic dissection. Case Report: A 47-year-old man was admitted to the …

Atypical Presentation Of Moyamoya Disease Presenting With Severe Headache: A Case Report, Nilay Bhatt, Tirth Vyas

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Micra-Scopic Hero: Rare Unroofed Cornoary Sinus Complicating Pacemaker Placement, Suhas Tatapudi, E Castillo, Jeby Kalathoor, Zuhair Ali, Hytham Rashid, R Cargioli

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Enhancing Patient-Centered Efficiency: Reducing Cardiology Clinic No-Shows Using Technology, Pre-Visit Planning & Patient Resources, Pat Shirey

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects - Archive

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) affects 48% of U.S. adults, requiring regular cardiology visits to manage risk factors and the early detection of complications (American Heart Association, 2019). No-shows disrupt continuity of care, worsen health outcomes (Choi et al., 2020), and decrease clinic efficiency (Goossens et al., 2022). A North Texas cardiology clinic reported a 31.9% overall no-show rate and a 42.1% no-show rate for new patients, costing $1.3 million annually.

Purpose: This quality improvement project aimed to reduce no-show rates through a patient-centered cardiology appointment bundle to improve continuity, patient outcomes, and efficiency.

Methods: This eight-week project utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act …

Out Of Left Field Lv Thrombus: Incidental Finding In Patient Presenting With Abdominal Pain, Chak Lam Yeung, Shivani Gandi, Shakir Al-Ezzi, Nicole Huang, Adhikari Pragyan

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Left Ventricular thrombus (LVT) is one of the most feared complications post myocardial infarction due to the high incidence of embolization. LVT typically form after myocardial infarction and the presence of low ejection fraction (EF), both of which contribute to Virchow’s triad for thrombus formation. LVT are less common in the absence of these risk factors or pre-existing cardiovascular disease. This case report explores the incidental discovery of LVT in a patient, without any known cardiovascular disease, who presented for treatment of acute pancreatitis. Case Presentation: 42-year-old male with past medical history of alcohol use disorder and recurrent pancreatitis …

Not Your Typical Chest Pain: Anomalous Rca, Suhas Tatapudi, Nomair Ashraf, E Castillo, Jeby Kalathoor, Hytham Rashid, Ibrahim Yazji, M Daniel

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Presenting As An Anterior Mediastinal Mass: A Rare Manifestation, Maya Khasho, Christopher L. Bray, Miguel E. Rodriguez

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Tricuspid Valve Repair For A Chronically Migrated Venous Stent, John W. Jackson, Mary Rachel Nute, Jeffrey D. Mcneil

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Cannabis Induced 2nd Degree Av Block, Shivani Gandhi, Vineeth Lekkala, Muhammad Suleman, Anvitha Manduva

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Cannabis use, both medical and non-medical, has seen a marked increase following the growing trend of legalization. While the immediate effects of cannabis on mental and physiological states are well-documented, its potential impact on the cardiovascular system remains an area of growing concern. Cannabis-induced arrhythmias, particularly atrioventricular (AV) block, are rare but potentially life-threatening events that can present in young, otherwise healthy individuals (Heckle et al., 2018). This case highlights the importance of recognizing cannabis as a potential contributing factor in the development of AV block.

Comparison Of Transcarotid Artery Revascularization & Carotid Endarterectomy For Atherosclerotic Carotid Artery Disease, Adel Hanandeh, Victor Cabrera Bou, Gerard De Castro, Giancarlo Cires, Julio Calderin, Richard Deane, Frederick Fisher

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis, Adrian S. Reta, Michaela Mckissack

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

A Case Of Severe Synodic Stenosis In A Patient With Granalomatosis With Polyangitis Requiring Tracheostomy, Yousuf Sherwani, Mohan Sengodan

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is characterized by vasculitis of small and medium sized blood vessels and granulomatous lesions of the upper respiratory tract. A rare condition associated with GPA, subglottic stenosis, presents in about 20% of cases on inpatient GPA. Symptoms such as stridor, hoarseness, dyspnea and dysphagia are hall marks of subglottic stenosis. Here we present the case of a male patient with life threatening subglottic stenosis that required tracheostomy.

Humoral Influences On The Heart: A Case Of Overt Hypothyroidism And Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Acute Heart Failure, Shana-Kay Lambert-Johnson, Rui Zhang, Brian Yu, Tasaduq Mir

North Texas Research Forum 2025

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) affects approximately 7 in 100,000 adults annually, with a mortality rate of 50%. It is typically idiopathic, progressive, and irreversible. However, in the context of hypothyroidism, DCM can be reversible. Hypothyroid-induced DCM with coexisting systolic dysfunction is a rare occurrence. This case report presents an exceptional instance of this phenomenon, highlighting the critical role of thyroid hormone replacement in improving patient outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old female with a medical history of hypothyroidism (post-thyroidectomy) was transferred for higher-level care due to new-onset heart failure. Over the past five months, she experienced worsening dyspnea on exertion, fatigue, …

Unbreak My Heart: Improving The Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral Rate, Akash Patel, Samer Khalil, Iman Squires, Abed Naser, Eric Vargas, Manuel Carrazana, Olga Karasik

North Florida Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Endovascular Repair With A Vbx Device Covered Stent In A Patient With Leriche Syndrome, Angelo Piazza, Micheline Tantchou

Central & West Texas and San Antonio GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.