Medical Specialties Commons^™

Chiari Network Identified By Ct Imaging: An Uncommon Modality For A Common Incidental Finding, Kyle Admire, Denis Yusupov, Xian Qiao

Eastern Virginia Medical Journal

Chiari networks are anatomical variants that result from incomplete resorption of embryologic tissues and are often discovered incidentally on echocardiography. We describe the case of a large Chiari network we discovered after independent review of the patient’s computed tomography scan showed an unexpected filling defect within the right atrium, prompting further investigation. We also conducted a review of the literature for this anatomic variant of unclear clinical significance.

Prognostic Value Of Baseline Qfr In Single-Vessel Intermediate Coronary Stenosis, Yanfeng Lu, Abdulrahman Alqazzaz, Jasmine Bao, Gary S. Mintz, Jiahao Feng, Yong Zhang, Shanshan Gao, Qiang Song, Feifei Ning, Xin Huang, Ning Guo

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The prognostic value of baseline Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) in real-world patients remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of baseline QFR and its three-tier model-low, grey-zone, and high QFR-in patients with single-vessel intermediate stenosis.

METHODS: This retrospective study included 478 patients with QFR between 0.70 and 0.90 who underwent coronary angiography between May and June 2023. Patients were stratified into Low (0.70-0.74), Grey-Zone (0.75-0.85), and High (0.86-0.90) QFR groups. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE); the key secondary endpoint was target vessel failure (TVF). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models …

End Point–Based Threshold For The Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index, Yi-Bang Cheng, De-Wei An, Dong-Yan Zhang, Yu-Ling Yu, Jesus D. Melgarejo, José Boggia, Dries S. Martens, Tine W. Hansen, Kei Asayama, Gladys E. Maestre

School of Medicine Publications

Background: The ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) is increasingly used in clinical research and practice. This individual-participant meta-analysis aims to consolidate the prognostic accuracy of AASI in the general population and to derive an end point-based AASI risk threshold.

Methods: In 12 558 individuals enrolled in 14 population studies (48.8% women; mean age, 59.3 years), AASI was derived by regressing 24-hour diastolic on systolic blood pressure (mm Hg/mm Hg). Using Cox regression, the risk-carrying AASI threshold was established by examining stepwise increasing AASI levels and by determining the AASI level, yielding a 10-year risk similar to an office systolic pressure …

Acute Stemi In A Young Adult On Therapeutic Anticoagulation Following Diclofenac Use, Naeem Hasanfatta, Naveed Ahmed, Debabrata Dash

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young adults is uncommon. The case of a 34-year-old male, post mechanical mitral valve replacement (MVR), who developed anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) despite therapeutic anticoagulation (INR 3.17), shortly after the initiation of diclofenac, highlights an important clinical scenario.

Case Presentation: The patient presented with atypical upper back pain and was diagnosed with anterior STEMI. Coronary angiography revealed a 100% thrombotic occlusion in the mid left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was successfully performed. Importantly, the patient had no history of hypercoagulable states or atherosclerosis and had been compliant with …

Saudi Heart Association Position Statement On Early Detection Of Subclinical Atherosclerosis In Clinical Practice, Waleed Alhabeeb, Abdelrahaman Almoghairi, Abdulhalim Kinsara, Abdullah Khoja

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Atherosclerosis is the leading underlying cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which remains the primary cause of mortality in Saudi Arabia. Saudi patients experience CVD events nearly a decade earlier than their Western counterparts. Given the limitations of traditional risk assessment tools, there is a growing need to detect subclinical atherosclerosis to refine risk stratification and improve primary prevention strategies, particularly in younger and asymptomatic individuals.

Methods: The Saudi Heart Association (SHA) developed this position statement through a structured, multistep process that included a comprehensive literature review and two expert panel meetings. Recommendations were formulated based on current evidence, expert …

After Hours, Faster Reperfusion: A Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Initiative To Reduce Stemi Door-To-Balloon Time, Suhas Tatapudi, Aarohi Parikh, Jeffrey Lesser, Alexander Rhodes, M Daniel

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

A Case Report: Successful Treatment Of Clot In Transit In The Ra And Rv, Venkata Kalyan Byrapogu, Garret D. Olsen, Rati Shirodkar, Brett Hiendylmayr, Pratik Saha

Continental and Mountain Divisions GME Resarch Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Ai-Powered Chatbot For Structural Valve Education And Shared Decision-Making: A Pilot Simulation Study, Yves Najm Mrad, Ahmad Al-Taweel, Bahaeddin Shabaneh

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Contemporary Transcatheter Therapies For Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation, Yves Najm Mrad, Ahmad Al-Taweel, Bahaeddin Shabaneh

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Environmental Footprint Of Aortic Valve Replacement: A Comparative Life-Cycle Analysis Of Surgical And Transcatheter Procedures, Yves Najm Mrad, Ahmad Al-Taweel, Bahaeddin Shabaneh

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Ai Ecg Screening Reduced Lvef And Structural Heart Disease: Diagnostic Performance And Trial Level Yield, Yves Najm Mrad, Molham Aldeiri

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Caught Between Two Barriers: A Case Of Thrombus Formation On A Dual-Laa Occluder, Veronica Phung, Daniel Tabares, Edward Baptista, Zuhair Ali

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Catheter Ablation In Unstable Patients With Atrial Tachyarrhythmias & Decompensated Heart Failure Requiring Mechanical Circulatory Support, Hytham Rashid, Alexander Rhodes, Hafez Golzarian, Suhas Tatapudi, Austin Howard, Brian Greet, Christian Sohns, David Burkland

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Qi: Improving Gdmt Among Discharge Patients With Heart Failure, Daniel Avila Castillo, Amar Kalidas, Parshvi Patel, Khaled Khalaf

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Predictors Of Successful Weaning From Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Systematic Review And Random-Effects Meta-Analysis, Yves Najm Mrad, Snehalkumar Patel

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Predictors Of Permanent Pacemaker Implantation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Contemporary Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Adjusted Risk Factors, Yves Najm Mrad, Snehalkumar Patel

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Pre-Existing Bifascicular Block With Wide Qrs And/Or Prolonged Pr In Patients Undergoing Tavr: Case Series And Review, Puneeth Shridhar, Dhavalkumar Patel, Saumya Sharma, Pranav Loyalka, Michael Daniel, Justin Saunders

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Emergent Tandemheart-Extracorporal Membrane Oxygenation For Refractory Ischemic Ventricular Arrhythmia, Mukhtar Al-Saadi, Aswin Srinivasan, Mohammed Rajab, Alexander Rhodes, Negar Niknam, Pranav Loyalka

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy In A Patient On Enzalutamide Therapy: A Case Report, Mohamed Mubder, Luay Alalawi, Heriberto Cantu, Hasnan Ijaz, Thomas Alexander

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Bivalirudin Versus Unfractionated Heparin For Anticoagulation During Ecmo: Systematic Review And Random-Effects Meta-Analysis Of Observational Comparative Studies, Yves Najm Mrad, Snehalkumar Patel

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Under-Representation Of Women And Minorities In Structural Heart Trials And Practice: A Systematic Review, Yves Najm Mrad, Ahmad Al-Taweel, Bahaeddin Shabaneh

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Redo-Tavr Vs Tavr Explant Vs Redo-Savr: Comparative Outcomes In Failed Transcatheter Bioprostheses, Yves Najm Mrad, Ahmad Al-Taweel, Bahaeddin Shabaneh

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Successful Retrieval Of Embolized Ventricular Septal Occluder Device, Aswin Srinivasan, Mukhtar Al-Saadi, Negar Niknam, Alexander Rhodes, Pranav Loyalka

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Clopidogrel Versus Aspirin Monotherapy Following Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: An Updated Meta- Analysis Of 162,829 Patients, Mohammed A. Elbahloul, Ahmed Mansour, Amr Galal, Walaa M. Moawad, Manar Khaled, Ahmed Wahdan Kasem, Eman E. Labeeb, Islam Y. Elgendy

Gill Heart & Vascular Institute Faculty Publications

Background: Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a cornerstone for preventing ischemic events; however, the optimal long-term single antiplatelet therapy after completion of DAPT remains unclear. We aimed to compare clopidogrel and aspirin monotherapy after completion of the standard duration of DAPT.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to April 2025. We included randomized clinical trials and observational studies that compared aspirin versus clopidogrel monotherapy after completion of standard-duration DAPT. The primary and co-primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major bleeding, respectively. …

Colchicine Among Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta‑Analysis Of Randomized Trials, Mohamed Hamed, Sheref A. Mohamed, Mohamed Abdelazeem, Eric Lieberman, Abdelrahman Ali, Dharam J. Kumbhani, Anthony Bavry, Hani Jneid, Islam Y. Elgendy, Ayman Elbadawi

Gill Heart & Vascular Institute Faculty Publications

Introduction: Prior trials evaluating the benefit of colchicine in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have yielded mixed results. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the role of colchicine after ACS.

Methods: We performed an electronic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases through November 2024 for studies comparing colchicine with placebo after ACS. Our study’s primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Results: Our final analysis included five RCTs with 12,979 patients with a mean follow-up of 26.6 months. The weighted mean age was 59.8 years. Colchicine was associated with a modest …

Heterologous Leadless Pacing: Resolution Of Pacemaker Syndrome Via Co-Implantation Of An Abbott Aveir Atrial Leadless Pacemaker With A Medtronic Micra Av, Badal Sojitra, Baylen Shoemaker, Shiv Gakhar, Vincent Sachs, Kun Xiang

West Florida Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Cerebral Embolic Protection During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Contemporary Randomized Evidence On Clinical And Disabling Stroke, Yves Najm Mrad, Ahmad Al-Taweel, Bahaeddin Shabaneh

Gulf Coast Division GME Research Day 2026

No abstract provided.

Percutaneous Closure Of Ventricular Septal Rupture After Myocardial Infarction:, Thomas A. Cook, Simone K. Schumaecker, Anjani Patibandla, Nicholas J. Valle, Matthew R. Summers

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND: Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) following acute myocardial infarction is a rare but deadly complication with mortality rates exceeding 90% when left untreated. Coronary ischaemia leads to myocardial necrosis and friability resulting in septal rupture, most commonly 3-5 days post-infarction. The sudden development of a left-to-right shunt causes volume overload in the right ventricle, pulmonary vasculature, and left atrium, precipitating biventricular failure, and cardiogenic shock. Management requires careful consideration of timing and modality of closure along with stabilization with mechanical circulatory support in severe cases.

CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old female presented with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction complicated by VSR …

Mechanical-Medical Convergence In Heart Failure: Artificial Intelligence, Finite-Element Modeling, And 3d Printing For Diagnosis And Prognosis, Quazi Noor E. Sabrina, Quazi Md Zobaer Shah, Quazi Noor E. Sohela, Md Mahabub Hasan Mousum, Md. Moyeen Uddin Chisty, Quazi Md. Akbar Shah

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Heart failure remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, yet routine clinical indices often miss the regional biomechanical disturbances that drive progression and shape treatment response. This State-of-the-Art review examines how finite-element (FE) modeling, additive manufacturing, and artificial intelligence (AI) are converging to improve the diagnosis, phenotyping, procedural planning, and prognostic assessment of heart failure (HF). Although these technologies have matured in structural heart disease and transcatheter intervention research, their greatest translational potential may lie in HF, where patient-specific ventricular remodeling, myocardial stress–strain heterogeneity, valve-ventricular coupling, and device-tissue interaction are incompletely captured by conventional clinical indices. We synthesize …

The Treatment Of Obesity In The Context Of The Obesity Paradox In Patients With Heart Failure: A Narrative Review, Pamela L. Alebna, Sarah Martey, Anurag Mehta, Carl J. Lavie, Salvatore Carbone

EVMS School of Health Professions Faculty Publications

Purpose of review

While excess adiposity is a known risk factor for incident heart failure ( HF), once the condition is established, observational data suggest that increased body mass index (BMI) may confer a survival advantage. This paradox has emphasized the underlying roles of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and body composition, particularly lean mass (LM), in influencing clinical outcomes.

Recent findings

In this review, we explore the multifaceted nature of the obesity paradox in HF, with a focus on emerging anti-obesity incretin-mimetic therapies, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists. These agents …