Some things are strong, robust. In imaging in general, those are based on solid principles of physics that can resist the inequities of daily use. In computed tomography (CT), the main tissue densities are solid, measured in Hounsfield Units (HU), and some are really strong, calcium-strong, so to speak. Contrast resolution is an issue in CT imaging in general, mainly in the wide range of structures inside the water density spectrum. But the densities on both ends of the whole […]

The name syndrome combines two Greek roots to describe a condition gathering a group of signs and symptoms existing together in patients. It seems that Avicenna first used it in his 1025 publication “The Canon of Medicine”. In genetics, the use of the name syndrome generally assumes that the underlying cause of the disease is known. On the other hand, in medicine, syndrome refers to conditions both with a known and unknown cause. Historically, associated signs and symptoms found to […]

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a standard therapy for patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and its goal is to restore blood flow to the coronary artery that is judged to be causing the myocardial infarction (known as the culprit artery). In up to half of such patients, major stenoses in one or more coronary arteries that are not responsible for the myocardial infarction (nonculprit lesions) may also be seen during the index angiography. Since patients with […]

Short Editorial related to the article: Role of Interleukin-18 and the Thrombus Precursor Protein in Coronary Artery Disease. Ever since the initial works by Russell Ross on the importance of inflammation in the development, instability and rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque, which can result in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or stroke, there has been an increase in publications on the activation pathways, expansion and perpetuation of the inflammatory process, which goes beyond the simple pathophysiological understanding, but mainly in finding […]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality world. Dyslipidemia is a risk and causal factor and is the focus of the therapy for primary and secondary prevention of CVDs. There is consensus and broad understanding of the causal mechanisms of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in CVDs, and the benefit of the hypolipidemic therapy, with a magnitude of effect proportional to the reduction in serum levels. However, despite intensive use of lipid lowering agents, there remains a residual risk, a […]

Atherosclerosis is the most common pathological mechanism underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), encompassing both acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). Traditionally, the plaque formation process has been perceived as a consequence of cholesterol accumulation (particularly scavenger receptor-mediated uptake of modified low-density lipoprotein), leading to continuous plaque growth. Subendothelial intimal layer build-up further leads to progressive stenosis, reduced blood flow, and, eventually, tissue hypoxia. In addition, spontaneous thrombotic vessel occlusion and embolic events may constitute the common pathophysiological […]