C-reactive protein (CRP) has emerged as a valuable biomarker in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), offering multiple insights into diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies. In the diagnostic domain, elevated CRP levels serve as an early indicator of AMI, aiding in prompt identification and initiation of treatment. Prognostically, CRP is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes post-AMI, correlating with increased mortality and cardiovascular events. Beyond its diagnostic and prognostic roles, CRP also exposes therapeutic avenues in AMI management. Targeting CRP through pharmacological interventions has shown promise in reducing inflammatory responses, thereby mitigating myocardial damage and improving clinical outcomes. However, CRP’s low specificity, influenced by elevation in non-cardiac conditions, remains a clinical limitation that warrants consideration. This review comprehensively examines the evolving role of CRP in AMI, exploring its diagnostic accuracy, prognostic significance, and potential as a therapeutic target. The understanding of the complex role of CRP in AMI provides clinicians with valuable tools for risk stratification, treatment optimization, and personalized patient care in the acute setting.

TAVI is more frequently used to treat aortic stenosis with the mandate to have a low as possible rate of adverse events. We present our 30-day outcomes and one-year mortality and examine the factors associated with them. A prospective evaluation was performed of all patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI in Nicosia General Hospital from January 2015 until March 2020. MACE were defined as cardiac death, disabling stroke, and/or major vascular complications (VC). Multiple logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with 30-day MACE and one-year mortality, respectively. A total of 235 TAVI procedures were performed (178 balloon-expandable, 57 self-expandable). Thirty-day outcomes were MACE: 4.3%, cardiovascular death: 2.1%, disabling stroke: 1.3%, major VC: 1.7%, and contrast induced nephropathy (CIN): 4.3%. There was a rate of 6.2% new pacemaker implantations and 0.9% of more than mild aortic valve regurgitation (AR) at 30 days. Mortality at one year was 15.1%. The balloon-expandable valves appear to have less new pacemakers, less mild AR, lower contrast volume used, and less days of hospitalization, while the self-expandable valves have lower post-procedural gradients. Low hemoglobulin, history of atrial fibrillation (AF), and lower BMI were predictors of 30-day MACE. Serum creatinine >2 mg/dL, history of AF, RVSP >60 mmHg and major VC are predictors of one-year mortality. We have shown excellent 30-day results with low incidence of adverse events for both the balloon-expandable and self-expandable valves. Clinical factors are the main predictors of both 30-day MACE and one-year mortality; major VC is a strong predictor of one-year mortality.

Engaging intracoronary imaging (IC) techniques such as intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography enables the precise description of vessel architecture. These imaging modalities have well-established roles in providing guidance and optimizing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes. Furthermore, IC is increasingly recognized for its diagnostic capabilities, as it has the unique capacity to reveal vessel wall characteristics that may not be apparent through angiography alone. This manuscript thoroughly reviews the contemporary landscape of IC in clinical practice. Focused on current methodologies, the review explores the utility and advancements in IC techniques. Emphasizing their role in clarifying coronary pathophysiology, guiding PCI, and optimizing patient outcomes, the manuscript critically evaluates the strengths and limitations of each modality. Additionally, the integration of IC into routine clinical workflows and its impact on decision-making processes are discussed. By synthesizing the latest evidence, this review provides valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals involved in the dynamic field of interventional cardiology.

Background: Vascular complications (VCs) after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have an increased mortality risk, and vascular closure device (VCD) use is mandatory. The percutaneous MANTA VCD (Teleflex) is a novel collagen-based technology for closure of large-bore arteriotomies. We compared the MANTA VCD with the suture-based ProGlide VCD (Abbott Vascular). Methods: A retrospective review was performed on all consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI in our center from January 1, 2015, to February 28, 2021, and 30-day outcomes were recorded. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were cardiac death, disabling stroke, and/or major VCs. Access site–related VCs were VCs related to the access site vessel from which the transcatheter valve was introduced and advanced. Results: The MANTA VCD was used in 99 patients and the ProGlide in 224. There was 4.0% MACE in the MANTA group and 4.9% in the ProGlide group (P = .999). Overall VCs were 10.1% vs 7.6%, major VCs were 3.0% vs 2.2%, and minor VCs 7.1% vs 5.4%(P = .753). Access site–related VCs were 5.1% vs 5.8% in the (P = .999), and periprocedural vascular surgical intervention was needed in 6.1% of the MANTA group vs 2.2% of the ProGlide group (P = .099). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in MACE, mortality, cardiovascular mortality, VCs, access site–related VCs, periprocedural vascular surgical interventions, bleeding, or transfusion rate between the 2 groups. The MANTA VCD group had more periprocedural vascular surgical interventions which did not reach statistical significance.