Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is produced by the placenta and its roles have been studied for over a century, being the first known pregnancy-related protein. Although its main role is to stimulate the production of progesterone by corpus luteal cells, hCG does not represent just one biologically active molecule, but a group of at least five variants, produced by different cells and each with different functions. The hyperglycosylated variant of hCG (H-hCG) plays a key role in trophoblast invasion, placental development and fetal growth. During trophoblast invasion, H-hCG promotes extravillous cytotrophoblast cells to infiltrate the decidua, and also to colonize and remodel the spiral arteries in to low resistance, larger-diameter vessels. As fetal growth is heavily reliant on nutrient availability, impaired trophoblast invasion and remodeling of the uterine arteries, leads to a defective perfusion of the placenta and fetal growth restriction. Understanding the function of H-hCG in the evolution of the placenta might unveil new ways to manage and treat fetal growth restriction.

The number of patients diagnosed with breast cancer and cardiovascular disease is continuously rising. Treatment options for breast cancer have greatly evolved, but radiotherapy (RT) still has a key role in it. Despite many advances in RT techniques, cardiotoxicity is one of the most important side effects. The new cardio-oncology guidelines recommend a baseline evaluation, risk stratification and follow-up of these patients. Cardiotoxicity induced by RT can be represented by almost all forms of cardiovascular disease, with atherosclerosis being the most frequent. An interdisciplinary team should manage these patients, in order to have maximum therapeutic effect and minimum cardiovascular toxicity. This review will summarize the current incidence, risk factors, mechanisms and follow-up of RT-induced cardiovascular toxicity.

Aims: None of the conventional echocardiographic parameters alone predict increased NTproBNP level and symptoms, making diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) very difficult in some cases, in resting condition. We evaluated LA functions by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) on top of conventional parameters in HFpEF and preHF patients with diastolic dysfunction (DD), in order to establish the added value of the LA deformation parameters in the diagnosis of HFpEF. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 125 patients, 88 with HFpEF (68±9 yrs), and 37 asymptomatic with similar risk factors with DD (preHF) (61±8 yrs). We evaluated them by NTproBNP, conventional DD parameters, and STE. Global longitudinal strain (GS) was added. LA reservoir (R), conduit (C), and pump function (CT) were assessed both by volumetric and STE. 2 reservoir strain (S) derived indices were also measured, stiffness (SI) and distensibility index (DI). Results: LA R and CT functions were significantly reduced in HFpEF compared to preHF group (all p<0.001), whereas conduit was similarly in both groups. SI was increased, whereas DI was reduced in HFpEF group (p<0.001). By adding LA strain analysis, from all echocardiographic parameters, SR_CT<-1.66/s and DI<0.57 (AUC = 0.76, p<0.001) demonstrated the highest accuracy to identify HFpEF diagnosis. However, by multivariate logistic regression, the model that best identifies HFpEF included only SR_CT, GS and sPAP (R² = 0.506, p<0.001). Moreover, SR_CT, DI, and sPAP registered significant correlation with NTproBNP level. Conclusions: By adding LA functional analysis, we might improve the HFpEF diagnosis accuracy, compared to present guidelines. LA pump function is the only one able to differentiates preHF from HFpEF patients at rest. A value of SR_CT < -1.66/s outperformed conventional parameters from the scoring system, reservoir strain, and LA overload indices in HFpEF diagnosis. We suggest that LA function by STE could be incorporated in the current protocol for HFpEF diagnosis at rest as a major functional criterion, in order to improve diagnostic algorithm, and also in the follow-up of patients with risk factors and DD, as a prognostic marker. Future studies are needed to validate our findings.

Background: Cardiotoxicity is a major limitation of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for thoracic and systemic cancers, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality among survivors. Early prediction and prevention are critical to balance oncologic efficacy with cardiovascular safety. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers powerful tools to improve risk stratification, enable earlier detection of subclinical injury, and guide treatment planning in cardio-oncology. Methods: We performed a comprehensive review of the literature on AI applications for cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity. Evidence was identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on electrocardiography, biomarkers, proteomics, extracellular vesicles, genomics, advanced imaging (echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography, nuclear imaging), and radiotherapy dose modeling (dosiomics). Translational insights from animal models and in vitro systems were also included. Methodological quality was appraised with reference to TRIPOD-AI, PROBAST-AI, and CLAIM standards. Results: AI applications span multiple domains. Machine learning models integrating biomarkers, exosomes, and extracellular vesicles show promise for noninvasive early detection. Deep learning enables automated analysis of echocardiographic strain and cardiac MRI mapping, while radiomics and dosiomics approaches combine imaging with cardiac substructure dose maps to predict and prevent late radiation-induced injury. Preclinical studies demonstrate AI-driven advances in small-animal imaging, histopathology quantification, and multi-omics data integration, supporting the discovery of translational biomarkers. Despite encouraging performance, most models remain limited by small cohorts, methodological heterogeneity, and scarce external validation. Conclusions: AI has the potential to transform cardio-oncology by shifting from reactive detection to proactive prevention of cardiotoxicity. Future research should prioritize multimodal integration, harmonized multicenter datasets, prospective validation, and guideline-based clinical trials. As emerging data are incorporated, the field is expanding rapidly—dynamic, complex, and evolving.

The most common manifestations of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) include fever, cough, dyspnea. Nevertheless, many atypical forms of presentation might be present, delaying a correct diagnosis.

Background/Objectives: Heart disease affects 0.1% to 4% of pregnant women, with congenital heart defects being the leading cause in developed countries. While maternal mortality is generally low, pre-existing cardiac conditions substantially increase adverse outcome risks. This report describes the multidisciplinary management of a pregnant patient with a bicuspid aortic valve, severe aortic stenosis, and ascending aortic ectasia. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old pregnant woman, asymptomatic but at high risk (World Health Organization Class III) for hemodynamic decompensation, was closely monitored throughout gestation. At 36 weeks, intrauterine growth restriction was detected, prompting an elective cesarean delivery at 38 weeks. Postpartum, the patient developed pre-eclampsia, which was managed successfully. Imaging revealed progressive aortic dilation, leading to surgical aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta reduction plasty. Post-operatively, atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia from an unrecognized accessory pathway developed; medical therapy effectively controlled the arrhythmia after failed catheter ablation. One year later, both mother and child remained in good health. Discussion: This case illustrates the complexity of managing pregnancy in women with congenital heart disease and significant aortic pathology. The physiological changes of pregnancy can exacerbate underlying lesions, necessitating individualized risk assessment, vigilant monitoring, and timely intervention. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach involving cardiology, obstetrics, anesthesiology, and genetics is essential to optimize outcomes for pregnant women with significant heart disease. As advances in care allow more women with congenital heart defects to reach childbearing age, structured care pathways remain vital for ensuring safe pregnancies and long-term cardiovascular health.