Background: This study explores how weight loss impacts thyroid hormone levels, particularly free T3 (FT3) and FT4, in obese individuals, given the key role these hormones play in regulating metabolism and gene expression. Methods: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, ISI/Web of Science, and Scopus databases identified studies examining the correlation between weight, body mass index (BMI), and thyroid hormone levels. Results: The analysis revealed that BMI reduction significantly decreases FT3 levels [odds ratio (OR) = 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.73–3.10, P < 0.01] and increases FT4 levels (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.47–0.98, P = 0.04). Weight loss results in a significant reduction in FT3 (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.68–3.64, P < 0.01) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.15–2.69, P < 0.01), as well as a significant increase in FT4 (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.55–0.88, P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis indicated that changes in thyroid hormone levels were more pronounced in obese individuals who underwent diet calorie restriction compared to bariatric surgery. Conclusion: The study results indicate that weight reduction leads to a decrease in TSH and FT3 levels and an increase in FT4 levels. Calorie restriction through diet has a more pronounced effect on thyroid function compared to bariatric surgery. Clinicians should approach elevated TSH levels in obese patients with caution, emphasizing weight management strategies as the primary therapeutic intervention before resorting to pharmacological treatments.

Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cardiovascular procedures has significantly advanced diagnostic accuracy, outcome prediction, and robotic-assisted surgeries. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of AI’s impact in this field is lacking. This study examines research trends, key contributors, and emerging themes in AI-driven cardiovascular interventions. Methods: We retrieved relevant publications from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed them using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Biblioshiny to map research trends and collaborations. Results: AI-related cardiovascular research has grown substantially from 1993 to 2024, with a sharp increase from 2020 to 2023, peaking at 93 publications in 2023. The USA (127 papers), China (79), and England (31) were the top contributors, with Harvard University leading institutional output (17 papers). Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine was the most prolific journal. Core research themes included “machine learning,” “mortality,” and “cardiac surgery,” with emerging trends in “association,” “implantation,” and “aortic stenosis,” underscoring AI’s expanding role in predictive modeling and surgical outcomes. Conclusion: AI demonstrates transformative potential in cardiovascular procedures, particularly in diagnostic imaging, predictive modeling, and patient management. This bibliometric analysis highlights the growing interest in AI applications and provides a framework for integrating AI into clinical workflows to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) management requires thoughtful evaluation from the clinicians

Background: Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) remains the preferred treatment for surgical accessible thrombus in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, residual pulmonary hypertension (PH) can persist post-PTE. Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis of patients that underwent PTE between 2013 and 2023. At 3-month follow-up, we performed a qualitative Echo-Doppler (DE) assessment and applied a semi-quantitative DE scoring system (DESS), assigning point values for six DE parameters: right ventricle (RV) size, RV shape (systolic base–apex ratio), RV function, septal position, tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and RV outflow tract notching (RVOTN). Higher scores suggested a more significant residual PH syndrome. Results: A total of 188 subjects (80%) did not require further PH intervention at ≥3 months (Group A); 48 (20%) required ongoing PH treatment (Group B). The pre-PTE median DESS was 10 and the post-PTE median DESS was 3.00 (range 0–16). The maximum DESS was 17. Using ROC analysis, post-PTE DESS strongly discriminated between Group A and B (AUC 0.76; 95% CI 0.65–0.89; p < 0.001). A post-PTE DESS of >6.5 differentiated Group A and B. Evidence of TR (OR 0.191, CI 0.103–0.279; p < 0.0001) and RV enlargement (OR 0.242; CI 0.153–0.330; p < 0.0001) at follow-up was associated with a need for additional PH interventions. Conclusions: Serial DE examination is a viable, noninvasive method to assess significant residual PH post-PTE.