Accumulation of CXCR4 (C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4)-positive immune cells after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can be visualized by positron emission tomography. For a broader clinical application, there is a need for CXCR4-directed radiotracers labeled with isotopes that can be used with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We report on the detection of CXCR4 expression after AMI in humans using the novel tracer [Tc]-PentixaTec.

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is heterogeneous in older age and is incompletely explained by traditional atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors. The extremes of subclinical atherosclerosis burden are strongly associated with either a low or high 10-year risk of incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, respectively. However, the genetic underpinnings of differences in arterial aging remain unclear. We sought to determine the independent association of 2 polygenic scores for coronary heart disease (CHD) with CAC in adults ≥75 years of age.

Accurate assessment of left ventricular filling pressure in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF) remains difficult. A novel 2-dimensional scoring system, visually assessing time difference between mitral valve and tricuspid valve opening (VMT) score, based on temporal analysis of early diastolic valve opening, could be applied to these patients. We aimed to determine the usefulness of the VMT score in patients with AF.

Coronary flow capacity (CFC) is a measure that integrates hyperemic myocardial blood flow and myocardial flow reserve to quantify the pathophysiological impact of coronary artery disease on vasodilator capacity. We assessed the prognostic value of CFC derived from Rb positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease and normal myocardial perfusion imaging.

The presence and clinical significance of hepatic tissue alterations as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), are unclear. This study aimed to investigate associations of hepatic T1 patterns with myocardial tissue damage and clinical outcomes in patients suffering from STEMI.

Black adults show heightened cardiovascular risk compared with other groups despite comparable or lower coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, indicating potential cardiovascular risk underestimation by CAC. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), preceding CAC, may predict cardiovascular events better in Black adults who are prone to early atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and excess events at low CAC scores.

Large vessel vasculitides (LVV) comprise a group of inflammatory disorders that involve the large arteries, such as the aorta and its primary branches. The cause of LVV is often rheumatologic and includes giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis. Giant cell arteritis is the most common form of LVV affecting people >50 years of age with a slight female predominance. Takayasu arteritis is more frequently seen in younger populations and is significantly more common in women. Prompt identification of LVV is crucial as it can lead to debilitating complications if left untreated, including blindness in the case of giant cell arteritis and large artery stenosis and aneurysms in the case of all forms of LVV. Noninvasive imaging methods have greatly changed the approach to managing LVV. Today, imaging (with ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography) is routinely used in the diagnosis of LVV. In patients with giant cell arteritis, imaging often spares the use of invasive procedures such as temporal artery biopsy. In addition, vascular imaging is also crucial for longitudinal surveillance of arterial damage. Finally, imaging is currently being studied for its role in assessing treatment response and ongoing disease activity and its potential value in determining the presence of vascular wall remodeling (eg, scarring). This review explores the current uses of noninvasive vascular imaging in LVV.

Elevated Lp(a) (lipoprotein[a]) is a risk marker for atherosclerotic disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We examined the association of Lp(a) with changes in coronary atherosclerosis following intensive lipid-lowering therapy.

Plaque quantification from coronary computed tomography angiography has emerged as a valuable predictor of cardiovascular risk. Deep learning can provide automated quantification of coronary plaque from computed tomography angiography. We determined per-patient age- and sex-specific distributions of deep learning-based plaque measurements and further evaluated their risk prediction for myocardial infarction in external samples.