ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Accurate diagnostic and prognostic predictions of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are crucial for VTE management. Artificial intelligence (AI) enables autonomous identification of the most predictive patterns from large complex data. Although evidence regarding its performance in VTE prediction is emerging, a comprehensive analysis of performance is lacking.

AIMS: To systematically review the performance of AI in the diagnosis and prediction of VTE and compare it to clinical risk assessment models (RAMs) or logistic regression models.

METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception to April 20, 2021. Search terms included "artificial intelligence" and "venous thromboembolism." Eligible criteria were original studies evaluating AI in the prediction of VTE in adults and reporting one of the following outcomes: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, or area under receiver operating curve (AUC). Risks of bias were assessed using the PROBAST tool. Unpaired t-test was performed to compare the mean AUC from AI versus conventional methods (RAMs or logistic regression models).

RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were included. Number of participants ranged from 31 to 111 888. The AI-based models included artificial neural network (six studies), support vector machines (four studies), Bayesian methods (one study), super learner ensemble (one study), genetic programming (one study), unspecified machine learning models (two studies), and multiple machine learning models (five studies). Twelve studies (60%) had both training and testing cohorts. Among 14 studies (70%) where AUCs were reported, the mean AUC for AI versus conventional methods were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74-0.85) versus 0.61 (95% CI: 0.54-0.68), respectively (p < .001). However, the good to excellent discriminative performance of AI methods is unlikely to be replicated when used in clinical practice, because most studies had high risk of bias due to missing data handling and outcome determination.

CONCLUSION: The use of AI appears to improve the accuracy of diagnostic and prognostic prediction of VTE over conventional risk models; however, there was a high risk of bias observed across studies. Future studies should focus on transparent reporting, external validation, and clinical application of these models.

PMID:37794526 | DOI:10.1111/ejh.14110

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Cardiotoxicity News

PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Role of Statin Therapy in Prevention of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A three dimentional echocardiography study

Curr Probl Cardiol. 2023 Oct 17:102130. doi: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102130. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in the treatment of breast cancer have resulted in improved overall cancer survival; however, cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction is considered a major adverse effect of several chemotherapeutic agents, particularly anthracyclines. Hence, there is a need to develop proper cardioprotective strategies to limit myocardial injury following chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of statin therapy on prevention of anthracycline- induced cardiotoxicity in female patients with breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The current study is a prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which we enrolled a total of 110 female patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer who received anthracycline based chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio into two groups, study group in which patients received 40 mg of oral atorvastatin and control group in which patients received placebo. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination was performed to all patients prior to receiving the chemotherapy and after 6 months, assessment of LV ejection fraction was done by 3D-echocardiography. All echocardiographers were blinded to all the patients' characteristics and assignment to either group.

RESULTS: The mean age of patients assigned to the control group was 49.8±10.51 years old, while patients assigned to the intervention group had mean age of 47.84± 9.16 years old, both the control group and the intervention group were similar in demographic data and baseline clinical characteristics. There was a highly significant difference between the two groups regarding both the absolute LVEF assessed by 3D- echocardiography at 6 months and the percentage of change compared to baseline values, patients assigned to the control group had mean LVEF of 52.92% at 6 months with percentage of change reaching -7.06%, while those assigned to the intervention group had mean LVEF reaching 56.22% at 6 months with a percentage of change reaching -3.64% (P-value: 0.008 and 0.004 for the absolute value and percentage of change respectively). There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding incidence of development of cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD); defined as drop in LVEF more than 10% and to a value below 53% assessed by 3D echocardiography, among the control group 15 patients (30%) developed CTRCD after 6 months from starting Anthracyclines based chemotherapy, while, among the intervention group only 6 patients (12%) developed CTRCD. (P-value= 0.027) CONCLUSION: : Prophylactic use of atorvastatin may prevent the development of cancer therapy related cardiac dysfunction in breast cancer patients receiving anthracycline based chemotherapy.

PMID:37858847 | DOI:10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102130

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PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Early Increases in Blood Pressure and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma and Thyroid Cancer Treated With VEGFR TKIs

J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2023 Oct;21(10):1039-1049.e10. doi: 10.6004/jnccn.2023.7047.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Although VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a preferred systemic treatment approach for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and thyroid carcinoma (TC), treatment-related cardiovascular (CV) toxicity is an important contributor to morbidity. However, the clinical risk assessment and impact of CV toxicities, including early significant hypertension, among real-world advanced cancer populations receiving VEGFR TKI therapies remain understudied.

METHODS: In a multicenter, retrospective cohort study across 3 large and diverse US health systems, we characterized baseline hypertension and CV comorbidity in patients with RCC and those with TC who are newly initiating VEGFR TKI therapy. We also evaluated baseline patient-, treatment-, and disease-related factors associated with the risk for treatment-related early hypertension (within 6 weeks of TKI initiation) and major adverse CV events (MACE), accounting for the competing risk of death in an advanced cancer population, after VEGFR TKI initiation.

RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2020, 987 patients (80.3% with RCC, 19.7% with TC) initiated VEGFR TKI therapy. The baseline prevalence of hypertension was high (61.5% and 53.6% in patients with RCC and TC, respectively). Adverse CV events, including heart failure and cerebrovascular accident, were common (occurring in 14.9% of patients) and frequently occurred early (46.3% occurred within 1 year of VEGFR TKI initiation). Baseline hypertension and Black race were the primary clinical factors associated with increased acute hypertensive risk within 6 weeks of VEGFR TKI initiation. However, early significant "on-treatment" hypertension was not associated with MACE.

CONCLUSIONS: These multicenter, real-world findings indicate that hypertensive and CV morbidities are highly prevalent among patients initiating VEGFR TKI therapies, and baseline hypertension and Black race represent the primary clinical factors associated with VEGFR TKI-related early significant hypertension. However, early on-treatment hypertension was not associated with MACE, and cancer-specific CV risk algorithms may be warranted for patients initiating VEGFR TKIs.

PMID:37856199 | DOI:10.6004/jnccn.2023.7047

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PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Brugada phenocopy with altered ST-segment elevation in pericardial diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and effusive-constrictive pericarditis: a case report

Eur Heart J Case Rep. 2023 Oct 17;7(10):ytad463. doi: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytad463. eCollection 2023 Oct.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiac lymphoma is a rare disease. Effusive-constrictive pericarditis can be a characteristic of pericardial involvement in patients with this disease. Conversely, a phenotype with electrocardiogram changes similar to those of Brugada syndrome is called Brugada phenocopy, and these changes improve after treatment.

CASE SUMMARY: A 71-year-old man was transported to our hospital with chest pain, hypotension, and ST-segment elevation in V1 and V2 leads during maintenance dialysis for renal failure. After arrival at the hospital, his ST-segment elevation disappeared, and emergency coronary angiography scan revealed no significant coronary artery stenoses or obstructions. His computed tomography and echocardiography scans revealed pericardial effusion and an intrapericardial mass. Further, his blood pressure dropped and ST-segment elevation recurred during dialysis after 7 days. Thus, pericardiocentesis was performed, but haemodynamic improvement was insufficient, and right catheterization findings suggested effusive-constrictive pericarditis. Meanwhile, flow cytometry of the pericardial fluid suggested the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma; however, radical chemoradiotherapy was impossible because of cardiogenic shock. The patient died on Day 17. Further, autopsy revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with pericardial and myocardial infiltration.

DISCUSSION: Cardiac lymphoma is rare but can be associated with effusive-constrictive pericarditis, which may be difficult to manage even with pericardial drainage. In such cases, radical treatment, including chemotherapy, should be promptly considered, if possible. Our patient presented with Brugada-type electrocardiogram but no syncope or family history, suggesting Brugada phenocopy and not true Brugada syndrome due to cardiac lymphoma. Notably, temporary improvement in ST-segment elevation was observed despite the absence of treatment.

PMID:37854103 | PMC:PMC10580269 | DOI:10.1093/ehjcr/ytad463

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PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Microparticles and cardiotoxicity secondary to doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in breast cancer patients

Int J Cardiol. 2023 Oct 16:131435. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131435. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Doxorubicin (DOXO)-cardiotoxicity is a limiting factor for breast cancer chemotherapy. The relationship between microparticles (MPs) and cardiotoxicity remains unclear. MPs can be released under varying pathophysiological conditions. Thereby, this study aimed to assess MPs derived from cardiomyocytes (CardioMPs), platelets (PMPs) and those that expresses tissue factor (TFMPs) in 80 women with breast cancer undergoing DOXO-based chemotherapy, with or without cardiotoxicity in a one-year follow-up. We observed in the cardiotoxicity group higher count of total-MPs at T0 (prior chemotherapy) (p = 0.034), CardioMPs at T0 and T1 (just after chemotherapy) (p = 0.009 and p = 0.0034) and TFMPs at T0 (p = 0.011) compared to non-cardiotoxicity group. The results suggest that MPs could be associated to cardiotoxicity due to DOXO treatment in breast cancer patients.

PMID:37852542 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.131435

04:19

PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Welcome to the Rising Stars in Cardio-oncology Special Focus Issue

Future Cardiol. 2023 Oct 18. doi: 10.2217/fca-2022-0111. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37850469 | DOI:10.2217/fca-2022-0111

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PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Cancer and Atrial Fibrillation Comorbidities Among 25 Million Citizens in Shanghai, China: Medical Insurance Database Study

JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2023 Oct 17;9:e40149. doi: 10.2196/40149.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With population aging, the prevalence of both cancer and atrial fibrillation (AF) have increased. However, there is scarce epidemiological data concerning the comorbid state of cancer and AF in low- and middle-income countries, including China.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the site-, sex-, and age-specific profiles of cancer and AF comorbidities in Chinese populations.

METHODS: Data from the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission database between 2015 and 2020 were screened, covering all medical records of Shanghai residents with medical insurance. Site-specific cancer profiles were evaluated for the population with AF relative to the age- and sex-adjusted population of residents without AF. The sex distribution and peak age of cancer diagnosis were also assessed.

RESULTS: A total of 25,964,447 adult patients were screened. Among them, 22,185 patients presented cancers comorbid with AF (median 77, IQR 67-82 years of age; men: n=13,631, 61.44%), while 839,864 presented cancers without AF (median 67, IQR 57-72 years of age; men: n=419,020, 49.89%), thus yielding a higher cancer prevalence among residents with AF (8.27%) than among those without AF (6.05%; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AF are associated with increased prevalence, heightened male predominance, and younger peak age of cancer. Further studies are needed to determine whether early screening of specific cancers is cost-effective and beneficial for patients with AF.

PMID:37847541 | DOI:10.2196/40149

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PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

Incident Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Older Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breast Cancer Survivors

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2023 Oct 16. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-23-0679. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cardiotoxicity among breast cancer survivors is associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (ANHPI) breast cancer survivors in the US is unknown.

METHODS: We used the SEER-Medicare linked database to estimate the risk of CVD among older breast cancer survivors. ICD diagnosis codes were used to identify incident CVD outcomes. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing ANHPI to Non-Hispanic White (NHW) breast cancer patients for CVD, and among ANHPI race and ethnicity groups.

RESULTS: A total of 7,122 ANHPI breast cancer survivors and 21,365 NHW breast cancer survivors were identified. The risks of incident heart failure and ischemic heart disease were lower among ANHPI compared to NHW breast cancer survivors (HRheart failure=0.72, 95%CI=0.61, 0.84; HRheart disease=0.74, 95%CI=0.63, 0.88). Compared to Japanese breast cancer patients, Filipino, Asian Indian and Pakistani, and Native Hawaiian breast cancer survivors had higher risks of heart failure. ischemic heart disease and death. Among ANHPI breast cancer survivors, risk factors for heart failure included older age, higher comorbidity score, distant cancer stage and chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results support heterogeneity in CVD outcomes among breast cancer survivors among ANHPI race and ethnicity groups. Further research is needed to elucidate the disparities experienced among ANHPI cancer survivors.

IMPACT: Filipino, Asian Indian and Pakistani, and Native Hawaiian breast cancer patients had higher risks of heart failure, ischemic heart disease and death among ANHPI breast cancer patients.

PMID:37843411 | DOI:10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-23-0679

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PubMed articles on: Cardio-Oncology

High-resolution and quantitative spatial analysis reveal intra-ductal phenotypic and functional diversification in pancreatic cancer

J Pathol. 2023 Oct 16. doi: 10.1002/path.6212. Online ahead of print.