ObjectiveTo investigate the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) signs of patients diagnosed with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and explore its evolution features during hospitalization.MethodsFrom January 17, 2020 to February 26, 2020, HRCT images from 15 COVID-19 patients were analyzed. All the patients had positive nucleic acid test results of SARS-CoV-2. The imaging features of initial and follow-up of each patient were reviewed and graded based on the severity of lung lesions.ResultsAmong the 15 COVID-19 patients, ground-glass opacity (GGO) was found in 14 cases. Six patients presented with consolidation and 3 with fibrosis. Five patients had multi-lobe involvement. Subpleural distribution pattern was present in 12 patients (80.0%) and peribronchovascular distribution pattern was present in 2 patients (13.3%). The severity score on HRCT images at the follow-up was significantly higher than that at the initial (4.6±3.4 vs. 3.5±2.5, P=0.018 2). Increase of random distribution pattern (5 cases) were also noted at the follow-up.ConclusionsChest HRCT of COVID-19 patients is characterized with GGO mainly distributed in subpleural areas and a rapid progression within a short time interval. HRCT could provide a sensitive monitor to observe disease progression for COVID-19 patients.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the correlation between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) and explore the relationship between the TyG index and arterial stiffness (AS). MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBM, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases were searched to collect observational studies on the correlation between the TyG index and AS from inception to January 14, 2024. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. ResultsA total of 16 studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its correlation with AS based on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as the outcome parameter, individuals with high TyG index had higher baPWV compared to those with low TyG index (OR=1.48, 95%CI 1.27 to 1.72, P<0.001). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.67 to 2.04, P<0.001). When carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was used as the outcome parameter, individuals with high TyG index had higher cfPWV compared to those with low TyG index when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable (OR=1.47, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.95, P=0.008). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.34, 95%CI 1.21 to 1.48, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis results showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable, the correlation between the TyG index and baPWV was independent of gender, age, participant characteristics, and study type. When the TyG index was used as a categorical variable, the correlation between the TyG index and baPWV was independent of age and participant characteristics. Using high baPWV to define AS, when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its impact on AS, individuals with high TyG index had a higher likelihood of AS compared to those with low TyG index (OR=1.51, 95%CI 1.36 to 1.67, P<0.001). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.81, 95%CI 1.48 to 2.21, P<0.001). Using high cfPWV to define AS, when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its impact on arterial stiffness, individuals with a high TyG index had a higher likelihood of AS compared to those with a low TyG index (OR=1.30, 95%CI 1.10 to 1.53, P=0.02). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.60, 95%CI 1.33 to 1.92, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis results showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable, the correlation between the TyG index and AS was independent of gender, participant characteristics, age, hypertension, and diabetes. When the TyG index was used as a categorical variable, the correlation between the TyG index and AS was independent of gender, participant characteristics, age, and hypertension. ConclusionThere is a strong correlation between the TyG index and PWV, with a higher TyG index associated with increased PWV and greater risk of AS. The TyG index can serve as a simple alternative marker for early diagnosis of AS and guide clinical intervention. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
Objective To systematically review the angiographic predictors of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods The PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect observational studies on the angiographic predictors of CTO-PCI from inception to December 18, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results A total of 36 studies were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the angiographic predictors of CTO-PCI included calcification (OR=1.92, 95%CI 1.49 to 2.47, P<0.01), occlusion length≥20mm (OR=1.80, 95%CI 1.26 to 2.57, P<0.01), bending>45° (OR=2.19, 95%CI 1.56 to 3.08, P<0.01), blunt stump (OR=1.53, 95%CI 1.08 to 2.16, P<0.01), ostial lesions (OR=2.27, 95%CI 1.34 to 3.85, P<0.01), proximal cap ambiguity (OR=2.27, 95%CI 1.40 to 3.68, P<0.01), side branch at proximal cap (OR=1.65, 95%CI 1.27 to 2.16, P<0.01), and J-CTO score≥3 (OR=2.53, 95%CI 1.53 to 4.16, P<0.01). Conclusion Current evidence indicates that calcification, occlusion length ≥20mm, bending>45°, blunt stump, ostial lesions, proximal cap ambiguity, side branch at proximal cap, and J-CTO score≥3 are the angiographic predictors of CTO-PCI. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.