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The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of mean platelet volume (MPV) and D-dimer for acute deep venous thromboembolism (DVT). Two hundred and fifty six patients who presented to the emergency or cardiovascular surgery department with suspected lower limb DVT were retrospectively recruited. Plasma levels of MPV, platelet count, and D-dimer were obtained and duplex sonography examination was performed for all patients. Eighty four patients had acute DVT which was diagnosed by duplex ultrasonography. MPV was significantly higher in patients with DVT than in those without DVT (p < 0.01). The mean MPV was 7.97 ± 17.8 and 7.58 ± 0.87 fL in patients with DVT and without DVT, respectively (p < 0.01). D-dimer was significantly higher in patients with DVT (p < 0.01). For all the patients, a positive MPV when the cut-off value was 7.3 fL, had 69.7 % sensitivity and 43.9 % specificity. D-dimer (with a cut-off value of 0.5 μg/mL) had 82.9 % sensitivity and 32.7 % specificity. In case of combination of MPV and D-dimer, the specificity exceeded (65.9 %) despite the reduction in sensitivity (59.2 %). Elevated MPV was found to be associated with acute DVT and high levels of MPV might increase the specificity of D-dimer for exclusion of DVT.

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Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a well-validated and noninvasive imaging modality for the assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable ischemic heart disease and acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). CCTA not only delineates the anatomy of the heart and coronary arteries in detail, but also allows for intra-and extraluminal imaging of coronary arteries. Emerging technologies have promoted new CCTA applications, resulting in a comprehensive assessment of coronary plaques and their clinical significance. The application of computational fluid dynamics to CCTA resulted in a robust tool for noninvasive assessment of coronary blood flow hemodynamics and determination of hemodynamically significant stenosis. Detailed evaluation of plaque morphology and identification of high-risk plaque features by CCTA have been confirmed as predictors of future outcomes, identifying patients at risk for ACSs. With quantitative coronary plaque assessment, the progression of the CAD or the response to therapy could be monitored by CCTA. The aim of this article is to review the future directions of emerging applications in CCTA, such as computed tomography (CT)-fractional flow reserve, imaging of vulnerable plaque features, and quantitative plaque imaging. We will also briefly discuss novel methods appearing in the coronary imaging scenario, such as machine learning, radiomics, and spectral CT.

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Coronary artery disease from atherosclerosis induced stenosis remains the leading cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and death worldwide, however extrinsic compression of coronary arteries from adjacent anatomical and pathological structures is an infrequent but important diagnosis to be aware of, especially given the nonspecific symptoms of chest pain that mimic angina in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and congenital heart disease. Non-invasive CT angiography is an invaluable diagnostic tool for detection of coronary artery compression, pulmonary artery dilatation and pulmonary vascular compression. Although established guidelines are not available for management of left main coronary artery (LMCA) compression syndrome, percutaneous coronary intervention and stent implantation remain a feasible option for the treatment, specifically for patients with a high surgical risk. Treatment of pulmonary vein or artery compression is more varied and determined by etiology. This review article is focused on detailed discussion of extrinsic compression of coronary arteries, mainly the LMCA and brief discussion on pulmonary vasculature compression by surrounding anatomical and pathological entities, with focus on pathophysiology, clinical features, complications and role of imaging in its diagnosis and management.

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