Chest
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Comparative Study
Correlation between Early Direct Communication of Positive CT Pulmonary Angiography Findings and Improved Clinical Outcomes.
Despite a general consensus that rapid communication of critical radiology findings from radiologists to referring physicians is imperative, a possible association with superior patient outcomes has not been confirmed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between early direct communication of CT image findings by radiologists to referring physicians and better clinical outcomes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). ⋯ Delay (> 1.5 h of CTPA acquisition) in direct communication of acute PE diagnosis from radiologists to referring physicians was significantly correlated with a higher risk of delayed treatment initiation and death within 30 days.
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Comparative Study
β-trace protein and prognosis in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity and it commonly coexists with chronic kidney disease. A biomarker of renal function, β-trace protein (BTP), has been implicated in the progression of cardiovascular disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association of BTP with adverse cardiovascular events, bleeding, and mortality in patients with AF. ⋯ We suggest that BTP, a proposed renal damage biomarker, may be a novel predictor of adverse cardiovascular events, major bleeding, and mortality in patients with AF. BTP may help refine clinical risk stratification in these patients.