Incidental extracardiac findings (ECFs) are commonly noted on cardiac imaging. The majority of the ECFs are noticed on computed tomography (CT), cardiac magnetic resonance scanning, and myocardial ...perfusion imaging. Although transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a widely used cardiac modality, there is scarcity of data describing ECF on TTE. ECFs have the potential to alter patient management. We present a rare case of a cystic mass seen in the posterior mediastinum on TTE, which led to further evaluation and diagnosis of esophagitis with ulceration.
Non-White racial and ethnic groups have been traditionally under-represented for decades in the field of cardiology, specifically in cardiovascular research studies. This underrepresentation has ...occurred despite the fact that these racial and ethnic groups have been shown to be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
To assess the trend of representation in mainstream landmark cardiovascular trials, we performed a review of major cardiovascular trials published between 1986 and 2019. Mainstream landmark trials were selected as classified by established cardiology standards. The reported numbers of racial and ethnic participants were assessed within these categorised cardiovascular trials over a continuous time period.
A total of 1,138,683 patients were assessed from 153 randomised clinical trials. Of these trials, only 56% (n=86) reported information about race. Of note, 99% (n=152) of these trials reported gender. About three-quarters of the trials (77%) were undertaken at least partly in the United States (US). Our results show that the percentage of non-White participants in clinical trials was not significantly different over time (p=0.85), suggesting no significant improvement in non-White racial/ethnic representation. Further analysis of only the US inclusive trials (n=20) also showed no significant improvement in representation (p=0.38).
Only about half of all major cardiovascular landmark trials reported any racial or ethnic information, despite more recent calls over the last 5–10 years for diversity and representation in cardiovascular research studies. Additionally, no significant improvement in inclusion of traditionally under-represented racial and ethnic groups (UREGs) in these trials has occurred over time. Our analysis shows that there is still major work to be done to foster better representation and evaluation of the UREG population in cardiovascular trials.
Abstract only Background: Heart failure (HF) plays a role in more than 10% of deaths annually in America. Due to high economic burden, hospital readmissions are used as a measure of outcome in HF ...patients. Readmission rates are influenced by many factors including coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, race, and socioeconomic factors, as such as insurance and neighborhood median income. This study analyzes demographic characteristics and readmission rates at a teaching safety net hospital with a comprehensive HF program. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 200 consecutive HF patients admitted to our hospital from 2011 to 2020 was performed. Zip codes were correlated to social deprivation index (SDI) using data from the 2011-15 American Community Service, a project of the US Census Bureau. All 90-day readmissions due to cardiac related conditions were included. Descriptive studies are reported. χ 2 and Independent Samples T test were used to identify demographic features correlated with cardiac readmissions. Results: There was a total of 44 readmitted patients (22%). Mean age was 74.6 vs 71 .57 in not readmitted (NRA) vs readmitted (RA) (p=0.492), sex was 50% male in both groups (p=1.00). Mean EF was 41.1 % vs 47.81% (NRA vs RA, p=0.332). There was no difference in incidence of CAD (p=0.348), HTN (p=0.15), Afib (p=0.303), CKD (p=0.374), DM (p=0.361) in NRA vs RA groups. Patients with pre-existing HF and a primary language other than English trended towards more readmissions (85.6% vs 95.5% p=0.059 and 19.2% vs 31.8% p=0.061). There was no statistical difference in non-white race (46.8% vs 56.8% p=0.158), extreme social deprivation as measured by SDI >76 (22.4% vs 22.7% p=0.557), or insurance presence (64.1% vs 63.6% p=0.544) in NRA vs RA groups. Conclusion: Treatment of hospitalized HF patients at our safety net hospital is equitable among hospitalized patients regardless of patient comorbidities, demographics, and socioeconomic status. Further studies should focus on attributes of a comprehensive heart failure program that contribute to this high quality of care, so they can possibly be replicated at other hospitals to improve outcomes across all patient populations.
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