Carotid plaque detection improves the predictve value of CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrilation: The ARAPACIS Study

Abstract Background and aims Vascular disease (VD), as assessed by history of myocardial infarction or peripheral artery disease or aortic plaque, increases stroke risk in atrial fibrillation (AF), and is a component of risk assessment using the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score. We investigated if systemic atherosclerosis as detected by ultrasound carotid plaque (CP) could improve the predictive value of the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score. Methods We analysed data from the ARAPACIS study, an observational study including 2027 Italian patients with non-valvular AF, in whom CP was detected using Doppler Ultrasonography. Results VD was reported in 351 (17.3%) patients while CP was detected in 16.6% patients. Ad…

Body composition of individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the principle forms of hyperandrogenism that affects women of reproductive age. Few studies have evaluated the body composition of patients with PCOS being based mainly on an evaluation of the quantity and distribution of the fat mass. Objectives: to evaluate the body composition of patients affected by PCOS and to establish the hormonal factors that determine possible differences in body composition compared with healthy women. Methods: 110 Caucasian women affected by clinical hyperandrogenism and/or irregular menstrual periods were included in the study; the control group was made up of 90 healthy Caucasian women, of reproductive age, without hyp…

Case report: Bilateral femoral fracture in a young fertile age woman

Major adverse cardiovascular events in non-valvular atrial fibrillation with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the ARAPACIS study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases the risk of mortality in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. Data on the relationship of COPD to major cardiovascular events (MACE) in AF have not been defined. The aim of the study is to assess the predictive value of COPD on incident MACE in NVAF patients over a 3-year follow-up. In the Atrial Fibrillation Registry for Ankle-Brachial Index Prevalence Assessment-Collaborative Italian Study (ARAPACIS) cohort, we evaluate the impact of COPD on the following clinical endpoints: MACE (including vascular death, fatal/non-fatal MI and stroke/TIA), cardiovascular (CV) death and all-cause mortality. Among 2027 NVAF patients, pati…

Osteoporosis in pregnancy: A case report and review of the literature

CPK increase as an occult marker of cerebrovascular disease: a case report.

Heterogenous forms of dyslipidemiain women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Forms of dyslipidemia are very common in individuals affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but in addition to plasmatic lipids, it is necessary to evaluate the alterations in the atherogenic lipoproteins (Lp) and apolipoproteins (apo). In our study we measured the concentrations of apoB, Lp(a) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) in 42 patients with PCOS (age: 28 +/- 7 years, body mass index: 27 +/- 5 kg/m-) and 37 healthy women (of the same age and body mass index). Methods: values of Lp(a) >30 mg/dl were considered high, whereas for apoB, values >100 g/l were considered high. Results: the patients with PCOS showed an increase in triglycerides (p=0.0011) and low levels of high densit…