Dear Colleague
In this issue, the following topics are
discussed: carotid intima–media thickness and
cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes in
coronary artery bypass grafting (CAbG) in
central South Africa, effectiveness of a femoral
vascular closure device with percutaneous
angiography, the use of the triglyceride-glucose
index in cardiovascular disease in premature
coronary artery disease, and cardiovascular
disease risk-factor control and outcomes in
patients with major depressive disorder and type
2 diabetes. mokoena et al. (page 4) examined the
correlation between intima–media thickness (ImT)
and cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes
with CAbG in the Free State Province of South
Africa.
The researchers found no correlation with
outcomes but some correlation with
cardiovascular risk factors. ImT could be a
useful marker for cardiovascular disease because
it is non-invasive and easy to measure with an
ultrasound probe. While mokoena et al. showed no
correlation with outcomes, this could have been
due to a small sample size. other studies have
shown a correlation with cardiovascular disease
outcomes with CAbG2 but used different outcomes
and definitions of ImT. measurement of ImT is
not clear-cut: a measurement of 1 mm was used by
ham et al., whereas 1.5 mm and another measure,
degree of stenosis, was used by Polak et al.
variability in operator experience may also be a
factor.
A more recent study shows that a combined ImT
measurement (measuring both the common carotid
and internal carotid arteries) may be the best
measurement to use. Papoutsis et al., from
Athens, Greece (page 10) determined vascular
changes and complications after use of a femoral
vascular closure device, used at the end of
percutaneous angiography to seal the femoral
artery. The options for sealing the femoral
artery include manual compression, use of a
collagen sealant and use of a vascular device,
among others. Choice depends on a number of
factors and availability. Papoutsis and
colleagues showed that the device they used was
safe to use and had minimal complications.
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