1.Coronary CT Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve in Asia and the United States: 2025 Status Update
Woo Jin AHN ; Maros FERENCIK ; Ming-Yen NG ; Liang ZHONG ; Mona BHATIA ; Akira KURATA ; Pannipa SUWANNASOM ; Yung-Liang WAN ; Trang Ngoc NGUYEN ; Suyon CHANG ; Sung Mok KIM ; Hwan Seok YONG ; Cherry KIM
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(1):27-33
Coronary CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) is a noninvasive alternative to invasive FFR for assessing the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery stenosis. CT-FFR uses routinely acquired coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with artificial intelligence and computational fluid dynamics to estimate pressure gradients, thereby supporting clinical decisionmaking without procedural risk. Adoption and implementation vary widely across regions. In Asia, South Korea exclusively uses HeartMedi+, which enables rapid analysis, streamlined workflow integration, and high user satisfaction. Japan relies primarily on FFR CT, which has national reimbursement and significantly influences treatment strategies, reducing unnecessary invasive procedures. Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam remain in early or exploratory phases due to cost, reimbursement, and infrastructure barriers. In the United States, CT-FFR is guideline-endorsed and reimbursed, where HeartFlow is the most widely used, supported by robust clinical validation and outcome data. Despite regional variability, CTFFR offers a noninvasive solution that enhances patient management, reduces unnecessary invasive testing, and is poised for broader clinical integration as technology and validation advance.
2.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
4.Prospective study on the association between lifestyles and the risk of type 2 diabetes in adult residents
Meng-ru HE ; Xiao-li XU ; Gen-ming ZHAO ; Xing LIU ; Hui-lin XU ; Dan-dan HE ; Yu-ping CHENG ; Yong-gen JIANG ; Qian PENG ; Jian-hua SHI ; Xiao-hua LIU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):647-656,685
Objective To analyze the association between lifestyle and the risk of type 2 diabetes(T2D)among adult residents.Methods The data was sourced from the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank.A total of 42 096 adult residents who had not developed T2D were recruited from four districts of Shanghai(Songjiang,Jiading,Minhang,and Xuhui)between 2016 and 2019.The follow-up ended on Feb 28,2023.A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on six lifestyle-related items,including smoking,alcohol consumption,BMI,waist circumference(WC),physical activity,and diet.The unhealthy lifestyle scores(UHLS)were calculated by counting the number of all the unhealthy lifestyle items,with a range of 0-6.New-onset T2D events diagnosed by physicians were obtained through the medical information system.Cox proportional hazards regression model and restricted cubic spline model were utilized to evaluate the association between unhealthy lifestyles and the risk of T2D incidence.Results About 28.1%of the participants led 4-6 unhealthy lifestyles.A total of 1 752 new T2D cases were identified during 218 513.4 person-years of follow-up.Analysis of single unhealthy lifestyle showed that abnormal WC(HR=1.5,95%CI:1.4-1.7)and abnormal BMI(HR=1.3,95%CI:1.2-1.5)were associated with an increased risk of T2D.Compared with individuals with a UHLS of 0-1,those with a UHLS of 3 and 4-6 had 30%(95%CI:1.1-1.6)and 50%(95%CI:1.2-1.8)higher risks of T2D,respectively.Each additional unhealthy lifestyle was associated with a 10%increase in T2D incidence risk(HR=1.1,95%CI:1.1-1.2).Conclusion The risk of T2D in adult residents increases with the cumulative number of unhealthy lifestyles.Adult residents with abnormal WC or BMI,or have three or more unhealthy lifestyles accumulated,will increase the risk of new-onset T2D.
5.The study on the optimization of portal vein image quality in liver cirrhosis by combining deep learning image reconstruction with"three low techniques"spectrum CT with low keV
Ming LI ; Yongjun JIA ; Li SHEN ; Junfeng FAN ; Nan YU ; Yong YU ; Danqing ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(10):1729-1733
Objective To explore the value of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)combined with"three low(low radiation dose,low contrast dose,and low contrast injection rate)techniques"of spectrum CT with low keV in optimizing the image quality of portal vein for liver cirrhosis.Methods Sixty patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent computed tomography portal venography(CTPV)were selected and randomly divided into standard protocol group(group A,n=30)and"three-low"protocol group(group B,n=30).The group A with 120 kVp,contrast dose of 1.4 mL/kg,injection rate of 4.0-5.0 mL/s,and reconstructed 50%adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo(ASIR-V)image.The group B with 80 kVp/140 kVp double instantaneous switching gemstone spectral imaging(GSI)scan,contrast dose of 1.0 mL/kg,injection rate of 3.0-3.5 mL/s,and reconstructed 40 keV DLIR-M and DLIR-H images.The quality of portal vein images,effective dose(ED),contrast dose and injection rate were compared between the two groups.Results The ED of(4.10±1.56)mSv in group B was lower than that of(7.88±1.08)mSv in group A(P<0.001),and the contrast dose of(67.26±8.74)mL in group B was lower than that of(99.12±8.84)mL in group A(P<0.001).The injection rate of 3.0-3.5 mL/s in group B was reduced by 25%-30%compared with group A.Group B had the greatest contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)of portal vein in the 40 keV DLIR-H.The subjective image quality scores were in good agreement between the two physicians(Kappa value>0.75).The subjective DLIR score in group B was higher than that in group A.Conclusion DLIR combined with"three low techniques"spectrum CT with low keV can improve the image quality of portal vein in liver cirrhosis patients.
6.ArcCHECK system-based dose verification methods of ultra-long target for cervical cancer VMAT
Ben-mei ZHOU ; Yong TAN ; Xiao-ying ZHA ; Peng XIAO ; Ming-zong HU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(11):39-43
Objective To explore the ArcCHECK system-based methods for dose verification of ultra-long target for cervical cancer VMAT so as to assure the precision of cervical cancer radiotherapy.Methods A total of 33 patients with ultra-long target(target length≥26 cm)admitted to some hospital for cervical cancer VMAT from 2021 to 2023 were selected retrospectively,and radiotherapy plans were designed for the patients with VMAT technology and verified dosimetrically with different methods.Firstly,the dose distribution data were collected respectively at 5 and 8 cm away from the center of the ArcCHECK system along the bed exit direction,and enrolled into Group Test 1 and Test 2 respectively.Then the ArcCHECK system was flipped 180°,and the dose distribution data were acquired at 8 cm away from the center along the bed exit direction and included into Group Test 3.Dose merging between Group Test 2 and Test 3 with the Merge function was carried out to obtain the dose distribution data which were divided into Group Test 4.The monitor units of Group Test 1,2 and 4 were summarized,and difference analyses were performed on the length of the target area,detection point and irradiation time.Group Test 1,2 and 4 were compared in terms of γ pass rate,normalized dose deviation,confidence limit(CL)of pass rate and acceptance rate(γ pass rate≥95%and γ pass rate≥90%).Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to correlate the parameters such as maximum transverse diameter,length,volume and monitor unit of the target area and expected execution time of the plan.SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results Group Test 1,2 and 4 had the monitor unit being(758.76±107.63)MU,and had statistically significant differences in length of the target area,detection point and irradiation time(P<0.01).In Group Test 4 γ pass rate under 2%/2 mm criterion did not reach 90%,and in Group Test 1 and 2 γ pass rates under 3%/3 mm and 3%/2 mm criteria both amounted to 95%.Group Test 1,2 and 4 had statistically significant differences in γ pass rate and normalized dose deviation(all P<0.05).In Group Test 1 there were more than 90%of the verification results where γ pass rate≥95%and more than 95%where γ pass rate≥90%under 3%/3 mm criterion.The monitor unit was positively correlated with the maximum transverse diameter,length and volume of the target area,respectively(0.337≤r≤0.568,P<0.05),and the expected execution time of the plan was positively correlated with the volume and monitor unit of the target area,respectively(0.457≤r≤0.517,P<0.01).Conclusion The dose verification method with the target at 5 cm away from the center along the bed exit direction can be applied clinically with high feasibility to the dose verification during the radiotherapy of the cervical cancer VMAT patients with ultra-long target,with the safety of the verification devices ensured effectively.
7.CatLet(Hexu)angiographic scoring system
Xue-cheng SONG ; Yang HE ; Xing-hong LIN ; Cai-yun SONG ; Xiu WANG ; Ming-xing XU ; Yong-ming HE
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(4):231-235
This review has introduced the Coronary Artery Tree description and Lesion EvaluaTion(CatLet or Hexu)angiographic scoring system,which,based solely on coronary angiography results,has characterized 6 types of right coronary artery,3 types of left descending artery,and 3 types of diagonal size,together resulting in 54 types of coronary circulation pattern.This novel angiographic scoring system can be utilized to account for coronary anatomy in its diversity,severity and complexity of diseased coronary arteries,and their subtended myocardial territories in jeopardy.The CatLet angiographic scoring system is unique in that the importance of a coronary artery is weighted according to its subtended myocardial segments,by which the variability of coronary artery has been accounted for and measured.Researchers at home and abroad have increasingly paid attention to its clinical utilities,which warrant further validation in the context of large sample size,prospective,and randomized controlled trials.The CatLet angiographic scoring system is accessible at www.catletscore.com.
8.CatLet(Hexu)angiographic scoring system
Xue-cheng SONG ; Yang HE ; Xing-hong LIN ; Cai-yun SONG ; Xiu WANG ; Ming-xing XU ; Yong-ming HE
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(4):231-235
This review has introduced the Coronary Artery Tree description and Lesion EvaluaTion(CatLet or Hexu)angiographic scoring system,which,based solely on coronary angiography results,has characterized 6 types of right coronary artery,3 types of left descending artery,and 3 types of diagonal size,together resulting in 54 types of coronary circulation pattern.This novel angiographic scoring system can be utilized to account for coronary anatomy in its diversity,severity and complexity of diseased coronary arteries,and their subtended myocardial territories in jeopardy.The CatLet angiographic scoring system is unique in that the importance of a coronary artery is weighted according to its subtended myocardial segments,by which the variability of coronary artery has been accounted for and measured.Researchers at home and abroad have increasingly paid attention to its clinical utilities,which warrant further validation in the context of large sample size,prospective,and randomized controlled trials.The CatLet angiographic scoring system is accessible at www.catletscore.com.
9.Effect of miR-129-3p mimetic on bone loss in tail-suspended mice
Yi WU ; Zi-dong AN ; Yong-jie PANG ; Li-qiang WANG ; Xin-yang WANG ; Yu-hai GAO ; Xue-yan LI ; Ke-ming CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):703-709
Aim To study whether intravenous injec-tion of miR-129-3p mimetic(agomir)can resist bone loss caused by hind limb disuse,and to provide new i-deas for preventing bone loss in microgravity environ-ment.Methods Forty-eight C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into the control group(CON),tail suspension model group(TS),tail suspension+miR-129-3p agomir administration group(miRNA)and tail suspension+miR-129-3p negative sequence agomir control group(NC).The miRNA group was given 4 mg·kg-1 miR-129-3p agomir by intravenous injection into the medial canthus twice a week.The NC agomir group were consistent with those in the miR-129-3p agomir group,and the CON and TS groups were given only equal volumes of normal saline.After four weeks,all mice were sacrificed and samples were collected.Micro-CT scan of femur,three-point femur bending test,serum bone metabolism index detection,oxidative stress index detection and osteogenesis-related protein expression analysis in bone tissue were per-formed.Results After four weeks,the number of tra-becular bone in the TS group was significantly re-duced,and Tb.BMD,Tb.Th,Tb.N,Tb.BS/TV and Tb.BV/TV were significantly lower than those in the CON group(P<0.01).While Tb.Sp TS group was significantly higher than the CON group(P<0.05),the maximum load and flexural strength of the femur significantly decreased(P<0.01),the content of ser-um bone formation index PINP was significantly lower than that of the CON group(P<0.01),and the con-tent of bone resorption index CTX-I was significantly higher than that of the CON group(P<0.01),the content of serum oxidative damage indexes 8-iso-PGF2α and 8-OHdG significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression of osteogenesis-related pro-teins in bone tissue markedly decreased(P<0.01).However,the increase or decrease of all indexes in miRNA group was significantly lower than that in TS group.Conclusions miR-129-3p mimetic can signifi-cantly reduce bone loss caused by hind limb disuse.This experiment provides a new idea and method for preventing bone loss in microgravity environment.
10.Study on the effectiveness and safety of a novel intravascular shock wave balloon for pre-treatment of severe coronary artery calcification lesions
Rui-tao ZHANG ; Zhen-yu TIAN ; Yong ZENG ; Guo-sheng FU ; Li XU ; Jian LIU ; Jian-ping LI ; Zhi-hui ZHANG ; Xin-qun HU ; Xiang CHENG ; Wen LU ; Ming CUI ; Yi-da TANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(2):61-70
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel intravascular lithotripsy(IVL)balloon—Vesscrack shockwave balloon—for vascular preparation before stent implantation in patients with severe coronary artery calcification(CAC).Methods This was a prospective,single-arm,multicenter study conducted in China from June 2022 to October 2022.Patients with severe CAC were treated with the Vesscrack shockwave balloon for lesion preparation,followed by drug-eluting stent(DES)implantation.Of these,33 patients underwent optical coherence tomography(OCT).The primary endpoint was procedural success,defined as successful stent implantation with residual stenosis≤30%and the absence of in-hospital major adverse events,including cardiac death,target vessel-related myocardial infarction,or target lesion revascularization.Results A total of 170 patients[mean age:(65.9±7.9)years,116 males]were enrolled.After treatment with IVL and DES,the minimum lumen diameter increased significantly compared to baseline[(2.34±0.40)mm vs.(0.95±0.33)mm,P<0.001],the degree of stenosis was significantly reduced[(13.24±6.60)%vs.(65.18±10.59)%,P<0.001].Procedural success was achieved in 100%of cases,and device success was 98.8%.The 30-day patient-related cardiovascular clinical composite endpoint(POCE)rate was 0.0,with no target lesion failure,no confirmed or potential thrombotic events were observed.The shockwave energy generator demonstrated excellent stability and ease of use.Among the 33 patients assessed with OCT,after IVL intervention,the maximum calcified area of the lumen[(3.51±1.51)mm2 vs.(2.85±1.80)mm2,P<0.001],and the minimum lumen area within the target lesion[(3.08±1.04)mm2 vs.(2.02±0.75)mm2,P<0.001],and after DES intervention,the luminal area of the largest calcified site[(6.59±1.64)mm2 vs.(2.85±1.80)mm2,P<0.001]and the minimum luminal area within the target lesion[(6.19±1.45)mm2 vs.(2.02±0.75)mm2,P<0.001]were significantly increased,and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusions The Vesscrack shockwave balloon is effective and safe for vascular preparation in patients with severe CAC prior to stent implantation.It achieves significant calcified plaque modification,high procedural success rates,and minimal complications.

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