Challa, Apurva B.

Recent advancements in computed tomography have significantly transformed the clinical application of this technique in diagnosing and managing coronary artery disease (CAD). Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) has emerged as a leading non-invasive imaging modality, often serving as the first-line investigation to exclude obstructive CAD in patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Beyond its utility in diagnosing CAD, CTCA has become instrumental in procedural planning for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), particularly in complex cases such as left main stem (LMS) interventions, where peri-procedural risks are elevated. This review highlights the evolving role of CTCA in LMS PCI, underscoring its clinical utility in improving procedural precision and, subsequently, patient outcomes. Recent technological advancements, including detailed multiplanar and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions, CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CTFFR), and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, have expanded the capabilities of CTCA. These innovations allow for comprehensive anatomical and functional assessments, enabling precise plaque morphology, lesion complexity, and bifurcation anatomy evaluations alongside PCI simulations. By offering detailed insights into coronary vasculature and lesion characteristics, CTCA provides critical information for optimising LMS PCI strategies. This review explores the current applications and future potential of CTCA in guiding LMS PCI, highlighting its role in improving procedural planning, risk assessment, and overall management of this challenging patient population.

The association and interaction between the central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS) is well established. Essentially ENS is the second brain, as we call it. We tried to understand the structure and function, to throw light on the functional aspect of neurons, and address various disease manifestations. We summarized how various neurological disorders influence the gut via the enteric nervous system and/or bring anatomical or physiological changes in the enteric nervous system or the gut and vice versa. It is known that stress has an effect on Gastrointestinal (GI) motility and causes mucosal erosions. In our literature review, we found that stress can also affect sensory perception in the central nervous system. Interestingly, we found that mutations in the neurohormone, serotonin (5-HT), would result in dysfunctional organ development and further affect mood and behavior. We focused on the developmental aspects of neurons and cognition and their relation to nutritional absorption via the gastrointestinal tract, the development of neurodegenerative disorders in relation to the alteration in gut microbiota, and contrariwise associations between CNS disorders and ENS. This paper further summarizes the synergetic relation between gastrointestinal and neuropsychological manifestations and emphasizes the need to include behavioral therapies in management plans.