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Abstract Introduction Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) after anthracycline-based therapy is a dreaded complication due to its significant morbidity and mortality. Sodium-glucose cotransporters-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been shown to improve cardiovascular outcomes in multiple scenarios. However, its potential benefits in patients who develop CTRCD due to anthracycline-based chemotherapy are not well established. Purpose To investigate the benefits of SGLT2i in cancer patients who develop CTRCD secondary to anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Methods All patients who underwent anthracycline therapy between 2002 and 2022 across three tertiary centers and had a diagnosis of moderate or severe CTRCD according to 2022 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines were evaluated. Baseline characteristics, echocardiograms pre and post chemotherapy, and mortality were reviewed. Kaplan Meier analysis was conducted to compare all-cause and cardiovascular mortality between patients treated with SGLT2i (both patients on chronic SGLT2i who continued their therapy following CTRCD and those who commenced the treatment after CTRCD diagnosis) and those not receiving this therapy. Results In total, 398 patients diagnosed with moderate or severe CTRCD were included; median age was 66.82 (58.07, 74.46) years and 59.29% were males. Among them, 39 (9.80%) received SGLT2i. Mortality rates at 1- and 5-years were significantly lower among patients who were on SGLT2i treatment compared to patients who were not (8.40% vs 46.30%, p= 0.0001 and 17.30% vs 65%, p= 0.0001, respectively) (Figure1). Furthermore, cardiovascular mortality rate at 5 years was significantly lower in patients receiving SGLT2i compared to patients not receiving this therapy (0% vs 11%, p= 0.046). Conclusions SGLT2i may have survival benefit in cancer patients who develop CTRCD secondary to anthracycline-based chemotherapy and might be considered as an adjunctive treatment to improve survival outcomes in this population.Figure 1.Kaplan-Meier Curves

Advances in plaque imaging have transformed cardiovascular diagnostics through detailed characterization of atherosclerotic plaques beyond traditional stenosis assessment. This review outlines the clinical applications of varying modalities, including dual-layer spectral CT, photon-counting CT, dual-energy CT, and CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR). These technologies offer improved spatial resolution, tissue differentiation, and functional assessment of coronary lesions. Additionally, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool to automate plaque detection, quantify burden, and refine risk prediction. Collectively, these innovations provide a more comprehensive approach to coronary artery disease evaluation and support personalized management strategies.

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrior studies have documented that patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).ObjectivesTo examine coronary artery calcium (CAC) as a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and its association with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with CRC across the cancer treatment trajectory.MethodsAdults with newly diagnosed CRC were enrolled in the prospective ColoCare study from 2017 to 2024. CAC was measured from routine diagnostic computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography‐CT scans at CRC diagnosis until 5 years post‐diagnosis. Atherosclerosis was defined as the presence of CAC. We used multivariable‐adjusted Fine and Gray models to assess the association between CAC and MACE risk, accounting for competing risks.ResultsAmong 300 CRC patients, the most common CVD risk factors at cancer diagnosis were hypertension (37%), hyperlipidemia (24%), and diabetes (14%). During follow‐up (median = 5.3 years), 75 (25%) individuals experienced MACE: stroke (3%), new/worsening HF (9%), HF exacerbation requiring hospitalization (2%), coronary revascularization (3%), and death (19%). Among individuals with imaging at baseline (n = 101), 37 (36.6%) had CAC, and statins were not prescribed in 11 (55.0%) patients with moderate/high CAC. For those with serial imaging (n = 61), 31.1% showed worsening CAC and 3% developed new CAC. Baseline CAC conferred a higher risk of MACE (HR = 4.79; 95% CI: 1.05–21.75, p = 0.04) after accounting for cancer‐related deaths as a competing risk.ConclusionsSubclinical atherosclerosis and MACE are common among patients with CRC. Integrating CAC from routine cancer imaging can identify patients who may benefit from cardio‐preventive treatment.

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has rapidly advanced, becoming an invaluable tool for diagnosing and prognosticating various cardiovascular diseases. While echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) remain the gold standards for myocardial assessment, modern CT technologies offer enhanced spatial resolution, making it an essential tool in clinical practice. Cardiac CT has expanded beyond coronary artery disease evaluation, now playing a key role in assessing cardiomyopathies and structural heart diseases. Innovations like photon-counting CT enable precise estimation of myocardial extracellular volume, facilitating the detection of infiltrative disorders and myocardial fibrosis. Additionally, CT-based myocardial strain analysis allows for the classification of impaired myocardial contractility, while quantifying cardiac volumes and function remains crucial in cardiomyopathy evaluation. This review explores the emerging role of cardiac CT in cardiomyopathy phenotyping, emphasizing recent technological advancements.

Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in modern society. Expanding cancer therapies that have improved prognosis may also be associated with cardiotoxicity, and extended life span after survivorship is associated with the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease. As such, the field of cardio-oncology has been rapidly expanding, with an aim to identify cardiotoxicity and cardiac disease early in a patient who is receiving treatment for cancer or is in survivorship. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing modern medicine with its ability to identify cardiac disease early. This article comprehensively reviews applications of artificial intelligence specifically applied to electrocardiograms, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging to predict cardiac toxicity in the setting of cancer therapies, with a view to reduce early complications and cardiac side effects from cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.

Abstract Background Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) are associated with increased maternal risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is predominant in women, however the association of APO history with INOCA is poorly understood. Purpose To compare clinical characteristics, symptoms, cardiac structure and function and coronary microvascular dysfunction in women suspected to have INOCA with or without a history of APO. Methods Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) CVD (NCT00832702) and WISE pre-HFpEF (NCT02582021) prospective cohorts of women with suspected INOCA were merged and utilized to determine among women with at least 1 prior pregnancy whether a history of APO was associated with ischemic symptoms, and to characterize CMRI measured left ventricle (LV) structure and function, myocardial deformation (systolic and diastolic strain) and coronary microvascular dysfunction on invasive coronary functional testing (CFT). Self-reported APO was defined as hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes, preterm birth (<37-week gestation), low birth weight (<5lbs). Results In a cohort of 469 women with suspected INOCA, (mean average age 55 [SD 10.2] years) and at least 1 prior pregnancy, 138 (29%) had history of at least 1 APO. Among women with history of APO, 78 reported HDP, 50 gestational diabetes, 27 pre-term birth, 8 low birth weight. Women with a history of APO were younger, had higher rates of hypertension and diabetes, higher BMI and lower SAQ and DASI scores compared to those with no history of APO (Table). LV ejection fraction (EF) was lower and early diastolic strain rate/LVEDP was higher in women with APO history compared to those without APO history. Conclusion(s) In cohort of women with INOCA, history of APO was highly prevalent. Despite younger age, women with history of APO had higher rates of CVD risk factors, worse ischemic symptoms and functional capacity, lower EF, and higher filling pressures. Our findings suggest a potential for APO history to better identify women with worse prognosis that warrants further investigation and aggressive management.

The long-term survivorship of patients diagnosed with cancer has improved due to accelerated detection and rapidly evolving cancer treatment strategies. As such, the evaluation and management of cancer therapy related complications has become increasingly important, including cardiovascular complications. These have been captured under the umbrella term “cardiotoxicity” and include left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, valvular abnormalities, pericardial disease, arrhythmia, myocarditis, and vascular complications. These complications add to the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or are risk factors patients with cancer treatment are presenting with. Of note, both pre- and newly developing CVD is of prognostic significance, not only from a cardiovascular perspective but also overall, potentially impacting the level of cancer therapy that is possible. Currently, there are varying recommendations and practices regarding CVD risk assessment and mitigating strategies throughout the cancer continuum. This article provides an overview on this topic, in particular, the role of cardiac imaging in the care of the patient with cancer. Furthermore, it summarizes the current evidence on the spectrum, prevention, and management of chemotherapy-related adverse cardiac effects.