2024
Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods linked to less intervention for severe aortic stenosis
Ram C, Yousef S, Ma W, Vallabhajosyula I, Singh S, Agarwal R, Milewski R, Assi R, Patel P, Williams M, Geirsson A, Vallabhajosyula P. Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods linked to less intervention for severe aortic stenosis. Scientific Reports 2024, 14: 4952. PMID: 38418864, PMCID: PMC10902341, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52660-w.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAortic valve replacementSevere aortic stenosisAfrican American raceArea Deprivation IndexAortic stenosisSevere ASArea deprivation index rankAortic valve replacement ratesAmerican raceAortic valve interventionPresentation of sepsisDiagnosis of ASADI groupValve replacementValve interventionDeprived neighbourhoodsAV interventionDisadvantaged neighborhoodsPatientsFemale genderDeprivation indexHigh-ADI groupLow-ADI groupStenosisRace
2022
Variability in surveillance practice for patients with diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve syndrome
Kahler-Quesada A, Vallabhajosyula I, Yousef S, Mori M, Amabile A, Assi R, Geirsson A, Vallabhajosyula P. Variability in surveillance practice for patients with diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve syndrome. Scientific Reports 2022, 12: 22009. PMID: 36539583, PMCID: PMC9768129, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25571-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAgedAortaAortic ValveBicuspid Aortic Valve DiseaseEchocardiographyFemaleHeart Valve DiseasesHumansMaleMiddle AgedRetrospective StudiesSyndromeConceptsBicuspid aortic valveTertiary care centerAortic valveCare centerCardiovascular specialistsBicuspid aortic valve syndromeAortic pathologySurveillance imagingDisease progressionPatientsBivariate analysisEchocardiogramGuide interventionDiagnosisHigher proportionValveSurveillance practicesUrgent needGuidelinesValvulopathySpecialistsSurgeryValvularSyndromeFollowLong‐term risk of arch complications in Loeys Dietz syndrome patients undergoing proximal ascending aortic replacement
Weininger G, Zafar M, Ziganshin BA, Mori M, Papanikolaou D, Sekar RB, Amabile A, Degife E, O'Marr J, Geirsson A, Elefteriades JA, Assi R, Vallabhajosyula P. Long‐term risk of arch complications in Loeys Dietz syndrome patients undergoing proximal ascending aortic replacement. Journal Of Cardiac Surgery 2022, 37: 3688-3692. PMID: 35989525, DOI: 10.1111/jocs.16855.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLoeys-Dietz syndromeProximal aortic replacementAortic replacementLDS patientsLong-term riskLoeys-Dietz syndrome patientsPathogenic variantsUnknown significanceLower long-term riskRare connective tissue disorderAscending Aortic ReplacementTotal arch replacementAortic valve replacementRecords of patientsConnective tissue disordersWhole-exome genetic testingArch replacementMedian followLatest followValve replacementOperative coursePatient chartsAortic diameterAortic dimensionsAortic archCommentary: The first operative risk score for contemporary aortic arch surgery
Assi R, Geirsson A, Vallabhajosyula P. Commentary: The first operative risk score for contemporary aortic arch surgery. Journal Of Thoracic And Cardiovascular Surgery 2022, 167: 609-610. PMID: 35489833, DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2022.03.017.Commentaries, Editorials and Letters
2021
Socioeconomic disparities in surveillance and follow‐up of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm
Shang M, Weininger G, Mori M, Kahler‐Quesada A, Degife E, Brooks C, Yousef S, Williams M, Assi R, Geirsson A, Vallabhajosyula P. Socioeconomic disparities in surveillance and follow‐up of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm. Journal Of Cardiac Surgery 2021, 37: 831-839. PMID: 34873754, DOI: 10.1111/jocs.16173.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAortic Aneurysm, ThoracicFollow-Up StudiesHumansRetrospective StudiesRisk FactorsSocioeconomic FactorsTomography, X-Ray ComputedConceptsAortic aneurysmArea Deprivation IndexCardiovascular specialistsSocioeconomic statusSurgical interventionAneurysm sizeReferral of patientsRisk of deathSignificant risk factorsThoracic aortic aneurysmComputed tomography scanLowest socioeconomic quartileLow socioeconomic statusLower Socioeconomic StatusADI quartileAortic surveillanceAortic dissectionConsecutive patientsPrimary outcomeSpecialist referralSurgical repairTimely followSurveillance imagingRisk regressionRisk factors
2020
Clinicopathologic Features of Tissue Granulomas in Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Study in a Nontuberculosis Endemic Region.
Nussbaum EZ, Patel KK, Assi R, Raad RA, Malinis M, Azar MM. Clinicopathologic Features of Tissue Granulomas in Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Study in a Nontuberculosis Endemic Region. Archives Of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 2020, 145: 988-999. PMID: 33290524, DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0271-oa.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAgedBartonellaBiopsyCommunicable DiseasesConnecticutCytomegalovirusFemaleGranulomaHematopoietic Stem Cell TransplantationHumansMaleMiddle AgedOrgan TransplantationPrevalenceRetrospective StudiesRisk AssessmentRisk FactorsTime FactorsTransplantation, HomologousTreatment OutcomeYoung AdultConceptsEpidemiologic risk factorsPresence of symptomsInfectious etiologyAsymptomatic patientsTransplant recipientsTissue granulomasClinicopathologic featuresRisk factorsAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipientsHematopoietic stem cell transplant recipientsStem cell transplant recipientsYale-New Haven HospitalCommon infectious etiologiesLarge transplant populationCell transplant recipientsSingle-center studyCryptogenic organizing pneumoniaNew Haven HospitalRoutine disease surveillancePaucity of literatureCytomegalovirus hepatitisPosttransplant specimensBiopsy indicationOrganizing pneumoniaTransplant patientsDiagnosis of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms by Computed Tomography Without Allometric Scaling
Yousef S, Mori M, Bin Mahmood SU, Assi R, Vallabhajosyula P, Geirsson A, Tellides G. Diagnosis of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms by Computed Tomography Without Allometric Scaling. JAMA Network Open 2020, 3: e2023689. PMID: 33141157, PMCID: PMC7610193, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.23689.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMidterm outcomes and durability of sinus segment preservation compared with root replacement for acute type A aortic dissection
Bojko MM, Assi R, Bavaria JE, Suhail M, Habertheuer A, Hu RW, Harmon J, Milewski RK, Desai ND, Szeto WY, Vallabhajosyula P. Midterm outcomes and durability of sinus segment preservation compared with root replacement for acute type A aortic dissection. Journal Of Thoracic And Cardiovascular Surgery 2020, 163: 900-910.e2. PMID: 32620395, DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.04.064.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAcute DiseaseAdultAgedAortic AneurysmAortic DissectionAortic ValveAortic Valve InsufficiencyBlood Vessel Prosthesis ImplantationCardiac Surgical ProceduresFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPostoperative ComplicationsRecurrenceReoperationRetrospective StudiesRisk AssessmentRisk FactorsSinus of ValsalvaTime FactorsTreatment OutcomeConceptsAcute typeRoot replacementAortic dissectionAortic insufficiencyRoot repairCumulative incidenceReplacement groupPostoperative aortic insufficiencyProximal aortic reoperationsRoot replacement groupMultivariable Cox regressionSinus of ValsalvaLongitudinal mixed modelsAortic reoperationValsalva dimensionsMidterm outcomesRoot dilationCox regressionFunctional outcomeRisk factorsReoperationSinusInsufficiencyDissectionMixed effects models
2018
External Validation of University of Wisconsin's Clinical Criteria for Obtaining Maxillofacial Computed Tomography in Trauma
Harrington AW, Pei KY, Assi R, Davis KA. External Validation of University of Wisconsin's Clinical Criteria for Obtaining Maxillofacial Computed Tomography in Trauma. Journal Of Craniofacial Surgery 2018, 29: e167-e170. PMID: 29309356, DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000004240.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAgedEcchymosisFacial BonesFacial InjuriesFemaleGlasgow Coma ScaleHospitals, UniversityHumansMaleMalocclusionMiddle AgedPhysical ExaminationPractice Guidelines as TopicPredictive Value of TestsRetrospective StudiesSkull FracturesTomography, X-Ray ComputedTooth LossTrauma CentersWisconsinConceptsLevel 1 trauma centerTrauma centerFacial fracturesClinical criteriaPredictive valueAdditional cross-sectional imagingModern practice patternsPhysical examination criteriaCross-sectional imagingNegative predictive valueMaxillofacial computed tomographyPositive predictive valueElectronic medical recordsRetrospective case studyMultisystem traumaPhysical examinationMaxillofacial fracturesBoard-certified radiologistsMedical recordsPractice patternsComputed tomographyFacial bonesConfidence intervalsInternal validation studyExamination criteria
2017
Clinical and epidemiological characterization of histoplasmosis cases in a nonendemic area, Connecticut, United States
Azar MM, Zhang X, Assi R, Hage C, Wheat LJ, Malinis MF. Clinical and epidemiological characterization of histoplasmosis cases in a nonendemic area, Connecticut, United States. Medical Mycology 2017, 56: 896-899. PMID: 29228334, DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx120.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAgedConnecticutFemaleHistoplasmosisHIV InfectionsHumansImmunocompromised HostMaleMiddle AgedRetrospective StudiesTravel-Related IllnessConceptsHuman immunodeficiency virusHistoplasmosis casesEpidemiology of histoplasmosisNon-endemic areasSymptom onsetAntigen testingMedian timeImmunodeficiency virusActive histoplasmosisNonendemic areasRetrospective analysisEndemic areasEpidemiological characterizationHistoplasmosisNew HavenDaysPatientsEpidemiologyDiagnosisCases
2015
Blastomycosis in Indiana Clinical and Epidemiologic Patterns of Disease Gleaned from a Multicenter Retrospective Study
Azar MM, Assi R, Relich RF, Schmitt BH, Norris S, Wheat LJ, Hage CA. Blastomycosis in Indiana Clinical and Epidemiologic Patterns of Disease Gleaned from a Multicenter Retrospective Study. CHEST Journal 2015, 148: 1276-1284. PMID: 26020566, DOI: 10.1378/chest.15-0289.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAgedBlastomycesBlastomycosisFemaleHumansIncidenceIndianaMaleMiddle AgedRetrospective StudiesYoung AdultConceptsDiabetes mellitusEpidemiologic patternsIncidence of blastomycosisMulticenter retrospective studyCases of blastomycosisMultilobar pneumoniaICU admissionExtrapulmonary diseaseRetrospective studyMean ageIncidence rateFungal antigensEndemic areasLarge seriesAmphotericin BBlastomycosisTotal mortalityIncidenceMellitusPneumoniaSignificant increaseDiseaseIndiana ClinicalARDSImmunosuppression
2014
Hospital Readmission After Pulmonary Lobectomy Is Not Affected by Surgical Approach
Assi R, Wong DJ, Boffa DJ, Detterbeck FC, Wang Z, Chupp GL, Kim AW. Hospital Readmission After Pulmonary Lobectomy Is Not Affected by Surgical Approach. The Annals Of Thoracic Surgery 2014, 99: 393-398. PMID: 25497070, DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2014.10.014.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedPatient ReadmissionPneumonectomyRetrospective StudiesTime FactorsConceptsCharlson Comorbidity IndexDays of dischargePredictors of readmissionIntensive care unitUnplanned returnPulmonary lobectomyComorbidity indexHospital readmissionSurgical approachCare unitHigher Charlson comorbidity indexMedian hospital lengthMultivariate logistic regression methodThoracic surgery serviceHigh-risk patientsPostoperative mortalityPostoperative transferHospital lengthPostoperative complicationsExpiratory volumeSurgery serviceOpen thoracotomyPathologic diagnosisUnplanned transfersMedical recordsThe “Free” Right Internal Thoracic Artery: A Versatile and Durable Conduit
Assi R, Youssef SJ, Almarzooq Z, Al‐Raweshidy Y, Hashim PW, Geirsson A, Hashim SW. The “Free” Right Internal Thoracic Artery: A Versatile and Durable Conduit. Journal Of Cardiac Surgery 2014, 29: 609-615. PMID: 25040250, DOI: 10.1111/jocs.12396.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRight internal thoracic arteryInternal thoracic arteryThoracic arteryPatency ratesCoronary revascularizationCoronary systemFree graftSitu right internal thoracic arterySurvival ratePredominant targetDistal coronary vesselsSaphenous vein graftsAngiographic patency ratesRight coronary systemSternal nonunionPerioperative complicationsPerioperative mortalityPerioperative outcomesSymptomatic patientsConsecutive patientsDurable conduitVein graftsCoronary angiogramMyocardial infarctionExcellent patencyMetabolic Syndrome Predicts Restenosis after Carotid Endarterectomy
Williams WT, Assi R, Hall MR, Protack CD, Lu DY, Wong DJ, Vasilas P, Dardik A. Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Restenosis after Carotid Endarterectomy. Journal Of The American College Of Surgeons 2014, 219: 771-777. PMID: 25158910, DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2014.04.014.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCarotid endarterectomyMetabolic syndromeIndependent predictorsVeterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare SystemChronic renal insufficiencyPercent of patientsEffective surgical optionMajor adverse eventsHigh-risk populationLong-term surveillanceHigh-density lipoproteinLong-term survivalPreoperative comorbiditiesStroke prophylaxisRenal insufficiencyAdverse eventsMost patientsPatient ageMultivariable analysisSerum triglyceridesSurgical optionsRetrospective studyAdverse outcomesMean durationBlood glucoseCharacteristics of Patients with Injury Secondary to Smoking on Home Oxygen Therapy Transferred Intubated to a Burn Center
Kassis S, Savetamal A, Assi R, Crombie RE, Ali R, Moores C, Najjar A, Hansen T, Ku T, Schulz JT. Characteristics of Patients with Injury Secondary to Smoking on Home Oxygen Therapy Transferred Intubated to a Burn Center. Journal Of The American College Of Surgeons 2014, 218: 1182-1186. PMID: 24698489, DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2013.12.055.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHome oxygen therapyTotal body surface areaOxygen therapyBody surface areaInhalation injuryAverage total body surface areaOutcomes of patientsCharacteristics of patientsCost of hospitalizationLength of stayAverage timeLung diseaseMean ageBurn centerClinical signsEquivalent injurySimilar injuriesPatientsControl groupInjuryTherapyExtubationCOPDHospitalizationSignificant differences
2013
Metabolic syndrome is associated with type II endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Hall MR, Protack CD, Assi R, Williams WT, Wong DJ, Lu D, Muhs BE, Dardik A. Metabolic syndrome is associated with type II endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Journal Of Vascular Surgery 2013, 59: 938-943. PMID: 24360238, PMCID: PMC3966942, DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2013.10.081.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAgedAged, 80 and overAortic Aneurysm, AbdominalAortographyBlood Vessel Prosthesis ImplantationEndoleakEndovascular ProceduresHumansKaplan-Meier EstimateMaleMetabolic SyndromeMiddle AgedRetrospective StudiesRisk FactorsTime FactorsTomography, X-Ray ComputedTreatment OutcomeUnited StatesUnited States Department of Veterans AffairsConceptsEndovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repairType II endoleakAbdominal aortic aneurysm repairAortic aneurysm repairBody mass indexAbdominal aortic aneurysmHigh-density lipoproteinAneurysm repairMetabolic syndromeMass indexAortic aneurysmSac expansionInfrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysmVeterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare SystemAneurysm sac expansionDevelopment of endoleaksNon-MetS groupAcute kidney injurySerum high-density lipoproteinPerioperative myocardial infarctionEndoleak typeMetS factorsMore endoleaksKidney injuryRadiologic surveillance