Browsing by Author "Filipovic, Branka (22934489100)"

Introduction: Variations in the number and course of the testicular arteries, often coexisting with variations of the other branches arising from the abdominal aorta, are still reported to be of interest to urology surgeons. Case presentation: During a routine dissection course, an unusual origin of the double left testicular artery was observed in the cadaver of a 68-year-old Caucasian man who donated his body to the Institute of Anatomy. Conclusions: A deeper understanding of the variations of the testicular arteries is necessary for all physicians whose practice is related to the testicles and their vascular stalk. © 2012 Filipovic et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Background Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) associated with thrombosis (arterial and/or venous) and/or obstetrical manifestations. However, various manifestations, which are considered to be noncriteria manifestations, are frequently found in APS. Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether noncriteria manifestations may be found more frequently in subjects with thrombotic and/or obstetrical APS ("criteria"manifestations) in a population of patients with primary APS (PAPS). This study presents the results from our national cohort. Patients and Methods This is a cross-sectional study of 360 PAPS patients. Data regarding the presence of thrombocytopenia, livedo reticularis, chorea, and valvulopathy were analyzed. The aPL analysis included the detection of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCLs: immunoglobulin G [IgG]/IgM), anti-β2 glycoprotein I (IgG/IgM), and lupus anticoagulant positivity. Results In our cohort, livedo reticularis was significantly related to arterial thromboses in the same way as valvular manifestations (valvular vegetations and valvular thickening and dysfunction not related to age) (p = 0.0001, p = 0.013, respectively). Age was strongly related to all the noncriteria manifestations analyzed. Thrombocytopenia was significantly related to β2 glycoprotein I IgG and lupus anticoagulant positivity (p = 0.043, p = 0.030, respectively), as well as to double and triple aPL positivity (p = 0.041, p = 0.013 respectively). Moreover, in a multivariate model, livedo reticularis was strongly and independently related to arterial thrombosis in our cohort (odds ratio, 2.010; confidence interval, 1.229-3.288; p = 0.005). Conclusion This cross-sectional analysis of a large cohort of Serbian PAPS patients confirmed a strong relationship between livedo reticularis and arterial thrombosis, suggesting a more cautious approach regarding the presence of noncriteria manifestations, especially livedo reticularis, in APS. © Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by repetitive complete or partial collapse of the upper airway and reduction of airflow during sleep. It is associated with significantly increased daytime muscle sympathetic nerve activity thought to result from the repetitive intermittent periods of hypoxemia during sleep and brain alterations that are likely to result. Different brain regions are affected by subsequent hypoxia/anoxia. Neurodegenerative processes result in measurable atrophy of cortical gray matter in the temporal lobes and posterior cingulate cortex, as well as in subcortical structures such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and thalamus. This study involved a group of firstly diagnosed, therapy-naive, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, out of which 144 (96 males and 48 females), aged 34-57 (mean 47.88 ± 6.07), satisfied the recruiting criteria for the study and control groups. All the patients underwent MRI scanning, polysomnography testing, and cognitive evaluation. Cognitively, worse results were obtained in the group with OSA (p<0.05) and NAFLD (p=0.047). A significant decrease in volumes of cortical and subcortical structures was revealed (p<0.001). In conclusion, brain deterioration followed by cognitive impairment is, most likely, the result of intermittent hypoxia and anoxia episodes that initiate the domino process of deteriorating biochemical reactions in the brain. © 2021 Branka Filipovic et al.

Objective: Rare co-existance of disease or pathology Background: Carbohydrate tumor-associated antigen (CA 19-9) has been shown to be upregulated in other malignant tumors including gastric, ovarian, hepatocellular, and colorectal carcinoma as well as benign diseases of the biliary track such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, and choledocholithiasis. According to the available literature, in several cases of benign hydronephrosis and in a few cases of benign renal diseases, elevated CA 19-9 has been noted. Case Report: A 58-year-old Caucasian male patient was admitted in our clinic with complaints about blunt abdominal pain in the past two-month period localized in the right lumbar region and irradiating into the right inguinal area, constipation, abdominal bloating, and intermittent hematuria. The concentration of serum CA 19-9 was 3500 U/mL. Urine cytology provided no signs of abnormality. Intravenous urography visualized right-sided pyelon and ureter duplex with the defect in contrast shade of the pyelon, caused by a stag horn calculus. Contrast added computerized axial tomography of the abdomen and pelvis visualized the pyelon casted concretion spreading throughout the right pyelon, with ureterohydronephrosis with the distal block for passage of the contrast to the distal part of the ureter. Conclusions: There is no doubt that CA 19-9 level is occasionally elevated in patients with obstructive urolithiasis as it was in our case. In the routine medical praxis, urolithiasis should not be neglected in the differential diagnosis of elevated concentrations of CA 19-9 marker. © Am J Case Rep.

Carcinosarcomas are rare, malignant, biphasic tumors. We report the case of a 62-year-old man with gastric carcinosarcoma, along with its clinical, macroscopic and histopathological features. Macroscopically, a specimen of deformed stomach was obtained that measured 200 mm × 150 mm × 100 mm. A 150 mm × 100 mm × 50 mm exophytic tumoral mass (Borrmann type I) was found, which involved the posterior wall from the cardia to the antrum. Histopathologically, a mixed type of malignancy was revealed: an adenocarcinoma with intestinal metaplasia, with interposed fascicles of fusiform atypical cells and numerous large, rounded and oval cells. The tumor showed positive histochemistry for cytokeratin 18, epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, chromogranin A and vimentin. Liver metastases were diagnosed 8 mo postoperatively, and the patient died 4 mo later. A review of the available literature is also presented. © 2007 WJG. All rights reserved.

AIM: To investigate autonomic nervous function in patients with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: The investigation was performed on 29 patients (14 men), aged 18-80 years (51.14 ± 18.34). Who Were Referred to Our Neurocardiology Lab. at the Clin. and Hosp. Ctr. bezanijska Kosa with A Diagn. of GERD. One Hundred Sixteen Healthy Volunteers Matched in Age and Sex with the Examinees Served As the Contr. Grp.. the Stud. Protocol Included the Eval. of Autonomic Funct. and Hemodynamic Status, Short-term Heart Rate Variability Anal., 24 H Ambulatory ECG Monitoring with Long-term HRV Anal. and 24 H Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring. RESULTS: Pathologic Results of Cardiovasc. Reflex Test Were More Com. among Patients with Reflux Compared to the Contr. Grp.. Severe Autonomic Dysfunction Was Detected in 44.4% of Patients and in 7.9% of Controls . Parameters of Short-term Anal. of RR Variability, Which Are the Indicat. of Vagal Activ., Had Lower Values in Patients with GERD Than in the Contr. Grp.. Long-term HRV Anal. of Time-domain Parameters Indicated Lower Values in Patients with Reflux Dis. When Compared to the Contr. Grp.. Pwr. Spectral Anal. of Long-term HRV Revealed Lower Low-and High-frequency Values. Detailed 24 H Ambulatory Blood Pressure Anal. Showed Significantly Higher Values of Systolic Blood Pressure and Pulse Pressure in the Reflux Grp. Than in the Contr. Grp.. CONCLUSION: Patients with GERD Have Distortion of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Components of the Autonomic Nerv. Syst., but Impaired Parasympathetic Funct. Appears More Congruent to GERD. 2015 Baishideng Publ. Grp. Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Objectives: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is multisystem autoimmune coagulopathy with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in its ground, manifested as a primary disease (PAPS) or in the setting of other conditions, most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate various cardiac manifestations and their possible relation to aPL type and titer in a Serbian cohort of PAPS patients. Methods: A total of 360 PAPS patients were analyzed and aPL analysis included detection of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL: IgG/IgM), anti-ß2glycoprotein I (ß2GPI: IgG/IgM), and lupus anticoagulant (LA). Cardiac manifestations investigated were valvular lesions (comprehending valvular thickening and dysfunction not related to age and pseudoinfective endocarditis), coronary artery disease (CAD) with specific insight for myocardial infarction (MI), chronic cardiomyopathy (CMP), and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) as well as pulmonary hypertension (PH) and intracardiac thrombus presence. Results: The prevalence of cardiac manifestations overall was 19.6%. There was a strong association between age and the majority of cardiac manifestations, as well as standard atherosclerotic risk factors. aCL IgG–positive patients had a higher prevalence of valvular lesions (p = 0.042). LA presence was significantly related to MI (p = 0.031) and PH (p = 0.044). CMP and ADHF were significantly related to higher titers of aCl IgG (p = 0.033, p = 0.025 respectively). Age and smoking were independent risk predictors for MI in PAPS with meaningful risk for LA positivity (OR 2.567 CI 0.671–9.820 p = 0.168). Conclusions: Certain cardiac manifestations in PAPS were related to certain aPL type and/or titer levels, imposing confirmation in prospective studies. Preventive actions, comprehending proper anticoagulant/antithrombotic therapy, and intense action against standard atherosclerotic risk factors are of utmost importance in this group of patients. Key Points• In Serbian patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS), prevalence of non-criteria cardiac manifestations was 19.6% and they were significantly related to certain antiphospholipid antibodies and titers.• Lupus anticoagulant was a meaningful predictor of myocardial infarction, enabling possible risk stratification and proper preventive and therapeutical strategies in this subgroup of PAPS patients.• Patients with high titers of aCL IgG are more prone to acute decompensated heart failure occurence, imposing careful follow-up of these patients• Based on the analysis of the Serbian PAPS cohort, even being non-criterial, cardiology manifestations are significantly present and inclusion of cardiologists in treatment and follow-up of these patients should be implied from the diagnosis establishment. © 2022, International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR).

Background: Abdominal pain is a common symptom of gastroenterology examination. Chronic abdominal pain is present for >3 months. Summary: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases encountered by both gastroenterologists and general practitioners. GERD is usually a chronic disease presented with a set of symptoms including heartburn and/or regurgitation, and less commonly epigastric pain. Epigastric pain syndrome is characterized by the following symptoms: epigastric pain and/or burning. It does not necessarily occur after meal ingestion, may occur during fasting, and can be even improved by meal ingestion. Duodenal ulcers tend to cause abdominal pain that is localized in the epigastric region and commence several hours after eating, often at night. Hunger provokes pain in most of the cases and decreases after meal. Gastric ulcer pain occurs immediately after eating, and consuming food increases pain. Pain is localized in the epigastrium and can radiate to the back. Abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome is related to defecation. A typical symptom of chronic pancreatitis is pain that radiates to the back. In Crohn's disease, inflammation causes pain. Key Messages: Pain can occur at different locations with diverse intensity and propagation and is often associated with other symptoms. For any gastroenterologist, abdominal pain is a big challenge. © 2021

Background: Apoptosis-related proteins might play an important role in the pathogenesis of lymphoma and sensibility to chemotherapy (CH) in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We have analyzed the relationship between expression of two proapoptotic (CD95, caspase-3) and four antiapoptotic proteins (c-FLIP, bcl-2, survivin, and XIAP) and clinical outcome of patients with nodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: We have analyzed lymph node biopsy specimens obtained from 78 patients with newly diagnosed nodal DLBCL. The expression of apoptotic parameters was analyzed using the standard immunohistochemical method (antibodies against caspase-3, CD95, c-FLIP, XIAP, survivin, and bcl-2) on formalin-fixed and routinely processed paraffin-embedded lymph node specimens. The expression of immunohistochemical parameters has been evaluated semiquantitatively as a percentage of tumor cells. Results: Immunoexpression of caspase-3, CD95, c-FLIP, survivin, XIAP, and bcl-2 has been found in 48 (61.5%), 39 (50%), 45 (57.7%), 41 (52.6%), 43 (55.12%), and 39 (50.0%) patients, respectively. The therapy response was achieved in 53 (67.9%) patients. Besides numerous clinical parameters, survivin and XIAP positivity along with CD95 negativity were found to be unfavorable factors for therapy response and shorter survival in univariate analysis. According to this finding, an 'apoptotic score' that includes unfavorable apoptotic parameters has been defined. In multivariate analysis, only International Prognostic Index (IPI) and apoptotic score remained independent prognostic predictors for the chance to reach the complete remission (P=0.003 and P=0.044, respectively) and longer overall survival (OS) (P=0.002 and P=0.046, respectively). Significantly, the better response to immunochemotherapy (ICH) in comparison with CH has been achieved in patients with expression of caspase-3, c-FLIP, and survivin and in patients without the immunoexpression of XIAP. In addition, ICH was superior to CH in both bcl-2-positive and bcl-2-negative patients. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the dysregulation of apoptosis can appear on different places of apoptotic cascade in DLBCL. Apoptotic score is a more useful tool in predicting therapy response and OS of patients with DLBCL than single apoptotic parameters and along with IPI could help to identify a high-risk group of newly diagnosed nodal DLBCL. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), includes a clinical spectrum of diseases from mild to severe progressive pneumonia, which has affected and still affects the human population worldwide. Most commonly, it is presented by respiratory symptoms, but studies have shown that about 50% of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection have at least one gastrointestinal symptom (GI), predominantly nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. In addition, abnormal liver functional tests are commonly present in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aim of our study was to examine the GI and hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia in “COVID hospital Batajnica”, University Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade. The study included 498 consecutive patients, and the data was obtained from the patient’s electronic medical history. GI symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. Collected laboratory values included baseline and peak values of blood count, inflammatory parameters, liver function tests, renal function tests, and cardiac enzyme tests. The results have shown that GI symptoms occurred in 26% of cases at diagnosis, which indicates the great susceptibility of the GI system to SARS-CoV-2. There was a high risk of liver injury in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (>60%). The level of AST is more often increased compared to ALT, which is different from other virus-induced liver lesions and may be a useful indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further research should focus on the causes of liver damage in SARS-CoV-2 virus and the impact on treatment and outcome of COVID-19 disease. © 2023 by the authors.

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), includes a clinical spectrum of diseases from mild to severe progressive pneumonia, which has affected and still affects the human population worldwide. Most commonly, it is presented by respiratory symptoms, but studies have shown that about 50% of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection have at least one gastrointestinal symptom (GI), predominantly nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. In addition, abnormal liver functional tests are commonly present in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aim of our study was to examine the GI and hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia in “COVID hospital Batajnica”, University Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade. The study included 498 consecutive patients, and the data was obtained from the patient’s electronic medical history. GI symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia. Collected laboratory values included baseline and peak values of blood count, inflammatory parameters, liver function tests, renal function tests, and cardiac enzyme tests. The results have shown that GI symptoms occurred in 26% of cases at diagnosis, which indicates the great susceptibility of the GI system to SARS-CoV-2. There was a high risk of liver injury in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (>60%). The level of AST is more often increased compared to ALT, which is different from other virus-induced liver lesions and may be a useful indicator of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further research should focus on the causes of liver damage in SARS-CoV-2 virus and the impact on treatment and outcome of COVID-19 disease. © 2023 by the authors.

During routine examination of a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder, a large cavum septi pellucidi was noted on CT scan. Cava septi pellucidi were seldom reported as a finding in posttraumatic stress disorders. In our opinion, large cava are only the marks of the brain susceptibility for various neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. © neuroanatomy.org.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, therapy and outcomes of patients with very late relapse (>5 years) of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the database of all relapsed patients with HL treated between 1999 and 2009 and compared the clinical characteristics and survival of patients who relapsed before and after 5 years of follow up. Results: Among the group of 102 patients with relapsed HL 16 (15.68%) patients had very late relapse of disease. Median time to very late relapse was 86 months (range 61-199). On relapse most of these patients (11; 68.5%) were in advanced clinical stage. Eleven (68.75%) patients with very late relapse were treated with high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Second complete response was achieved in 13 (81.25%) patients. At a medianfollow up of 4.5 years after therapy, 13 (81.25%) patients are still alive (10 without disease and 3 with disease), while 3 patients died (2 from HL, and 1 from brain tumor). There was no significant difference between patients with very late relapse and patients who relapse earlier in terms of initial clinical parameters. Median overall survival of patients with very late relapse was significantly longer than in patients with earlier relapse (p=0.001), but survival calculated from the time of relapse was not significantly different between these two groups of patients (p=0.83). Conclusion: An open question that remains is whether high dose therapy and ASCT is necessary in most patients with very late relapse of disease. Individualization of therapy in patients with very late relapse of HL is mandatory, tailored on risk factors and comorbidities.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, therapy and outcomes of patients with very late relapse (>5 years) of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the database of all relapsed patients with HL treated between 1999 and 2009 and compared the clinical characteristics and survival of patients who relapsed before and after 5 years of follow up. Results: Among the group of 102 patients with relapsed HL 16 (15.68%) patients had very late relapse of disease. Median time to very late relapse was 86 months (range 61-199). On relapse most of these patients (11; 68.5%) were in advanced clinical stage. Eleven (68.75%) patients with very late relapse were treated with high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Second complete response was achieved in 13 (81.25%) patients. At a medianfollow up of 4.5 years after therapy, 13 (81.25%) patients are still alive (10 without disease and 3 with disease), while 3 patients died (2 from HL, and 1 from brain tumor). There was no significant difference between patients with very late relapse and patients who relapse earlier in terms of initial clinical parameters. Median overall survival of patients with very late relapse was significantly longer than in patients with earlier relapse (p=0.001), but survival calculated from the time of relapse was not significantly different between these two groups of patients (p=0.83). Conclusion: An open question that remains is whether high dose therapy and ASCT is necessary in most patients with very late relapse of disease. Individualization of therapy in patients with very late relapse of HL is mandatory, tailored on risk factors and comorbidities.

Metabolic-associated liver disease (MAFLD) affects up to 70% of overweight and more than 90% of morbidly obese people, and its pathogenesis is rather complex and multifactorial. The criteria for MAFLD include the presence of hepatic steatosis in addition to one of the following three criteria: overweight or obesity, presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), or evidence of metabolic dysregulation. If the specific criteria are present, the diagnosis of MAFLD can be made regardless of alcohol consumption and previous liver disease. The pathophysiological mechanisms of MAFLD, including inflammation, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial disfunction, and oxidative stress, as well as the impact of intestinal gut microbiota, are constantly being elucidated. Treatment strategies that are continually emerging are based on different key points in MAFLD pathogenesis. Yet, the ideal therapeutic option has still not been found and future research is of great importance, as MAFLD represents a multisystemic disease with numerous complications. © 2023 by the authors.

Metabolic-associated liver disease (MAFLD) affects up to 70% of overweight and more than 90% of morbidly obese people, and its pathogenesis is rather complex and multifactorial. The criteria for MAFLD include the presence of hepatic steatosis in addition to one of the following three criteria: overweight or obesity, presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), or evidence of metabolic dysregulation. If the specific criteria are present, the diagnosis of MAFLD can be made regardless of alcohol consumption and previous liver disease. The pathophysiological mechanisms of MAFLD, including inflammation, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial disfunction, and oxidative stress, as well as the impact of intestinal gut microbiota, are constantly being elucidated. Treatment strategies that are continually emerging are based on different key points in MAFLD pathogenesis. Yet, the ideal therapeutic option has still not been found and future research is of great importance, as MAFLD represents a multisystemic disease with numerous complications. © 2023 by the authors.

Background/Aims: Malnutrition appears to be a major and noticeable problem for hospitalized patients and often present in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. This study attempts to evaluate differences in nutritional status parameters and nutritional state differences among hospitalized patients with various gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. Methodology: Our study included 154 males and 146 females, aged 18-84 years old, with various gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. All patients underwent baseline nutritional assessment, including subjective global assessment (SGA), anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and biochemical markers. Results: Prevalence of malnutrition was 45.7%. The highest prevalence was detected among patients suffering from gastrointestinal malignancies and chronic pancreatitis. All parameters decreased with malnourishment levels, except CRP and in-hospital stay which rose with malnourishment grade. SGA and length of hospital stay negatively correlated with all analyzed variables of nutritional assessment, except CRP. Conclusions: Patients suffering from gastrointestinal malignancies, inflammatory bowel disease and peptic ulcer disease have more pronounced level of malnutrition. Body mass index, triceps skin fold thickness, mid-arm circumference, MAMC, wrist circumference, total protein level, albumin, cholesterol, glucose level, lymphocyte count, basal metabolic rate, body fat mass, fat free mass, muscle mass, total body water and resistance appeared to be inversely correlated with malnutrition. However, CRP level correlated positively with the malnutrition severity. SGA malnutrition level is dependant of hospitalization length. © H.G.E. Update Medical Publishing S.A.

[No abstract available]

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) accounts for 1.7%–4% of all acute coronary syndrome presentations, particularly among young women with an emerging awareness of its importance. The demarcation of acute SCAD from coronary atherothrombosis and the proper therapeutic approach still represents a major clinical challenge. Certain arteriopathies and triggers are related to SCAD, with high variability in their prevalence, and often, the cause remains unknown. The objective of this review is to provide contemporary knowledge of the pathophysiology of SCAD and possible therapeutic solutions. 2023 Djokovic, Krljanac, Matic, Zivic, Djulejic, Marjanovic Haljilji, Popovic, Filipovic and Apostolovic.

Objective Cardiovascular manifestations, encountered in antiphospholipid syndrome, may develop as a consequence of acquired thrombophilia mediated by antiphospholipid antibodies and accelerated atherosclerosis as well. Our study aims to assess the impairment of the left ventricular diastolic performance, as early evidence of myocardial involvement in primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS). Methods We analysed 101 PAPS patients, with the average age of 47.70±13.14y. Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL IgG/IgM), anti-ß2 glycoprotein-I (anti-ß2GPI IgG/IgM), and lupus anticoagulant (LAC) were determined. Abnormal cut-off values used for left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) were septal E ́<7 cm/sec, lateral E ́ <10 cm/sec, average E/E ́ ratio >14, LA volume index (LAVI) >34 mL/m2, and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity >2.8 m/sec. LVDD was present if more than half parameters were with abnormal values. The results were compared to 90 healthy, age and sex-matched controls. Results LVDD was significantly more prevalent in PAPS patients compared to healthy controls (24.8% vs. 2.2%, p=0.001). In PAPS patients, it was significantly related to age, body mass index, hyperlipidaemia, thromboses and LAC positivity (p=0.0001, p=0.008, p=0.039, p=0.001, p=0.047 respectively). Patients with PAPS had higher LAVI (29.76±6.40 ml/m2 vs. 26.62±7.8 ml/m2, p=0.012), higher isovolumic relaxation time, lower lateral É velocity and lower E/É ratio compared to controls (p=0.0001, p=0.020, p=0.038, respectively). In multivariate analysis, thromboses in PAPS were significant, and independent predictors of LVDD. Conclusion Thrombotic PAPS patients are at higher risk of LVDD development. Strong action against standard atherosclerotic risk factors and adequate therapy regimes seems to be crucial to preserve good diastolic performance of the left ventricle in PAPS. © Copyright CliniCal and ExpErimEntal rhEumatology 2023.