Sincere Gratitude for Dr. Kotaro Takahashi's Exceptional Contribution to Advancing Interventional Cardiology

The editorial board extends its deepest appreciation for your invaluable contribution to Interventional Cardiology. Your recently published article, "Cholesterol Crystal Embolism as a Complication of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention" not only upholds a high standard of excellence but also significantly enriches the field.

We are thrilled to announce that your article has been chosen as the Best Article of the Year for 2022. This accolade reflects the outstanding quality and impact of your work. Your unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in Interventional Cardiology has not gone unnoticed, and we believe that your research will continue to inspire and guide others in the field.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kotaro Takahashi and co-authors, including Ayumi Omuro, Masanobu Ohya, Shunsuke Kubo, Takeshi Tada, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Yasushi Fuku, and Kazushige Kadota, for their unwavering dedication, time, and expertise in producing such outstanding research. Your collective efforts not only reflect a commitment to excellence but also stand as an inspiration to your peers.

Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement! We acknowledge and take pride in the dedication, time, and expertise you have invested in your work, showcasing it as an exemplary contribution to our journal.

THE BEST PAPER FOR THE YEAR 2022 PUBLISHED IN “INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY”

 Cholesterol Crystal Embolism as a Complication of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Article Highlights

The article discusses Cholesterol Crystal Embolism (CCE) as a rare but serious complication of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), a common treatment for coronary artery disease. The highlights of the article include:

• Introduction to CCE: The exposition elucidates the nature of CCE—a syndrome originating from the embolization of cholesterol crystals derived from atherosclerotic plaques. This phenomenon induces damage to end organs, precipitating diverse clinical manifestations.
• Incidence and Diagnosis of CCE: Notable attention is given to the variances in CCE incidence and the diagnostic challenges engendered by its manifold clinical presentations. Emphasis is placed on the predominant impact of CCE on the skin and kidneys.
• Literature Review on Risk Factors: The article rigorously reviews scant literature elucidating the risk factors associated with CCE, categorizing them into elements correlated with aortic atherosclerosis and those linked to embolization. Identified risk factors encompass advanced age, smoking, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.
• Association of PCI Procedures and CCE: A meticulous examination of the nexus between PCI procedures and CCE is conducted, spotlighting the augmented catheter size in PCI and the potential iatrogenic implications.
• Discussion on Risk Factors: The article navigates a comprehensive discussion on the risk factors pertinent to CCE in PCI patients, underscoring findings from a study involving 23,184 PCI patients. The study posits that the adoption of an inner sheath and radial approach may correlate with a diminished prevalence of CCE. Conversely, the femoral approach is identified as a positive predictor of CCE.
• Conclusion: A conclusive remark accentuates the imperative nature of recognizing patient attributes—such as advanced age, smoking, and dyslipidemia—that elevate the susceptibility to CCE. The article recommends the adoption of a radial approach and inner sheath in tandem with guiding catheters, particularly for patients at heightened risk, as a potential preventive strategy.