Search

Aim The association of metabolic abnormalities and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been documented, but few studies have focused on cardiovascular risk in these women. The aim of this study was to compare arterial stiffness by using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in PCOS women with controls, and to evaluate whether any clinical or laboratory variables had independent associations with it. Methods A group of 160 women, matched for age and body mass index were recruited. Diagnosis of PCOS was made according to the Rotterdam criteria. Arterial stiffness using CAVI was evaluated in non-obese young woman, with and without PCOS. Results In the PCOS group (n = 80), 60 cases (75%) had findings of hyperandrogenism, 59 (73.8%) had ovulatory dysfunction, and 70 (87.5%) had an ultrasonographic appearance of polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS had significantly higher mean CAVI values when compared to subjects without PCOS (5.78 +/- 0.64 vs 5.28 +/- 0.77, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that androgen excess was associated with increased arterial stiffness, independent of ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovaries, body mass index and age. Conclusion This data suggests that vascular compliance is decreased in young women with PCOS. Androgen excess is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness. C1 [Kilic, Derya; Alatas, Erkan; Guler, Tolga] Pamukkale Univ, Dept Obstet & Gynecol, Med Sch, Denizli, Turkey. [Kilic, Ismail Dogu; Sevgican, Cihan Ilyas] Pamukkale Univ, Dept Cardiol, Med Sch, Denizli, Turkey. [Kilic, Oguz] Simav Doc Dr Ismail Karakuyu State Hosp, Dept Cardiol, Kutahya, Turkey. [Arslan, Muhammet] Pamukkale Univ, Dept Radiol, Med Sch, Denizli, Turkey. [Avci, Esin] Pamukkale Univ, Dept Biochem, Med Sch, Denizli, Turkey.

Background/Aim: This study aimed to measure the DNA methylation state of thousands of CpG islands in the blood of two monozygotic twins that were discordant for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Twin 1 had suffered myocardial infarction, while the other was healthy. Patients and Methods: Since the aim of this study was to identify differentially methylated regions which might act as potential markers, reduced-representation bisulfite libraries were used for whole-genome methylation analysis. Results: According to the analysis, 11 genes lipid droplet associated hydrolase (LDAH), apolipoprotein B (APOB), acyl-CoA synthetase medium chain family member 2A (ACSM2A), acyl-CoA synthetase medium chain family member 5(ACSM5), acylCoA synthetase family member 3 (ACSF3), carboxylesterase 1 (CES1 ), carboxylesterase 1 pseudogene 1 (CES1P1), AFG3 like matrix AAA peptidase subunit 2 (AFG3L2), iron-sulfur cluster assembly enzyme (ISCU), SEC14 like lipid binding 2 (SEC14L2) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) were all hypomethylated in DNA from twin 2, the unaffected twin. Methylation changes were observed at different multiple loci between the twins, suggesting loci that are affected by disease status in identical genetic backgrounds. Conclusion: This twin study may contribute significantly to the understanding of the genetic basis of CVD and resulting myocardial infarction. This approach may allow identification of possible target loci associated with aberrant epigenetic regulation in CVD. C1 [Koseler, Aylin] Pamukkale Univ, Dept Biophys, Sch Med, Denizli, Turkey. [Ma, Feiyang; Morselli, Marco; Pellegrini, Matteo] Univ Calif Los Angeles, David Geffen Sch Med, Dept Mol Cell & Dev Biol, Box 951606, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA. [Kilic, Ismail Dogu; Kilic, Oguz] Pamukkale Univ, Dept Cardiol, Sch Med, Denizli, Turkey.

Purpose of Review Patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease are at a high risk of subsequent cardiovascular events; therefore, secondary prevention in the form of therapeutic lifestyle changes, and drug therapies is vital. This article aims to review potential application of intra-coronary imaging for the evaluation of plaque modifications, induced by medications for secondary prevention for CAD. Recent Findings Intra-coronary imaging provides detailed information on the atherosclerotic plaque which is the primary pathological substrate for the recurrent ischemic cardiovascular events. These modalities can detect features associated with high risk and allow serial in vivo imaging of lesions. Therefore, intravascular imaging tools have been used in landmark studies and played a role in improving our understanding of the disease processes. Changes in size and plaque composition over time can be evaluated by these tools and may help understanding the impact of a treatment. Moreover, surrogate imaging end points can be used when testing new drugs for secondary prevention. C1 [Kilic, Ismail Dogu] Pamukkale Univ Hosp, Dept Cardiol, Denizli, Turkey. [Fabris, Enrico] Univ Trieste, Cardiovasc Dept, Trieste, Italy. [Kedhi, Elvin] Isala Heart Ctr, Dept Cardiol, Zwolle, Netherlands. [Ghilencea, Liviu-Nicolae] Univ Med & Pharm Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania. [Caiazzo, Gianluca] PO San Giuseppe Moscati, Aversa, Italy. [Abou Sherif, Sara] Brighton & Sussex Med Sch, Brighton, E Sussex, England. [Di Mario, Carlo] Careggi Univ Hosp, Cardiotoracovasc Dept, Florence, Italy.

Aims:Nondiabetic patients were studied to determine whether modest elevations in plasma mannose may be associated with a greater incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods:Plasma insulin, mannose, glucose, hexokinase 1-2, GLUT1-GLUT4 levels, and serum mannose phosphate isomerase enzyme levels were evaluated with respect to subsequent CAD using records from 120 nondiabetic CAD patients and 120 healthy volunteers. CAD was identified from myocardial infarction and new diagnoses of angina. Results:Of 120 nondiabetic CAD patients studied, their plasma GLUT4 and HK1 levels were significantly lower than those of the control group. A significant increase in plasma mannose levels was found in the patient group compared to the control group. Conclusion:Our findings showed that elevated baseline mannose levels in plasma are associated with an increased risk of CAD over time. C1 [Koseler, Aylin] Pamukkale Univ, Fac Med, Dept Biophys, TR-20020 Denizli, Turkey. [Arslan, Idris] Bulent Ecevit Univ, Dept Biomed Engn, Zonguldak, Turkey. [Sabirli, Ramazan] Kafkas Univ, Fac Med, Dept Emergency Med, Kars, Turkey. [Zeytunluoglu, Ali] Pamukkale Univ, Vocat Sch Tech Sci, Dept Elect & Automat, Denizli, Turkey. [Kilic, Oguz] Doc Dr Ismail Karakuyu State Hosp, Dept Cardiol, Kutahya, Turkey. [Kilic, Ismail Dogu] Pamukkale Univ, Fac Med, Dept Cardiol, Denizli, Turkey.

Stroke remains among the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Fibrinolytic therapy is associated with poor patency and functional outcomes. Recently, multiple randomized trials have been published that have consolidated the role of endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in the anterior cerebral circulation. This manuscript reviews the current understanding of the endovascular management of acute stroke including technical aspects and current evidence base.

Stroke remains among the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Fibrinolytic therapy is associated with poor patency and functional outcomes. Recently, multiple randomized trials have been published that have consolidated the role of endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in the anterior cerebral circulation. This manuscript reviews the current understanding of the endovascularmanagement of acute stroke including technical aspects and current evidence base. (c) 2018 Published by Elsevier Inc. C1 [Kilic, Ismail D.] Pamukkale Univ Hosp, Dept Cardiol, Denizli, Turkey. [Hakeem, Abdul; Cilingiroglu, Mehmet] Univ Arkansas Med Sci, Dept Cardiol, Little Rock, AR 72205 USA. [Marmagkiolis, Konstantinos] Florida Hosp, Pepin Heart Inst, Tampa, FL USA. [Paixao, Andre; Cilingiroglu, Mehmet] Arkansas Heart Hosp, Dept Cardiol, 7 Shackleford West Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72211 USA. [Grunwald, Iris] Anglia Ruskin Univ, Dept Neurosci, Chelmsford, Essex, England. [Mutlu, Deniz] Istanbul Univ, Cerrahpasa Fac Med, Dept Cardiol, Istanbul, Turkey. [AbouSherif, Sara] Kings Coll London, Cardiovasc Res Div London, London, England. [Gundogdu, Betul] Univ Arkansas Med Sci, Dept Neurol, Little Rock, AR 72205 USA. [Kulaksizoglu, Sibel] Antalya Educ & Res Hosp, Dept Biochem, Antalya, Turkey. [Ates, Ismail] Medicalpk Hosp Complex, Dept Cardiol, Antalya, Turkey. [Wholey, Mark] Univ Pittsburgh, Med Ctr, Dept Cardiol, Pittsburgh, PA USA. [Goktekin, Omer] Bezmialem Univ, Dept Cardiol, Istanbul, Turkey. [Cilingiroglu, Mehmet] Koc Univ, Sch Med, TR-34450 Istanbul, Turkey.

Background/Aim: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a critical role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Heart failure is a crucial health problem that affects 23 million people worldwide, causes approximately 2.4 million people to be hospitalized every year in the USA, and leads to the death of more than 300,000 people. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of ER stress markers and the predictive value of acute decompensated heart failure in patients with low ejection fraction heart failure (ADHF). Patients and Methods: This is a prospective case control study. The data included laboratory parameters pertaining to patients with ADHF in the emergency service and lipid parameters obtained during their admission to the hospital. In addition, the same parameters obtained from the control group patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) during their routine polyclinic control were recorded in the data set. Admission time to the hospital and length of hospital stay were included in the data. The levels of glucose regulated protein (GRP78), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in peripheral blood serum obtained from the patients and the control group were measured using the ELISA method. Results: Serum GRP78 concentration was lower in the HF group (p=0.003) compared to the control. The median value of serum PERK concentration in the HF group was higher than that of the control group (573 pg/ml, IQR=477.5-650 vs. 495.5 pg/ml, IQR=294-648, respectively) (p=0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences in GRP78 and PERK serum concentrations between ADHF and CHF subgroups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed greater area under the curve (AUC) for the serum GRP78 levels of the healthy individuals (AUC=0.748, 95% CI=0.681-0.814, p=0.0003). The serum GRP78 level was found to be 80% sensitive and 70% specific at 147.5 pg/ml (p=0.0003) for distinguishing healthy individuals from HF patients. In the ADHF subgroup, there was a moderate correlation between hospitalization time and serum CHOP concentrations (Spearman rho=0.586 and p=0.001). Conclusion: High GRP78 serum concentration may protect the patient from ER stress. In addition, the serum PERK level is high in patients with HF, whereas it is insufficient in predicting acute decompensation. CHOP may be useful in predicting the length of hospital stay in patients with ADHF. C1 [Sabirli, Ramazan] Servergazi State Hosp, Dept Emergency Med, Denizli, Turkey. [Koseler, Aylin] Pamukkale Univ, Med Fac, Dept Biophys, Denizli, Turkey. [Mansur, Nesteren] Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar Univ, Inst Hlth Sci, Dept Biotechnol, Istanbul, Turkey. [Zeytunluoglu, Ali] Pamukkale Univ, Denizli Vocat Sch Tech Sci, Dept Elect & Automat, Denizli, Turkey. [Sabirli, Gizem Tukenmez] Pamukkale Univ, Med Fac, Dept Pediat, Denizli, Turkey. [Turkcuer, Ibrahim] Pamukkale Univ, Med Fac, Dept Emergency Med, Denizli, Turkey. [Kilic, Ismail Dogu] Pamukkale Univ, Med Fac, Dept Cardiol, Denizli, Turkey.

Aims: In vivo validation of coronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) against histology and the effects of plaque burden (PB) on plaque classification remain unreported. We aimed to investigate this in a porcine model with human-like coronary atherosclerosis. Methods and results: Five female Yucatan D374Y-PCSK9 transgenic hypercholesterolaemic minipigs were implanted with a coronary shear-modifying stent to induce advanced atherosclerosis. OCT frames (n=201) were obtained 34 weeks after implantation. Coronary arteries were perfusion-fixed, serially sectioned and co-registered with OCT using a validated algorithm. Lesions were adjudicated using the Virmani classification and PB assessed from histology. OCT had a high sensitivity, but modest specificity (92.9% and 74.6%), for identifying fibrous cap atheroma (FCA). The reduced specificity for OCT was due to misclassification of plaques with histologically defined pathological intimal thickening (PIT) as FCA (46.1% of the frames with histological PIT were misclassified). PIT lesions misclassified as FCA by OCT had a statistically higher PB than in other OCT frames (median 32.0% versus 13.4%; p

Correction to: Wien Klin Wochenschr 2015 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-015-0854-z The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. The first names of Dr. Ismail Dogu Kilic were interchanged.

The role of nonselective beta-blockers in cirrhotic patients with ascites has been recently questioned; however, definitive evidence in this regard is still lacking. To analyze published data on the influence of nonselective beta-blockers as compared to control group on survival of cirrhotic patients with ascites. Computerized bibliographic search on the main databases was performed. Hazard ratios from Kaplan-Meier curves were extracted in order to perform an unbiased comparison of survival estimates. Secondary outcomes were mortality in patients with refractory ascites, pooled rate of nonselective beta-blockers interruption, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepato-renal syndrome incidence. Three randomized controlled trials and 13 observational studies with 8279 patients were included. Overall survival was comparable between the two groups (hazard ratio = 0.86, 0.71-1.03, p = 0.11). Study design resulted as the main source of heterogeneity in sensitivity analysis and meta-regression. Mortality in refractory ascites patients was similar in the two groups (odds ratio = 0.90, 0.45-1.79; p = 0.76). No difference in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (odds ratio = 0.78, 0.47-1.29, p = 0.33) and hepato-renal syndrome incidence (odds ratio = 1.22, 0.48-3.09; p = 0.67) was observed. Pooled rate of nonselective beta-blockers interruption was 18.6% (5.2-32.1%). Based on our findings, nonselective beta-blockers should not be routinely withheld in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, even if refractory.

BACKGROUND: The role of nonselective beta-blockers in cirrhotic patients with ascites has been recently questioned; however, definitive evidence in this regard is still lacking. AIMS: To analyze published data on the influence of nonselective beta-blockers as compared to control group on survival of cirrhotic patients with ascites. METHODS: Computerized bibliographic search on the main databases was performed. Hazard ratios from Kaplan-Meier curves were extracted in order to perform an unbiased comparison of survival estimates. Secondary outcomes were mortality in patients with refractory ascites, pooled rate of nonselective beta-blockers interruption, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepato-renal syndrome incidence. RESULTS: Three randomized controlled trials and 13 observational studies with 8279 patients were included. Overall survival was comparable between the two groups (hazard ratio = 0.86, 0.71-1.03, p = 0.11). Study design resulted as the main source of heterogeneity in sensitivity analysis and meta-regression. Mortality in refractory ascites patients was similar in the two groups (odds ratio = 0.90, 0.45-1.79; p = 0.76). No difference in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (odds ratio = 0.78, 0.47-1.29, p = 0.33) and hepato-renal syndrome incidence (odds ratio = 1.22, 0.48-3.09; p = 0.67) was observed. Pooled rate of nonselective beta-blockers interruption was 18.6% (5.2-32.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, nonselective beta-blockers should not be routinely withheld in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, even if refractory.

This study was designed to assess the effect of patient education on the knowledge of safety and awareness about living with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) within the context of phase I cardiac rehabilitation. Methods. The study was conducted with 28 newly implanted CIED patients who were included in "education group (EG)". Patients were questioned with a survey about living with CIEDs and electromagnetic interference (EMI) before and 1month after an extensive constructed interview. Ninety-three patients who had been living with CIEDs were included in the "without education group (woEG)". Results. Patients in EG had improved awareness on topics related to physical and daily life activities including work, driving, sports and sexual activities, EMI of household items, harmful equipment, and some of the medical devices in the hospital setting (p

Growing populations and ageing demographics lead to an increased burden of ischaemic heart disease and related cardiovascular interventions, resulting in pressure on healthcare systems. Although the healthcare system in Turkey has undergone comprehensive remodelling over the last decade, there are many challenges to overcome, including better reimbursement for cardiovascular interventions, standardisation of interventional cardiology services and research-related activities. In this manuscript, we present an overview of coronary and structural heart interventions in Turkey, as well as providing information on current reimbursement policies and the healthcare system.

The clinical effect of intracoronary thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with unstable angina pectoris is unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess how thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention affects in-hospital and 30-month mortality and complications in patients with unstable angina pectoris.We undertook an observational cohort study of 645 consecutive unstable angina pectoris patients who had performed percutaneous coronary intervention from February 2011 to March 2013. Before intervention, 159 patients who had culprit lesion with thrombus were randomly assigned to group 1 (thrombus aspiration group) and group 2 (stand-alone percutaneous coronary intervention group). All patients were followed-up 30 months until August 2015.Thrombus aspiration was performed in 64 patients (46%) whose cardiac markers (ie, creatinine kinase [CK-MB] mass and troponin T) were significantly lower after percutaneous coronary intervention than in those of group 2 (CK-MB mass: 3.80 ± 1.11 vs 4.23 ± 0.89, P = 0.012; troponin T: 0.012 ± 0.014 vs 0.018 ± 0.008, P = 0.002). Left ventricular ejection fraction at 6, 12, and 24 months postintervention was significantly higher in the group 1. During a mean follow-up period of 28.87 ± 6.28 months, mortality rates were 6.3% in the group 1 versus 12.9% in the group 2. Thrombus aspiration was also associated with significantly less long-term mortality in unstable angina pectoris patients (adjusted HR: 4.61, 95% CI: 1.16-18.21, P = 0.029).Thrombus aspiration in the context of unstable angina pectoris is associated with a limited elevation in cardiac enzymes during intervention that minimises microembolization and significantly improves both of epicardial flow and myocardial perfusion, as shown by angiographic TIMI flow grade and frame count. Thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention in unstable angina pectoris patients has better survival over a 30-month follow-up period.

The clinical effect of intracoronary thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with unstable angina pectoris is unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess how thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention affects in-hospital and 30-month mortality and complications in patients with unstable angina pectoris.We undertook an observational cohort study of 645 consecutive unstable angina pectoris patients who had performed percutaneous coronary intervention from February 2011 to March 2013. Before intervention, 159 patients who had culprit lesion with thrombus were randomly assigned to group 1 (thrombus aspiration group) and group 2 (stand-alone percutaneous coronary intervention group). All patients were followed-up 30 months until August 2015.Thrombus aspiration was performed in 64 patients (46%) whose cardiac markers (ie, creatinine kinase [CK-MB] mass and troponin T) were significantly lower after percutaneous coronary intervention than in those of group 2 (CK-MB mass: 3.801.11 vs 4.23 +/- 0.89, P=0.012; troponin T: 0.012 +/- 0.014 vs 0.018 +/- 0.008, P=0.002). Left ventricular ejection fraction at 6, 12, and 24 months postintervention was significantly higher in the group 1. During a mean follow-up period of 28.87 +/- 6.28 months, mortality rates were 6.3% in the group 1 versus 12.9% in the group 2. Thrombus aspiration was also associated with significantly less long-term mortality in unstable angina pectoris patients (adjusted HR: 4.61, 95% CI: 1.16-18.21, P=0.029).Thrombus aspiration in the context of unstable angina pectoris is associated with a limited elevation in cardiac enzymes during intervention that minimises microembolization and significantly improves both of epicardial flow and myocardial perfusion, as shown by angiographic TIMI flow grade and frame count. Thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention in unstable angina pectoris patients has better survival over a 30-month follow-up period.

BACKGROUND: The effect of optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance on the implantation strategy during all phases of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs) in a real-world scenario has been poorly investigated. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing BVS implantation at our institution were included in this registry. Frequency-domain OCT pullbacks were performed at the operator's discretion during all phases of BVS implantation procedures to optimize preparation of lesions, confirm BVS size, and optimize expansion and apposition of scaffolds. RESULTS: Between September 2012 and July 2015, 203 BVSs were implanted in 101 consecutive patients at our institution (2.01 BVSs/patient). In 66 patients, the procedure was performed under OCT guidance. In the OCT subgroup, 66 (77.6%) of the 85 treated lesions were complex (B2/C AHA/ACC type). Overall, 147 OCT pullbacks were performed and 72/147 (49.0%) pullbacks indicated the need for changing strategy. After angiography-only-guided optimisation of BVS in 27 (31.8%) lesions, an OCT examination prompted performance of a second post-expansion. This resulted in an increase in the minimal scaffold area (5.5 to 6.3mm(2), p=0.004) and a decrease in the incomplete scaffold apposition area (1.1 to 0.6mm(2), p=0.082), with no new stent fractures. When the population was divided according to the time of BVS implantation, an initial learning adaptation became evident, with the number of OCT-guided changes in strategy significantly decreasing between the initial and final time periods (p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: OCT guidance for BVS implantation significantly affects the procedural strategy, with favourable effects on acute results and the learning curve.

BackgroundIdiopathic hyperhidrosis (IH) is characterized by excessive and uncontrolled production of sweat, mainly localized to the soles, palms, axillae and craniofacial area. Although IH is a disease concerning the autonomic nervous system, it is not clear yet whether this dysfunction is local or systemic. ObjectiveTo evaluate the autonomic control of cardiovascular system by measuring values of heart rate recovery (HRR) and systolic blood pressure recovery (SBPR) obtained at various time intervals after maximal graded exercise treadmill testing in patients with IH compared with controls. MethodsThe study population comprised 36 patients with IH (20 men, 16 women; mean age 25 7 years) and 36 healthy controls (HCs) (12 men, 24 women; mean age 27 5 years). All patients were selected from young, nonobese and healthy sedentary individuals. ResultsPeak HR values reached in patients with IH were significantly higher compared with the HC group (P < 0.001). The obtained HRR values at minutes 3, 4 and 5 were significantly lower in the IH than the HC group [57 +/- 16 vs. 64 +/- 9 (P = 0.03); 61 +/- 14 vs. 68 +/- 9 (P = 0.03); 64 +/- 12 vs. 70 +/- 7 (P < 0.01)]. In addition, calculated mean values for SBPR1 and SBPR2 were > 1 in patients with IH (1.04 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.98 +/- 0.08 and 1.0 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.94 +/- 0.06, respectively) and these were statistically significant compared with the HC group (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). ConclusionsThe significantly impaired SBPR and decreased HRR values we observed in patients with IH may indicate that the autonomic dysfunction in IH is a systemic disorder with cardiovascular effects, rather than a merely local disease. Both HRR and SBPR values may provide additional information about predicting adverse cardiovascular events in the future even in apparently healthy young patients with IH.

Background: The effect of optical coherence tomography (OCT) guidance on the implantation strategy during all phases of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs) in a real-world scenario has been poorly investigated. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing BVS implantation at our institution were included in this registry. Frequency-domain OCT pullbacks were performed at the operator's discretion during all phases of BVS implantation procedures to optimize preparation of lesions, confirm BVS size, and optimize expansion and apposition of scaffolds. Results: Between September 2012 and July 2015, 203 BVSs were implanted in 101 consecutive patients at our institution (2.01 BVSs/patient). In 66 patients, the procedure was performed under OCT guidance. In the OCT subgroup, 66 (77.6%) of the 85 treated lesions were complex (B2/C AHA/ACC type). Overall, 147 OCT pullbacks were performed and 72/147 (49.0%) pullbacks indicated the need for changing strategy. After angiography-only-guided optimisation of BVS in 27 (31.8%) lesions, an OCT examination prompted performance of a second post-expansion. This resulted in an increase in the minimal scaffold area (5.5 to 6.3 mm(2), p = 0.004) and a decrease in the incomplete scaffold apposition area (1.1 to 0.6 mm(2), p = 0.082), with no new stent fractures. When the population was divided according to the time of BVS implantation, an initial learning adaptation became evident, with the number of OCT-guided changes in strategy significantly decreasing between the initial and final time periods (p= 0.017). Conclusions: OCT guidance for BVS implantation significantly affects the procedural strategy, with favourable effects on acute results and the learning curve. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Objective: The present study compared heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: The study population consisted of 60 consecutive patients with CAE (14 women; mean age 51.63 +/- 7.44 years), 60 consecutive patients with CA (15 women; mean age 53.67 +/- 9.31 years), and 59 healthy individuals (13 women; mean age 52.85 +/- 8.19 years). Electrocardiograms, 24-hour Holter analyses, and routine biochemical tests were performed, and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Coronary angiography images were analyzed. Time-domain HRV parameters, including the standard deviation (SD) of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and the root mean square of difference in successive normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD) were evaluated, as were frequency-domain HRV parameters including low-frequency (LF), very low-frequency (VLF), high-frequency (HF), the proportion derived by dividing low-and high-frequency (LF/HF), and total power (TP). Results: SDNN was lower in both the CAE and CAD groups, compared to the healthy group (140.85 +/- 44.21, 96.51 +/- 31.28, and 181.05 +/- 48.67, respectively). A significant difference in RMSSD values among the groups was determined (p=0.004). Significantly decreased VLF and HF values were found in the CAE group, compared with the healthy group (VLF p

ObjectivesOptical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to investigate integrity and expansion of bioresorbable drug-eluting scaffolds (BVS) after high-pressure postdilation (HPPD). BackgroundBecause of concerns about the risk of BVS damage, postdilation was not recommended and applied in the existing randomized studies and most registries. Recent real world data suggest incomplete BVS expansion cause higher rates of thrombosis. In vivo confirmation of the safety of high pressure postdilation is of paramount importance. MethodsData from final OCT examination of consecutive implanted BVS, postdilated with noncompliant (NC) balloons at pressure 24 atm were analyzed. The following stent performance indices were assessed with OCT: mean and minimal lumen and scaffold area, residual area stenosis (RAS), incomplete strut apposition (ISA), tissue prolapse, eccentricity index (EI), symmetry index (SI), strut fractures, and edge dissections. ResultTwenty-two BVS postdilated at high pressure were analyzed. The average maximal postdilation balloon inflation (maxPD) was 283 atm. High pressure OPN NC Balloon (SIS Medical AG, Winterthur Switzerland) was used in 41% of postdilations with a maximal PD of 30 +/- 4.7 atm. Final mean and minimal lumen area were 6.8 +/- 1.4 and 5.5 +/- 1.4 mm(2), respectively. OCT showed low percentage of RAS (16 +/- 9.6%), and low percentage of ISA (1.8 +/- 2.4%). Mean EI was 0.86 +/- 0.02 and SI 0.35 +/- 0.14. OCT analysis showed one edge dissection and no scaffold fractures. ConclusionsBVS deployment optimization using HPPD does not cause BVS disruption and is associated with a good BVS expansion, low rate of strut malapposition and edge dissections. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of limitations in the shoulder range of motion (ROM) or the loss of upper extremity function on the affected side in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) with respect to the implantation time. Forty-nine patients (30 men and 19 women), mean age 64.84 +/- 11.18 years, who had been living with a CIED for less than 3 months were included in the short-term recipient (STR) group and 127 patients (85 men and 42 women), mean age 64.91 +/- 14.70 years, and with the device for longer than 3 months were included in the long-term recipients group. Shoulder ROMs were measured using a digital goniometer. The other arm was used as the control. The Constant-Murler Score, Shoulder Pain Disability Index, and Shoulder Disability Questionnaire were used to assess the functional status. Limitations of ROM for flexion, abduction, and internal rotation were found to be significantly lower in the arm on the side of CIED compared with the control arm. Significant differences in shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation in STRs were found compared with long-term recipient (P

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a rare and lethal condition associated with a high risk of rapid enlargement and rupture. It develops after transmural myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac surgery, trauma, or infection. When a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is detected, surgical repair is recommended due to the high possibility of rupture. In this report, we present surgical treatment of a giant cardiac pseudoaneurysm that occurred after MI in a colon carcinoma patient.

Background: Obesity alters endocrine and metabolic functions of adipose tissue and has been recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease, which in turn may contribute to the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity-associated vasculopathy and cardiovascular disease. The pathogenesis of obesity involves many regulatory pathways including transcriptional regulatory networks, including microRNAs. Methods: A total of 83 patients were included in the study. Patients were recruited from a cardiology outpatient clinic and were allocated into 3 age- and sex-matched groups according to their body mass index. Group 1 included 23 morbidly obese, group 230 obese, and group 330 normal or overweight subjects. Results: In our study, we showed that miR-143 and miR-223 levels were significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 than the control group (normal BMI or overweight). Conclusions: Obesity leads to alterations in miRNA expressions and miRNA-143 and -223s can be used as biomarkers for the metabolic changes in obesity. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coronary angiography underestimates the magnitude of the atherosclerotic burden and cannot detect the presence of disease in the early phases. Recognition of these inherent limitations of angiography has been an impetus for the development of other coronary imaging techniques. The novel near-infrared spectroscopy-intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS) catheters can detect and quantify the presence of lipid core in the atherosclerotic plaque and associate it with other features such as lumen size and plaque architecture. Lipid-rich plaques are known to pose a higher risk of distal embolization during interventions and plaque disruption. The aim of this manuscript is the review of the potential clinical and research applications of this technology as highlighted by recent studies.

Aim: The retina and ocular vasculature are vulnerable to alterations in systemic hemodynamics, such as in open heart surgeries. Our aim was to investigate retinal vascular caliber (RVC), ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery patients. Methods: Twenty-six patients who had a history of CABG surgery and 26 age-sex-matched healthy participants were recruited for this prospective, cross-sectional and comparative study. The RVC, peripapillary RNFL and macular thickness measurements were taken with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The OPA, a surrogate of pulsatile ocular blood flow, was measured with the Pascal dynamic contour tonometer. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the CABG surgery patients and the controls with regard to RVC, OPA, peripapillary RNFL thickness and macular thickness measurements (p>0.05). Conclusions: CABG surgery does not affect retinal structures and pulsatile ocular blood flow in the long-term follow-up.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare systolic blood pressure recovery and heart rate recovery (HRR) values obtained at various time intervals after maximal graded exercise treadmill testing between patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and the controls without MS. To our knowledge, this is the first study indicating systolic blood pressure recovery (SBPR) impairment and its relations to HRR and other variables in this group of patients. The study population included 110 patients with MS (67 men, 43 women; mean age: 46 +/- 9 years) and 110 control subjects who did not meet the criteria for MS (58 men, 52 women; mean age: 44 +/- 10 years). All patients were selected from nonobese, apparently healthy sedentary individuals who had the ability to perform maximum exercise testing. SBPR was assessed by calculating the ratio of systolic blood pressure (SBP) obtained in the third minute of the recovery period to either the peak-exercise SBP or the SBP in the first minute of the recovery period after graded exercise testing. HRR values were calculated by subtracting the HR at the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth minutes of the recovery period from the HR reached at peak exercise. There was no significant difference found between the 2 groups with respect to age and sex distribution. As expected, patients with MS had higher waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose and serum triglyceride, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with control subjects. All HRR values calculated in the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth minutes were significantly detected lower in the MS group compared with the control group (HRR 1st: 32 +/- 10 vs 36 +/- 11; P = 0.009; HRR 2nd: 47 +/- 10 vs 51 +/- 11; P = 0.02; HRR 3rd: 53 +/- 11 vs 58 +/- 12; P = 0.001; HRR 4th: 57 +/- 11 vs 64 +/- 12; P < 0.001; HRR 5th: 60 +/- 16 vs 69 +/- 15; P < 0.001). In addition, calculated mean values for SBPR1 and SBPR2 were > 1 in patients with MS (1.01 +/- 0.2 vs 0.91 +/- 0.1 and 1.01 +/- 0.1 vs 0.94 +/- 0.1) and these were statistically significant compared with the control group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). The existence of MS was found to be the only parameter that was independently and positively related to SBPR values in the study population. Our findings suggest that only the existence of MS itself, not the presence of any MS components, is independently associated with SBPRs. We are of the opinion that significantly impaired SBPR values, in addition to the decreased HRR values observed in this group of patients, such as those with MS, may especially help identify patients with potentially increased cardiovascular risk despite normal exercise stress testing findings.

The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of limitations in the shoulder range of motion (ROM) or the loss of upper extremity function on the affected side in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) with respect to the implantation time. Forty-nine patients (30 men and 19 women), mean age 64.84±11.18 years, who had been living with a CIED for less than 3 months were included in the short-term recipient (STR) group and 127 patients (85 men and 42 women), mean age 64.91±14.70 years, and with the device for longer than 3 months were included in the long-term recipients group. Shoulder ROMs were measured using a digital goniometer. The other arm was used as the control. The Constant-Murler Score, Shoulder Pain Disability Index, and Shoulder Disability Questionnaire were used to assess the functional status. Limitations of ROM for flexion, abduction, and internal rotation were found to be significantly lower in the arm on the side of CIED compared with the control arm. Significant differences in shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation in STRs were found compared with long-term recipient (P

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare systolic blood pressure recovery and heart rate recovery (HRR) values obtained at various time intervals after maximal graded exercise treadmill testing between patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and the controls without MS. To our knowledge, this is the first study indicating systolic blood pressure recovery (SBPR) impairment and its relations to HRR and other variables in this group of patients. The study population included 110 patients with MS (67 men, 43 women; mean age: 46 ± 9 years) and 110 control subjects who did not meet the criteria for MS (58 men, 52 women; mean age: 44 ± 10 years). All patients were selected from nonobese, apparently healthy sedentary individuals who had the ability to perform maximum exercise testing. SBPR was assessed by calculating the ratio of systolic blood pressure (SBP) obtained in the third minute of the recovery period to either the peak-exercise SBP or the SBP in the first minute of the recovery period after graded exercise testing. HRR values were calculated by subtracting the HR at the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth minutes of the recovery period from the HR reached at peak exercise. There was no significant difference found between the 2 groups with respect to age and sex distribution. As expected, patients with MS had higher waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose and serum triglyceride, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with control subjects. All HRR values calculated in the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth minutes were significantly detected lower in the MS group compared with the control group (HRR 1st: 32 ± 10 vs 36 ± 11; P = 0.009; HRR 2nd: 47 ± 10 vs 51 ± 11; P = 0.02; HRR 3rd: 53 ± 11 vs 58 ± 12; P = 0.001; HRR 4th: 57 ± 11 vs 64 ± 12; P < 0.001; HRR 5th: 60 ± 16 vs 69 ± 15; P < 0.001). In addition, calculated mean values for SBPR1 and SBPR2 were >1 in patients with MS (1.01 ± 0.2 vs 0.91 ± 0.1 and 1.01 ± 0.1 vs 0.94 ± 0.1) and these were statistically significant compared with the control group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). The existence of MS was found to be the only parameter that was independently and positively related to SBPR values in the study population. Our findings suggest that only the existence of MS itself, not the presence of any MS components, is independently associated with SBPRs. We are of the opinion that significantly impaired SBPR values, in addition to the decreased HRR values observed in this group of patients, such as those with MS, may especially help identify patients with potentially increased cardiovascular risk despite normal exercise stress testing findings.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) refers to a group of cardiovascular risk factors associated with endothelial dysfunction and impaired coronary blood flow (CBF). Homocysteine (Hcy) is another risk factor for the development of insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. However, the relationship between Hcy levels and CBF in patients with MS has not been investigated specifically. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between Hcy levels and CBF in MS patients with normal coronary arteries. METHODS: The study population included 36 patients with MS (20 males, 16 females; mean age = 55 ± 9 years) and 36 control subjects (20 males, 16 females; mean age = 51 ± 7 years). All subjects had angiographically proven normal coronary arteries. Plasma Hcy concentrations were evaluated after a fast of 12 h or longer. The CBF rates of all subjects were documented by the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count method. RESULTS: The TIMI frame counts for each major epicardial coronary artery and mean TIMI frame count were found to be significantly higher in the MS group compared with the control group (left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD): 53 ± 26 vs. 39 ± 17; p = 0.01, left circumflex artery (LCx): 32 ± 12 vs. 26 ± 11; p = 0.01, right coronary artery (RCA): 33 ± 14 vs. 26 ± 12; p = 0.02, mean TIMI frame count: 39 ± 16 vs. 20 ± 12; p = 0.01). Plasma Hcy levels in patients with MS were significantly higher compared with controls (MS group = 11.6 ± 4 and control group = 9.6 ± 2.6; p = 0.01). Additionally, plasma Hcy levels were positively correlated with each calculated TIMI frame count value in the MS group (LAD, r: 0.28 and p = 0.006; LCx, r: 0.25 and p = 0.022; RCA, r: 0.26 and p = 0.042; mean TIMI frame count, r: 0.28 and p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Plasma Hcy levels and TIMI frame counts were significantly higher in patients with MS. Impaired CBF in MS may be related to elevated levels of Hcy, even if Hcy levels are normal.