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Corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (cTFC) is an objective, simple, and reproducible method to assess coronary blood flow which is a surrogate for cardiovascular outcomes. It is important to learn which factors are associated with cTFC. The goal of this study was to determine predictive models for epicardial blood flow assessed by cTFC and develop a diagnostic predictive model that indicates the individualized assessment of epicardial blood flow prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention. This is a retrospective study including 3205 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent pPCI. The primary outcome was cTFC. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed. Subsequently, a nomogram was developed to predict cTFC according to the candidate predictors. Median age was 58; the number of male patients was 2381 (74.3%). Median value of cTFC was 22 and interquartile range (IQR): 16.5–28.0). Age, diabetes mellitus (DM), total ischemic time, systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and history of statin use remained in both full and reduced models. Our model may potentially allow clinicians to identify patients at high risk for impaired epicardial perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine whether admission hemoglobin versus post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) hemoglobin level at 24 hours is a predictor of in-hospital mortality for patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without evidence of clinical hemorrhage who underwent primary PCI. METHODS: In this study, we included 1,444 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI at a tertiary heart hospital. The primary outcome of the study was the in-hospital all-cause mortality. We used the penalized maximum likelihood estimation (PMLE) logistic regression method to examine the relationship between primary outcome and candidate predictors. RESULTS: In total, 172 (11.9%) patients died during the in-hospital course. According to a PMLE logistic regression analysis, age, KILLIP class ≥2, pre-PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow

Data regarding the possible role of heparanase (HPA) in the occurrence of left atrial/left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is lacking. The goal of the present study was to assess the association between plasma levels of HPA and LA/LAA thrombus in AF.A total of 687 patients with nonvalvular AF (NVAF) without anticoagulation therapy were included from January 2016 to June 2019. Serum HPA analysis was performed with a commercially available human ELISA kit. Logistic regression models were used to test for association.Serum HPA levels were significantly higher in patients with LA/LAA thrombus than in those without LA/LAA thrombus (270.8 [193.4 ± 353.2] pg/mL vs 150.3 [125.2 ± 208.4] pg/mL; P 0.001). In multivariate analysis, serum HPA remained a significantly independent predictor of LA/LAA thrombus (odds ratio 1.674, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.339-2.289, P 0.001). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, HPA showed a predictive value with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.757 (95% CI 0.652-0.810, P 0.001). The optimal cutoff level for HPA predicting LA/LAA thrombus was 210.7 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 74.3% and a specificity of 64.8%.An elevated HPA level was associated with the presence of LA/LAA thrombus in patients with AF. HPA might portend the risk for the prothrombotic state in AF patients.HINTERGRUND: Es fehlen Daten zur möglichen Rolle von Heparanase (HPA) beim Auftreten eines Thrombus linksatrial oder im linken Herzohr (LA/LAA) bei Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern (VF). Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, den Zusammenhang zwischen den Plasmaspiegel von HPA und einem LA/LAA-Thrombus bei VF zu untersuchen.Von Januar 2016 bis Juni 2019 wurden in die Studie 687 Patienten mit nichtvalvulärem VF (NVVF) ohne Antikoagulationstherapie einbezogen. Eine Serum-HPA-Analyse erfolgte mit einem kommerziell erhältlichen humanen ELISA-Kit. Logistische Regressionsmodelle wurden zur Prüfung des Zusammenhangs eingesetzt.Die Serum-HPA-Spiegel waren bei Patienten mit LA/LAA-Thrombus signifikant höher als bei Patienten ohne LA/LAA-Thrombus (270,8 [193,4 ± 353,2] pg/ml vs. 150,3 [125,2 ± 208,4] pg/ml; p 0,001). In der multivariaten Analyse blieb die Serum-HPA ein signifikant unabhängiger Prädiktor eines LA/LAA-Thrombus (Odds Ratio 1,674; 95 %-Konfidenzintervall, 95 %-KI: 1,339–2,289; p 0,001). In der Receiver-Operating-Characteristic(ROC)-Kurvenanalyse zeigte sich für HPA ein prädiktiver Wert mit einem Areal unter der Kurve (AUC) von 0,757 (95 %-KI: 0,652–0,810; p 0,001). Der optimale Grenzwert für HPA zur Vorhersage eines LA/LAA-Thrombus betrug 210,7 pg/ml, mit einer Sensitivität von 74,3 % und einer Spezifität von 64,8 %.Ein erhöhter HPA-Spiegel ging mit dem Vorliegen eines LA/LAA-Thrombus bei Patienten mit VF einher. Der HPA-Wert könnte ein Hinweis auf das Risiko eines prothrombotischen Zustands bei VF-Patienten sein.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of admission C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) for acute kidney injury (AKI) in cases with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) not on dialysis who presented with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and underwent coronary angiography (CAG). This cross-sectional and observational study included 420 NSTEMI patients. The study population was categorized based on the CAR tertiles as groups T1, T2, and T3. The primary outcome of the study was AKI development; 92 (21.9%) cases developed AKI. The frequency of AKI was significantly higher in the T3 group compared with the T2 and T1 groups (34% vs 17% vs 14%, P < .001). Age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, contrast media volume, and CAR (odds ratio: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.17-1.57; P < .01) were significant predictors of AKI. In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, CAR levels >0.20 predicted AKI development with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 45%. We observed that the CAR may be a promising inflammatory parameter for AKI in NSTEMI patients with moderate to severe CKD after CAG.

Introduction:To explore the prognostic importance for admission of C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio (CAR) in elderly patients aged 80 years over who presented with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI).Methods:This retrospective, observational research was related to the clinical data of 528 elderly non-STEMI patients. The study population was categorized based on CAR tertiles as T1, T2, and T3 groups. The CAR was obtained by dividing CRP to albumin level. The main outcome of the research was the in-hospital mortality.Results:The in-hospital mortality rate during index hospitalization was 5% (n=27 patients). Cases included in the T3 tertile had significantly higher incidence of cardiopulmonary arrest, cardiac mortality, and all-cause mortality during the index hospitalization [(15% vs 4% vs 0.5%), (10% vs 1% vs 0%), and (13% vs 2% vs 0%), respectively, p1 on admission, revascularization, and CAR (odds ratio: 1.47, 95% confidence intervals: 1.23-1.75, p1.12 predicted in-hospital mortality with a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 77% (area under the curve: 0.813, p

Background/aim: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) is the most effective method of supraventricular tachycardia therapy. Recurrent supraventricular tachycardia causes systolic dysfunction and dilated cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term alterations of atrial and ventricular functions after RFAof typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 55 consecutive patients with symptomatic drug-resistant AVNRT who had had an invasive electrophysiology study and RFA. Speckle-tracking?based echocardiographic assessment was performed shortly before and 1 year after the operation. Left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) peak systolic strain (PSS) and atrial strain measurements were performed. Results: RFA successfully eliminatedtachyarrhythmia in all patients. LV apical 4-chamber PSS ?20.8% (?24.7 to ?16.0) vs. ?22.8% (?26.6 to ?17.0, P < 0.001), LV apical 2-chamber PSS ?21.5% (?26.8 to ?10.1) vs. ?22.0% (?27.8 to ?13.7, P < 0.001), LV global PSS ?20.4% (?26.4 to ?14.4) vs. ?23.0% (?27.1 to ?2.3, P < 0.001), RV global PSS ?26.0% (?30.0 to ?18.0) vs. ?26.5% (?32.1 to ?19.7, P < 0.001), and peak left atrial longitudinal strain 41.0% (19.0?71.8) vs. 54.0% (25.6?82.0, P < 0.001) were significantly improved 1 year after RFA. Conclusion: RFA of AVNRT not only provides relief of palpitations but also improves cardiac functions.

The objective of this study is to assess the prognostic effects of T ranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on the patients with different degrees of left ventricular systolic (LVS) function and severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. Also examines the prognostic association of LV remodelling after TAVR.Patients stratified into four subgroups with respect to baseline LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (LVEF25%, LVEF 25%-40%, LVEF 41%-49% and LVEF ≥ 50%). We compared the baseline characteristics and temporal changes in echocardiographic parameters of the patients after TAVR, and determined all-cause mortality (ACM) in a follow-up period of mean 20.7 ± 15.8 months (up to 84). There were 495 patients at 8 centres. ACM was similar in all groups (28.1%, 29.5%, 22.5% and 24.1% respectively;This study shows that TAVR is beneficial in the whole range of LVS function, irrespective of the baseline EF. Early recovery in LVEF after TAVR is critical for survival, however, it seems to be more eye catching in the patients with advanced heart failure with reduced EF.

Background We identified a specific pattern that does not display contiguous ST-segment elevation (STE), indicating acute inferior myocardial infarction (MI) with concomitant critical stenoses on the other coronary arteries. We sought to define the frequency, underlying anatomic substrate, diagnostic power and prognostic implications of this pattern. Methods One thousand patients with a diagnosis of non-STEMI were enrolled as the study group. Within the same date range, all patients with inferior STEMI and 1000 patients, who had been excluded for MI (no-MI), were also enrolled. The coronary angiograms were reviewed by two interventional cardiologists, who were blinded to the ECGs. Echocardiographic wall motion bullseye displays and coronary angiography maps were constructed for each group. The dead or alive status was checked from the electronic national database. Results The final study population consisted 2362 patients. The prespecified ECG pattern was observed in 6.3% (61/966) of the non-STEMI cohort and 0.5% (5/1000) of no-MI patients. These patients had a larger infarct size as evidenced by 24-hour troponin levels, higher frequency of angiographic culprit lesion, and higher frequency of composite acute coronary occlusion endpoint compared to their non-STEMI counterparts. On the other hand, they had a similar in-hospital (5% vs. 4%, respectively; P = 0.675) and one-year mortality compared to the patients with inferior STEMI (11% vs. 8%, respectively; P = 0.311). Conclusion We here define a new ECG pattern indicating inferior MI in patients with concomitant critical lesion(s) in coronary arteries other than the infarct-related artery. Patients with this pattern have multivessel disease and higher mortality.

Background: Lead aVR provides prognostic information in various settings for patients with cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of a positive T wave ...

Aim: The relationship between heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels and atherosclerosis was investigated in multiple studies. The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between HO-1 levels and coronary SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Patients who had been planned to undergo invasive coronary angiography due to a suspected CAD, between the dates of September and December 2019, were included in the study. Serum HO-1 levels were measured from peripheral venous blood. The SYNTAX score was calculated using standard coronary angiography images. Regression analysis was performed to establish the relationship between HO-1 levels and the SYNTAX score. Results: In total, 137 patients were included. The median age was 63 years (IQR: 15), and most of the patients were male (75.2%). The median HO-1 level was 1.44 (IQR: 0.88) ng/mL, and the median SYNTAX score was 6 (IQR: 13). Regression analysis showed that HO-1 is the single most important variable associated with the SYNTAX score (HO-1 levels from 1.01 to 1.87 ng/mL, OR: 6.77, 95% confidence interval 5.18–8.36, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: In this study, serum HO-1 levels were significantly associated with the coronary SYNTAX score.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Inotroduction . CHA₂DS₂-VASc scoring system, which includes traditional risk factors of coronary artery disease, is actually created to determine the risk of thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. In this study; the value of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, which can be calculated easily on admission, was evaluated for predicting in-hospital adverse outcomes in ST elevation miyocardial infarction (STEMI) patients without atrial fibrillation. Method This was a single center cross-sectional study. 1933 STEMI patients enrolled to the study. Primary end points include in-hospital death, cardiopulmonary arrest and cerebrovascular accident and were identified as MACE Results MACE rate was 10% (193 patients), in-hospital mortality rate was 9% (169 patients).In proportional logistic regression analysis, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was an independent predictor for MACE (OR and CI 95%, 2.31[1.37-3.90]; p value:0.0016). In the regression analysis, the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was taken as an uncatagorized continuous variable, and the relationship between the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and MACE was observed to be linear. Additionally heart rate (OR and 95% CI, 1.56 [0.97- 2.50]; p value: 0.0242), killip class on admission (OR and 95% CI, 24.19[10.74-54.46]; p value Conclusion CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was observed as an indepented predictor for MACE in STEMI patients. To evaluate the relationship between CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and outcomes, the linear analysis of the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score without categorization in prediction model is used and this is the main difference of our study from others. Table-1 Variables Odss Ratio (OR) and 95% CI p value CHA₂DS₂-VASc ( 0 to 3) 2.31 (1.37-3.90) p = 0,0016 Heart Rate (Beats per minute) ( 68 to 94) 1.56 (0.97-2.50) p =0.0242 Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) ( 115 to 156) 0.83 (0.51-1.34) p = 0.3523 Killip Class ( I to IV) 24.19 (10.74-54.46) p Abstract Figure. Partial impact plots of predictors

Background: No‑reflow (NR) is a strong and independent predictor of poor cardiovascular outcomes among patients with ST‑segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the acute‑to‑chronic (A/C) glycemic ratio with no‑reflow (NR) in STEMI patients following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This retrospective study included 905 patients with STEMI. The A/C glycemic ratio was determined as admission blood glucose (ABG) divided by the estimated average glucose (eAG). We evaluated 2 primary models (full model and reduced model). The primary outcome was the presence of NR. Results: The incidence of NR was 22.7% (206 cases) in the present study. We divided the study population into 3 tertiles (T1, T2, and T3) based on the ABG/eAG ratio. There was a stepwise increase of the frequency of NR from the T1 to T3 group (36 patients [12%] vs 70 patients [23%] vs 100 patients [33%]; respectively [P < 0.001, for each group comparison]). In a full model, the ABG/eAG ratio (OR, 2.274; 95% CI, 1.587–3.26; P < 0.001) was associated with NR. After the performance of a step-down backward variable selection method, the thrombus grade, the ABG/eAG ratio, the infarct‑related artery diameter, and age remained in the reduced model. The ABG/eAG ratio (contributing 25.3% of the explainable outcome in the model) was one of the strong predictors of NR in the reduced model. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this might be the first study showing a significant relationship between the ABG/eAG ratios with NR in patients with STEMI after primary PCI.

Introduction In the present study, we investigate the association of acute-to-chronic (A/C) glycemic ratio with no-reflow (NR) development in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Material and methods This retrospective study included 905 consecutive STEMI patients who were treated with primary PCI. The A/C glycemic ratio was determined as admission blood glucose (ABG) divided by the estimated average glucose (eAG). We evaluated two primary models (full model and reduced model).The primary outcome was the presence of NR. Results The incidence of NR was 22.7% (206 cases) in the present study. We divided the study population into three tertiles (T1, T2, and T3) based on the ABG/eAG ratio. There was a stepwise increase of the frequency of NR development from the T1 to T3 group (36 patients [12%] vs. 70 patients [23%] vs. 100 patients [33%]; respectively [p Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this might be the first study showing a significant relationship between the ABG/eAG ratios with NR in STEMI patients after primary PCI. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Background Since there is no proven treatment to reduce mortality in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients, to identify the predictors of decompensation are important in these patients. Purpose In this study, we aimed to evaluate the left atrium (LA) mechanical functions in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) presenting with dyspnea and to investigate the predictors of pulmonary edema (PE). Methods This study was designed as a single-center cross-sectional study. Patients with LVH who presented to the emergency department with dyspnea were divided into two groups as PE (n=30) and non-PE (n=100). Mechanical functions of the LA were evaluated by speckle-tracking echocardiography. As a statistical method, diagnostic modelling was performed to demonstrate the relationship between demographic and echocardiographic features with the diagnosis of the patient (with or without PE). First, a basal model was created consisting of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), creatinine (Model 0). Then, different models were created by adding reservoir strain (S) (Model 1), conduit S, pump S, reservoir strain rate (SR), conduit SR and pump SR to the basal model, respectively. It was analyzed how each model made changes in performance criteria compared to the basal model. Results When the relationship between left atrial strain parameters and PE were analyzed, LA reservoir S (OR: 1.74 (1.14–2.64); p: 0.003) and LA pump SR (OR: 1.69 (1.07–2.64); p: 0.023) had found to be significantly associated with the development of PE. Another parameter associated with PE was admission creatinine value (OR: 1.52 (1.08–2.15), p-value: 0.016). In our study, LVMI is not a predictor for PE but, when the interaction of LA reservoir S and LVMI was considered, it is observed that decreased LA reservoir S is associated with more PE, especially in individuals with higher LVMI. Conclusion In this study, we found that the LA reservoir S is significantly associated with the development of PE in patients with LVH, especially in individuals with higher LVMI. Interaction of reservoir S and LVMI Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Introduction Although ST-segment elevation (STE) has been used synonymously with acute coronary occlusion (ACO), current STE criteria miss nearly one-third of ACO and cause a substantial amount of false catheterization laboratory activations. Purpose We sought whether a new ACO/non-ACO myocardial infarction (MI) paradigm would result in better identification of the patients who need acute reperfusion therapy. Methods A total of 3000 patients were enrolled in STEMI, non-STEMI and control groups. A combined ACO endpoint was composed of peak troponin level, troponin rise within the first 24 hours and angiographic appearance. Results In non-STEMI group, 282 patients were re-classified as having ACO. This subgroup had a higher ACO frequency and myocardial damage compared to NSTEMI group. More importantly, in-hospital and long-term mortality rates was similar to STEMI patients. The ECG reviewers prospectively classified 35.6% of ECGs as STEMI and 35.5% of ECGs as ACOMI; 25.6% being shared in the both definitions. Both unweighted and weighted diagnostic accuracy of STEMI/non-STEMI and ACOMI/non-ACOMI approaches for ACO and long-term mortality were presented in Table 1. The diagnostic accuracy of the ACOMI/non-ACOMI approach was superior to the STEMI/non-STEMI approach in three out of four comparisons. We also sought to compare ECG subtypes according to early (ECG-to-PCI time Conclusions We believe that it is time for a new paradigm shift from the STEMI/non-STEMI to the ACOMI/non-ACOMI in the acute management of MI. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate compliance to lipid lowering guidelines regarding statin prescription on discharge and statin adherence rates during a follow-up period of one year in patients hospitalised with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).In-hospital records of 3506 ACS patients, of which 771 had experienced an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 2735 had experienced a non-STEMI, were collected. We calculated medication possession ratios (MPRs) for each subject. We designated patients with ≥9 statin refills/year (MPR ≥ 0.75) as the statin-adherent group and patients with9 statin refills/year (MPR0.75) as the statin-non-adherent group.During a 12-month follow-up period, 234 patients in the STEMI group (30.3%) and 391 patients in the non-STEMI group (14.3%) had 12 refills of statin. Thus, only 17.8% of the total study population had complete adherence to statin therapy with an MPR of 1. When patients with ≥9 statin prescriptions were categorised as the statin-adherent group, only 1575 patients (44.9%) were found to be adherent to statin treatment. In multivariate analysis, patients with a non-STEMI diagnosis and high intensity statin treatment had higher rates of non-adherence (OR:1.685, 95%CI:1.412-2.012,The present study shows that compliance with guidelines regarding statin initiation during hospitalisation and statin adherence rates during a one-year follow-up period are low for patients treated for ACS. Considering the overwhelming clinical benefits of high-intensity statins in patients with ACS, every effort should be made to increase the rate of optimal use of statins in secondary prevention.

Background Although ST-segment elevation (STE) has been used synonymously with acute coronary occlusion (ACO), current STE criteria miss nearly one-third of ACO and result in a substantial amount of false catheterization laboratory activations. As many other electrocardiographic (ECG) findings can reliably indicate ACO, we sought whether a new ACO/non-ACO myocardial infarction (MI) paradigm would result in better identification of the patients who need acute reperfusion therapy. Methods A total of 3000 patients were enrolled in STEMI, non-STEMI and control groups. All ECGs were reviewed by two cardiologists, blinded to any outcomes, for the current STEMI criteria and other subtle signs. A combined ACO endpoint was composed of peak troponin level, troponin rise within the first 24 h and angiographic appearance. The dead or alive status was checked from hospital records and from the electronic national database. Results In non-STEMI group, 28.2% of the patients were re-classified by the ECG reviewers as having ACO. This subgroup had a higher frequency of ACO, myocardial damage, and both in-hospital and long-term mortality compared to non-STEMI group. A prospective ACOMI/non-ACOMI approach to the ECG had superior diagnostic accuracy compared to the STE/non-STEMI approach in the prediction of ACO and long-term mortality. In Cox-regression analysis early intervention in patients with non-ACO-predicting ECGs was associated with a higher long-term mortality. Conclusions We believe that it is time for a new paradigm shift from the STEMI/non-STEMI to the ACOMI/non-ACOMI in the acute management of MI. (DIFOCCULT study; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04022668.)

In December 2019, in the city of Wuhan, in the Hubei province of China, treatment-resistant cases of pneumonia emerged and spread rapidly for reasons unknown. A new strain of coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) was identified and caused the first pandemic of the 21st century. The virus was officially detected in our country on March 11, 2020, and the number of cases increased rapidly; the virus was isolated in 670 patients within 10 days. The rapid increase in the number of patients has required our physicians to learn to protect both the public and themselves when treating patients with this highly infectious disease. The group most affected by the outbreak and with the highest mortality rate is elderly patients with known cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is necessary for cardiology specialists to take an active role in combating the epidemic. The aim of this article is to make a brief assessment of current information regarding the management of cardiovascular patients affected by COVID-19 and to provide practical suggestions to cardiology specialists about problems and questions they have frequently encountered.

Benign variant (BV) ST-segment elevation (STE) is present in anterior chest leads in most individuals and may cause diagnostic confusion in patients presenting with chest pain. Recently, 2 regression formulas were proposed for differentiation of BV-STE from anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) on the electrocardiogram, computation of which is heavily device-dependent. We hypothesized that a simpler visual-assessment-based formula, namely (R-wave amplitude in lead V4 + QRS amplitude in V2) - (QT interval in millimeters + STE60 in V3), will be noninferior to these formulas. Consecutive cases of proven left anterior descending occlusion were reviewed, and those with obvious ST elevation MI were excluded. First 200 consecutive patients with noncardiac chest pain and BV-STE were also enrolled as a control group. Relevant electrocardiographic parameters were measured. There were 138 anterior MI and 196 BV-STE cases. Our simple formula was superior to the 3- and noninferior to the 4-variable formulas. This new practical formula had an excellent area-under curve of 0.963 (95% confidence interval, 0.946 to 0.980, p0.001). It also had a sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of 86.9%, 92.3%, and 90.1%, respectively. In conclusion, a simple visual assessment-based formula can reliably differentiate STE MI from BV-STE. Also, our results emphasize that focusing only on STE for diagnosing acute coronary occlusion is extremely insensitive and even puts the term "STEMI" itself into question.

Introduction: Cardiac arrest, which may result in death without an effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is the unexpected loss of cardiac functions. Sudden cardiac arrest is classified as in-hospital and out-of-hospital depending on the place where the event occurs. Patients and Methods: In this study, 134 patients (age, >18 years) who were admitted or were brought with the help of their relatives or in an ambulance and medical equipment to the Emergency Department of Kosuyolu Cardiac Hospital with the diagnosis of in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between 2013 and 2016 were enrolled. Demographic characteristics of the patients were obtained from the hospital database. Results: In total, 134 patients were included in this study. Of these, 95 (71%) were males and 39 (29%) were females. The mean patient age was 61.7 ± 14.6 years. In a total of 134 cardiac arrests, 58 were in-hospital and 76 were out-of-hospital. Among the patients who exhibited electrical activity with pulse after CPR, 35 (64.8%) experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest and 19 (35.2%) experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, whereas among the patients who exhibited pulseless electrical activity after CPR, 23 (28.7%) experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest and 57 (71.2%) experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (p< 0.001). Conclusion: The most common cause of cardiac arrest in our study cohort was myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation, followed by congestive heart failure and indefinite causes. Asystole was the most common rhythm at admission. The rate of ventricular fibrillation detected in the returning group was found to be higher than the non-returning group and the difference was statistically significant (p< 0.001). Similary to literature in our study, pulsatile electrical rhythm was found to be more prominent in pulsatile rhythms.

Pericardial effusion (PE) is a common clinical condition that can develop as a result of systemic or cardiac diseases. Here, we report the results of cytology for patients who underwent pericardiocentesis for PE. The study comprised 283 patients who underwent primary percutaneous pericardiocentesis between 2007 and 2016. The mean age of the patients was 60.0 ± 16.6 years; 162 (57.2%) were male and 121 (42.8%) were female. The presence of reactive mesothelial cells, acute and chronic inflammatory cells, and/or blood without evidence of malignant cells was considered as benign. The presence of malignant cells with/without reactive mesothelial cells, inflammatory cells, and/or blood was considered as malignant. The vast majority of PE specimens (219 cases; 77.4%) were classified as benign. Only 20 cases (7.1%) were classified as atypical, and malignant cells were present in the PE specimens of 44 cases (15.5%). The most common diagnosis was benign PE. The most commonly encountered malignancy was lung cancer. The rate of malignancy was 1.9% in the serous group and 24% in the hemorrhagic group, which was statistically significant. Benign PE was the most frequent cytological diagnosis in our study. Chronic nonspecific pericarditis was the most frequent type of pericarditis in the benign PE group, while lung adenocarcinoma was the most frequent malignancy in the malignant PE group. The rate of malignancy was significantly higher in the hemorrhagic group than in the serous group.

We compared direct stenting (DS) with conventional stenting (CS) – i.e., stenting after predilation – during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P-PCI) in terms of procedural results and long-term mortality in patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). We retrospectively analyzed 2306 patients (mean age 59 years, 22% female) who underwent P‑PCI within 12 h of symptom onset. Patients were then followed up prospectively for clinical events. Patients were divided into a DS group (n = 597) and a CS group (n = 1709). The CS group was further divided into a CS-1 group (baseline thrombolysis in myocardial infarction [TIMI] flow grade ≥ 1) and a CS-2 group (baseline TIMI flow grade 0). Main outcome measures were postprocedural myocardial reperfusion and all-cause mortality in long-term follow-up. Patients in the DS group had a higher percentage of final TIMI-3 flow, myocardial blush grade 3 and complete ST-segment resolution, better left ventricular ejection fraction, and a lower incidence of distal embolization compared with CS patients. In-hospital (1.5 vs. 4.6%, respectively, p = 0.001) and long-term all-cause mortality (8.8 vs. 17.0%, respectively, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the DS group than in the CS group. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed similar survival rates in the DS and CS-1 groups (log-rank p = 0.40), but significantly worse survival in the CS-2 group than in the other groups (log-rank p < 0.001). After adjusting for risk factors, DS was not found to be a predictor of long-term mortality. DS in P‑PCI was associated with better postprocedural angiographic results and long-term survival. However, the DS group had similar in-hospital and long-term mortality to matched patients in the CS group.

Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been proposed as an early indicator for future coronary and peripheral vascular disease. Aim We aimed to investigate the longitudinal change in proportion and predictors for ED with changes in erectile function domain (EFD) of the International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods Between December 2018 and June 2019, 286 male patients aged between 40 and 70 years who were treated with PPCI for STEMI were included. The patients were asked to complete the IIEF-EFD form 3 days after the procedure for the evaluation of baseline erectile functions. During follow-up 3 months after the index procedure, the patients were asked to refill the IIEF-EFD form. Both baseline and third-month IIEF-EFD scores were calculated, and the patients were classified into ED severity groups as per the IIEF-EFD scores. A linear mixed model was used to identify predictors of ED at 3 months. Outcomes This study identifies the prevalence and predictors of ED with STEMI who underwent PPCI. Results The median age was 54 (range 48–61) years. The median IIEF-EFD scores at 3 days and 3 months were 25.5 (range 20.0–27.0) and 22.00 (range 18.25–25.00), respectively. Half of the patients were found to have ED with varying severity as per baseline IIEF-EFD scores. This rate increased to 79% at the 3-month follow-up visit. The IIEF-EFD scores of the patients decreased over time (P Clinical Implications Advanced age, presence of three-vessel disease, and diabetes mellitus are the indicators of sexual rehabilitation needs in patients after STEMI. Strengths & Limitations This is the first study investigating the predictor variables for the development of ED after coronary artery disease treatment. The limitations include the lack of evaluation of anxiety and depression and the measurements of testosterone levels. Conclusion The prevalence of ED was high among patients with coronary artery disease, and the frequency of ED increased during 3-month follow-up. Advanced age, three-vessel disease, and diabetes were significant predictors of ED with changes in IIEF-EFD score in patients with STEMI who underwent PPCI.

Background: In this study we aim to determine and compare short term outcomes of all type bundle branch blocks (BBB) according to their onset time among those patients presented with ST-Segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Method: Three thousand fifty-seven ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients who underwent pPCI were retrospectively evaluated. Those patients with BBB in their ECG on admission were re-evaluated for their prior ECG records. A composite of death, recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI) and stroke in one moth follow up were defined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results: Three thousand fifty-seven STEMI patients underwent pPCI were enrolled to the study. Among these patients 134 (4.4%) had LBBB, and 120 (3.9%) had RBBB. Bundle brunch block was classified according to the timing of their onset as follows; New or Presumably New BBB, Old BBB, Indeterminate Onset BBB. At one month, 4.8% of the patients died, 2.6% had re-MI/stent thrombosis, 0.5% had stroke. MACE occurred in 7.6% of patients. Left ventricle ejection fraction, BBB, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), shock and age were ranked as the strongest predictors of MACE. Compared to non-BBB, all BBBs except for old RBBB was found to be associated with increased MACE. New onset LBBB was the strongest predictor (OR:13.1, 95%CI:3.98-43.4, p < .001) at one month MACE. Conclusion: Compared to non-BBB, all BBBs except for old RBBB was found to be associated with increased MACE. New onset LBBB was the strongest predictor for MACE at one month. WOS:000526505000001 32284031 Q4

In December 2019, in the city of Wuhan, in the Hubei province of China, treatment-resistant cases of pneumonia emerged and spread rapidly for reasons unknown. A new strain of coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) was identified and caused the first pandemic of the 21st century. The virus was officially detected in our country on March 11, 2020, and the number of cases increased rapidly; the virus was isolated in 670 patients within 10 days. The rapid increase in the number of patients has required our physicians to learn to protect both the public and themselves when treating patients with this highly infectious disease. The group most affected by the outbreak and with the highest mortality rate is elderly patients with known cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is necessary for cardiology specialists to take an active role in combating the epidemic. The aim of this article is to make a brief assessment of current information regarding the management of cardiovascular patients affected by COVID-19 and to provide practical suggestions to cardiology specialists about problems and questions they have frequently encountered.

OBJECTIVE In a subgroup of patients with inferior myocardial infarction (MI), both the right coronary artery (RCA) and circumflex coronary artery (Cx) show potentially culprit lesions, and angiography may be insufficient to determine which artery is responsible for the clinical presentation. Although many electrocardiographic (ECG) algorithms have been proposed for identifying the infarct-related artery in patients with inferior MI, it is unclear whether the current algorithms have the discriminative power to identify the real culprit artery in these patients. METHODS The patients with the diagnosis of acute inferior MI and underwent coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. The prediction of the infarct-related artery was attempted from the admission ECG using published algorithms and criteria. For the angiographic definition of the infarct-related artery, multiple criteria were used. RESULTS Total 417 inferior MI cases were enrolled during the study period; the final patient population comprised of 318 patients. Forty-five patients (14.2%) had both RCA and Cx lesions on coronary angiography. Although several criteria and algorithms are able to identify the infarct-related artery in the general inferior MI population, they lose their strength in patients with both RCA and Cx lesions. Only the Aslanger-Bozbeyoglu criterion emerges as a more powerful diagnostic test with a sensitivity, specificity, and c-statistic of 80%, 48%, and 0.650, respectively for the whole population (p

Objective Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a heart valve anomaly that affects a considerable segment of the population. Studies of patients with isolated MVP have shown that aortic distensibility decreased as the aortic diameter increased. The aim of this study was to compare evaluations of aortic distensibility in MVP patients using both applanation tonometry and the conventional echocardiographic examination. Methods A total of 36 consecutive patients with MVP (16 male and 20 female) and 23 healthy controls (11 male and 12 female) were included in this study. The difference in aortic diameter and distensibility was examined using echocardiography and pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured with applanation tonometry. Results According to the echocardiographic measurements, the aortic distensibility was lower in the MVP patients than in the control group (6.2±4.0 cm².dyn⁻¹.10⁻⁶ vs. 10.0±5.2 cm². dyn⁻¹.10⁻⁶; p=0.02). The PWV measured with applanation tonometry was significantly higher in the MVP patients than in the control group (9.0±2.4 m/s vs. 7.2±1.4 m/s; p=0.006). Conclusion The results of this study showed that aortic distensibility was reduced in patients with isolated MVP compared with a healthy control group. There was a moderate negative correlation between the results of both methods.

Introduction Periprocedural myocardial necrosis, which can range from a low level elevation of cardiac biomarkers to a large myocardial infarction (MI), is a common complication after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Aim We hypothesized that insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels may play a protective role in myocardial injury after coronary stent placement and aimed to investigate the relationship between IGF-1 levels and plaque characteristics assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Material and methods Between May 2015 and December 2015 we prospectively enrolled 74 patients with stable angina pectoris in whom single de novo coronary artery stenosis was present. PCI was performed according to standard methods. OCT was applied to all patients. TnT was analyzed at admission, before PCI and at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after PCI. Serum IGF-1 was measured prior to PCI. Results A total of 25 (33.7%) patients had periprocedural myocardial injury or type 4a myocardial infarction, and 49 (66.2%) patients had no events. IGF-1 level and reference intimal thickness, medial thickness, and plaque fibrous cap thickness in OCT had strong correlations (r = 0.88, 0.80 and 0.88 respectively, p < 0.001). IGF-1 was an independent predictor of periprocedural myocardial injury or type 4a MI in univariate (OR = 0.929, 95% CI: 0.895-0.964, p < 0.001) and multivariate regression analysis (OR = 0.757, 95% CI: 0.575-0.998, p = 0.04). Based on ROC analysis, the best cut-off value of IGF-1 for predicting periprocedural myocardial injury or type 4a myocardial infarction was 144.5 ng/ml, with a maximum sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 77.6% (AUC = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.69-0.88, p < 0.0001). Conclusions The results from this study indicate that low IGF-1 levels are associated with plaque instability assessed by OCT. Low IGF-1 levels may identify patients who are at increased risk for periprocedural myocardial injury/infarction.

Introduction Although patients with tombstoning ST‐segment elevation (Tomb‐ST) usually have poor in‐hospital and short‐term survival rates, no studies have examined the long‐term clinical outcomes and prognosis of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who have this electrocardiographic pattern. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the long‐term clinical events and mortality of such patients in this study. Methods In this retrospective analysis, we included 335 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with acute anterior wall‐STEMI from January 2015 to June 2018. The criteria for the definition of Tomb‐ST were accepted as provided in a previous study. Endpoints of the study were the incidence of significant in‐hospital and long‐term major adverse clinical events (MACE) including the composite of total death, myocardial reinfarction, and hospitalizations due to heart failure. Results Patients who presented with Tomb‐ST had significantly higher in‐hospital and long‐term mortality (10% [n = 12 patients] vs. 2.3% [n = 5 patients]; p

PubMed ID: 31073114, [No abstract available]

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D (VitD) has important prohormone functions in a wide range of clinical processes. Although it is known that individuals with VitD deficiency have cardiac autonomic dysfunction, there are no convincing data regarding the effect of VitD replacement. We aimed to evaluate the impact of VitD replacement on cardiac autonomic dysfunction. METHODS: Fifty‐two apparently healthy subjects with VitD deficiency and 50 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Prior to VitD replacement, 24‐hr Holter recordings were obtained, and HRV parameters were recorded. VitD levels were measured 2 months later after replacement, and control 24‐hr Holter recordings were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 36.04 ± 7.6 years, and 53.9% were female. SDNN (68.58 ± 13.53 vs. 121.02 ± 27.45 ms, p = .001), SDANN (95.96 ± 22.26 vs. 166.48 ± 32.97 ms, p = .001), RMSSD (23 vs. 59 ms, p

Introduction: The aim of this study was to use speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) for identifying subclinical global systolic function abnormalities in chronic asymptomatic alcoholic patients with a normal ejection fraction. Patients and Methods: We included 30 healthy subjects (age 34.8 ± 5.8 years) and 75 asymptomatic alcoholic patients (age 39.8 ± 6.5 years) and divided them into two groups according to their total lifetime dose of ethanol (TLDE): group I (TLDE < 15 kg ethanol/kg body weight) and group II (TLDE ≥ 15 kg ethanol/kg body weight). In the two-dimensional (2D)-STE analysis, the left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (G-LS), longitudinal global strain rate in systole (G-SRsys), longitudinal global strain rate in early diastole (G-SRearly) and longitudinal global strain rate in late diastole (G-SRlate) values were obtained. Results: Alcoholic patients had larger end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, thicker interventricular septal and posterior wall and higher LV mass index. However, there were no differences in the end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions and LV mass index among them. The ejection fraction did not differ between the groups. The G-LS values were lower in alcoholic patients (p< 0.001). G-LS was found to be significantly lower among alcoholic patients, although the LV mass index and LV dimensions remained unchanged. Although G-SRsys was lower in alcoholic patients compared with that in controls (p= 0.03), there were no differences in the G-SRearly and G-SRlate values. There was a significant correlation between G-LS values and TLDE (r= 0.49, p< 0.001). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the presence of early functional abnormalities of longitudinal systolic function by 2D-STE in chronic alcoholic patients. These functional mechanics have a parallel impairment with the increase in alcohol consumption.

Objective Cardiac masses comprise a category that includes benign, malignant, and nontumoral mass lesions. The present study aims to share the findings relating to cardiac masses observed at our tertiary cardiology hospital in Turkey. Methods The records of patients who presented with cardiac masses and underwent surgery at our institute between 2006 and 2015, and whose tissue samples were sent to a pathology laboratory, were retrospectively reviewed in a consecutive manner. Results The study included 228 patients with an average age of 52.5 ± 17.3 years. Of the study's subjects, 95 (41.7%) were male and 133 (58.3%) female. The most commonly observed mass was myxoma in 68 patients (29.8%), of whom 20 (29.4%) were male and 48 (70.6%) female. The second most frequently detected mass was pannus, with 38 cases (16.7%) - 10 (26.3%) in males and 28 (73.7%) in females. The third most common cardiac mass was thrombus (16.2%), with 18 cases of thrombi in men (48.6%) and 19 (51.4%) in women. Conclusion The most commonly observed cardiac mass was myxoma and most were localized in the left atrium. The second most frequently detected mass was pannus, which was mostly found on mitral mechanical prosthetic valves. Thrombi were the third most prevalent mass and were commonly localized in the right atrium.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a syndrome in which patients have symptoms and signs of heart failure but preserved ejection fraction. Left atrial (LA) volume and function are known to be impaired in these patients. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) has recently enabled the quantification of LA deformation dynamics. In this study, we evaluated the use of 2D-STE for the diagnosis of HFpEF. The study included 83 patients with suspected HFpEF. Patients were divided into two groups after HFpEF had been diagnosed according to current guidelines. Parameters of diastolic dysfunction were evaluated, including left ventricular mass index (LVMI), LA volume index (LAVI), E/A ratio, deceleration time (DT), E/E’, and STE parameters such as global longitudinal LA strain during ventricular systole (GLAs-res) and strain during late diastole (GLAs-pump). The values of BNP, LVMI, DT, LAVI, and GLAs-res were significantly different between the two groups. In univariate analysis, a strong negative correlation was seen between GLAs-res and BNP (r = −0.567, p < 0.001) as well as between GLAs-res and DT (r = −0.665, p < 0.001), while a moderate negative correlation was found between GLAs-res and LVMI (r = −0.458, p < 0.001) and GLAs-res and LAVI (r = −0.316, p = 0.004). In logistic regression analysis, GLAs-res (p = 0.049, OR = 0.71, 95 % CI = 0.451–0.99), BNP (p = 0.025, OR = 1.08, 95 % CI = 1.01–1.14), and LAVI (p = 0.042, OR = 1.59, 95 % CI = 1.02–2.48) were found to be independent predictors of HFpEF. LA function as assessed by 2D-STE is impaired in patients with HFpEF. A GLAs-res value of < 17.5 % can be useful for the diagnosis of HFpEF.

Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of venous thromboembolism with arterial stiffness by cardio-ankle vascular index method. Method We included 52 patients with a documented lower extremity venous thromboembolism within the last six months and 52 healthy subjects to this cross sectional observational study. Results Cardio-ankle vascular index (8.58 ± 1.60 versus 7.05 ± 1.44, p 7.8 had a sensitivity of 82.7% and a specificity of 80.8% for predicting venous thromboembolism (area under curve = 0.789, 95% confidence interval = 0.698–0.863, p Conclusion We found that arterial stiffness was increased in patients with venous thromboembolism which highlights the fact that arterial and venous circulation is in continuum and an insult may affect both of these circuits.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of leftsided mechanical parameters in postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Ninety patients with coronary artery disease and normal left ventricular (LV) function in sinus rhythm were enrolled in the study. Preoperative LV and left atrial (LA) mechanics were evaluated by two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), including strain and rotation parameters, and volume indices. Patients were monitored in order to detect POAF during the postoperative period. Results: Twenty-three of 90 patients (25.6%) developed POAF. Age (p70 pg/ml, OR 22.377, CI 3.286–152.381, p

OBJECTIVE In a subgroup of patients with the anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI), the electrocardiogram (ECG) records a concomitant inferior ST-segment elevation (STE), which is generally explained by a 'wrap-around' left anterior descending (LAD) artery occlusion. However, recent evidence indicates that this may be due to a distal LAD occlusion, which may be irrelevant to the LAD length. We investigated the relationship between inferior ST-T changes in anterior MI and the presence of a wrap-around LAD. METHODS Consecutive patients diagnosed with anterior MI due to an acute LAD occlusion were enrolled into the study. All ECGs were measured manually by a cardiologist, who was blinded to the angiographic outcomes. The site of the LAD occlusion was determined using multiple angiographic views. A wrap-around LAD was defined as a LAD artery from a post-reperfusion coronary angiogram that perfused at least one-fourth of the inferior wall of the left ventricle in the right anterior oblique projection. RESULTS A total of 379 anterior MI cases were enrolled, and the final study population consisted of 259 patients. The presence of a wrap-around LAD was more frequent in patients presenting with inferior STE compared with patients without inferior STE (62.1% vs. 30.4%, p=0.001), however, this relationship was weak (φ=0.211). Inferior STE was more frequent in distal occlusions (22.9% vs. 4.3%, p

Fistula from left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to pulmonary artery (PA) is rarely encountered in daily practice. In recent years, endovascular therapy options have emerged for the treatment of fistula formations and replaced with surgery. A 53-year-old man admitted to our outpatient clinic with symptoms of typical angina and shortness of breath despite optimal medical therapy. In his relevant history, he had a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation in 2009 in which his LIMA was anastomosed to left [...]

Background The currently used scheme for the classification of infarct location and extent in anterior myocardial infarction (MI) is intuitive rather than being evidence-based, and recent evidence suggests that it may be misleading both in anatomic and prognostic sense. Material and methods Consecutive patients with the diagnosis of anterior MI were enrolled. All electrocardiograms (ECG) were first classified according to established scheme and then reassessed using newer criteria for angiographic site of occlusion. The site of left anterior descending (LAD) occlusion was determined using multiple angiographic views. Clinic, echocardiographic and angiographic outcomes were compared. Results A total of 379 anterior MI cases were enrolled, final study population consisted of 267 patients. The established scheme did not predict infarct size or adverse outcomes. Location of the myocardium subtended by the occluded coronary network did not match with the anatomic location as ECG classification implies. Many high-risk patients with proximal LAD were classified as "anteroseptal", whereas the majority of the patients labeled as "extensive anterior MI" had in fact distal occlusions. On the other hand, expert interpretation was fairly accurate in predicting adverse outcomes and the site of angiographic involvement. Conclusion Classifying patients according to the established scheme neither gives prognostic information nor accurately localizes infarction. It should be regarded as obsolete and its use should be abandoned. Instead, the extent of infarction can be inferred from newer criteria provided by the angiographic correlation studies.

OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the effects of normal pregnancy on left atrial (LA) mechanics using 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. METHODS A total of 47 healthy women with singleton pregnancies were prospectively enrolled in this study. A total of 4 visits, including each trimester and postpartum at 6 months, were planned. Echocardiographic studies were performed with a Vivid 7 device equipped with a 2.5-MHz transducer (GE Vingmed Ultrasound AS, Horten, Norway). RESULTS Although the LA reservoir phase strain showed a gradual decrease from the first trimester to the third trimester during pregnancy, the measurements in the postpartum period were found to return to initial levels (mean ± SD: first trimester, 40.3% ± 11.7%; second trimester, 37.5% ± 12.9%; third trimester, 33.5% ± 9.0%; postpartum, 42.1% ± 11.1%; P < .001). The LA pump function strain was also parallel to the LA reservoir strain and gradually decreased from the first trimester to the third trimester during pregnancy, and it was observed that rose to the initial level in the postpartum period (first trimester, 16.7% ± 7.4%; second trimester, 14.8% ± 5.5%; third trimester, 12.7% ± 4.3%; postpartum, 15.8% ± 5.5%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS We prospectively determined normal reference values for LA deformation parameters using speckle-tracking echocardiography in each trimester and the postpartum period in healthy pregnancy. These reference values may help identify subclinical LA dysfunction in several cardiovascular or systemic conditions. According to this study, these parameters decreased toward the third trimester during pregnancy and recovered in the postpartum period.

In a minority of the patients presenting with ST-segment elevation (STE) myocardial infarction (MI), electrocardiogram (ECG) may show a balanced STE in both anterior and inferior lead groups and may cause diagnostic confusion about involved myocardial territory. In this study, we sought ECG clues which may facilitate discriminating (1) MI location and then (2) culprit artery in patients with difficult-to-discern ECGs.Consecutive patients with the diagnosis of STEMI were scanned and patients with ECGs displaying both anterior and inferior STE were enrolled. ECGs with obvious ST elevation in either lead group and reciprocal ST-segment depression were excluded. Predictive power of several ECG variables has been analyzed and an algorithm has been constructed.A total of 959 STEMI cases were scanned, the final study population was consisted of 114 patients. Our algorithm for locating MI territory had a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 72.1%, 92.5%, 91.7% and 74.2% for inferior versus anterior location, respectively (P 0.001, φ = 0.652). As anterior MI was strictly reserved for left anterior descending (LAD) artery occlusion, these diagnostic values were also valid for discriminating circumflex artery [Cx]/right coronary artery [RCA] versus LAD as the culprit artery. In patients classified as having inferior MI, an STE in lead III greater than STE in lead II favored RCA over Cx as the culprit artery with a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 97%, 46.6%, 80% and 87.5%, respectively (P 0.001; φ = 0.544).Our algorithm can be used in difficult-to-discern ECGs for defining involved myocardial territory and culprit artery.

Introduction The primary goal in the management of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is to open the occluded artery at an early stage. The development of no-reflow is multifactorial, and the etiology is not fully understood. There is accumulating evidence that anemia is related to a series of severe complications in cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as thromboembolic events, bleeding complications, uncontrolled hypertension, and inflammation characterized by elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines. Aim We investigated the relationship between hemoglobin level and the no-reflow of infarct-related artery (IRA) in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Material and methods A total of 3804 patients with acute STEMI who underwent PPCI were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grades after PPCI. Hematological parameters were measured on admission. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between hemoglobin level and no-reflow. Results In the current study, 471 (12.4%) patients presented with no-reflow after PPCI. The patients in the no-reflow group had a significantly lower hemoglobin level (12.1 ±1.9 g/dl vs. 13.8 ±1.8 g/dl, p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression models revealed that hemoglobin level (OR = 0.564, 95% CI: 0.526-0.605; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of development of no-reflow. The cutoff value for hemoglobin level was 11.5 g/dl with sensitivity of 83.0% and specificity of 80.0% (AUC = 0.844, 95% CI: 0.821-0.867; p < 0.001). Conclusions Our results suggest that hemoglobin level showed a moderate diagnostic performance regarding the prediction of no-reflow in patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI.