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IntroductionSodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have been shown to reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). In this prospective study, we aimed to analyze the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors as an add-on therapy to metformin on P wave indices and atrial electromechanics in patients with type 2 DM. MethodsA total of 144 patients enrolled. Electrocardiographic indices were recorded on admission and at 3rd and 6th month of the combination therapy. P wave indices and atrial electromechanical coupling intervals were measured and compared. ResultsAlthough decrease in P wave dispersion (62.78 +/- 9.59 vs. 53.62 +/- 10.65; p = .002) became significant at 6th month of combination therapy, significant decreases in P wave terminal force in V-1 (37.79 +/- 3.45 vs. 32.01 +/- 5.74; p = .035), left atrial volume index (35.87 +/- 6.57 vs. 31.33 +/- 7.31; p = .042), left sided intra-atrial electromechanical delay (32.09 +/- 9.17 vs. 27.61 +/- 8.50; p = .016), right sided intra-atrial electromechanical delay (31.82 +/- 4.92 vs. 27.65 +/- 8.05; p = .042), and interatrial electromechanical delay (29.65 +/- 7.52 vs. 25.96 +/- 4.30; p = .044) were seen as early as 3rd month of treatment. Besides, there was no statistically significant difference between Empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin subgroups in terms of mentioned parameters. ConclusionSGLT-2 inhibitors as an add-on therapy to metformin were shown to significantly improve P wave indices and atrial electromechanics in type 2 DM patients as early as the 3rd month of treatment. It was thought that this may be one of the underlying mechanisms of the decrease in the frequency of AF with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors.

COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten human health as novel mutant variants emerge and disease severity ranges from asymptomatic to fatal. Thus, studies are needed to identify the patients with ICU need as well as those who have subsequent mortality. Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score is a validated score in acute coronary syndrome. We aimed to evaluate if GRACE score can indicate adverse outcomes and major ischemic events in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.All hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 at our institution between March 2020 and September 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were grouped according to GRACE risk scores: low risk 0-108 points, intermediate risk 109-140 and high risk ≥141.A total of 787 patients were enrolled; 434 patients formed group 1. One-hundred forty-one patients in group 2 and 212 patients formed group 3. We found that inhospital mortality, length of hospital stay, ICU and advanced ventilatory support need were associated with increasing GRACE risk score. In addition, major ischemic events were more frequently observed in higher risk groups and strong positive correlations between GRACE risk score and pro-BNP, procalcitonin and moderate positive correlation with D-dimer, CRP, NLR was found. Regression analysis showed that only GRACE risk score was an independent risk factor associated with inhospital mortality, major ischemic events, advanced ventilatory support and ICU need.The GRACE risk score is easy to apply on hospital admission and useful for classifying those in medium-high-intensity care units and to raise the assignments of sources.

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.

The effect of physiological circulatory changes during pregnancy on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been reported with limited data. This study aimed to provide information regarding outcomes of pregnant women with HCM and to identify predictors of major adverse cardiac event (MACE).A total of 45 pregnancies with HCM were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was a MACE that occurred within an 8‑week period after delivery, including maternal death, heart failure (HF), syncope, and malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Baseline and outcome data were analyzed for all patients. Patients with and without MACE were compared, and patients with obstructive HCM were compared with those who had non-obstructive HCM. The study population was divided into two subgroups of patients having or not having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation (ICD).At least one MACE occurred in 11 patients (24.4%); six patients developed HF (13.3%), six had a ventricular tachyarrhythmia (13.3%), and two had syncope (4.4%). New York Heart Association functional class of ≥ II, presence of HF signs before pregnancy, increased left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient were significantly associated with MACE. Fatal VAs were seen during pregnancy in one of five HCM patients with ICD. In the ROC curve analysis, an LVOT gradient higher than 53.5 mm Hg predicted the presence of MACE with a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 73.5%. This study is the largest series in the literature representing pregnant women who had HCM and ICD.The current data suggest that HF and high LVOT gradients are important risk factors for the development of cardiac complications.HINTERGRUND: Über die Auswirkungen physiologischer Kreislaufveränderungen während der Schwangerschaft auf eine hypertrophe Kardiomyopathie (HCM) wurde bisher anhand begrenzt vorhandener Daten berichtet. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war, Informationen über die Ergebnisse schwangerer Frauen mit HCM zu erhalten und Prädiktoren schwerer unerwünschter kardialer Ereignisse (MACE) zu identifizieren.Retrospektiv wurden dazu die Daten von 45 Schwangerschaften mit HCM ausgewertet. Primäerer Endpunkt war ein MACE, das innerhalb einer 8‑Wochen-Phase nach Entbindung auftrat, einschließlich Tod der Mutter, Herzinsuffizienz, Synkope und maligner ventrikulärer Arrhythmien (VA). Die Ausgangsdaten und die Daten des Ergebnisses im Verlauf wurden für sämtliche Patientinnen ausgewertet. Verglichen wurden einerseits Patientinnen mit und ohne MACE, andererseits Patientinnen mit obstruktiver HCM und mit nichtobstruktiver HCM. Die Studienpopulation wurde in 2 Subgruppen unterteilt: Bei den einen wurde ein implantierbarer Kardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) implantiert, bei den anderen nicht.Bei 11 Patientinnen trat mindestens ein MACE auf (24,4 %); eine Herzinsuffizienz entwickelte sich bei 6 Patientinnen (13,3 %), ebenfalls bei 6 eine ventrikuläre Tachyarrhythmie (13,3 %), und bei 2 trat eine Synkope auf (4,4 %). Eine Funktionsklasse ≥ II gemäß New York Heart Association, das Vorliegen von Herzinsuffizienzsymptomen vor der Schwangerschaft und eine erhöhter linksventrikulärer Ausflusstrakt(LVOT)-Gradient waren signifikant mit MACE vergesellschaftet. Eine tödliche VA wurde während der Schwangerschaft bei einer von 5 HCM-Patientinnen mit ICD beobachtet. In der Receiver-Operator-Characteristic(ROC)-Kurven-Analyse war ein LVOT-Gradient über 53,5 mm Hg ein Prädiktor für das Vorliegen eines MACE mit einer Sensitivität von 90,9 % und einer Spezifität von 73,5 %. Die vorliegende Studie enthält die größte Serie schwangerer Frauen mit HCM und ICD in der Literatur.Den aktuellen Daten zufolge stellen Herzinsuffizienz und hohe LVOT-Gradienten entscheidende Risikofaktoren für das Auftreten kardialer Komplikationen dar.

Objective: Fabry disease (FD) is a progressive, X-linked inherited disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism which arises due to deficient or absent activity of lysosomal α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). This may be associated with increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and may mimic the morphological features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this study was to define the ratio of occurrence of FD to the manifestation of unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: We studied a prospectively assembled a consecutive cohort of 190 patients with unexplained LVH on echocardiography. The criterion for LVH diagnosis was a maximum LV wall thickness of 13 mm or greater. All patients were tested for mutations in the GLA gene. Results: The majority of patients were male (n=119, 63%) and the mean patient age was 47.2+-15 years. In 190 patients diagnosed with LVH, we identified 2 patients (1.05%) with documented GLA mutations [c.427G>A (p.A143T)(p.Ala143Thr)] and [c.937G>T (p.D313Y)(p.Asp313Tyr)]. After the family screening, 3 additional patients with FD were identified in 2 families, including 5 individuals who are now receiving enzyme replacement therapy. Conclusion: We identified 2 index patients with FD and unexplained LVH. Cardiologists should, therefore, be aware of FD in cases of unexplained LVH. Family screening is crucial for the earlier identification of unaffected new patients who may benefit from enzyme replacement therapy.

There are studies in the literature showing the clinical importance of fragmented QRS (fQRS) in many systemic diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency and prognostic value of fQRS on electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.We prospectively enrolled 241 patients with acute ischemic stroke between January 2018 and January 2020. ST depression and elevation, QRS duration, PR interval, RR interval, QTc interval, QTc dispersion (QTcd), T negativity, Q wave, and fQRS were evaluated on ECG. Brain computed tomography (CT) and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were obtained in the acute period and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was calculated for each patient. Patients were followed up for a period of two years.The 241 patients comprised 121 (50.2%) men and 120 (49.8%) women with a mean age of 67.52 ± 13.00 years. In Cox regression analysis, age, NIHSS, QTcd, and fQRS were found to be independent predictors of mortality (age, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.063, p 0.001; NIHSS, HR: 1.116, p = 0.006; QTcd, HR: 1.029, p = 0.042; fQRS, HR: 2.048, p = 0.037). Two-year mortality was higher in patients with fQRS than in patients without fQRS (31% vs. 9%, p = 0.001).The fQRS is associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

A 62-year-old man with high fever, general fatigue, and history of transient ischemic attack was transferred to our cardiology clinic with high clinic suspicious of endocarditis. He had a history of mitral ring annuloplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting operation before many years ago and reoperation for aortic dissection as Bentall procedure about 3 months ago. Blood tests showed leukocytosis with massive elevation of C-reactive protein, modest elevation of troponin, marked elevation of International Normalized Ratio, mild anemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) revealed a 4-mm × 15-mm round mobile mass originating from the anterior part of the mitral annular ring. In addition, there were a sac surrounding aortic graft and surrounding aneurismal aorta suggests a separation of graft because of possible aortic perivalvular abscess. There was blood flow into the sac and extensive thrombus with mobile component was seen in it. Blood cultures were positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae . Vancomycin, gentamicin, and rifampicin were chosen as antibiotic regimen. Early surgery planned for endocarditis and drained abscess cavity. However, the patient was persistently refused the third heart surgery operation. Repeat TEE showed the absence of vegetation on mitral valve and evident shrinkage of thrombus. Chest X-ray showed large left pleural effusion. Computed tomography with contrast enhancement confirmed this finding and revealed that contrast leak to the periaortic area and spreading a path under pulmonary artery to adjacent of the anterior wall of left ventricle. Thoracentesis was performed. Fistula to left pleura was suspected but not clearly confirmed. At 6 weeks of hospitalization, he clinically deteriorated. Due to confusional state, informed consent was obtained from attending relatives. The patient was transferred to the operating room. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated and thoracotomy was performed. Dehiscence of the aortic valve was seen. Infected tissues were extracted and repair with new prosthesis aortic valve was performed. Despite all resuscitation efforts, the patient died.

40 years old female with prosthesis aortic valve had developed shortness of breath and consulted to our clinic on the first postpartum day. Her dyspnea was worsened at the last week. She had a history of Bentall operation before 16 years ago, and had a bi-leaflet mechanical prosthetic valve. After detection of pregnancy, her warfarin treatment had switched to enoxaparine 6000 IU subcutaneously for twice a day, continued throughout the pregnancy. Her weight was 62 kg. She did not have any blood test for factor Xa. On physical examination, she has orthopnea, tachypnea (24/min), tachycardia (128 bpm) and hypotension (85/55 mmHg). Electrocardiogram was uneventful with sinus tachycardia of 128 bpm with normal axis. Echocardiography revealed normal left ventricle size with left ventricle hypertrophy, ejection fraction of 60%, reduced motion of prosthetic-valve leaflets and an obstructing mass between the struts. Doppler ultrasonography showed that prosthetic aortic valve has a pressure gradient of 104/59 mmHg. These findings were consistent with prosthetic thrombosis. Moderate aortic regurgitation into the left ventricle was also detected. Transesophageal echocardiography showed 1.4 × 2.3 cm thrombotic material located over leaflets and adjacent to the posterior aortic wall. It was restricting the valve motion. The patient underwent emergency operation immediately. The thrombotic material over mechanical valve was extracted and there was no pathology seen on mechanical valve, graft repaired primarily. Postoperative recovery was fine. No bacteria were detected both direct microscopy and culture.

Aim Current literature lacks a definitive threshold of idiopathic premature ventricular complex (PVC) burden for predicting cardiomyopathy (CMP). The main objective of the present study was to evaluate relationship between the PVC burden and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Method This multicenter, cross‐sectional study included 341 consecutive patients with more than 1,000 idiopathic PVC in 24 hr of Holter monitoring admitted to the cardiology clinics between January 2019 and May 2019 in the nineteen different centers. The primary outcome was the LVEF measured during the echocardiographic examination. Result Overall, the median age was 50 (38–60) and 139 (49.4%) were female. Percentage of median PVC burden was 9% (IQR: 4%–17.4%). Median LVEF was found 60% (55–65). We used proportional odds logistic regression method to examine the relationship between continuous LVEF and candidate predictors. Increase in PVC burden (%) (regression coefficient (RE) −0.644 and 95% CI −1.063, –0.225, p

Genetic factors and hypofibrinolytic state may contribute to the likelihood of developing in myocardial infarction (MI) in young women rather than traditional risk factors. High plasminogen-activator inhibitor-1 ( PAI-1 ) level and PAI-1 gene polymorphism have been shown to be associated with thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction, deep venous thrombosis, and stroke. We determined 4G / 4G polymorphism in a 34-year-old female patient with subacute anterior myocardial infarction and coronary thrombus in left anterior descending artery on coronary angiogram.

Hypertension is common in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) is important in diagnosing hypertension and diurnal BP variation. The authors set out to compare office BP and ABPM measurements to determine diurnal pattern and to evaluate echocardiographic findings in RTRs. ABPM and office BP measurements were compared in 87 RTRs. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed for each patient. The correlations between office and 24-hour ABPM were 0.275 for mean systolic BP (P=.011) and 0.260 for mean diastolic BP (P=.017). Only 36.8% had concordant hypertension between office BP and ABPM, with a masked hypertension rate of 16.1% and white-coat effect rate of 24.1%. Circadian BP patterns showed a higher proportion of nondippers (67.8%). Left ventricular mass index was increased in 21.8% of all recipients. There was a significant but weak correlation between office BP and ABPM.

OP-043 MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, endogenous and non-coding RNAs that are 21-25 nucleotides in length. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of miRNAs as potential biomarkers in various disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic importance of miRNAs in congestive

Purpose: Vitronectin (VN) is a novel plasma glycoprotein which regulates processes such as platelet adhesion, aggregation and clotting. VN's presence has been demonstrated in atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this study is to investigate serum VN levels and to determine their relation to the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods: 30 ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), 32 non-ST segment elevation ACS (NSTEACS) patients and 18 healthy control cases were enrolled. VN serum level was measured once in each patient on admission for ACS, using ELISA. Coronary angiography was performed and CAD severity was evaluated using number of coronary arteries with critical stenosis, as well as the Gensini score. Appropriate statistical methods were utilized as necessary and p values less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: VN levels were higher in ACS patients (7.00±11.94 μg/ml in STEMI, 7.72±18.02 μg/ml in NSTEACS vs. 1.81±2.22 μg/ml in controls, p=0.001). VN's cut-off value was 1.59 μg/ml in the diagnosis of ACS with a sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 83% using ROC analysis (p=0.004). VN levels >1.59 μg/ml had a positive predictive value of 93%. The patients were divided into quartiles according to their VN levels. When upper two quartiles were compared to the lower quartiles, patients with higher VN levels had more extensive CAD determined by number of coronary arteries involved (p=0.016, Figure 1). A positive correlation was found between Gensini score and VN levels in the NSTEACS group (p=0.013). ![Figure][1] Figure 1. The relationship between the severity of cardiovascular disease vitronection levels. LMCA, left main coronary artery. Conclusions: VN levels are increased in patients with ACS and higher levels are associated with CAD severity. [1]: pending:yes