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Anomalous coronary artery (ACA) has either an unusual origin or different anatomical course and is associated with sudden cardiac death. The absence or nonspecific symptoms of ACA make its diagnosis difficult. Mostly, ACA is diagnosed coincidentally during invasive coronary angiogram (ICA). A conventional computed tomography (CT) cannot provide detailed images of coronary arteries of the moving heart, but 64-slice CT, with its short acquisition time, can provide detailed anatomy of coronary arteries non-invasively. In this study, we assessed the validity of contrast-enhanced 64-slice CT in the evaluation of ACA. ICA was performed in 7,574 patients for the diagnosis or evaluation of occlusive coronary artery disease and detected coronary anomalies in 56 patients (0.7%). We then performed 64-slice CT in 53 patients out of the 56 patients with demonstrated or suspected coronary anomaly, showing the origin and the course of the ACA along with stenosis, except for one patient who could not be evaluated due to image distortion artifacts. Contrast-enhanced 64-slice CT was also performed in 374 patients with vague signs and symptoms, detecting coronary anomalies in 7 patients (1.2%). Thus, in the total of 59 patients undergone 64-slice CT, we were able to visualize the entire abnormal coronary tree with a high diagnostic image quality. This is the first study to demonstrate the utility of 64-slice CT in a large series of ACA. Contrast-enhanced 64-slice CT is superior to ICA to identify the presence and course of ACA and should be the first line diagnostic tool in the evaluation of ACA.

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular complications in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Hypervolemia has been accepted as an independent risk factor for progressive LVH in HD patients. Additionally, high FGF23 levels have been a significant predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in chronic kidney disease and HD patients. The aim of our study is to investigate the correlation among LVH, interdialytic volume increase and FGF-23 in the patients on a chronic hemodialysis program.A total of 97 chronic hemodialysis patients (64.43 ± 11.28 years old, M/F:47/50) were included in the study. Human FGF-23 ELISA kit was used for FGF-23 analysis of predialysis blood samples. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed in all of the patients after dialysis. Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) was calculated by using the Devereux Formula. We collected the following data: LVMI, FGF-23 levels, interdialytic fluid gain, blood pressure changes, and the other biochemical and clinical parameters.Mean LVMI of the patients was 184.41 ± 48.62 g/m(2). LVMI of the patients with daily urine output250 mL was found significantly lower. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between predialysis systolic blood pressure, predialysis diastolic blood pressure, predialysis mean arterial blood pressure and LVMI measurements (p0.01). Mean interdialytic volume excess was correlated with LVMI measurements of the patients (r = 0.459; p0.01). Increased FGF-23 levels (159.79 ± 134.99 ng/L) predicted increased LVMI measurements of the patients (r = 0.322; p0.01). In addition, FGF-23 levels were also increased as the interdialytic fluid volume increased (r = 0.326; p0.05). A positive correlation was also found between FGF-23 levels and interventricular septum thickness (r = 0.238; p0.05). Predialysis mean arterial blood pressure, predialysis volume overload and presence of diabetes were determined to be independent risk factors on LVMI on multivariate regression analysis.Our study showed that interdialytic volume overload increased both LVMI and FGF-23 values. We can consider that interdialytic volume control exerts positive effects on increased FGF-23 levels which predict the negative cardiovascular outcomes.

Aim: We aimed to present a case with ventricular myocardial noncom- paction involving both ventricles. Methods and results: Noncompaction of ventricle is a rare and unclassified congen- ital cardiac malformation is due to an arrest in intrauterine endomyocardial mor- phogenesis. We presented a ventricular myocardial noncompaction case involving both left and right ventricles. The physical examination of this case is consistent with mitral regurgitation and the echocardiographic findings are consistent with noncompaction of ventricular myocardium involving both ventricles with left ven- tricular systolic failure. Conclusion: Transthoracic echocardiography is a useful clinical tool for diagnosing noncompaction of both the right and left ventricular myocardium. The LVNC defini- tion can also be utilized for RVNC, which this diagnosis has never been reported in a Turkish patient. a 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The European Society of Cardiology.

Background Interference between pacemaker (PM) lead and tricuspid apparatus may cause tricuspid regurgitation (TR). However, data regarding TR in patients with implanted PM are controversial. Our aim is to find out the degree of TR in a group of patients before and following PM implantation in a prospective manner. Methods The study group consisted of the patients referred for implantation of permanent PM or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). All patients underwent two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic evaluation before and after device implantation. The severity of TR was qualitatively classified into four groups as normal or trivial, mild, moderate, or severe. All studies were reviewed for accuracy by a second independent interpreter. Results Sixty-one patients (mean age 53 +/- 8 years, 44 male) referred for PM (n = 55) or ICD (n = 6) implantation consisted of the study population. Echocardiographic degree of TR was mild in 21 (70%), moderate in 7 (23%) and severe in 2 (7%) patients before PM implantation. Following device implantation, mild TR was noted in 23 (76%), moderate in 10 (33%), and severe in 2 (6%) cases. After the procedure, the TR severity was increased from normal/trivial to mild in 5 (16%) cases and from mild to moderate in 3 (10%). There was no worsening of the severity of TR in patients with moderate regurgitation following device implantation. The severity of TR did not change at a mean follow-up of 6 +/- 3 months. Conclusions New or worsening TR is relatively rare after PM implantation. It is not associated with an acute worsening or clinical deterioration. But echocardiographic follow-up is recommended to monitor other complications in chronic phase.

This study aimed to investigate the aortic elastic properties of young pregnant women by comparing them with those of age-matched healthy females. The study group consisted of 21 pregnant women at a mean age of 26 +/- 1 years; 22 healthy women at a mean age of 25 +/- 1 years constituted the control group. Doppler-color echocardiographic variables and serum estradiol (E2) levels were measured from both groups. The blood samples were obtained from the control group in the first week after menstrual bleeding. Diastolic and systolic blood pressure (DBP and SBP, respectively) were measured with a sphygmomanometer. Systolic and diastolic aortic diameters (AOS and AOD, respectively) were measured 3 cm proximal to the aortic valves. Aortic elastic properties were assessed according to the following formulas: 1, Aortic strain = (AOS - AOD)/AOD; 2, Aortic distensibility = 2 x (AOS - AOD)/(PP x AOD); 3, Aortic diameter change = AOS - AOD; 4, Aortic stiffness index = ln(SBP/DBP)/(AOS - AOD)/AOD. The results were expressed as mean +/- standard deviation and compared by t-test between groups. P0.05 was considered as statistically significant. All women in the study group were in their first pregnancy and second trimester. The height and weight were 160 +/- 5 vs 164 +/- 6 cm and 60 +/- 9 vs 54 +/- 3 kg in the study vs control groups, respectively (P0.05). The AOD was 26 +/- 3 vs 26 +/- 4 mm and AOS 29 +/- 3 vs 28 +/- 4 mm. Pulse pressure was 43 +/- 3 vs 45 +/- 8 mmHg in the study vs control groups, respectively (P0.05). The serum E2 level was significantly higher in pregnant women (21 300 +/- 2 300 pg/ml). Derived aortic elastic properties in pregnant women were also increased significantly (P0.0005). The indexes of aortic elastic properties are altered and aortic stiffness is decreased among young pregnant women. This may be due to the adaptation mechanisms including high estradiol levels detected in pregnancy.

Objective: To report a case of comorbidity of constrictive pericarditis and hemophilia A. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 21-year-old male with hemophilia A was referred to our clinic and was examined with the subsequent evaluation of shortness of breath, leg edema and ascites. Clinical and laboratory examinations were performed. The results were consistent with constrictive pericarditis (CP), and the symptoms were completely relieved following institution of medical therapy. Conclusion: Because hemophilia A and pericarditis may be coincidentally present clinical conditions, avoidance of surgical procedures in hemophilic patients is preferable unless the resolution of the symptoms of pericarditis cannot be effected by medical therapy.

Objective: This study was designed to test defibrillation threshold (DFT) with the least number of fibrillation inductions using upper limit of vulnerability (ULV) and to describe the most practical set of ICD during DFT following implantation. Background: Although the correlation between ULV and DFT has been well described, there has been no uniform DFT testing protocol taking the advantage of ULV after defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Methods: A total of 26 patients undergoing a new ICD implantation had a DFT induced with scanned T wave shock. The hypothesis that ventricular fibrillation (VF) could be defibrillated with 5 J higher than the highest T wave shock needed to induce VF or with 10 J if the T wave shock needed to induce VF was less than 5 J, was tested and 20 patients fulfilled these criteria. The methodology is improved by detecting peak T wave with 12-lead ECG, applying biphasic T wave shock and scanning the T wave shock in a wider window. Results: Five patients in the first group (n = 15) and one patient in the second group (n = 11) did not fulfill the above hypothesis. The common features of six patients who did not fulfill the hypothesis were that T wave shock needed to induce VF was either under 5 J (5 patients) or high (1 patient). Conclusion: This study revealed the importance of methodology in studies regarding ULV and DFT. Following ICD implantation, we propose the first biphasic T wave detected by 12-lead ECG and rescue shock set at 10 and 15 J, respectively. If any of the scanned T wave (40 ms before and 40 ms after the peak T wave with decrements and increments of 20 ms) shocks could not induce VF, then the T wave and the first rescue shock should be set at 5 and 10 J, respectively. If the induction of VF has been unsuccessful with T wave shock at 5 J, then a safe defibrillation with 10 J should be expected in majority.

Acute myocardial infarction results in not only left ventricular but also left atrial dysfunction. Left atrial function is important for optimal filling of the left ventricle. In this study, we aimed at evaluating left atrial functions 6 months after acute myocardial infarction in three different patient groups (thrombolytic therapy, primary percutaneous intervention, or no reperfusion strategies). Between October 2002 and May 2003, 48 patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction who were either administered thrombolytic therapy (group T, n=16), underwent primary angioplasty (group A, n=20), or underwent no reperfusion therapy (group C, n=12) at our unit were enrolled into the study. Echocardiography was performed in these patients 6 months after acute myocardial infarction. Left atrial contractility was assessed by atrial ejection force. Left atrial contribution was assessed by atrial fractional shortening and left atrial volume was calculated. The left atrial volume was significantly higher in group C (P0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups A and T (P0.05). Patients in group C had significantly lower atrial ejection force values compared with the other groups (P0.05). Atrial fractional shortening was not significantly different among the three groups (P0.05). Atrial ejection force, which is an indicator of left atrial contractility, is better with either angioplasty or thrombolysis. Left atrial volume is higher in patients who were not treated with reperfusion strategies. Further studies are needed to explain the mechanism involved.

Background There is a significant difference in repolarization on the surface ECG between men and women. The effect of testosterone on repolarization of myocardium may provide a basis for the physiological and pathophysiological importance of these distinctions between sexes. The purpose of this study is to compare the repolarization characteristics of surface ECG in patients with secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to those of healthy men and women. Methods The study consisted of 45 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (study group) and age-, weight- and height-matched normal healthy men (n = 35) and women (n = 39) (control group). 12-lead ECG recordings were obtained and electronic calipers were used for measurements of ECG repolarization variables. ECG variables were compared with those of control groups. Results J point amplitude (0.12 +/- 0.07 vs 0.05 +/- 0.05 mV, respectively), T max (0.74 +/- 0.28 vs 0.60 +/- 0.27 mV, respectively), T wave area (81 +/- 36 vs 60 +/- 29 mVms, respectively) and T wave descending time (93 +/- 16 vs 85 +/- 15 ms, respectively) were significantly higher in healthy subjects than hypogonadal men. In comparison with those of healthy women, hypogonad males have higher J point (0.05 +/- 0.05 vs 0.02 +/- 0.02 mV), taller T wave (0.60 +/- 0.27 vs 0.34 +/- 0.13 mV), consequently less T wave area (60 +/- 29 vs 34 +/- 16 mVms), ascending (62 +/- 18 vs 53 +/- 11) and descending angle (67 +/- 17 vs 55 +/- 12). Corrected QT was not different among groups. Conclusions Testosterone deprivation in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism attenuates J point, T wave peak, T wave area, and T wave descending time, but does not reach to the level of those in healthy women. Testosterone has no effect on QT interval in this group of age. Hormone replacement therapy of these patients will provide informative contribution.

Our case is a 38-year-old man, admitted to Cardiology Department with shortness of breath. Echocardiography yields a hyperechogenic mass localized to papillary muscle with severe mitral regurgitation. Coronary angiography demonstrated radiopacity localized to the papillary muscle. The excision of the mass was consistent with elastic tumor, which was reported as papillary fibroelastoma attached to the papillary chordae of the mitral valve. A 29 no St-Jude bileaflet mechanical valve was implanted to mitral position. Papillary fibroelastoma (PF) can be found in young age and originate from the papillary muscle, which the radiopaque angiographic appearance of the mass supports the diagnosis.

Amaç: Sağ ventrikül (SV) fonksiyonu birçok kardiyopulmoner hastalıklarda klinik sonlanım olarak önemli rol oynar. Pulmoner emboli (PE) ve ciddi pulmoner darlık (PD) SV basınç yüklenmesi ile seyreden iki ayrı hastalıktır. SV’ nin artmış basınç yüklenmesine karşı verdiği uyum mekanizmaları iyi bilinmesine karşın hala bazı tanımlanmamış boşluklar devam etmektedir. SV basınç yüklenmesinin elektrokardiyografik (EKG) olarak nasıl bir deği- şiklik yaptığı pek bilinmemektedir. Çalışmamızdaki amaç akut ve kronik basınç yüklenmesini EKG olarak ayrımının yapılabileceğini araştırmaktır. Yöntemler: Bu retrospektif gözlemsel çalışmamıza 20 PD ve 38 PE tanısı kesinleşmiş hasta dahil edildi. SV yüklenmesini gösterdiği daha önceki çalışmalarda kabul edilmiş EKG kriterleri her iki grupta araştırıldı. Logistic regression analysis was used to define the predictors of chronic RV overload. Bulgular: Bakılan EKG değişikliklerinden, prematür atriyal atım (OR-12.2, %95 CI, 1.3-107, p0.008), sağ aks deviasyonu (OR-20.4, %95 CI 4.2-98, p0.001), indetermine aks (OR-0.11, %95 CI 0.02-0.44, p0.001), inkomplet sağ dal bloğu (OR-4.2, %95 CI, 1.1-15.4, p0.02), aVR de geç R dalgası (OR-8.3, %95 CI 1.2-74.8, OR-8.4, %95 CI 2.1-33.2 p0.001), V1’ de qR dalgası (OR-8.3, %95 CI 1.2-74.8 p0.02) SV kronik basınç yüklenmesini gös- teren bağımsız prediktörlerdir. Sonuç: PE için kabul edilen EKG kriterleri PD grubunda daha sık saptandı. Daha da ötesi istatiksel olarak anlamı bulunan EKG kriterlerin basınç yüklenmesinin zamanlaması hakkında sınırlı tanısal değeri olduğu saptandı. Objective: Pulmonary embolism (PE) and severe pulmonary stenosis (PS) are two distinct conditions accompanied by increased pressure load of the right ventricle (RV). Despite major advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of RV adaptation to the increased pressure, substantial gaps in our knowledge remain unsettled. One of much less known aspect of pressure overload of RV is its impact on electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. In this study, we aimed to study whether acute and chronic RV overload are accompanied by different ECG patterns. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with PE underwent ECG monitoring were compared with 20 matched patients with PS in this observational retrospective study. ECG abnormalities suggestive of RV overload were recorded and analyzed in both groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to define the predictors of chronic RV overload. Results: Among the ECG changes studied, premature atrial contraction (OR-12.2, 95% CI, 1.3-107, p0.008), right axis deviation (OR-20.4, 95% CI 4.2-98, p

Anemia of chronic disease is the second most encountered anemia following iron deficiency in patients who develop acute or chronic immune activation. Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease which results in an inflammatory response frequently causing anemia. We investigated whether prohepcidin can be used successfully to disclose the cause of anemia and to monitor the result of the therapy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.The study was performed in 40 male patients and 15 healthy controls that had a diagnosis of tuberculosis with a positive sputum smear and did not receive any previous treatment. They were treated for 6 months.The study revealed a significant elevation of prohepcidin in patients with tuberculosis in comparison to those of healthy control subjects. Additionally, prohepcidin levels significantly decreased after treatment in the patient group but remained high in comparison to control group.We conclude that prohepcidin is high in pulmonary tuberculosis and might be a marker for monitoring the response to treatment.

It was suggested that knowledge might influence the adherence to treatment in hypertension. Accordingly, in this study, we investigated the effects of content of knowledge on medication adherence and knowledge-based predictors of adherence to treatment in hypertensive patients.This cross-sectional study included 227 hypertensive patients (70% female;mean age: 57+/-12 years), who were followed by cardiology and internal medicine clinics. The patients were asked to fulfill a questionnaire including 40 items. Besides the demographic and disease-related questions, the patients were also asked (1) the name of the drug, (2) the duration of the drug use;(3) the reason of using the drug;(4) the cause of hypertension;(5) the target level of hypertension;(6) the result of hypertension;(7) the side effects of antihypertensive medicines. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square, Fischer exact, Mann Whitney U tests and logistic regression analysis.It was found that 163 (72%) were adherent and 64 (28%) were nonadherent to the treatment. Angiotensin-II receptor antagonist use (OR=4.405;95%CI: 1.561-12.365, p=0.022) and hypertension durationor =5 years (OR=0.446;95%CI: 0.246-0.811, p=0.006) was found to be independently related to adherence. Among the knowledge-based variables, knowing the duration of use of the medicine (OR=6.822;95% CI: 1.478-31.241, p=0.075), the reason of use of medicine (OR=2.828;95% CI: 1.445-5.543, p=0.018), the cause of the hypertension (OR=3.447;95% CI: 1.889-6.290, p=0.037) and the target level of blood pressure (OR=12.859;95% CI: 5.045-32.640, p0.001) significantly increased the adherence rates. On the other hand, knowing the name of the medicine (p=0.112) or the results of hypertension (p=0.719) had no effect on adherence, while knowing the side effects of the medicine (OR=0.607;95% CI: 0.340-1.084, p=0.005) had negative effect. The total number of correct answers was also higher in patients with adherence to treatment (p=0.002).Patient knowledge about hypertension and medications is associated with higher adherence rates. However, it should be taken into consideration that the possible effects of knowledge may differ according to its content.

The aim of this prospective study was to assess whether the removal of the radial artery (RA) caused any alteration in the function or power of hand on postoperative 15th day.The study group included 25 patients with objective or subjective complaints on postoperative 15th day regarding harvest site following coronary bypass surgery by using RA. Patients were examined for bilateral forearm function (soft touch and pin-prick neural sensation, handgrip power). The ulnar artery and palmar arcus Doppler measurements such as peak systolic and end-diastolic velocity, and radius of the arteries have been measured both at rest and following handgrip test. The operated arm was evaluated and compared with the opposite arm. Wilcoxon test was used to compare continuous variables.Among 18 patients complained a loss of sense in the RA excised arm, the sensory defects were documented in 5. Among 7 patients presented with a feel of strength loss, handgrip power revealed a nonsignificant decrease of strength in the harvested arm. After squeezing test, ipsilateral ulnar artery peak systolic velocity increased from 86+/- 15 to 105+/- 15 cm/sec (0.001), end-diastolic flow velocity from 28+/- 5 to 36+/- 8 cm/sec (0.001) without any change in the ulnar artery radius. In contrast, no significant change in the flow velocity and the diameter of palmar arcus was noted before and after squeezing test. The comparison of the ulnar artery radius and blood flow velocity parameters in the RA excised arm to those of contralateral one after exercise test demonstrated no difference.With an assumption of appropriate selection, removal of RA does not change the forearm blood supply and functions with little sensory disturbances in the early postoperative period.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events. We evaluated heart dimensions in hypertensive patients with MetS.The study included 75 hypertensive patients (34 males, 41 females; mean age 51+/-9 years) without coronary artery disease. Patients were evaluated in two groups depending on the presence or absence of MetS. Age- and gender-matched 20 healthy subjects (9 males, 11 females; mean age 50+/-5 years) comprised the control group. The diagnosis of MetS was based on the presence of at least three of five MetS criteria. Hypertension was defined as arterial blood pressure exceeding 140/85 mmHg on three consecutive measurements or the use of antihypertensive drugs. Echocardiographic measurements included interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular internal diameter, posterior wall thickness, aortic diameter, left atrial diameter, relative wall thickness, and left ventricular mass.Metabolic syndrome was present in 32 hypertensive patients (42.7%; 18 males, 14 females). The mean number of MetS criteria was 2.6+/-1.0 in the hypertensive group. Compared to the control group, patients with or without MetS exhibited significantly increased interventricular septum and posterior wall thickness, left atrial diameter, relative wall thickness, and left ventricular mass (p0.05). The only significant difference between the two patient groups was that MetS was associated with a greater left atrial diameter (p=0.019). Left atrial diameter was correlated with the number of MetS criteria (r=0.51; p0.001).Left ventricular dimensions are not influenced by MetS. Rather than MetS, hypertension is primarily responsible for changes in left ventricular dimensions. However, left atrial enlargement is more prominent in patients with MetS, suggesting that each MetS criterion contributes to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

The objectives of this study are noninvasive assessment of endothelial dysfunction (ED) and diagnosing the possible early vascular development of atherosclerosis in psoriasis disease (PD). Twenty-eight PD patients (study group) without any obstructive vascular involvement were compared with 28 healthy controls (control group) in terms of ED utilizing endothelium-dependent dilation as well as endothelium-independent dilation, which was assessed by measuring changes in brachial artery diameter following sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (400 microg Nitrolingual spray). All patients underwent a complete transthoracic echocardiographic and tissue Doppler study. A standard form was utilized for the documentation of the presence or absence of the known risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Statistical analysis was performed by utilizing SPSS version 11. There was no difference between patients and controls in terms of echocardiographic and tissue Doppler parameters as well as baseline brachial artery diameters. Flow-mediated dilation showed 37% impairment in study group compared with control (p < 0.05). Endothelium-independent NTG dilatation did not differ in both groups. Noninvasive methods such as ultrasonography, saving time and cost-effective, can be utilized for following outpatient PD patients for the risk of ED, which may preclude to atherosclerosis.

Background: Long fasciotomy of the posterior aspect of the radial artery (RA) for the purpose of sympathectomy is one of the surgical techniques for the preparation of this graft. We compared the early results of this technique with those of the RA graft harvested as a pedicle in the conventional fashion. Methods: The study patients have been selected from the patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the RA graft harvested either with a long posterior fasciotomy (group 1) or as a whole with a pedicle in the classical manner (group 2). Only the patients with a flow study have been included. The flow index was described as the bleeding amount of the RA in a minute per body surface area (mL/m2 min). The flow index has been performed before and after fasciotomy in group 1, and after full skeletonization in group 2. The clinical and demographic parameters and flow indices were measured and compared between the groups, and in group 1, before and after fasciotomy. Results: From 218 patients with CABG using the RA between January 1998 and August 2005, a total of 57 patients were recruited into the study. Group 1 consisted of 25 patients. Thirty-two patients constituted group 2. Subfascial dissection of the RA increased the blood flow index from 48 ± 20 mL/m2 min to 51 ± 19 mL/m2 min (p < 0.001). The comparison of the clinical, perioperative characteristics of the patients was not different between the groups. Conclusions: The necessity of total skeletonization of the RA should not be the only option when the aim is to reduce the spasm. While subfascial dissection (sympathectomy) of the pediculed RA alone provides a satisfactory increase in the blood flow index, it also reduces the manipulation time as well as the risk of injury to the graft.

Noninvasive assessment of endothelial dysfunction (ED) and diagnosing the early vascular development of atherosclerosis in active mucocutaneous Behçet's disease. Twenty-nine active BD patients (study group) without any obstructive vascular involvement were compared with twenty-nine healthy controls (control group) in terms of ED utilizing endothelium-dependent dilation as well as endothelium-independent dilation (FMD), which was assessed by measuring changes in brachial artery diameter following sublingual glyceril trinitrate (400 microg Nitrolingual spray). All patients underwent a complete transthoracic echocardiographic and tissue Doppler study. A standard form was utilized for the documentation of the presence or absence of the known risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Statistical analysis was performed by utilizing SPSS version 11. There was no difference between patients and controls in terms of echocardiographic and tissue Doppler parameters as well as baseline brachial artery diameters. Flow-mediated dilation showed 38% impairment in study group compared with control (P0.05). Endothelium-independent NTG dilatation did not differ in both groups. Ultrasonography is an easily applicable noninvasive method for following BD patients for the risk of ED, which may preclude to atherosclerosis, save time and cost-effective.

Background Tumors arising from the right atrium are quite rare, and require special care during differential diagnosis for their management. A review of surgical experience with right atrial tumors in 11 patients from our institution has been presented in this article. Methods Eleven cases, operated for a tumor mass in the right atrium in our institution between January 1993 and December 2004, were retrospectively reviewed for their clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, method of surgical procedure, and histopathologic findings. Electrocardiogram, transthoracic, and transesophageal echocardiography, computerized tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging were available for all patients during the diagnostic evaluation. Surgical procedure notes, photos, and file recordings were reviewed when available. The surgeons were also interviewed when necessary. Results Right atrial tumors were diagnosed in 11 patients (6 males and 5 females). The average age of the patients was 34 +/- 11 years (ranging between 21 and 65 years). The histopathological examination of the surgically removed specimen revealed a benign tumor in eight patients (73%), and a malignant process in three (23%). In eight patients with a benign tumor, atrial myxoma was the leading cause in half of the cases. Hydatid cyst (n = 2), lipoma (n = 1), and right atrial thrombus (n = 1) were detected in the remaining four patients. One patient died of heart failure after surgery. The diameters of the excised masses were 2 +/- 0.5 cm versus 7 +/- 1 cm. Conclusions Tumors of the right atrium are rarely seen, and necessitate a unique attention during the process of diagnosis and surgical treatment. We present our surgical experience of 11 patients with right atrial mass. The differentiation of the right atrial tumors with the diagnostic tools before surgery, the determination of the spreading, and the structural properties of the mass may designate surgical approach and prognosis.

Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (LVD) is a common complication secondary to hypertension. It has been reported that bisoprolol is effective in reducing blood pressure and has beneficial cardiac effects in patients with hypertension. However, its effect on LV diastolic function has not been studied in detail. In this study, we sought to determine bisoprolol’s effect on left ventricle diastolic function. Data from 25 patients were statistically analyzed. Peaks E and A wave, E/A ratio, isovolumetric relaxation time and E wave deceleration time were measured echocardiographically. Doppler echocardiography measurements after bisoprolol treatment revealed an improvement in LV diastolic function. In conclusion, our results show that treatment with bisoprolol, improves echocardiographic parameters of LV diastolic function after 3 months of treatment.

We report the case of a 64-year-old male presenting with chest pain with a history of hyperlipidemia and smoking. Coronary angiogram was not successful to visualize the right coronary artery. Contrast enhanced 64-slice computed tomography (CT) identified the origin of the RCA from the aorta and distal stenosis of the vessel. Additionally, it revealed that the nature of the stenosis could be consistent with soft plaque or thrombus. Repeated coronary angiogram confirmed the data obtained by 64-slice CT. The confirmatory value of 64-slice CT in the evaluation of coronary abnormalities and stenoses has been addressed by this case report.

Twelve-lead electrocardiograms revealed no atrial activity and a wide QRS escape rhythm at 38 beats/min in a 20-year-old man who presented with syncope. Doppler echocardiography documented the absence of A wave both in the tricuspid and mitral valve flow. The only mechanical activity was documented at the left atrial appendage. An electrophysiologic study demonstrated electrical inactivity in the right atrium and an atrial tachycardia in the left atrium. Atrial pacing with maximum output did not capture the atria. Our case represents an advanced stage of partial atrial standstill, with a mechanical and electrical atrial activity confined only to the left trial appendage. The patient remained asymptomatic after receiving a VVIR pacemaker and anticoagulation therapy.

Twelve-lead electrocardiograms revealed fine atrial fibrillation and a short QT interval (SQTI) (

Continuous-wave (CW) Doppler recording of mitral regurgitation (MR) is a reflection of the left ventriculoatrial pressure gradient. Accordingly, this jet may yield information about pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). In this study, we derived and then evaluated a novel method for prediction of PAWP. Patients (n=80) with moderate to severe MR and left ventricular dysfunction were included in the study. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in patients during pulmonary artery pressure monitoring. A satisfactory CW Doppler recording of MR was obtained in 63/80 (78%). On the late descending portion of the CW recording, the time from a velocity of 4 m/sec to the end of the jet was defined as t1, and from 3 m/sec to the end of the jet as t2. Mathematical derivation of t1/t2 as a predictor of PAWP, was performed based on Weiss' derivation. If t1/t2 was1.30, the PAWP was normal. If t1/t21.44, the PAWP was16 mmHg. With this new mathematical derivation, it appears that the downslope of the CW Doppler MR waveform may be able to distinguish a normal from elevated PAWP.

Thoracic impedance cardiography (TIC) is a noninvasive method which has proved to be useful in monitoring the haemodynamic status of the patients. In this study, we evaluated the TIC findings in patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.The study consisted of patients with pericardial effusion with (group A) or without (group B) cardiac tamponade (CT). The stroke volume, cardiac output and ejection fraction was measured by both echocardiography and TIC. The measurements were done at baseline in both groups and following pericardiocentesis in group A. The variables were compared by linear regression analysis, paired sample's t test and chi-square test. The study included 32 patients. Group A consisted of 16 patients and group B of 14 patients. Two patients were excluded from comparisons because of insufficient quality of the echocardiographic examination. There were no significant differences between group A and B with regard to demographic features. Both echocardiographic and TIC measurements at baseline revealed decreased cardiac output, EDV and SV in group A and EF was not different. Linear regression analysis revealed that echocardiography and TIC were in significant correlation with regard to cardiac output, enddiastolic volume, stroke volume (p0.01) but not ejection fraction (p = 0.8910). The correlation was also present after pericardiocentesis.TIC can be safely used in patients with pericardial effusion. It provides suggestive data for the diagnosis of CT and can be used as a means of monitoring the results of the pericardiocentesis.

OBJECTIVE This study was performed to determine the effect of homocysteine-lowering therapy (HLT) on endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDD) and exercise performance in patients with coronary artery disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Among the patients who were on the waiting list for coronary intervention, 26 male patients (plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels > 15 micromol/l) who had a focal stenosis of at least 70% in the left anterior descending artery were included in the study. The patients were matched to receive HLT (n = 15; 0.4 mg of folic acid, 2 mg vitamin B6 and 6 microg of vitamin B12) or placebo (n = 11) until the coronary intervention was performed (mean 3.8 +/- 0.9 weeks). Brachial artery vasomotion test and treadmill stress testing were performed at baseline and 4 weeks after HLT before the time of coronary intervention in each patient. Hcy levels were found to be decreased significantly after HLT compared to baseline (23.4 +/- 6 vs. 11.3 +/- 4 micromol/l; p < 0.001) whereas placebo had no effect. HLT but not placebo produced a marked improvement in EDD, from 3.9 +/- 1.1% to 9.4 +/- 2.3% (p < 0.0001). Endothelium-independent nitroglycerin-induced dilation was similar in the HLT and placebo groups compared with the baseline. In the exercise testing, HLT resulted in a significant improvement in exercise duration and reduction in the amount of maximal ST-segment depression, (from 6.5 +/- 2 to 6.9 +/- 2 min, p = 0.02 and from 1.2 +/- 0.7 to 0.8 +/- 0.5 mm, p = 0.01, respectively) whereas placebo did not. CONCLUSION Lowering Hcy levels improves EDD and exercise performance while reducing the exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia in patients with coronary heart disease and hyperhomocysteinaemia.