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Objectives: To find out the prevalence of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation and the risk factors associated with atrial fibrillation in patients with complaints of palpitations having normal sinus rhythm on electrocardiogram. Methodology: The descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from 1st of January 2017 to 31st of December 2020 at Department of Cardiology, Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology, Multan. All the patients presented with the complaints of palpitations for six months with normal sinus rhythm on standard 12 lead electrocardiogram were included in the study. After written informed consent, a Holter monitor was applied for 48 h. Data regarding gender, age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, obesity, stable ischemic heart disease, valvular or nonvalvular structural heart defect and hyperthyroidism was collected on a preformed Performa for each patient. Presence of atrial fibrillation was noted on Holter monitoring. Results: Total 1891 patients were studied over the period of 4 years. The mean age of the studied population was 55.99 ±16.28 years. There was male dominance with 70.3% (n=1329) males and 29.7% (n=562) females. 12.50% (n=236) patients had been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation on Holter monitoring. Age group of patients with age more than 75 years has high burden of atrial fibrillation (31.34%). Conclusion: A large number of studied population has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation on Holter monitoring who presented with palpitation and have normal sinus rhythm on electrocardiogram.

Objective: The objective of our study was to assess the reduction in severe pulmonary hypertension after PTMC in patients of severe mitral stenosis. Methodology: One hundred twenty-four patients of severe mitral stenosis with severely elevated pulmonary pressures more than 50 mmHg between 15 to 60 years of age of either gender undergoing elective PTMC at Chaudry Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology, Multan were included in this study. Post PTMC pulmonary pressures were noted 24 hours after PTMC. Results: Mean age of the patients was 35.45 ± 10.38 years. Diabetes mellitus was found to be present in 39/124 (31.5%), hypertension in 40/124 (32.3%) while no comorbidities were found in 62/124 (50%). Mean baseline pulmonary artery systolic pressure was found to be 72.61 ± 8.11 mmHg while mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure after PTMC was found to be 45.09 ± 6.06 mmHg. The pulmonary artery systolic pressure fallen from baseline by 37.92 ± 4.19 mmHg after the commissurotomy. Transvenous mitral commissurotomy was found to be effective with a minimum 1/3rd reduction in 119/124 (96%) while it was ineffective in 5/124 (4%) of the patients. Conclusion: Therefore, we conclude that balloon valvotomy is a useful procedure which results in a significant reduction in mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure irrespective of age, gender or comorbidities.

Introduction The Killip classification system was introduced for clinical assessment of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). It stratifies individuals according to the severity of their post-MI heart failure. This system provides effective stratification of long-term and short-term outcomes in patients with acute MI and influences the treatment strategies. Revalidation of Killip class in our local population is mandatory. We planned this study to increase cardiologist's readiness to tackle the risks associated with increased mortality in each class post ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI). Objectives were to determine the frequency of Killip classes I, II, III, and IV and in-hospital mortality in each Killip class in patients with left ventricular failure secondary to STEMI. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, over a period of three years. Patients with STEMI were stratified using Killip classification, and validation was performed by determining the within 15 days in-hospital mortality in each Killip class. Results The frequency (percentage) of patients with STEMI in each Killip class from I to IV was 395 (81.4%), 46 (9.5%), 27 (5.6%), and 17 (3.5%), respectively, while the in-hospital mortality in each Killip class came out to be 39 (9.9%), 4 (8.7%), 25 (92.6%) and 17 (100%), respectively. The presence of diabetes, history of smoking, and body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 kg/m2 were significant contributors to mortality, along with higher Killip class and age of presentation. Conclusions It is concluded that the Killip classification system is a valid tool for risk stratification for patients after STEMI, especially in resource-limited countries.

Introduction Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation is a prominent complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Accurate and prompt detection of the condition is important as it poses a high risk for thromboembolic events that can be arrested by systemic anticoagulation. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the frequency of LVT formation in thrombolyzed and non-thrombolyzed patients with AMI to ascertain the current magnitude of the problem in the local population. Methods The study was conducted at the Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology in Multan, Pakistan. A total of 281 patients of either gender aged between 30-65 years with anterior wall myocardial infarction (AWMI; both thrombolyzed and non-thrombolyzed) were included in the study. Once they were enrolled in the study, all the relevant baseline investigations were performed. A detailed history was taken and examinations were done; serial ECG and echocardiography were performed till discharge from the hospital on the third day of hospitalization to record the final outcome of the study, i.e., LVT formation. Results The mean age of the patients was 55.54 ± 7.26 years. Overall, LVT formation was noted in 65 cases (23.1%), of which 11 (16.9%) were thrombolyzed patients and 54 (83.1.1%) were non-thrombolyzed. A significant association of LVT was noted with age, hypertension, family history, and duration of symptoms. Conclusion We found a high frequency of LVT formation among patients with AWMI who have not undergone thrombolytic therapy. It was observed that LVT was notably associated with advanced age, hypertension, and other comorbidities. Early presentation to the hospital and thrombolysis reduce the risk of developing LVT, which in turn can reduce morbidity and mortality in such patients.

Introduction Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is becoming more common than ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and data regarding presence of underlying multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD) in these patients is consistent in locoregional population that leads to lethal delays in proper management. Therefore, in the current study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of MVCAD in NSTEMI with markedly raised troponin T levels. This will help to identify patients that should be labeled as high risk and must be referred for coronary revascularization on priority basis, so that clinical outcomes can be improved in these patients. Methods This cross-sectional research study was carried out at Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi Institute of Cardiology, Multan over a period of one year. A total of 326 patients with history of chest discomfort within past 48 hours of presentation or angina equivalent symptoms and cardiac troponin T more than 500 ng/l were included in the study. Coronary angiography was done within 72 hours of same hospital admission. The outcome variable i.e. MVCAD was determined. Results Mean age of patients was 50.74 ± 7.75 years with range of 30 to 60 years. MVCAD was found in 107 (32.82%) patients, whilst there was no MVCAD in 219 (67.18%) patients. Moreover, no significant association of MVCAD was noted with age or smoking. Conclusion We found presence of MVCAD in a considerable number of patients presenting with NSTEMI. The key to detect the underlying presence of MVCAD in these patients is lifted troponin T levels. Therefore, we conclude that any patient with elevated troponin T levels, even in the absence of ST segment elevation, should undergo cardiac catheterization to detect presence of MVCAD as this subset of patients can benefit from early revascularization including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Objectives Conduction defects complicating acute myocardial infarction are frequently associated with increased morbidity and mortality. As frequency of this complication has not been widely studied in our population, therefore in this study we aimed to evaluate the frequency of complete atrioventricular block in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and its association with other clinical parameters. Results The mean age of the patients was 50.55 ± 6.72 years at the time of MI. There were 147 (82.1%) males and 32 (17.9%) females. There were 83 (46.4%) patients having hypertension, 61 (34.1%) diabetes mellitus, 75 (41.9%) smokers, 75 (41.9%) patients having positive family history, 11 (6.1%) having dyslipidemia, and 73 (40.8%) obese patients in this study. The Frequency of complete atrioventricular (AV) block in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction was found to be 7.3%, and no association with any other clinical factor was found which could predict this condition according to results of our study. Therefore, protocols should be designed in our routine clinical practice to deal with such a life threatening condition.

Background Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most prevalent lymphoproliferative disorders in Pakistan; however, no risk factors for this disease have yet to be established in our population. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a well-known risk factor for Hodgkin lymphoma in endemic regions of the world; however, frequency of its association in our population has not been widely studied. Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a surrogate marker of EBV in Hodgkin lymphoma. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of expression of LMP1 in cases of Hodgkin lymphoma at our institute and its correlation with other clinical and histologic parameters. Methods The study included 66 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed at Liaquat National Hospital over a duration of 2 years from January 2014 to December 2015. The slides and blocks of all cases were retrieved, and representative blocks were selected for LMP1 by IHC. LMP1 expression of >10% of cells was considered as positive expression and correlated with histologic subtypes and clinical parameters like age, gender, and site of involvement. Results The mean age of patients was 35.11 (+20.22). LMP1 expression was found in 68.1% (45/66) of cases of Hodgkin lymphoma. Mean age of the patients with LMP1 expression was 32.04 (+21.02). LMP1 expression was found in 40% cases of lymphocyte-rich, 66.7% of lymphocyte-depleted, 73.9% of mixed cellularity, 66.7% of nodular sclerosis, and 73.7% of classic Hodgkin lymphoma, NOS. No significant correlation of LMP1 expression with any clinical or histological parameter could be established in our studied patient population. Conclusions A high frequency of expression of LMP1 is seen in cases of Hodgkin lymphoma at our setup comparable to endemic regions of the world; therefore, preventive and treatment protocols should be designed accordingly.

Objectives Ki67 is the most commonly used marker to evaluate proliferative index in breast cancer, however no cutoff values have been clearly defined for high ki67 index. Cancer management should be according to loco-regional profile; therefore, we aimed to determine ki67 index in 1951 cases of intrinsic breast cancer subtypes and its association with other prognostic parameters in our set up. Results Triple negative breast cancers showed highest ki67 index (mean 50.9 ± 23.7%) followed by Her2neu (mean 42.6 ± 21.6%) and luminal B cancers (mean 34.9 ± 20.05%). Metaplastic and medullary breast cancers significantly showed higher ki67 index as compared to ductal carcinoma, NOS. No significant association of ki67 index was noted with any of the histologic parameters in different subtypes of breast cancer expect for tumor grade. Although, ki67 index is a valuable biomarker in breast cancer, however no independent prognostic significance of ki67 could be established in our study.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of in-hospital mortality in 351 patients who developed cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction and by determining this; we might find that how efficiently we could manage this serious condition in our population by knowing the factors which are associated with high mortality after cardiogenic shock. Moreover impact of early revascularization like thrombolytic therapy or angioplasty was also evaluated. Results Mean age was 65.41 ± 7.78 years in our study. In-hospital mortality with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction was found to be 44.73%. Significant association of in-hospital mortality was noted with age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and BMI. Patients receiving early revascularization were noted to have lower in-hospital mortality compared to those in whom revascularization was not done due to delayed presentation. This study concluded that there is a high frequency (44.73%) of in-hospital mortality in patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial in our population. So, we recommend that for achieving a good outcome and to reduce in-hospital mortality; in addition to rapid diagnosis of this condition, underlying risk factors like hypertension and diabetes should be evaluated and managed accordingly and early revascularization should be done when possible.