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Background: We aim to compare the diameters of ascending aorta in COVID-19 patients and COVID–19-free individuals referred to our pandemic hospital. Methods: The medical records and thorax tomographies of patients admitted to the "pandemic central" state hospital with symptoms of COVID-19 were observed between April 2020 and May 2020 in this case-control study. The first group consisted of patients diagnosed with COVID-19, and the second group consisted of patients without the disease. The diameter of the ascending aorta is measured via tomography and compared to each other. The most causative risk factors for aortic enlargements underwent a multivariate regression analysis. Results: Charts of 156 patients (104 COVID-19 positives, 52 COVID-19 negatives) were reviewed. There was a statistical difference (p :.01) between the mean aortic diameter of COVID-19 patients (39 mm) and COVID-free patients (32.5 mm) even though comorbid factors and patient characteristics were similar in the two groups at the time of hospital admission. The regression analysis result demonstrates that COVID-19 (leading factor), age, and coronary artery disease were the most significant factors associated with increasing aortic dimensions. (p :.001, B: 5.3/, p :.02, B: 3.36/, p :.002, B: 0.13/, R square: 40.2%). Conclusion: This study shows that the mean aortic diameter of COVID-19 patients is larger than non–COVID-19 patients with similar comorbidities referred to a pandemic hospital. COVID-19, age, and coronary artery disease are the most influential factors that affect the aortic diameter, and the COVID-19 was the leading factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to determine the protective effect of cilostazol on myocardium in obese Wistar rats with induced ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods: Four groups with 10 Wistar rats were included: 1] Sham Group: IRI was not established in normal weight-Wistar rats. 2] Control Group: IRI but no cilostazol in normal weight-Wistar rats. 3] Cilostazol in normal weight-Wistar rats: IRI and cilostazol was administered. 4] Cilostazol in obeseWistar rats: IRI and cilostazol was administered. Results: Tissue adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were significantly higher and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels significantly lower in the control group than in the sham group and normal weight cilostazol group (p=0.024 and p=0.003). Fibrinogen levels were 198 mg/dL in the sham group, 204 mg/dL in the control group, and 187 mg/dL in the normal-weight cilostazol group (p=0.046). Additionally, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were significantly higher in the control group (p=0.047). The level of ATP was significantly lower in the normal-weight cilostazol group than in the obese group (104 vs 131.2 nmol/g protein, p=0.043). PAI-1 level was 2.4 ng/mL in the normal weight cilostazol group and 3.7 ng/mL in the obese cilostazol group (p=0.029). Normal-weight Wistar rats with cilostazol had significantly better histologic outcomes than the control group and obese Wistar rats (p=0.001 and p=0.001). Conclusion: Cilostazol has a protective effect on myocardial cells in IRI models by decreasing inflammation. The protective role of cilostazol was reduced in obese Wistar rats compared with normal-weight Wistar rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is very common and affecting almost 10% of the population worldwide. Arterio-venous fistulas (AVFs) become first access options for hemodialysis but AVFs may contribute to maladaptive cardiovascular remodelling. Methods: We studied the efect of radiocephalic AVFs (RC-AVFs) and brachiocephalic AVFs (BC-AVFs) creation on cardiac structure and function in patients with ESRD. In this study patients with listed for AVF creation underwent echocardiography before and six weeks after the surgery. The primary outcome was changes in left ventricle (LV) volumes and LV ejection fraction. The secondary outcome was determinining which type of fistula increases the likelihood of cardiovascular remodelling more. Results: Between November 2022 and March 2023, a total of 38 patients (mean age 62 years) who underwent AVFs surgery were included in the study. Out of these patients, 17 received RC-AVFs, while 21 patients received BC-AVFs. Echocardiography revealed a significant increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in both groups (p=0.02). The increase in LVEDP was found to be significantly higher in the BC-AVFs group compared to the RC-AVFs group (p=0.03). However, there were no significant changes observed in ejection fraction. Conclusions: AVF creation is a critical treatment method in ESRD. However, high-flow fistulas carry a substantial risk potential in patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases. To avoid an increase in left ventricular pressure (LVP), especially in BC-AVFs, it is possible to create smaller diameter artery and vein anastomoses. This approach can help minimize the risk of elevated LVP associated with AVFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]