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Purpose: The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) is an important parameter that reflects insulin resistance and its use has increased recently. Its relationship with cardiovascular diseases has been shown in previous studies. Our aim was to investigate the association of residual SYNTAX score (rSS) with TyG index in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Materials and Methods: A total of 663 STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the TyG index level as high and low. The cut-off value for the TyG index was determined as 9.61 by ROC analysis. Coronary artery disease severity was calculated for both groups besides baseline clinical and demographic variables. Results: A total of 281 patients were evaluated in the high TyG index group and 386 patients in the low TyG index group. A rSS above 8 was considered high. The proportion of patients with high rSS in the increased TyG index group was found to be significantly higher than in the other group [114 (40.6) vs. 54 (14.0)]. In addition, higher TyG index is determined to be the independent predictor of higher rSS in logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: High TyG index had a strong association with rSS and higher TyG index was an independent predictor of increased rSS in patients with STEMI

Aim: This work was designed to explore the role of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in the prediction of long-term mortality in patients with lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) undergoing endovascular revascularization. Methods: The records of 723 patients with symptomatic LEAD undergoing endovascular revascularization between January 2016 and December 2021, with long-term follow-up until December 2021, were analyzed. Results: The rate of long-term mortality was significantly higher among patients with high TyG index than patients with low TyG index. Conclusion: The TyG index is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in patients with LEAD undergoing endovascular revascularization.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) for predicting restenosis in superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions and its association with subsequent clinical outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular intervention.The records of 685 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular intervention due to symptomatic peripheral artery disease were analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 groups, based on the CAR values. For each group, technical aspects of procedures and subsequent clinical outcomes were analyzed.According to our study, patients with high CAR values had higher rates of restenosis (30.2% vs. 10.3%, P 0.05) and mortality (31.3% vs. 12.9%, P 0.05). The rate of lower extremity amputations was also significantly higher in patients with high CAR values compared to those with low CAR values (9.1% vs. 3%, P 0.05). With respect to Receiver operating characteristic ROC curves of inflammatory markers, the area under the curve (AUC) value of CAR was statistically significant (AUC: 0.659; 95% confidence interval CI: 0.611-0.706; P 0.01).Our data showed that CAR is an independent predictor of restenosis and poor clinical outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular intervention.

Objective Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a progressive form of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Patients with CLI have poor long-term prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of sarcopenia in terms of 1-year mortality in patients with below-the-knee lesions who underwent endovascular treatment for CLI. Methods A total of 190 patients with critical limb ischemia who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) for below-the-knee (BTK) lesions were enrolled in this study. Sarcopenia was defined using the psoas muscle index (PMI). PMI was obtained by calculating the average psoas muscle area (APMA) of the left and right psoas muscles at the third lumbar vertebra level and dividing by the square of the height (cm2/m2). The primary endpoint of the study was 1-year mortality and the secondary endpoint was 1-year amputation. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to presence of sarcopenia. Results We detected sarcopenia in 64 patients. The mean age, height, and EF were higher in sarcopenia group. The psoas muscle area, weight, psoas muscle index, body-mass index, albumin level, and GFR were lower in sarcopenia group. The incidence of amputation (11.9% vs 29.7%, p = 0.003) and mortality (15.1% vs 35.9%, p = 0.001) were higher in patients with sarcopenia. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the independent predictors of amputation and mortality. The survival curve for 1-year using the sarcopenia was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and statistical analysis was performed with the log-rank test. The presence of sarcopenia, glomerular filtration rate level, and low ejection fraction were found to be independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions Sarcopenia was associated with 1-year mortality in patients with CLI undergoing EVT for BTK lesions. Also, patients with sacropenia had higher 1-year amputation rates. Sarcopenia may be a simple method to help patient selection, assessment, and intervention strategy for EVT and may improve patient outcomes.

Introduction: Aortic angulation (AA), defined as the angle between the aortic annulus plane and the horizontal plane, may result in failed prosthesis positioning. The effect of AA on the procedural and short-term outcomes with the portico valves for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has not been fully investigated. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of AA on device success and early outcomes of TAVI using a selfexpanding portico valve. Patients and Methods: Preoperative computed tomography scans of 121 consecutive patients treated with the portico valve were analyzed. TAVI device success and outcomes were determined according to VARC-3 definitions. Patients were divided into two groups based on mean AA. Results: The mean AA was 48.7 ± 8.9°. There were no differences in technical success (92.2 vs 89.5%, p= 0.604), device success (81.2% vs 77.2%, p= 0.582), and early safety endpoints (68.8% vs 61.4%, p= 0.397) between the AA≤ 48° and AA>48° groups. The frequency and severity of paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR) was statistically higher in patients with AA> 48° (p= 0.028). Moreover, an increased AA was also associated with valve malposition (12.3% vs. 1.6%, p= 0.018), prolonged procedure time (85 ± 26 vs. 75 ± 20 minutes, p= 0.028), and greater Δimplantation depth (2.2 ± 0.5 vs. 0.8 ± 0.1 mm; p Conclusion: Despite comparable device success and early outcomes rates, increased AA is associated with higher rates of PAR and valve malposition, with the self-expanding portico valve.

The right fibrous trigone, which the His bundle penetrates, is part of the subaortic area adjacent to the membranous septum. Structural alterations of the right fibrous trigone may cause conduction disturbance as a result of compression in this area after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. This study analyzed the hypothesis of whether imaging parameters of the RFT could predict the risk of conduction disturbance after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.We retrospectively examined 209 patients who underwent transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantationat a tertiary cardiac center. The different valve models were divided into 2 groups: self-expanding valve and balloon-expandable valve. Using pre-procedure computed tomography, we evaluated for the alterations of the right fibrous trigone.New conduction disturbance was seen in 75 of 209 (35.8%) patients. Receiver operating characteristics plots displayed a right fibrous trigone density of -6 Hounsfieldunit for SEV and -16 Hounsfield unit for balloon-expandable valve as the optimal cut- off points for prediction conduction disturbance. In multiple regression analyses, the high density of RFT emerged as an independent predictor of conduction disturbance in both the self-expanding valve (odds ratio: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.02, P = 0.035) and bal- loon-expandable valve (odds ratio: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.03, P = 0.017) groups. A shorter membranous septum length and a greater implantation depth were also found to be significantly associated with a higher incidence of conduction disturbance in both trans- catheter aortic valve implantation groups.High density of right fibrous trigone is independently associated with con- duction disturbance after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and its pre-proce- dure computed tomography evaluation can help predict the new-onset of conduction disturbance.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate pre-procedural (Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio) (NLR) in patients with (Left Main Coronary Artery) (LMCA) disease and to identify a relevant NLR value related to mortality after percutaneous intervention in unprotected LMCA disease. Patients and Methods: Seventy-one patients diagnosed with unprotected LMCA disease were divided into two groups according to their mortality rates: survivors (n= 56, 78%) and non-survivors (n= 15, 22%). The mean follow-up duration was 26.0 ± 24.8 months, and all-cause mortality was considered as an endpoint. Results: The non-survivor group had higher NLR values [3.23 (2.31-4.01) vs. 5.82 (2.92-14.99), p= 0.026] compared to the survivor-group. ROC analysis revealed an NLR cut-off value of 5.24 for predicting all-cause mortality. During follow-up, the group with high NLR values was associated with a significantly higher rate of all-cause mortality rate [6 (10.5%) vs. 9 (64.3%), p< 0.001] compared to the low NLR group. In multivariate analysis, the NLR (OR= 1.695; 95% CI= 1.124-2.556; p= 0.012) was found to be independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: NLR is the independent predictor of all-cause mortality in unprotected LMCA disease. As far as we know, this study is the first study investigating the prognostic value of NLR in patients with unprotected LMCA disease stenting.

Introduction: Cerebral embolism after carotid artery stenting (CAS) remains a matter of concern in frailty patients. The prognostic nutrition index (PNI), which provides an objective assessment of nutritional status, is a useful prognostic indicator in cardiovascular diseases. We aim to determine the value of pre-procedural PNI in predicting cerebral embolism including stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and silent new ischemic cerebral lesions (SNICLs). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 138 patients (mean age= 70.6 ± 6.7 years, male= 99) who underwent CAS. Inclusion criteria were as follows: i) availability of all medical records including albumin value and lymphocyte count, ii) having cranial imaging after CAS, iii) having symptomatic carotid stenosis 50-99% or asymptomatic carotid stenosis ≥60-99%. The study population was divided into two subgroups according to the presence of cerebral embolism as cerebral embolism (+) cerebral embolism (-) groups. Results: Among the study population, 22 patients (16%) had at least 1 SNICL, seven patients (5.0%) had an ischemic stroke, and five patients (3.6%) had TIA. The cerebral embolism (+) group had a significantly lower PNI, older age, more frequent history of stroke, a higher proportion of type III aortic arch, and longer fluoroscopy time than the cerebral embolism (-) group. Low PNI was identified as one of the independent predictors of cerebral embolism (OR= 0.808; 95% CI= 0.670-0.975; p= 0.026), and PNI lower than 44.7 predicted cerebral embolism with a sensitivity of 70.6% and a specificity of 61.1% (AUC= 0.739; 95% CI= 0.651 to 0.827; p< 0.001). Conclusion: The current data suggest that PNI is an independent prognostic factor for cerebral embolic complications after CAS procedures.

Bu çalışmada, CCII kullanılarak akım modlu, kesirli dereceli, ikinci dereceden evrensel bir süzgeç tasarlanmıştır. Tasarlanan süzgeç için üç adet CCII (current conveyor, AD844A entegresi kullanılarak), üç direnç ve bir ucu topraklanmış iki adet kondansatör kullanılmıştır. Kesirli dereceli süzgeç tasarımı amacıyla geleneksel süzgeç yerine kesirli dereceyi sağlayacak paralel direnç ve kondansatörlerin seri bağlandığı Foster-I devre yapısı kullanılmıştır. Geleneksel kondansatördeki 1/sC empedans değeri, modelde 1/ s^αC değerine eşit olmaktadır (0 ≤ α ≤ 1). Bu çalışmada α =0.1, α =0.2, α =0.3, α=0.4, α=0.5, α =0.6,α =0.7, α =0.8, α =0.9 değerleri için model parametreleri hesaplanmış; (1+ α) değerine bağlı olarak derecesi 1.1, 1.2 , 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9 olan süzgeçler ikinci derece süzgeç ile karşılaştırılarak kesirli dereceli süzgeçlerin avantajları ortaya konmuştur. Önerilen devrenin performansı ve teorik analiz sonuçları PSPICE benzetimi ile doğrulanmıştır.

Saphenous venous graft to pulmonary artery fistula is a rare condition.Below we report a casewith saphenous venous graft to left pulmonary artery fistula presenting with coronary ischemia and right heart failure in the literature. 61 year-old male patient was admitted to our emergency department with exertional chest pain. He had previous history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation.The transthorasic echocardiogram displayed normal left ventricular ejection fraction (55%) .However, right ventricular systolic functional parameters were decreased, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular systolic velocity were found as 13mm and 7 cm/sec,respectively. Coronary angiography represented critical stenosis in native coronary arteries.Left internal mammarian arterial graft (LIMA) to LAD remains to be patent. Aorto-CXA saphenous venous graft was also patent. Aorto-RCA and LAD septal sequential saphenous venous graft was patent in RCA course, a fistula from Aorto-RCA and LAD septal sequential venos graft to left pulmonary artery was observed. Coronary computed tomography clearly represented the fistula from venus graft to pulmonary artery. The patient was discussed by Heart Team and re-operation was decided, the patient declined the operation and he was discharged from the hospital under medical therapy. Acquired coronary artery fistulas mostly develop after CABG surgery ; moreover, they may be related to trauma ,neoplasmor infection.They may develop in various areas,there are several data reporting coronary artery fistulas from LIMA or saphenous grafts to pulmonary artery. To the best of our knowledge, this current case was the first case report demonstrating the saphenous venous graft fistulazation without venous aneurysm to pulmonary artery linked to right ventricle failure and coronary ischemia togetherness without any other underlying cause to explain the right heart failure.

Coronary bifurcation lesions account for 15%-20% of all percutaneous coronary interven tions and are associated with greater procedural complexity and consequently at higher risk for cardiac adverse events. Early clinical trials in the interventional approach to bifurcation lesions supported provisional stenting. However, the most recent randomized studies have indicated potentially superior results using a double-kissing crush technique, particularly for unprotected distal left main bifurcation lesions. Moreover, many operators recently favor double-kissing mini-culotte, nanocrush, and double-kissing nanocrush stenting techniques for bifurcation lesions. In this review, we describe the traditional and novel bifurcation stenting techniques and the current evidence for each and review general principles for bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is related to cardiovascular disease and results in increased mortality rates. Ischemia, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, impaired cardiac ionic currents, and genetic predisposition may be the underlying mechanisms. Proarrhythmic ventricular electrophysiological remodeling detected on the basis of Tp‑e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios plays a key role in the prognosis. Our aim was to assess proarrhythmic ventricular electrophysiological remodeling in patients with RA, a well-known chronic inflammatory disorder. A total of 163 patients with RA and 47 patients as a control group were included in this retrospective study. Proarrhythmic ventricular electrophysiological remodeling markers were evaluated in both groups along with baseline demographic and clinical variables. Patients using medication or with chronic disorders that can affect ventricular repolarization markers were excluded. The patients with RA had prolonged Tp‑e interval (66 ms [44–80]; 80 ms [78–96], p

Using the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) ratio as an index of right ventricular load adaptability, we aimed to evaluate early changes in right heart contractile function of patients with group 1 pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) after sequential combination PAH-specific therapy.A total of 49 patients with group 1 PAH and 31 control participants were included in the study. The baseline clinical and echocardiographic data of the control and PAH group were compared. Subsequently, clinical and echocardiographic data of PAH patients before treatment and at 6 months after PAH-specific treatment were analyzed.A significant increase in the TAPSE/PASP ratio was found in patients at 6 months of PAH-specific treatment (0.25 ± 0.14; 0.33 ± 0.16, p 0.001). Right atrial pressure (8 mm Hg [5-10]; 5 mm Hg [3-8], p 0.001) and PASP (80.8 ± 30.6 mm Hg; 65.9 ± 25.7 mm Hg, p 0.001) were significantly lower after sequential combination PAH-specific therapy. Negative correlations were found between the TAPSE/PASP ratio and N‑terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (r = -0.524, p 0.001), tricuspid regurgitation velocity (r = -0.749, p 0.001), right atrial area (r = -0.298, p = 0.037), and right atrial pressure (r = -0.463, p = 0.001).In patients with group 1 PAH, echocardiographic evaluation at the early stage of treatment (6 months) shows a significant improvement in the TAPSE/PASP ratio indicating right ventricular load adaptation. Comprehensive studies are needed on the routine use of the TAPSE/PASP ratio in the risk assessment of PAH patients.HINTERGRUND: Ziel der Arbeit war es, mit der Verwendung des Quotienten (TAPSE/PASP) der systolischen Exkursion der Trikuspidalringebene (TAPSE) zum pulmonalarteriellen systolischen Druck (PASP) – als Index für die rechtsventrikuläre Anpassungsfähigkeit an die Herzlast – früh auftretende Veränderungen der kontraktilen Funktion des rechten Herzens bei Betroffenen mit pulmonalarterieller Hypertonie (PAH) der Gruppe 1 nach sequenzieller PAH-spezifischer Kombinationstherapie zu beurteilen.In die vorliegende Studie wurden 49 Betroffene mit PAH der Gruppe 1 und 31 Teilnehmende als Kontrollen einbezogen. Dabei wurden die klinischen und echokardiographischen Ausgangsdaten der Kontroll- und der PAH-Gruppe verglichen. Anschließend wurden die klinischen und echokardiographischen Daten der PAH-Betroffenen vor der Behandlung und 6 Monate nach PAH-spezifischer Therapie ausgewertet.Bei PAH-Betroffenen fand sich beim Follow-up nach 6 Monaten ein signifikanter Anstieg beim TAPSE/PASP-Quotienten (0,25 ± 0,14; 0,33 ± 0,16; p 0,001). Der rechtsatriale Druck (8 mm Hg [5–10]; 5 mm Hg [3–8]; p 0,001) und PASP (80,8 ± 30,6 mm Hg; 65,9 ± 25,7 mm Hg; p 0,001) waren nach sequenzieller PAH-spezifischer Kombinationstherapie signifikant niedriger. Negative Korrelationen wurden festgestellt zwischen dem TAPSE/PASP-Quotienten und dem „N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide“ (NT-proBNP; r = −0,524; p 0,001), der trikuspidalen Regurgitationsgeschwindigkeit (r = −0,749; p 0,001), der rechtsatrialen Fläche (r = −0,298; p = 0,037) und dem rechtsatrialen Druck (r = −0,463; p = 0,001).Bei Betroffenen mit PAH der Gruppe 1 war bei der echokardiographischen Beurteilung in einem frühen Behandlungsstadium (nach 6 Monaten) eine signifikante Verbesserung des TAPSE/PASP-Quotienten festzustellen, was ein Zeichen einer rechtsventrikulären Anpassung an die Herzlast darstellt. Vergleichende Studien sind erforderlich, um den Routineeinsatz des TAPSE/PASP-Quotienten in der Risikoabschätzung von PAH-Betroffenen zu beurteilen.

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a heterogenous infection that affects the endothelial surface of the intracardiac structures and other implanted intracardiac devices. We aimed to compare demographical characteristics, causative microorganisms, treatment, and prognosis of prosthetic and native valve endocarditis diagnosed in two separate hospitals. Material and methods: Between 2010 and 2020, patients admitted with the diagnosis of IE were retrospectively included in our multicenter study. Patients' demographic and epidemiological data, clinical characteristics, infected intracardiac structure and sort of valve, culprit microorganisms, laboratory findings, treatment manifestations and in-hospital outcomes with a period of 6 months were obtained from an electronic medical record system. Results: A total of 173 consecutive patients had diagnosed IE, 60.1% (104 patients) of them native valve endocarditis (NVE) and 39.8 % (69 patients) of them prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). Baseline demographic properties were not different except hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Patients with prior hypertension were 25% (26 patients) in NVE; 39.1% (27 patients) in PVE and the difference was statistically significant. Septic shock was significantly higher in the PVE group than the NVE group (7.4% versus 1%; P = .036), and also recurrent endocarditis occurred more frequently in the PVE group than the NVE group (8.8% versus 1%; P = .016). Conclusion: In our study, although we detected higher mean age, HT, RDW and atrial fibrillation rates compared with NVE, we did not detect a significant difference in mortality and morbidity.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe, life-threatening disorder despite the availability of specific drug therapy. A lack of endogenous prostacyclin secondary to downregulation of prostacyclin synthase in PAH may contribute to vascular pathologies. Therefore, prostacyclin and its analogs including inhaled iloprost may decrease pulmonary arterial pressure and ventricular pressure.Here, we studied that acute effects of iloprost used in pulmonary vasoreactivity testing on the intracardiac conduction system in patients with PAH. A total of 35 (15 idiopathic PAH, 20 congenital heart disease) patients with PAH were included in this prospective study. Patients were divided into two groups: 22 patients with negative pulmonary vasoreactivity in group 1 and 13 with positive pulmonary vasoreactivity in group 2. Electrophysiological parameters including basic cycle length, atrium-His (AH) interval, His-ventricle (HV) interval, PR interval, QT interval, QRS duration, Wenckebach period, and sinus node recovery time (SNRT) were evaluated before and after pulmonary vasoreactivity testing in both groups.The AH interval (81 [74-93]; 80 [65.5-88], p = 0.019) and SNRT (907.7 ± 263.4; 854.0 ± 288.04, p = 0.027) was significantly decreased after pulmonary vasoreactivity testing. Mean right atrium pressure was found to be correlated with baseline AH (r = 0.371, p = 0.031) and SNRT (r = 0.353, p = 0.037).Inhaled iloprost can improve cardiovascular performance in the presence of PAH, primarily through a reduction in right ventricular afterload and interventricular pressure. Decreased pressure on the interventricular septum and ventricles leads to conduction system normalization including of the AH interval and SNRT due to resolution of inflammation and edema.HINTERGRUND: Die pulmonalarterielle Hypertonie (PAH) ist eine schwere, lebensbedrohliche Erkrankung trotz spezifischer medikamentöser Behandlung. Ein Mangel an endogenem Prostazyklin infolge einer Herabregulierung der Prostazyklinsynthase bei PAH kann zu Gefäßerkrankungen beitragen. Daher können Prostazyklin und seine Analoga einschließlich des inhalativen Iloprost den pulmonalarteriellen Druck und den Ventrikeldruck senken.In der vorliegenden Studie wurden die akuten Wirkungen von dem zur Prüfung der pulmonalen Vasoreaktivität eingesetzten Iloprost auf das intrakardiale Erregungsleitungssystem bei Patienten mit PAH untersucht. In die prospektive Studie wurden 35 Patienten mit PAH (15 mit idiopathischer PAH, 20 mit kongenitaler Herzerkrankung) eingeschlossen. Die Patienten wurden in 2 Gruppen eingeteilt: 22 Patienten mit negativer pulmonaler Vasoreaktivität in Gruppe 1 und 13 mit positiver pulmonaler Vasoreaktivität in Gruppe 2. Vor und nach der Prüfung der pulmonalen Vasoreaktivität wurden elektrophysiologische Parameter einschließlich grundlegender Zyklusdauer, Atrium-His(AH)-Intervall, His-Ventrikel(HV)-Intervall, PR-Intervall, QT-Intervall, QRS-Dauer, Wenckebach-Periode und Sinusknotenerholungszeit (SKEZ) in beiden Gruppen gemessen.Das AH-Intervall (81 [74–93]; 80 [65,5–88], p = 0,019) und die SKEZ (907,7 ± 263,4; 854,0 ± 288,04; p = 0,027) waren nach Prüfung der pulmonalen Vasoreaktivität signifikant erniedrigt. Der mittlere Druck im rechten Vorhof erwies sich als mit dem Ausgangs-AH-Intervall korreliert (r = 0,371; p = 0,031) und SKEZ (r = 0,353; p = 0,037).Inhalatives Iloprost kann die kardiovaskuläre Leistung bei Vorliegen einer PAH verbessern, in erster Linie durch eine Reduktion der rechtsventrikulären Nachlast und des interventrikulären Drucks. Ein verminderter Druck auf das Interventrikularseptum und die Ventrikel führt zur Normalisierung des Erregungsleitungssystems einschließlich des AH-Intervalls und der SKEZ aufgrund der Rückbildung von entzündlichen Veränderungen und Ödemen.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty and mitral valve replacement have been the treatment options for mitral stenosis for several years, however, studies that compare these two modalities are very rare in the literature. ObjectIve: In this article, we aim to investigate the comparison of clinical results of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty and mitral valve replacement. Methods: 527 patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis, treated with percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty or mitral valve replacement (276 patients with percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty and 251 patients with mitral valve replacement) from 1991 to 2012 were evaluated. The demographic characteristics, clinical, echocardiographic and catheterization data of patients were evaluated retrospectively. The results of early and late clinical follow-up of patients after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty and mitral valve replacement were also evaluated. Results: The mean follow-up time of the percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty group was 4.7 years and, for the mitral valve replacement-group, it was 5.45 years. The hospital stay of the percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty group was shorter than that of the mitral valve replacement group (2.02 days vs 10.62 days, p

Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF), a restrictive cardiomyopathy characterized by subendocardial fibrosis, is commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions. EMF involving the left ventricle presents with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and is a rare cause of PH in non-tropical areas. Multimodality imaging is important for accurate diagnosis, especially cardiac magnetic resonance imaging which is the cornerstone. Herein, we report the case of a patient who presented with heart failure symptoms and severe PH, and in whom EMF was diagnosed by multimodality imaging.

The purpose of this study is to test eye tracking in studying the usability of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS), one of the major components of ships’ bridge navigation systems. The carriage and adequate use of ECDIS on merchant ships is mandated by international regulations to improve maritime safety. The aim of this study is to test eye tracking as an assessment tool for usability of ECDIS. Eye movement data, collected from experienced port pilots operating on three different models of ECDIS, was analysed for the study. Significant differences were found between time to first fixation measurements among three different ECDIS models, as well as differences in heat map visualisations between the participant port pilots and expert users. The results indicate that eye tracking is an effective tool for assessment of the usability of ECDIS. The study, aiming potentially to improve the effectiveness of bridge navigation systems, proposes the integration of eye tracking in research and development of ECDIS, and contributes scientifically to research on eye tracking in marine transportation.

Background: Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) has been established as an effective and safe treatment modality for symptomatic patients with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis. While Wilkin Score (WS) ≤ 8 are associated with higher rates of procedural success and lower rates of restenosis, higher WS are associated with lower rates of procedural success and higher rates of restenosis. It is well known that platelets have substantial role in thromboembolic complications of rheumatic mitral stenosis and various studies showed that increased platelet (PLT) activity in rheumatic mitral stenosis. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of PLT indices as a predictor of restenosis in patients who underwent PMBV. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 178 consecutive patients who underwent PMBV. Patients were classified into the two groups. Study group (n=21) included patients whom we performed redo PMBV during their follow-up as a result of mitral restenosis following previous PMBV (index procedure) and control group (n=157) included patients whom did not undergo a redo PMBV. PLT indices including PLT count, Platelecrit and mean platelet volume values were evaluated in these groups. Results: In study group, PLT count (210 ± 49 vs. 241 ± 62, p=0.010), PCT [0.203 (0.173-0.230) vs. 0.260 (0.243-0.290), p

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) predicts adverse clinical outcomes in several cardiovascular diseases. Our aim was to investigate the association of residual SYNTAX score (rSS) with the NLR in patients (n = 613) with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 with low NLR (2.59). Coronary artery disease severity was calculated for both groups besides baseline clinical and demographic variables. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that NLR with a cutoff value of 2.59 had good predictive value for increased rSS (area under the curve = 0.707, 95% CI: 0.661-0.752, P < .001). The median rSS value of group 2 was higher (2.0 [0-6.0]; 4.0 [0-10.0], P < .001) compared with group 1; the number of patients with high rSS was also higher in group 2 (26 [9.7%]; 107 [31.0%], P < .001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the NLR (odds ratio = 3.933; 95% CI: 2.419-6.393; P < .001) was an independent predictor of high rSS. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between NLR and rSS (r = 0.216, P < .001). In conclusion, higher NLR was an independent predictor of increased rSS in patients with STEMI.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) procedure is performed for many tachyarrhythmias. We performed successful RFCA in a 5-year-old child for supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Acute circumflex artery (CxA) occlusion occurred due to RFCA. After percutaneous balloon angioplasty was performed into the CxA, the patient was treated with systemic steroid to resolve myocardial edema. To the best of our knowledge, systemic steroid was used first time for acute coronary artery injury related myocardial ischemia.

OBJECTIVE The influence of the Ramadan fasting on blood pressure (BP) in patients taking diuretics therapy has not been addressed specifically yet. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of long Ramadan fasting on BP with ambulatory BP monitoring in hypertensive patients using diuretics. METHODS This prospective, observational study was done on 129 hypertensive patients and was carried out in two groups: 73 treated hypertensive patients were assigned to the diuretic group and 56 treated hypertensive patients were allocated to the non-diuretic group. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP monitoring was performed during and after Ramadan. Mean overall, daytime and nighttime BP were measured and compared in both groups. The differences in mean SBP and DBP were recorded between the two monitoring periods. RESULTS In diuretic group, 24-h SBP decreased from 128.2 ± 17.9 to 119.3 ± 9.5 mmHg during Ramadan (8.9 units; P < 0.001). DBP decreased from 79.4 ± 10.9 to 75.3 ± 7.6 mmHg (4.1 units; P < 0.001). On the other hand, SBP and DBP were lower insignificantly in the non-diuretic group. The reduction in SBP was significantly higher in the diuretic group (overall: P = 0.005, daytime: P = 0.011, nighttime: P = 0.022). Thiazide-like diuretics lowered BP more than thiazide-type diuretic despite an insignificant difference. CONCLUSION This study suggested that Ramadan fasting might cause significant reductions in mean SBP and DBP measurements in patients using diuretics. Despite decreasing in BP, diuretics generally well tolerated and can be safe in well-controlled hypertensive patients during Ramadan fasting.