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This paper reports the design and control of an automatic lift axle auto-drop system that is normally controlled manually by the driver. The goal of the automatic lift axle dropping system is to drop or lower one or more of the liftable axles of the truck automatically, based on loading and other conditions. In this paper, the experimental implementation of an AutoDrop system in a truck suspended with a compensating arm type mechanical suspension is presented. Axle weight estimation for a compensating arm type suspension has challenges because of the articulated nature of the suspension mechanism and the presence of a large hysteresis characteristic. This paper introduces an analysis and higher accuracy height sensor based estimation method for weight determination in axles with a compensating arm suspension. An improved algorithm is developed and the lift axle system operation is automated to satisfy the rules mentioned in EU Directive 1230/2012 EEC. The developed algorithm is coded and implemented using an electronic control unit mounted in the vehicle cabin. Experimental results are used to demonstrate the successful implementation of the developed algorithm. Keywords: Auto-drop, Lift axle dropping, Truck suspension

Myocardial injury (MI) is not unusual after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). To determine precipitating factors and prognostic outcomes of MI after TAVR, we retrospectively investigated relationships between MI after TAVR and aortic root dimensions, baseline patient characteristics, echocardiographic findings, and procedural features. Of 474 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR for severe aortic stenosis in our tertiary center from June 2011 through June 2018, 188 (mean age, 77.7 ± 7.7 yr; 96 women [51%]) met the study inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into postprocedural MI (PMI) (n=74) and no-PMI (n=114) groups, in accordance with high-sensitivity troponin T levels. We found that MI risk was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR]=1.054; 95% CI, 1.013-1.098; P=0.01), transcatheter heart valve type (OR=10.207; 95% CI, 2.861-36.463; P=0.001), distances from the aortic annulus to the right coronary artery ostium (OR=0.853; 95% CI, 0.731-0.995; P=0.04) and the left main coronary artery ostium (OR=0.747; 95% CI, 0.616-0.906; P=0.003), and baseline glomerular filtration rate (OR=0.985; 95% CI, 0.970-1.000; P=0.04). Moreover, the PMI group had a longer time to hospital discharge (P=0.001) and a higher permanent pacemaker implantation rate (P=0.04) than did the no-PMI group. Our findings may enable better estimation of which patients are at higher risk of MI after TAVR and thus improve the planning and course of clinical care., (© 2022 by the Texas Heart® Institute, Houston.)

Pacemaker-associated superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is increasingly recognized as a nonmalignant type of SVC syndrome. Computed tomographic (CT) angiography is the first choice of imaging for diagnosis but in some cases there is discrepancy between the clinical findings and CT images. In this report we present the role of contrast study with transesophageal echocardiography in a patient with suspicion of SVC syndrome but inconclusive CT findings., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

N-heterocycles are important, not only because of their abundance, but above all because of their chemical, biological and technical significance. They play an important role in biological investigation such as anticancer, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-tumor, antidiabetic, etc. In this study, we focused on examining synthesized some 5- or 6-ring N-heterocyclic compounds that showed the antiviral activity in last 5 years, and investigation of these compounds structure-activity relationship studies. This review will be useful to scientists in research fields of organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Although the association between chronic inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis has been reported in the literature, the relationship between LP and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between LP and CIMT., Methods: One hundred eleven LP patients and 105 controls were enrolled in the study. Then, CIMT examination was performed with an ultrasonography device. Cross-sectional associations of LP with CIMT were analyzed using linear regression models adjusted for related confounders., Results: No statistical difference was found between LP and the controls except for the female gender, white blood cell, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (p = 0.046, p = 0.019, p = 0.011 and p = 0.013, respectively). Significant difference was found between the groups in terms of CIMT (0.90 ± 0.2 mm vs. 0.61 ± 0.3 mm, p = 0.001). CIMT was correlated with longevity of the LP, but we did not find LP to be an independent predictor of increased CIMT in logistic regression analysis (r = 0.449, p < 0.001, β = -0.117, p = 0.092; respectively)., Conclusions: The results of our study suggested that LP was associated with increased mean CIMT, and furthermore that CIMT was correlated with longevity of LP. However, LP was not an independent predictor of increased CIMT.

Background and Objectives: In this study, we examined the role of inflammatory parameters in an apical mural thrombus with a reduced ejection fraction due to large anterior myocardial infarction (MI)., Subjects and Methods: A total of 103 patients who had suffered from heart failure, 45 of whom had left ventricular apical thrombus (AT) after a large anterior MI, were enrolled in the study. A detailed clinical history was taken of each participant, biochemical inflammatory markers, which were obtained during admission, were analyzed and an echocardiographical and angiographical evaluation of specific parameters were performed., Results: There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, gender, and history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atrial fibrillation between both groups (p>0.05). Similarly there were no statistically significant differences in terms of biochemical and echocardiographic parameters (p>0.05). However, there were significant differences in terms of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (p=0.032). After a multivariate regression analysis, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was an independent predictor of thrombus formation (β: 0.296, p=0.024). The NLR >2.74 had a 78% sensivity and 61% specifity in predicting thrombus in patients with a low left ventricular ejection fraction., Conclusion: In this study, neutrophil lymphocyte ratios were significantly higher in patients with apical thrombus., Competing Interests: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

Background and Objectives: Lichen planus (LP) is a mucocutaneous inflammatory disease. Inflammation plays a major role in the progression of atherosclerosis. Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) has been shown to produce and secrete various proatherogenic and proinflammatory hormones and cytokines. The aim of this study was to assess EFT in patients with lichen planus., Methods: Fifty-four patients with LP and 50 controls were enrolled in the study. LP was diagnosed according to the World Health Organization criteria. EFT was measured on the free wall of the right ventricle in parasternal long-axis view, as previously described and validated., Results: There were positive correlations between EFT thickness and platelet/lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, duration of LP, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, after adjustments for relevant confounders, LDL cholesterol, hsCRP, platelet/lymphocyte ratio and duration of LP were independent predictors of EFT thickness in patients with LP (β=0.231, p=0.014; β=0.205, p=0.037; β=0.361, p=0.001 and β=0.133, p=0.047, respectively)., Conclusion: EFT is increased in patients with LP compared to control subjects. Duration of LP is correlated with EFT, and duration of LP is also an independent predictor of increased EFT, which is a predictor of subclinical atherosclerosis., (Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of celiac disease on cardiac functions using tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE)., Patients and Methods: The study included 30 patients with celiac disease (CD) and 30 healthy volunteers. Echocardiographic examinations were assessed by conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. The peak systolic velocity (S'm), early diastolic myocardial peak velocity (E'm), late diastolic myocardial peak velocity (A'm), E'm/A'm ratio, myocardial precontraction time (PCT'm), myocardial contraction time (CT'm), and myocardial isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT'm), E to E'm ratio were measured., Results: In pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography, mitral late diastolic flow (A) velocity and E to E'm ratio were significantly higher (P = 0.02 and P = 0,017), E/A ratio was significantly lower (P = 0.008) and IVRT was significantly prolonged (P = 0.014) in patients with CD. In TDE, S'm, E'm, and E'm/A'm ratio were significantly lower, IVRT'm was longer (P = 0.009) from septal mitral annulus and S'm, E'm, E'm/A'm ratio were significantly lower, PCT'm, PCT/ET ratio, IVRT'm were longer, and MPI was higher from lateral mitral annulus in celiac group than controls., Conclusion: Our study confirms that patients with CD have impaired diastolic function. More importantly, we also demonstrated an impairment of myocardial systolic function in patients with CD by TDE. We recommend using TDE in addition to conventional echocardiography parameters for the cardiovascular risk assessment of patients with CD.

Background: The SYNTAX score is an angiographic score that predicts coronary artery disease (CAD) complexity. It has been shown to be useful for decision making about percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting among patients with CAD. Higher SYNTAX scores are indicative of more complex disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by limitation of airflow. Measurement of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in spirometry is used for diagnosis and to determine the severity of the disease., Aim: To evaluate the relationship between FEV1 and SYNTAX score in patients with COPD., Methods: Seventy-eight patients with a previous diagnosis of COPD and 48 patients without COPD were enrolled. Spirometry and coronary angiography were performed in all patients. SYNTAX score was calculated and compared between the two groups. The correlation between FEV1 and SYNTAX score was analysed., Results: SYNTAX score was higher in patients with COPD than in patients without COPD (23.22 ± 12.10 vs. 17.92 ± 11.21, respectively; p = 0.013). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that COPD was independently predictive for intermediate and high SYNTAX score (odds ratio 4.833; 95% confidence interval 2.228-10.485; p < 0.001). Mean FEV1 (% predicted) was 64.7 ± 11.4 and negatively correlated with SYNTAX score in COPD group (r = -0.266 and p = 0.018). The receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded a cutoff value of 65.5 for the FEV1 to predict SYNTAX score ≥ 23, with sensitivity and specificity being 78.6% and 70%, respectively., Conclusions: COPD is a predictor of higher SYNTAX scores. FEV1 is associated with more severe and complex CAD.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the elastic properties of the aorta and the myocardial performance index of the left ventricle (LV) in patients with lichen planus (LP)., Subjects and Methods: A total of 54 patients with LP and 50 controls were enrolled in the study. The 2 groups were well-matched regarding age, gender, body mass index, any smoking history, diabetes mellitus and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). The echocardiographic examination was performed on the study subjects and the controls. Aortic elasticity parameters and the myocardial performance index of the LV were calculated. The Student t test, the x03C7;2 test and multiple linear regression were used for the statistical analysis., Results: Aortic strain (AS, 4.77 ± 1.81 vs. 8.95 ± 2.22; p < 0.001) and aortic distensibility (AD, 0.25 ± 0.009 vs. 0.42 ± 0.120; p < 0.001) were significantly lower, and aortic stiffness index β (ASIβ, 3.65 ± 1.03 vs. 2.70 ± 0.91; p < 0.001) was significantly higher in the LP group than in the controls. The myocardial performance index (Tei index) was significantly higher in the LP group than in the control group (p = 0.001). The duration of the LP was negatively correlated with AS (r = -0.364, p < 0.001) and AD (r = -0.279, p = 0.006), and positively correlated with the Tei index (r = 0.324, p = 0.001) and ASIβ (r = 0.364, p < 0.001). After adjustment for relevant confounders (age, male gender, smoking, SBP, DBP, diabetes mellitus and low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), LP and its duration were still associated with AS, AD and ASIβ., Conclusion: In this study, AS and AD were lower and ASIβ and myocardial performance index higher in LP patients than in controls., (© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background and Aim: We aimed to investigate the association between aortic function (aortic stiffness index, aortic strain, and aortic distensibility), which is a predictor of atherosclerosis, and coeliac disease (CD)., Methods: Thirty-six patients with CD and 35 control subjects were included in the study. Serological screening was performed to determine the levels of auto-immune markers, including anti-gliadin immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG, and anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies. Aortic distensibility, aortic strain, and aortic stiffness index were calculated using echocardiography., Results: Aortic strain and aortic distensibility were significantly lower in patients with CD than in control subjects (0.07 [0.03-0.14] vs. 0.09 [0.06-0.15], p < 0.001; 0.0036 ± 0.0012 vs. 0.0051 ± 0.0014, p < 0.001, respectively). However, the aortic stiffness index was significantly higher in patients with CD than in controls (1.14 [0.57-2.69] vs. 0.91 [0.59-1.92], p = 0.002). Coeliac disease was the only independent parameter that was correlated with aortic strain, aortic stiffness index, and aortic distensibility (b = -0.427, p < 0.001; b = 0.375, p = 0.003; b = -0.434, p < 0.001, respectively)., Conclusions: In this study, we showed deteriorated aortic functions by echocardiography in CD patients, which predicted subclinical atherosclerosis. Because deteriorated aortic functions is a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events, close cooperation with cardiologists and gastroenterologists is needed in the management of CD patients, and increased awareness of ischaemic heart disease risk factors in these patients and healthcare providers is warranted.

Introduction: This study examined the effect of coronary artery revascularization on left ventricular function and the results of strain imaging for the detection of ischemia before and after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery., Material and Methods: Sixty-eight patients with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) were included, prospectively. Conventional echocardiography and color tissue Doppler-derived strain-strain rate echocardiographic imaging were performed 24 hours before and 3 months after CABG surgery., Results: While strain rate values of the basal septum, middle segment of the lateral wall, middle segment of the inferior wall, and middle and basal segments of the anterior wall were significantly increased, other segments did not change after the operation. The mean systolic strain rate value was significantly increased after the operation. Left ventricle strain values in the middle segment of the septum, middle and basal segments of the inferior wall, and middle and basal segments of the anterior wall were significantly increased after the operation. No significant difference was noted in the basal septum or the middle and basal segments of the lateral wall after the operation. The mean systolic strain value was significantly increased after the operation., Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that strain and strain rate echocardiography can provide an accurate evaluation of regional contractile function after CABG, even in the segments that are apparently normal., (© The Author(s) 2013.)

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement can be an effective, reliable treatment for severe aortic stenosis in surgically high-risk or ineligible patients. However, various sequelae like coronary artery obstruction can occur, not only in the long term, but also immediately after the procedure. We present the case of a 78-year-old woman whose left main coronary artery became obstructed with calculus 2 hours after the transfemoral implantation of an Edwards Sapien XT aortic valve. Despite percutaneous coronary intervention in that artery, the patient died. This case reminds us that early recognition of acute coronary obstruction and prompt intervention are crucial in patients with aortic stenosis who have undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background: There is an established relationship between depression/anxiety disorders and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality which has been previously documented. However, there has been no study evaluating coronary slow flow in association with depression and anxiety., Methods and Results: A total of consecutive 90 patients were included in the study. All patients completed scoring scales for depression [Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD)] and anxiety (STAI-1, State anxiety subscale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI-2, Trait anxiety subscale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). Thereafter, they underwent selective coronary angiography and 2 groups were formed: coronary slow flow (n = 42), and normal coronary flow (n = 48). The two groups had comparable baseline characteristics. However, significant differences were found between coronary slow flow and normal coronary flow groups regarding depression (13.1 ± 8.2 and 6.9 ± 6.7, p < 0.001 for HAMD, respectively) and anxiety (46.2 ± 15.0 vs. 32.6 ± 9.9, p < 0.001 for STAI-1 and 51.0 ± 16.7 vs. 43.0 ± 10.7, p = 0.009 for STAI-2, respectively) scores. There were also significant positive correlations between depression/anxiety scores and TIMI frame counts of all major epicardial coronary arteries. In addition, after adjustment for smoking, hypertension, scoring scales, and the presence of depressive mood, all scoring scales and depressive mood were found to be independent risk factors for coronary slow flow in multivariable logistic regression analysis., Conclusions: Significant association was found among coronary slow flow, depression/anxiety scores and depressive mood., Key Words: Anxiety; Coronary slow flow; Depression; Scale.

Objective: Several studies have shown that arterial stiffness and ventricular dysfunction are increased in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Aortic stiffness (AS) reflects the mechanical tension and elasticity of the aorta, and increased aortic stiffness is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of aortic stiffness and its relationship with the left ventricular (LV) function in patients with prediabetes and healthy control subjects., Methods: The study groups were composed of 50 patients with prediabetes and 47 healthy adults with similar demographic characteristics. The LV systolic and diastolic functions were assessed using standard two dimensional (2D) echocardiography, M-mode echocardiography, pulsed-wave (PW) echocardiography and tissue Doppler echocardiography. The degree of aortic strain and distensibility were calculated based on the aortic diameters measured on M-mode echocardiography at a level 3 cm above the aortic valve and the blood pressure values obtained on sphygmomanometry., Results: There were significant differences between the prediabetic and control groups in the degree of aortic strain (4.7 ± 2.8% vs. 14.9 ± 4.5%; respectively, p<0.001) and distensibility (2.0 ± 1.5 vs. 6.8 ± 2.3; 10(-3) cm(2) dyn(-1), respectively, p<0.001). In addition, significant differences were observed between the patient and control groups in the parameters of the LV systolic and diastolic functions. The left atrial diameter was significantly larger in the prediabetics than in the controls (35.9 ± 3.9 vs. 33.7 ± 4.2; respectively, p=0.027)., Conclusion: AS is increased in patients with prediabetes. In addition, there is a significant relationship between the degree of aortic stiffness and the LV function in this patient population. Therefore, the aortic elasticity parameters calculated on 2D echocardiography are useful for predicting early cardiovascular risks in prediabetics.

Background: Previous studies have shown an association between paraoxonase (PON) activity and the presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis., Aim: To demonstrate any association between serum PON activity and the presence and severity of coronary artery calcification (CAC)., Methods: A total of 156 consecutive patients having the suspicion of coronary atherosclerosis or needing risk stratification for cardiovascular events were included in the present study. Peripheral venous blood samples of all participants to measure serum PON activity were collected before undergoing multidetector computed tomography, which was used to determine the presence and quantity of CAC., Results: Serum PON-1 levels were lower in the CAC group compared to the no CAC group (60 [35-96] U/L vs. 291 [230-371] U/L, respectively, p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between total CAC score and PON (r2 = 0.335, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the significant and independent predictors of the presence of CAC were male sex, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and PON. Similarly, increased PON was significantly and independently associated with freedom from CAC. In receiver operating characteristics analysis, PON level < 197 U/L had 87% sensitivity, 91% specificity, 93% positive predictive value, and 85% negative predictive value in predicting CAC., Conclusions: Diminished serum PON activity is significantly and independently associated with the presence and severity of CAC, and vice versa.

In this case presentation, the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) intervention successfully performed on a 76-year-old male patient with severe degenerative aortic stenosis and diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is discussed. This case presentation represents the first case on the treatment of severe aortic stenosis on a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome through the use of the TAVI method and may form an alternative to surgery in patients with severe aortic stenosis who have a known haematological disease. For a successful procedure, the patient must be evaluated in cooperation with the haematology clinic and all necessary precautions regarding bleeding and infection complications of the patient must be taken prior to the procedure.

Aim: In our study, we aimed to evaluate left ventricular function in patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS) using tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) and myocardial performance index (MPI) in addition to conventional echocardiographic methods., Methods: We evaluated 50 patients with SS and 48 healthy volunteers with similar demographic characteristics. Systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle were analyzed with standard two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography, M-mode echocardiography, pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging., Results: Septal part of the mitral annulus PW TDE showed that systolic myocardial wave (Sm), early diastolic myocardial wave (Em), late diastolic myocardial wave (Am) and Em/Am ratios are significantly lower, and myocardial isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRTm) and MPI values are significantly higher in patients with SS. Lateral site of the mitral annulus PW TDE showed that Em, Sm and Em/Am ratios are significantly lower, and IVRTm and MPI values are significantly higher in patients with SS compared with healthy controls., Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that both left ventricle systolic and diastolic functions of patients with SS were disturbed., (© 2013 The Authors International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases © 2013 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Aim: Myocardial bridge is associated with atherosclerosis altered in shear stress and endothelial dysfunction. Mean platelet volume (MPV), a determinant of platelet activation, is shown to be related with atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate platelet function assessed by MPV in patients with myocardial bridge., Methods: Forty-two patients with myocardial bridge in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and 43 age- and gender-matched healthy participants were included in the study. Myocardial bridging was defined as an intramyocardial systolic compression or milking of a segment of an epicardial coronary artery on angiography. For the entire study population, MPV was measured using an automatic blood counter., Results: The study population consisted of 42 patients with myocardial bridge (52.7 ± 10.2, 76.2% male) and 43 age- and sex-matched healthy control participants (52.1 ± 10.4, 74.4% male). Compared to the control group, MPV value was significantly higher in patients with myocardial bridge (8.9 ± 1.24 vs 8.3 ± 0.78; P = .01). Further, there were no significant differences between groups regarding hemoglobin level, platelet count, fasting blood glucose, and creatinine levels., Conclusions: Our study findings indicated that myocardial bridge is associated with elevated MPV values. Our results might partly explain the increased cardiovascular events in patients with myocardial bridge.

Background: Abnormal nocturnal blood pressure (BP) profile has been linked to microvascular function and autonomic dysfunction. However, no data were available regarding nocturnal BP profile in coronary slow flow (CSF)., Aim: The aim was to investigate any association between CSF and abnormal BP response in normotensive patients., Methods: Consecutive 45 patients with CSF and 45 patients with normal blood flow during coronary angiography underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Hemodynamic parameters including 24-hour, daytime and nighttime systolic/diastolic/mean/pulse pressures, and BP % changes were obtained. Dippers, nondippers, and reverse dippers were determined., Results: Baseline characteristics of both groups were well matched except for TIMI (Thrombosis in Myocardial Infarction) frame counts for all major epicardial coronary arteries. No statistical significance was detected regarding to hemodynamic parameters obtained by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. The prevalence of nondippers was higher in CSF patients compared with controls (51.1% vs 28.9%, respectively). In univariate analysis, systolic BP change (%), 24-hour diastolic BP, diastolic BP change (%), 24-hour mean BP, mean BP change (%), nondipper/reverse dipper, and separately nondipper status were found to be significant predictors for CSF. However, in multivariate logistic regression analysis, systolic BP change (%) (odds ratio [OR], 0.934; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.874-0.998; P = 0.045), nondipper/reverse dipper status (OR, 0.505; 95% CI, 0.265-0.962; P = 0.038), and separately nondipper status (OR, 0.317; 95% CI, 0.126-0.797; P = 0.015) were found to be significant predictors for CSF., Conclusion: The frequency of nondippers was higher in slow flow, and there was a significant association between CSF and abnormal nocturnal BP profile in normotensives.

Background: Recent studies report that cardiovascular mortality is more common in patients with spondyloarthropathy (SpA) compared with the normal population. In this study, we aimed to determine left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions using tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) in addition to conventional methods in undifferentiated SpA (uSpA) patients., Methods: A total of 45 patients and 44 age and sex matched healthy controls participated in the present study. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were assessed with two dimensional (2D) echocardiography, M-mode echocardiography, pulsed-wave (PW) echocardiography and tissue Doppler echocardiography. The peak systolic velocity (Sm), early diastolic myocardial peak velocity (Em), and late diastolic myocardial peak velocity (Am), myocardial isovolumetric contraction time (IVCTm), myocardial ejection time (ETm), myocardial isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRTm) and myocardial performance index (MPI) were measured at septal and lateral mitral annulus., Results: Left ventricular diastolic inflow velocities showed that isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and deceleration time (DT) were significantly longer in the uSpA group. Left ventricular lateral wall PW tissue Doppler echocardiography showed that Em was significantly lower in uSpA group. Septal PW tissue Doppler echocardiography showed that Em was lower and IVRT was longer in the uSpA group compared with healthy controls., Conclusion: In this study we determined that left ventricular systolic function is preserved in patients with uSpA. Although frequency of diastolic dysfunction was similar in both groups, deterioration of some diastolic parameters in the uSpA group might be considered for possible cardiac involvement in patients with uSpA., (© 2013 The Authors International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases © 2013 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)