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Despite the important role of some haematological parameters in tendency to thrombosis is known, their relationship with long-term stent thrombosis (ST) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between the mean platelet volume (MPV) to platelet count (PC) ratio and long-term ST and mortality in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated successfully by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). In a retrospective cohort study, according to their baseline MPV/PC ratios, 3667 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing pPCI were divided into three groups: tertile 1 (T1) (n = 1222, 0.357 ≥ MPV/PC ≥ 0.043), tertile 2 (T2) (n = 1222, 0.033

BackgroundCoronary artery anomalies are a heterogeneous group of congenital disorders presenting with a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from vague chest pain to sudden cardiac death. Despite available data, there is no consensus about the classification, nomenclature, and outcomes of coronary anomalies in the normally connected heart. In this study, we aimed to investigate clinical and angiographic characteristics of coronary arterial anomalies, as well as the frequency of atherosclerotic involvement in anomalous coronaries, diagnosed at a tertiary referral centre.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed coronary angiograms performed between 2011 and 2015 for the presence of a coronary anomaly. A total of 111 patients with a final diagnosis of coronary anomaly were included in the study group. We also recruited 110 age- and sex-matched patients who underwent coronary angiography because of symptomatic coronary artery disease as controls.ResultsAmong 36,893 coronary angiograms, 111 (0.30%) major coronary anomalies were found. Compared with controls, the prevalence of significant atherosclerotic coronary disease was lower in patients with coronary anomalies and stable symptoms (p=0.02); however, the prevalence of significant coronary atherosclerosis was similar among patients admitted with unstable angina or myocardial infarction (p>0.05). Compared with controls, patients with an anomalous left anterior descending coronary artery had significantly less atherosclerotic involvement than those in whom the left anterior descending artery was not anomalous (p=0.005).ConclusionsAlthough coronary artery anomalies are cited as a cause for myocardial ischaemia, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is also frequent and may offer an alternative explanation to ischaemic symptoms. No predisposition to accelerated atherosclerosis was found, however, and atherosclerotic involvement was less frequent in some anomalous vessels.

Objective We aimed to assess the risk factors for coronary artery ectasia (CAE) as infarct-related artery (IRA) and short-term and 1 year outcomes. Backgrounds CAE in patients with ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a rare condition with a limited knowledge about the risk factors associated with coronary artery ectasia in STEMI and prognosis after primary percutaneous coronary interventions. Methods Retrospectively, 1655 patients with STEMI who were undergone coronary angiography were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their coronary anatomy as ectasia and control groups. Demographic features, angiographic results, and clinical events were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association of the features with CAE in STEMI. Results In total, 1655 patients (99 patients in CAE group vs 1556 patients in control group) were analyzed. Hypertension and smoking were significantly higher in CAE group. No-reflow rates were significantly higher (13.1% vs 5.4%, p = 0.004) in CAE group. In-hospital mortality rates were similar between the groups. Difference in revascularization rates (8.1% vs 9.6%, p = 0.39) and death in 1 year (6.1% vs 4.9%, p = 0.37) were also nonsignificant between the groups. According to results of the multivariate analysis, hypertension (Odds ratio (OR): 1.71 (1.14–2.58), p = 0.01) and smoking (OR: 1.98 (1.32–2.99), p = 0.001) remained significantly associated with coronary ectasia. Conclusion In conclusion, despite being higher no-reflow rates, short-term and 1 year survival and revascularization rates were similar between the groups. Additionally, hypertension and smoking were associated with CAE as IRA. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Aim Octogenarian patients have higher mortality and morbidity rates after acute coronary syndromes. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality in the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) era were underrepresented in previous studies. In the present study, we aimed to assess the risk factors of in-hospital mortality after primary PCI in this population. Methods We analyzed 2353 patients who underwent primary PCI after ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients were divided into two groups according to aged: ≥80 years (octogenarian) and

Serum cholesterols play an important role in pathophysiology and prognosis of acute thrombotic diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of serum lipid parameters in acute pulmonary embolism (APE).From January 2008 to January 2014 a total of 275 patients who were hospitalised with a diagnosis of APE were retrospectively screened. Clinical data, laboratory parameters, serum cholesterol levels were recorded and pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) scores were calculated. Mortality rate at 30 days was investigated as the clinical outcome.In our study population, 24 patients (8.7%) died within 30 days. Serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in deceased patients when compared to the survived patients (3.1 ± 0.6 vs. 4.7 ± 1.2 mmol/L, p0.01; 1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 2.9 ± 0.9 mmol/L, p0.01; 0.9 ± 0.3 vs. 1.2 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p0.01; 1.4 ± 0.7 vs. 1.7 ± 0.6 mmol/L, p = 0.04, respectively). In multivariate regression analysis; PESI scores (OR: 1.06 95% CI: 1.01-1.11, p0.01), right ventricular diameter (OR: 11.31 95% CI: 3.25-52.64, p0.01), total cholesterol (OR: 1.09 95% CI: 1.02-1.17, p0.01), LDL-C (OR: 1.06 95% CI: 1.01-1.12, p = 0.02), HDL-C (OR: 1.21 95% CI: 1.04-1.41, p0.01) and triglyceride (OR: 1.03 95% CI: 1.01-1.05, p0.01) levels were independently correlated with mortality.Serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels, obtained within the first 24hours of hospital admission, may have prognostic value in patients with APE.

Objectives New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) during hospitalization is considered a frequent complication associated with worse outcomes in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to investigate the association of admission serum laboratory parameters, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) with NOAF in STEMI patients treated with a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients and methods A total of 621 patients who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of STEMI and treated with primary PCI were retrospectively enrolled in the study. NOAF during index hospitalization and overall mortality were reported as the clinical outcomes. Results In our study population, 40 (6.4%) patients developed NOAF during index hospitalization. Monocyte counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), NLR, MHR, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, glucose, and uric acid levels were higher in the NOAF+ group compared with the NOAF- group. In multivariate regression analysis, age, left-ventricular ejection fraction, left atrial volumes, admission heart rate, multivessel disease, increased levels of CRP, MPV, RDW, uric acid, NLR, and MHR independently predicted NOAF. In addition, NOAF was found to be an independent predictor of overall mortality in the study population. Conclusion For the first time in the literature, admission serum levels of MPV, RDW, uric acid, NLR, and MHR were found to be correlated independently with NOAF after primary PCI.

Monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) has recently emerged as an indicator of inflammation and oxidative stress in the literature. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of MHR in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).A total of 513 patients who were hospitalized with diagnosis of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and treated with primary PCI were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Demographic and clinical data, admission laboratory parameters, and MHR values were recorded. Inhospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and mortality were reported as the clinical outcomes.Twenty-six patients (5%) died, and MACE was observed in 86 patients (17%) during hospital follow-up. Patients were categorized in 3 groups according to tertiles of admission MHR. The rates of inhospital mortality and MACE were significantly higher in tertile 3 group compared to tertile 1 group (10% vs 1%, 27% vs 11%; P.01 and P.01). In multivariate regression analysis, age, sex, presence of Killip 3 or 4, left ventricular ejection fraction, troponin I, C-reactive protein, and increased MHR levels (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.05; P.01) independently predicted inhospital mortality; age, presence of Killip 3 or 4, troponin I, and increased MHR levels (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.04; P.01) independently predicted MACE.Admission MHR values were found to be independently correlated with inhospital MACE and mortality after primary PCI.

Background: CHA2DS2-VASc score has been validated in risk prediction for stroke and thromboembolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Association of CHA2DS2-VASc score with higher risk of venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism (PE) has also been shown. In this study, we investigated the long-term prognostic value of CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Methods: Consecutive patients with APE presenting to our emergency department were retrospectively recruited. Patients with AF and who died secondary to causes other than PE were excluded from the study. The CHA2DS2-VASc score and pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) were calculated. Results: Two hundred seventy seven participants were included in the study. The mortality rate was 18.7%. Twenty-two cases died within 30 days, and 30 cases died during the follow-up period (median: 13 months). The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly higher in dead patients compared to survivors (3.61 ± 1.35 vs 1.95 ± 1.52, P < .01). In multivariate regression analysis, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.06, P = .02), PESI score (HR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.004-1.017, P < .01), and CHA2DS2-VASc score (HR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.19-2.16, P < .01) were found to be independently correlated with mortality. The patients whose CHA2DS2-VASc score was between 1 and 3 had 5.67 times and patients whose CHA2DS2-VASc score was ≥4 had 16.8 times higher risk of mortality compared to patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score = 0. Conclusion: Patients with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores had higher rates of mortality after APE.

Background Blood pressure variability (BPV) is a novel parameter related to adverse cardiovascular findings and events, especially in hypertensive patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between short-term BPV and ascending aortic dilatation (AAD). Hypothesis Hypertensive patients with AAD may exhibit higher short-term BPV compared to hypertensive patients with normal diameter ascending aorta and BPV may be correlated with aortic sizes. Methods Seventy-six hypertensive patients with AAD and 181 hypertensive patients with a normal-diameter ascending aorta were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Clinical data, echocardiographic characteristics, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring characteristics were compared between the 2 groups. Standard deviation (SD) and Δ of BP were used as parameters of BPV. Results Although 24-hour mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were similar between the 2 groups, the SD of SBP and SD of DBP values were significantly higher in AAD patients (17.2 ± 6.8 vs 13.8 ± 3.5, P < 0.01; and 12.1 ± 5.1 vs 10.7 ± 3.1, P = 0.02, respectively). Daytime SD of SBP values were higher in AAD patients, whereas nighttime SD of SBP values did not differ between groups. In multivariate linear regression analysis, 24-hour SD of SBP, 24-hour Δ SBP, daytime SD of SBP, daytime Δ SBP, and left ventricular mass index were independently correlated with aortic size index. Conclusions Our study revealed higher levels of short-term BPV in hypertensive patients with AAD. This conclusion warrants further study.

Intracardiac tuberculomas are extremely rare, and cardiac involvement in tuberculosis accounts for only 0.5% of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We report for the first time incremental value of live/real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography over two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the assessment of a tuberculoma involving the left atrium and left atrial appendage.

Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) has been proven as a clinical condition related to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. However, relationship between CIN and stent restenosis (SR) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of CIN with SR rates after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and bare metal stent (BMS) implantation.A total number of 3225 patients who had undergone primary PCI for STEMI were retrospectively recruited. The medical reports of subjects were searched to find whether the patients had a control coronary angiogram (CAG) and 587 patients with control CAG were included in the study. The laboratory parameters of 587 patients were recorded and patients who developed CIN after primary PCI were defined. Contrast induced nephropathy was defined as either a 25% increase in serum creatinine from baseline or 0.5 mg/dL increase in absolute value, within 72 h of intravenous contrast administration.The duration between primary PCI and control CAG was median 12 months [8-24 months]. The rate of SR was significantly higher in CIN (+) group compared to CIN (-) group (64% vs. 46%, p 0.01). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, male gender, stent length, admission WBC levels and presence of CIN (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.06-1.82, p 0.01) remained as the independent predictors of SR in the study population.Gender, stent length, higher serum WBC levels and presence of CIN are independently correlated with SR in STEMI patients treated with BMS implantation.

The prognostic value of baseline SYNTAX (SS) and clinical SYNTAX (cSS) scores has been shown in different populations with coronary artery disease. However, their prognostic value has not been compared in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease.Patients who had undergone a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI and had at least one critical lesion other than the culprit artery were recruited retrospectively. SS and cSS were calculated from medical records and angiograms and were compared in coronary artery by-pass grafting (CABG) and PCI groups. Long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as mortality, reinfarction, and target vessel revascularization.A total of 460 patients (214 in the CABG group and 246 in the PCI group) were analyzed. The baseline SS and the cSS were significantly higher in the CABG group compared with the PCI group (30.1±6.7 vs. 22.5±5.6; P0.01 and 41.4±21.2 vs. 27.2±15.9; P0.01, respectively). During a follow-up period of 32±8 months, 15 patients from the CABG group and 12 patients from the PCI group died (P=0.33), but the rate of MACE was higher in the PCI group (31 vs. 20%, P0.01). Receiver operating curve analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that SS and cSS have prognostic value in the CABG group, but not in the PCI group. In the CABG group, SS and cSS showed significant discriminative power for long-term mortality (for SS33 sensitivity 73.3%, specificity 71.4% and for cSS38.4 sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 58.3%) and for MACE (for SS34.5 sensitivity 50%, specificity 81.4% and for cSS43.5 sensitivity 66.7%, specificity 73.8%).SS and cSS scores have prognostic value in STEMI patients with multivessel disease treated with CABG surgery. cSS may be superior to SS for prediction of long-term adverse events in CABG patients.

We aimed to assess the risk factors for coronary artery ectasia (CAE) as infarct-related artery (IRA) and short-term and 1 year outcomes.CAE in patients with ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a rare condition with a limited knowledge about the risk factors associated with coronary artery ectasia in STEMI and prognosis after primary percutaneous coronary interventions.Retrospectively, 1655 patients with STEMI who were undergone coronary angiography were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their coronary anatomy as ectasia and control groups. Demographic features, angiographic results, and clinical events were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association of the features with CAE in STEMI.In total, 1655 patients (99 patients in CAE group vs 1556 patients in control group) were analyzed. Hypertension and smoking were significantly higher in CAE group. No-reflow rates were significantly higher (13.1% vs 5.4%, p = 0.004) in CAE group. In-hospital mortality rates were similar between the groups. Difference in revascularization rates (8.1% vs 9.6%, p = 0.39) and death in 1 year (6.1% vs 4.9%, p = 0.37) were also nonsignificant between the groups. According to results of the multivariate analysis, hypertension (Odds ratio (OR): 1.71 (1.14-2.58), p = 0.01) and smoking (OR: 1.98 (1.32-2.99), p = 0.001) remained significantly associated with coronary ectasia.In conclusion, despite being higher no-reflow rates, short-term and 1 year survival and revascularization rates were similar between the groups. Additionally, hypertension and smoking were associated with CAE as IRA. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Octogenarian patients have higher mortality and morbidity rates after acute coronary syndromes. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality in the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) era were underrepresented in previous studies. In the present study, we aimed to assess the risk factors of in-hospital mortality after primary PCI in this population.We analyzed 2353 patients who underwent primary PCI after ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients were divided into two groups according to aged: ≥80 years (octogenarian) and80 years (control). Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were analyzed in the whole group and octogenarian patients.We found that octogenarians have 10.6-fold higher mortality risk after STEMI. After a univariate and multivariate analysis, acute stent thrombosis was the most explicit risk factor for in-hospital mortality in the octogenarian group (OR 21.13, 95% CI 2.11-102.76, P 0.001). Additionally, anterior myocardial infarction (OR 4.90, 95% CI 1.90-22.10, P = 0.04), ventricular arrhythmias (OR 15.64, 95% CI 2.81-87.12, P = 0.002), multivessel disease (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.11-38.85, P = 0.04), ejection fraction30% (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.26-6.00, P = 0.04) and KILLIP score ≥2 (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.20- 7.41, P = 0.01) were also significantly associated with mortality.Acute stent thrombosis, anterior MI, heart failure, low ejection fraction, ventricular arrhythmias and multivessel disease are the independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality among octogenarian patients after primary PCI. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 584-590.

Background i ne prognostic relevance of hematological parameters in cardiovascular diseases has been well demonstrated. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the association between the hematological parameters, particularly neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and outcomes of aortic dissection (AD). Methods Two hundred patients diagnosed with AD were retrospectively recruited and compared with 76 subjects with ascending aortic dilatation (AAD) and 92 subjects with normal aortic diameters. The independent relation between hematological parameters and in-hospital mortality was analyzed by regression analysis. Results The NLR was significantly higher in the AD group compared to the AAD and control groups (median 8.83 [8.13] vs. median 1.95 [1.10] vs. median 1.71 [0.77], respectively; p = 0.01). The NLR was higher in the deceased (n = 57) compared to the surviving patients (n = 143) (median 10.37 [10.86] vs. median 7.84 [8.17]; p = 0.01). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis revealed that a NLR measurement higher than > 8.78 predicted in-hospital mortality for patients with acute aortic dissection with a sensitivity of 67.4% and a specificity of 57.2% (AUC: 0.672; p = 0.01). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased aortic diameter, acute dissection, and increased levels of NLR remained as the independent markers of in-hospital mortality within the study population. Conclusions In patients with AD, NLR levels were increased compared to patients with AAD and controls and were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. This finding implicates that admission hematological parameters may have clinical importance in evaluating the mortality risk in patients with AD.

Background:The relationship between psychiatric illness and heart disease has been frequently discussed in the literature. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression and overall psychological distress, and coronary slow flow (CSF).Methods:In total, 44 patients with CSF and a control group of 50 patients with normal coronary arteries (NCA) were prospectively recruited. Clinical data, admission laboratory parameters, and echocardiographic and angiographic characteristics were recorded. Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scales were administered to each patient.Results:The groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, and atherosclerotic risk factors. In the CSF group, BAI score, BDI score, and general symptom index were significantly higher than controls (13 [18.7] vs. 7.5 [7], p = 0.01; 11 [14.7] vs. 6.5 [7], p = 0.01; 1.76 [0.81] vs. 1.1[0.24], p = 0.01; respectively). Patients with CSF in more than one vessel had the highest test scores. In univariate correlation analysis, mean thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame counts were positively correlated with BAI (r = 0.56, p = 0.01), BDI (r = 0.47, p = 0.01), and general symptom index (r = 0.65, p = 0.01). The psychiatric tests were not correlated with risk factors for atherosclerosis.Conclusion:Our study revealed higher rates of depression, anxiety, and overall psychological distress in patients with CSF. This conclusion warrants further studies. ResumoFundamento:A investigação da relação entre doença psiquiátrica e doença cardíaca sempre foi um tema de interesse na literatura médica.Objetivo:Investigar a relação entre ansiedade, depressão e distúrbios psicológicos gerais e fluxo coronariano lento (FCL).Métodos:Quarenta e quatro pacientes com FCL e 50 pacientes com fluxo coronariano normal (FCN) foram recrutados prospectivamente. Foram registrados: dados clínicos, parâmetros laboratoriais à admissão e características ecocardiográficas e angiográficas. Escalas de avaliação da Lista de Verificação de Sintomas-90 Revisada (SCL-90-R), do Inventário Beck de Depressão (IBD) e do Inventário Beck de Ansiedade (IBA) foram determinadas para cada paciente.Resultados:O grupo FCL incluiu 44 indivíduos e o grupo controle 50 indivíduos. Os grupos foram comparados quanto à idade, sexo e fatores de risco para aterosclerose. No grupo FCL, os escores do IBA, do IBD e do índice geral de sintomas foram significativamente mais altos que no grupo controle (13 [18,7] vs. 7,5 [7], p = 0,01; 11 [14,7] vs. 6,5 [7], p = 0,01; 1,76 [0,81] vs. 1,1[0,24], p = 0,01; respectivamente). Pacientes com FCL em mais de um vaso apresentaram os escores mais elevados. Na análise de correlação univariada, a média das contagens de quadros TIMI foi correlacionada positivamente com o IBA (r = 0,56, p = 0,01), com o IBD (r = 0,47, p = 0,01) e com o Índice Geral de Sintomas (r = 0,65, p = 0,01). Os testes psiquiátricos não tiveram correlação com fatores de risco para aterosclerose.Conclusão:Nosso estudo revelou taxas de depressão, ansiedade e distúrbios psicológicos gerais mais elevadas em pacientes com FCL. Esta conclusão justifica novos estudos.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of cardiovascular death. Thrombolytic therapy was shown to reduce mortality, especially in high risk patients. In elderly patients (>65 years old) with PE, thrombolytic therapy may be underused due to risk of hemorrhagic complications. In this study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of thrombolytic therapy among elderly patients with PE. 363 patients (205 subjects in study group, 158 subjects in control group) who were admitted to our hospital with PE were enrolled to the study. The patients were divided into subgroups according to their age and treatment strategy. Mortality rates and bleeding complications according to TIMI bleeding criteria in 30 days and 1-year were analyzed. In elderly patients, total mortality (7.8 vs. 20.1 %, p = 0.05) and mortality at 1-year follow-up (1.9 vs. 12.9 %, p = 0.03) was significantly lower in patients who received thrombolytic treatment. Difference in total bleeding (9.8 vs. 4.5 %, p = 0.18) and major bleeding (3.9 vs. 0.6 %, p = 0.10) in thrombolytic and non-thrombolytic groups was non-significant. Thrombolytic therapy is associated with lower mortality and acceptable bleeding complication rates in PE patients older than 65 years old.

Background: Left ventricular (LV) long-axis function evaluated by Doppler tissue echocardiography-derived strain rate (SR) imaging has been shown to be a useful index of LV systolic function; however, it has not been evaluated in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). We examined the LV long-axis function of patients with pure MS and normal global systolic function as assessed by LV ejection fraction. Method: In all, 30 patients (22 women; 45 ± 9 years) with mild to moderate MS (mitral valve area = 1.5 ± 0.3 cm2) and 28 healthy volunteers (20 women; 44 ± 10 years) were evaluated by both conventional and Doppler tissue echocardiography. Two-dimensional Doppler tissue echocardiography was performed in the apical 4-chamber view in the septal and lateral wall on the mitral annular level. Peak systolic myocardial SR and end-systolic strain data were measured for both segments. Results: Peak systolic SR (1.2 ± 0.4% vs 1.8 ± 0.39%, P < .001) and end-systolic strain (10 ± 5 vs 25 ± 6 s-1, P < .001) were both significantly lower in patients with MS than in control subjects. Conclusions: Patients with MS had significantly impaired long-axis function evaluated by Doppler tissue echocardiography-derived SR imaging despite normal global systolic function. Copyright 2006 by the American Society of Echocardiography.

Background Electrocution injury (EI) is a major problem in developing countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of EI on electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters. Methods A total of 43 patients hospitalized with diagnosis of EI were prospectively enrolled. Admission ECGs were compared with follow-up ECGs obtained one month after the event. Results Maximum P wave duration (Pmax), minimum P wave duration (Pmin), P wave dispersion (PWD), PR interval, QRS complex duration, corrected QT duration (QTc), QT dispersion (QTD), T peak to T end (Tp-e) interval were longer and Tp-e interval/QT and Tp-e interval/QTc ratios were higher on admission ECGs compared to follow-up ECGs. Frontal QRS-T angle and frequency of patients with fragmented QRS were also higher on admission ECGs. Conclusion Our study revealed that EI causes significant deterioration of admission ECG parameters. The clinical use of these parameters in prediction of arrhythmias after EI warrants further studies.

BACKGROUND The biochemical analysis of pericardial fluid for differentiating transudate from exudate is often ordered and interpreted according to the criteria extrapolated from pleural effusions. However, the validity of this discrimination when applied to pericardial effusion is under question. METHODS Patients who underwent pericardiocentesis between January 2004 and February 2014 were identified. Among them, 216 had essential medical records available and constituted the study population. The parameters specifically analyzed were the following: lactate dehydrogenase, total protein and glucose concentrations in both pericardial fluid and serum; pericardial fluid/serum ratios of lactate dehydrogenase and total protein content; and pH and specific gravity of pericardial fluid. RESULTS Eighty-one percent of pericardial effusions were classified as exudate according to Light's criteria. Both exudate and transudate fluid characteristics were possible for all etiological causes except for tuberculosis in which all were exudates. Although multiple cutoff points for all parameters were tested, significant overlap between different causes persisted (all having an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of < 0.7). Thus, a reasonable accuracy to differentiate one cause from another could not be achieved. CONCLUSIONS Although often ordered, the biochemical analysis of pericardial fluid has almost no diagnostic value to distinguish among causes of pericardial effusion in contemporary medicine.

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate current echocardiographically (echo)-guided pericardiocentesis practice with regard to procedural success, complication rate, etiological causes, and outcomes of patients with clinically significant pericardial effusion.Patients who underwent echo-guided pericardiocentesis between January 2004 and February 2014 were identified using an institutional code for the procedure. Other complementary data were obtained by interviewing patients or their relatives (directly or by telephone) and by searching the social security death index.A total of 301 patients were identified. The pericardium was approached via the subcostal (85 %) or apical (15 %) route under echo guidance in all procedures. The success rate was 97 %, with an intervention-requiring complication rate of 1.3 %. No patient died from complications. The most common etiology was malignancy (n = 84, 28 %). Patients were followed-up for a median of 35 months. Median survival for patients with malignant effusion was 5.9 months compared with 54 months for those with nonmalignant effusion.Echo-guided pericardiocentesis has a high success and low complication rate in current practice. Among etiologies, malignancy remains the most common cause of clinically significant pericardial effusion and is associated with a poor prognosis.

This paper reports a 74 year-old-man with a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with mid-ventricular obstruction and a secundum type atrial septal defect. He had been suffering from shortness of breath and occasional attacks of dizziness. Doppler echocardiography revealed the gradient in the mid-left ventricular area. A transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed the findings of transthoracic study and an ostium secundum-type atrial septal defect was documented. The present case represents a rare combination of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with midventricular obstruction, and an ostium secundum type atrial septal defect in an elderly man. Key words: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, midventricular obstruction, atrial septal defect.

WOS: 000230556200027, PubMed: 15982507

Hemodynamically compromising left atrial (LA) compression by an aortic aneurysm is a rare entity. An 83-year-old woman with a previous diagnosis of congestive heart failure was admitted with worsening shortness of breath (NYHA grade III) and palpitations. The electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation. The chest X-ray revealed widening of the mediastinum and congested lung fields. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated LA compression by a large descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. Left and right ventricle systolic functions were preserved. Thoracic three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging showed LA compression by a descending aortic aneurysm and an intramural hematoma. No intimal flap was seen in any part of the thoracic aorta. Emergency surgery was planned, but the patient did not accept surgery and suddenly died after four days of admission. Focal descending aortic aneurysm with an intramural hematoma in the aortic wall causing nearly complete obliteration of the LA cavity has not been reported before.

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MS). We investigated the effect of fluvastatin treatment on inflammatory markers in patients with MS.The study included 47 patients (36 females; 11 males; mean age 55+/-8 years) with MS. The diagnosis of MS was based on the presence of at least three criteria of the NCEP ATP III guidelines. All the patients received 80 mg fluvastatin treatment for six weeks. Laboratory parameters were measured before and after treatment, and flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes was performed. The results were compared with those of 47 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (33 females, 14 males; mean age 52+/-8 years).Fluvastatin treatment resulted in significant decreases in levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride (p0.005), and C-reactive protein (p0.05). Thirty-three patients (70.2%) had insulin resistance, which remained unchanged following treatment. Flow cytometric analysis after treatment showed significant decreases in total lymphocytes, and in surface antigens of CD16+56 and CD8+(CD28+) on leukocytes, CD11c on granulocytes, and a significant increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio (p0.05). Compared to the control group, the mean baseline values of fluorescence density (FD) of CD14, CD11b, CD11c, and CD63 on monocytes, and CD11b and CD11c on granulocytes were significantly higher in patients with MS (p0.05). Following fluvastatin treatment, there were significant decreases in the mean FD of CD3 on lymphocytes, and of CD11b and CD11c on both monocytes and granulocytes (p0.05); of these, all FD values were similar to those in the control group (p0.05).Our data demonstrate that inflammation may have a significant role in the pathogenesis of MS and that this effect can be controlled with statin treatment.

Diminished nocturnal blood pressure fall in nondipper hypertensive patients are closely associated with poor prognosis. N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide can also identify poor prognosis in miscellaneous heart diseases. In this study, we aimed to clarify the association between probrain natriuretic peptide levels and diminished nocturnal blood pressure fall in patients with essential hypertension. Twenty-six consecutive nondipper (age: 53±8 years, 14 men) (group 1), and 26 dipper hypertensive patients (age: 52±9 years, 16 men) (group 2), based on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and age and sex-matched 28 normotensive participants (age: 50±11 years, 16 men) (group 3) were compared with each other. Although systolic and diastolic ambulatory blood pressure values were similar in hypertensives during the day, those at night were higher in group 1 (P0.05), there were great differences between plasma probrain natriuretic peptide levels (88±20, 58±22 and 47±20 pg/ml, respectively, P0.05). © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.

WOS: 000254834600033, PubMed: 17408775, Aim: P-wave dispersion (PD) has been reported to be associated with inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of sinus impulses. Behcet's disease (BD) is a chronic multi-system disease presenting with recurrent oral and genital ulceration, and relapsing uveitis. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death have been documented in Behcet's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate myocardial involvement noninvasively in patients with 1313 by measuring PD. Methods: Study population included 29 patients with BD (group 1), (16 males, mean age: 60.4 +/- 10.1 years), and 45 normal (group 11), (23 males, mean age: 61.2 +/- 12.0 years). The maximum and minimum P-wave duration (Pmax and Pmin) and PD were measured from the 12-lead surface electrocardiogram. Echocardiographic examination was also performed. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in respect to age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and cigarette smoking (p > 0.05). Pmax, and PD of patients with BD were found to be significantly higher than those of control subjects (116.2 +/- 14.0 ms vs. 102.0 +/- 16.5 and 49.3 +/- 12.7 ms vs. 29.3 +/- 8.5 ms, respectively p < 0.0001). Moreover, we found a significant positive correlation between PD with 1313 duration (r=0.78, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Pmax and PD are found to be greater in patients with BD than in controls and are related with the duration of the disease. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

In this study, we aimed to investigate effects of metoprolol treatment on transmitral, pulmonary venous flows and spontaneous echo contrast in patients with heart failure.Twenty-four patients (mean age: 55+/-8 years) with heart failure were enrolled to the study. All were given metoprolol succinate with titrated target dose of 50 mg/d controlled release tablets for 1 month. Transmitral flow and pulmonary venous flow, systolic, diastolic and atrial reversal flow velocities were measured, and compared with the pretreatment values.Heart rate significantly decreased. No significant change was observed in ejection fraction. When the post treatment values were compared with the pretreatment values, it was detected that isovolumetric relaxation time significantly decreased (p0.05), mitral E wave and E/A ratio were significantly increased (p0.05 and p0.05, respectively) after the treatment. A significant increase was observed in pulmonary vein systolic velocity after metoprolol treatment (p0.05).Metoprolol treatment can cause an improvement in transmitral and pulmonary venous flows.

Concomitant occlusion of multiple epicardial coronary arteries is an uncommon finding in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. We reported a 50 years-old male patient who presented with inferior myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed simultaneous occlusion of left anterior descending (LAD) and right coronary artery (RCA). The RCA occlusion treated successfully with percutaneous coronary intervention while LAD occlusion treated with antithrombotic and glycoprotein 2B/3A administration. Although multiple coronary thromboses of coronary arteries in the course of myocardial infarction is uncommon, it is crucial to determine proper treatment for these patients.