Differential Cardiovascular Outcomes of Each Antihypertensive Drug Class in Patients With Hypertension and Breast Cancer Undergoing Doxorubicin-Containing Chemotherapy / 한국유방암학회지

Purpose@#The preemptive use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors may reduce doxorubicin (DOX)-related cardiotoxicity. Using the national insurance claims data of Korea, this study compared cardiovascular (CV) outcomes following the use of four major antihypertensive drug classes in patients with hypertension and breast cancer who underwent DOX-containing chemotherapy. @*Methods@#A total of 4,722 patients with hypertension and breast cancer who underwent DOXcontaining chemotherapy were included. The outcomes were compared between patients who used RAS inhibitors, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), beta-blockers (BBs), and thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics (TDs). The primary outcome was a composite of incident heart failure and serious ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. @*Results@#In the propensity score-matched population, there were no significant differences in the primary outcome between RAS inhibitor and CCB users; however, patients with diabetes who used CCBs had a worse primary outcome than those who used RAS inhibitors (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–3.51). BB and TD users had a worse primary outcome compared with RAS inhibitor (aHR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.30–2.71 in BB users and aHR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.37–4.75 in TD users) or CCB (aHR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.09–2.16 in BB users and aHR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.13–3.82 in TD users) users. @*Conclusion@#RAS inhibitors are preferred for the treating hypertension and improving CV outcomes in patients with hypertension and breast cancer undergoing DOX-containing chemotherapy, particularly in patients with comorbid diabetes. However, CCBs are equivalent to RAS inhibitors and are more favorable than BBs and TDs in terms of improving CV outcomes.

Sequential bilateral rectus sheath hematoma after anticoagulation

Bilateral rectus sheath hematoma [RSH] is extremely rare. Its causes are similar to those of unilateral RSH. However, its clinical manifestation is more serious, usually requiring surgical or endovascular intervention. We report a case of sequential bilateral RSH that was treated successfully. Reinitiating anticoagulation after RSH should be done cautiously, with consideration for the risks and benefits

The Clinical Impact of Bedside Contrast Echocardiography in Intensive Care Settings: A Korean Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We assessed the ability of portable echocardiography (with contrasts) to clearly delineate the cardiac structure, and evaluated the impact of its use on the diagnosis and management of critically ill patients in Korea. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 123 patients (mean age 66+/-16 years), who underwent portable transthoracic echocardiography (with contrast) for image enhancement at 12 medical centers. The quality of the global left ventricular (LV) images, the number of the regional LV segments visualized, the ability to visualize the LV apex and the right ventricle (RV), and any changes in the diagnostic procedure and treatment strategy were compared before and after the contrast. RESULTS: Of the 123 patients, 52 (42%) were using mechanical ventilators. The amount of poor or uninterpretable images decreased from 48% to 5% (p<0.001), after the contrast. Before the contrast, 15.6+/-1.1 of 16 LV segments were seen, which improved to 15.9+/-0.6 segments (p=0.001) after the contrast. The ability to visualize the LV apex increased from 47% to 94% (p<0.001), while the inability to clearly visualize the RV decreased from 46% to 19% (p<0.001). Changes in the diagnostic procedure (for example, not requiring other types of imaging studies) were observed in 18% of the patients, and the treatment plan (medication) was altered in 26% of patients after the contrast echocardiography. CONCLUSION: The use of a contrast agent during the portable echocardiography, in intensive care settings, can improve the image quality and impact the diagnostic procedures and treatment for Korean patients.

Acromegaly with Normal Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Levels and Congestive Heart Failure as the First Clinical Manifestation

The leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with acromegaly is cardiovascular complications. Myocardial exposure to excessive growth hormone can cause ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, arrhythmia, and diastolic dysfunction. However, congestive heart failure as a result of systolic dysfunction is observed only rarely in patients with acromegaly. Most cases of acromegaly exhibit high levels of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Acromegaly with normal IGF-1 levels is rare and difficult to diagnose. Here, we report a rare case of an acromegalic patient whose first clinical manifestation was severe congestive heart failure, despite normal IGF-1 levels. We diagnosed acromegaly using a glucose-loading growth hormone suppression test. Cardiac function and myocardial hypertrophy improved 6 months after transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary adenoma.

The Value of Assessing Myocardial Deformation at Recovery after Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether performing an assessment of myocardial deformation using speckle tracking imaging during the recovery period after dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) allows detection of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chest discomfort. METHODS: DSE and coronary angiography were performed in 44 patients with chest discomfort. The mean global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) was measured at rest, at low stress (dobutamine infusion rate of 10 microg/kg/min) and at recovery (5 min after cessation of dobutamine infusion) of DSE using automated function imaging with apical views. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) was also performed in patients with intermediate coronary stenosis. CAD was defined as having a > or = 70% diameter stenosis on coronary angiography or as having a FFR < 0.8. Patients were divided two groups based on the absence or presence of CAD [CAD (-) group vs. CAD (+) group]. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics and results of conventional echocardiography between the two groups. GLS at recovery was lower in the CAD (+) group than in the CAD (-) group (-18.0 +/- 3.4% vs. -21.0 +/- 1.9%, p = 0.003). The optimal cutoff of GLS at recovery for detection of CAD was -19% (sensitivity of 70.6%, specificity of 83.3%). CONCLUSION: Assessment of GLS at recovery of DSE is a reliable and objective method for detection of CAD. This finding may suggest that systolic myocardial stunning remains even after recovery of wall motion abnormalities in patients with CAD.

APACHE II Score, Rather Than Cardiac Function, May Predict Poor Prognosis in Patients With Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy

While the disease course of stress-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is usually benign, it can be fatal. The prognostic factors to predict poorer outcome are not well established, however. We analyzed the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score to assess its value for predicting poor prognosis in patients with SIC. Thirty-seven consecutive patients with SIC were followed prospectively during their hospitalization. Clinical factors, including APACHE II score, coronary angiogram, echocardiography and cardiac enzymes at presentation were analyzed. Of the 37 patients, 27 patients (73%) were women. The mean age was 66.1 +/- 15.6 yr, and the most common presentation was chest pain (38%). Initial echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was 42.5% +/- 9.3%, and the wall motion score index (WMSI) was 1.9 +/- 0.3. Six patients (16%) expired during the follow-up period of hospitalization. Based on the analysis of characteristics and clinical factors, the only predictable variable in prognosis was APACHE II score. The patients with APACHE II score greater than 20 had tendency to expire than the others (P = 0.001). Based on present study, APACHE II score more than 20, rather than cardiac function, is associated with mortality in patients with SIC.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Study Determines Factors Affecting Blood Pressure Response to Valsartan

BACKGROUND: Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker and is used for patient with hypertension. Although response to valsartan varies each individual, there is no study about factors affecting the variability of valsartan response. METHODS: To investigate the effects of valsartan on the baseline characteristics of blood pressure, single group, open label, pre- and post-comparison clinical study was conducted. Total 21 male Korean volunteers were enrolled. Each subject was administered no drugs in first period and valsartan 80 mg (Diovan HCT) in second period. For pharmacodynamic analysis, 24 hours blood pressure changes were monitored by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Twenty-four hour blood pressure changes were matched to valsartan concentration and analyzed by correlation analysis. Changes in blood pressure pattern were also analyzed. Subjects were divided into responder, non-responder, and reverse responder according to pre- and post- 24 hours blood monitoring results. For determination of pharmacokinetic parameters, plasma concentration of valsartan was measured by a validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Pharmacokinetic parameters including area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from 0 hour to the last measurable concentration (AUCt), area under the plasma concentration versus time curve extrapolated to infinity, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and time required to reach maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) were calculated by noncompartmental models in the BA-CALC 2008 program ver. 1.0.0. RESULTS: There were no significant associations between blood pressure changes and pharmacokinetic parameters of valsartan. Blood pressure pattern change analysis showed significant results. For AUCt, total amount of absorbed valsartan was 25,808 +/- 6,863.0 ng.hr/mL, 20,683 +/- 8,782.7 ng.hr/mL, and 12,502 +/- 5,566.6 ng.hr/mL in responder, non-responder, and reverse responder, respectively (p = 0.041). In C max, maximum concentration of valsartan was 4,314 +/- 1,522.6 ng/mL, 2,588 +/- 1,273.9 ng/mL, and 2,056 +/- 1,075.5 ng/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that response to valsartan was not associated with blood concentration in healthy volunteers and changes in blood pressure patterns to valsartan might be associated with the amount of drugs which are absorbed to subjects.

Early Cardiac Valvular Changes in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Transesophageal Echocardiography Study

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the early cardiac valvular changes in young male ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. METHODS: A total of 70 AS patients on treatment without clinical cardiac symptoms were divided into group I ( or = 10 years, n = 20) depending on their disease duration after first diagnosis. Twenty-five healthy volunteers were selected as control subjects. All the subjects underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, electrocardiography, and rheumatologic evaluation for AS patients. RESULTS: The thickness of both the aortic and mitral valve was more increased in AS patients than in controls. Aortic valve thickness over 1.3 mm could predict AS with a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 76%. The prevalence of aortic valve thickening was higher in the AS group compared to the controls. The prevalence of aortic and mitral regurgitation was very low and there was no difference between the controls and the patients. The aortic valve thickening was related to longer disease duration, high blood pressure, disease activity and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSION: Thickening of the aortic and mitral valve was observed without regurgitation in male AS patients early in the course of their disease without clinical cardiac manifestations. This subclinical change of aorto-mitral valve in early AS should be considered and followed up to determine its prognostic implication and evolution.

Early Cardiac Valvular Changes in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Transesophageal Echocardiography Study

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the early cardiac valvular changes in young male ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. METHODS: A total of 70 AS patients on treatment without clinical cardiac symptoms were divided into group I ( or = 10 years, n = 20) depending on their disease duration after first diagnosis. Twenty-five healthy volunteers were selected as control subjects. All the subjects underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, electrocardiography, and rheumatologic evaluation for AS patients. RESULTS: The thickness of both the aortic and mitral valve was more increased in AS patients than in controls. Aortic valve thickness over 1.3 mm could predict AS with a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 76%. The prevalence of aortic valve thickening was higher in the AS group compared to the controls. The prevalence of aortic and mitral regurgitation was very low and there was no difference between the controls and the patients. The aortic valve thickening was related to longer disease duration, high blood pressure, disease activity and inflammatory markers. CONCLUSION: Thickening of the aortic and mitral valve was observed without regurgitation in male AS patients early in the course of their disease without clinical cardiac manifestations. This subclinical change of aorto-mitral valve in early AS should be considered and followed up to determine its prognostic implication and evolution.

Unmasking of the Idiopathic Brugada Electrocardiogram Pattern in a Febrile Patient with Pneumonia / 대한내과학회지

We present the case of a 44-year-old man who presented with continuous chest pain and fever with pneumonia. Additionally, idiopathic Brugada ECG patterns were observed. The patient's initial electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation at the right precordial and lateral leads. An emergency coronary angiography showed that there was no significant stenosis or thrombus in the coronary arteries. ECG findings showed Brugada ECG patterns, which were exaggerated by high fever. The diagnosis was confirmed with a flecainide provocation test that allowed us to document ECG changes consistent with type 1 Brugada ECG patterns. This case report reveals how dynamic ST-segment elevations may look similar in cases of acute coronary syndrome and Brugada syndrome. Additionally, we showed that Brugada ECG patterns can be exaggerated by fever.

Association Between Plaque Thickness of the Thoracic Aorta and Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Ablation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several predictors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation have been identified, including age, type of AF, hypertension, left atrial diameter and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the atherosclerotic plaque thickness of the thoracic aorta is associated with a recurrence of AF after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Among patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal or persistent AF, 105 consecutive (mean age 58+/-11 years, male : female=76 : 29) patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography and CPVA were studied. The relationships between the recurrence of AF and variables, including clinical characteristics, plaque thickness of the thoracic aorta, laboratory findings and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: A univariate analysis showed that the presence of diabetes {hazard ratio (HR)=3.425; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.422-8.249, p=0.006}, ischemic heart disease (HR=4.549; 95% CI, 1.679-12.322, p=0.003), duration of AF (HR=1.010; 95% CI, 1.001-1.018, p=0.025), type of AF (HR=2.412, 95% CI=1.042-5.584, p=0.040) and aortic plaque thickness with > or =4 mm (HR=9.514; 95% CI, 3.419-26.105, p or =4 mm) was an independent predictor of recurrence of AF after ablation (HR=7.250, 95% CI=1.906-27.580, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Significantly increased aortic plaque thickness can be a predictable marker of recurrence of AF after CPVA.

A Case of Chloroquine-Induced Cardiomyopathy That Presented as Sick Sinus Syndrome

A 52-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had been treated with prednisone and hydroxychloroquine for >12 years presented with chest discomfort and a seizure. She was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy combined with sick sinus syndrome. A myocardial muscle biopsy was performed to identify the underlying cardiomyopathy, which showed marked muscle fiber hypertrophy, fiber dropout, slightly increased interstitial fibrous connective tissue, and extensive cytoplasmic vacuolization of the myocytes under light microscopy. Electron microscopy of the myocytes demonstrated dense, myeloid, and curvilinear bodies. The diagnosis of hydroxychloroquine-induced cardiomyopathy was made based on the clinical, hemodynamic, and pathologic findings. This is the first case report describing chloroquine-induced cardiomyopathy involving the heart conduction system.

Extensive Primary Cardiac Lymphoma Diagnosed by Percutaneous Endomyocardial Biopsy

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is an extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma exclusively located in the heart and/or pericardium. It is rare in immunocompetent patients and represents 1.3% of primary cardiac tumors and 0.5% of extranodal lymphomas. The clinical behavior is aggressive and the early symptoms are cardiac failure, syncope, arrhythmia, or pericardial effusion. Although echocardiography, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance image (MRI) are the mainly used imaging techniques to detect cardiac tumors, pathologic examination is always required to confirm the diagnosis. Diagnosis of PCL is difficult due to non-specific clinical manifestations and requires invasive approach to get histopathologic evidence. While surgery with systemic chemotherapy or in combination with irradiation has been attempted, the only effective treatment is chemotherapy. However, the prognosis remains poor. We report on a 42-year-old woman who is diagnosed histopathologically as PCL by cardiac catheterization assisted percutaneous endomyocardial biopsy and treated successfully by anthracycline based chemotherapy.

A Case of Infundibular Pulmonic Stenosis in Adult

A 47-year-old woman was admitted for evaluation of exertional dyspnea (NYHA II-III) that was lasting for 20 years. On physical examination, a grade III systolic murmur in the left second intercostal spaces was detected. The chest Xray showed mild cardiomegaly. ECG showed biatrial and biventricular hypertrophy. Transthoracic echocardiography showed severe infundibular pulmonic stenosis (pressure gradient=174 mmHg), moderate tricuspid regurgitation (jet velocity=6.6 m/sec) with biatrial enlargement and biventricular hypertrophy. Transesophageal echocardiogram showed severe infundibular pulmonic stenosis. Right ventriculography and catheterization revealed a pressure gradient between pulmonary artery and right ventricle (178/6 mmHg). We reported a rare case of infundibular pulmonic stenosis with intact ventricular septum in adult with literatures.

A case of suprasellar germinoma misdiagnosed as lymphocytic hypophysitis / 대한내과학회지

We report here on a case of a 22-year-old girl with a suprasellar mass that was originally diagnosed as lymphocytic hypophysitis, but it eventually turned out to be a germinoma. She initially underwent partial tumor removal and the tissue diagnosis was suggestive of lymphocytic hypophysitis. 46 months later, she presented with a lateral visual field defect and decreased visual acuity of her right eye. The serum and cerebrospinal beta-hCG and alpha-fetoprotein levels were measured. The beta-hCG level was elevated in both, whereas the alpha-fetoprotein level was detectable in neither. The serum anti-pituitary antibody-1 level was negative. She was reoperated and the permanent section biopsies were compatible with pure germinoma. There was no evidence of meningeal metastasis on her whole spine MRI. She was treated with chemotherapy.

Hypersensitivity Reactions to Oxaliplatin / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum compound that is used as a single agent and in combination with fluorouracil (5-FU) to treat colorectal and gastric carcinoma. The patients treated with oxaliplatin may develop hypersensitivity and idiosyncratic reactions, although these complications are known to be rare. We report here on two patients who suffered with metastatic colorectal cancer and who underwent palliative combination chemotherapy with oxaliplatin; they then developed hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin. The first case had an anaphylatic reaction immediately after the beginning of the 7(th) to 8(th) cycle infusion of oxaliplatin. The second case developed repeated febrile episodes from the 4th to 8th cycles of oxaliplatin infusion. With the increasing use of oxaliplatin in clinical practice, we are now encountering an increasing incidence of suspected hypersensitivity reactions. Physicians should keep their eyes wide open and carefully observe for the clinical manifestations of these hypersensitivity reactions.

A Case of Renal Infarction associated with Protein C and S Deficiency / 대한신장학회잡지

Renal infarction usually occurs in patients with atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, trauma, renal artery stenosis, atherosclerosis, vasculitis, and hypercoagulable state. Protein C or S deficiency is an uncommon condition among hypercoagulable states and manifests deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, cerebrovascular accident. In this report, we present a case of renal infarction occurred in 36-year-old male without underlying diseases except a family history of thromboembolism. He was admitted to our hospital due to an abrupt and continuous left flank pain. He had no previous history of an arterial or venous thrombosis. Tomography and renal angiography showed a left renal artery occlusion. He was treated with heparin and warfarin therapy. In laboratory tests, Protein C antigen level and protein S activity was 51.80% (72-160%) and 48% (65-140%). Thus, we concluded that renal infarction was secondary to combined type 1 protein C deficiency and type 2 protein S deficiency.