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Background: Mitral stenosis (MS) is a common valvular heart disease. Thromboembolism is one of the most serious consequences of mitral stenosis, particularly when it is accompanied with atrial fibrillation (AF). When linked with Left atrial appendage inactivity (LAAI), patients with sinus rhythm (SR) are also at risk for this condition. In mitral stenosis, LAA inactivity determined by S-wave is an independent predictor of thromboembolism. The aim of the study was to evaluate the Prevalence and Echocardiographic Predictors of Left Atrial Appendage inactivity in patients of Mitral Stenosis.Material & Methods:Sixty MS patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and all patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The annular systolic (S-wave) and diastolic (Em- and Am-waves) velocities were recorded by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). LAA inactivity was defined as LAA emptying velocity <25 cm/second determined by pulse wave Doppler at the junction of LA & LAA (TEE). Patients were divided into three groups; group A I (n = 18). Sinus rhythm (SR) and LAA emptying velocity ?25 cm/sec, group A II (n -22): SR and LAA emptying velocity <25cm/sec and group B (n = 20): atrial fibrillation.Results:Thrombus was detected in 14 patients and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) was detected in 43 patients. Both S-wave and peak LAA emptying velocities were decreasing, while SEC frequency and density were increasing from group A to group B. There was a positive correlation between LAA emptying vs. S-wave and LAA emptying vs. Am velocities (p < 0.001, r= 0.708 and p<0.001, r=0.495). Multivariate regression analysis showed that only S-wave is the independent predictor of inactive LAA (p = 0.001, odds ratio = 0.133, 95% Cl =0.032-0.556). In patients with SR, the cutoff value of S-wave was 10 cm/sec for the prediction of the presence of inactive LAA (sensitivity: 92.3%, specificity: 95.3%).Conclusions:In individuals with severe mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm, there is a significant prevalence of left atrial appendage inactivity. The mean pressure gradient across the mitral valve, as well as S-wave are independent predictors of left atrial appendage inactivity. Inactivity of the left atrial appendage is an independent predictor of left atrial/left atrial appendage smoke and associated thrombus.
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Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring invasive mechanical ventilation may occur in COVID-19 patients. Barotrauma causes clinically severe pneumothorax, necessitating a chest tube thoracostomy. Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is aerosolized during the process, hence specific precautions must be taken to minimize exposure risks to health care workers. Objectives: The objective of the study to diagnosis of Tube thoracostomy during the COVID-19 pandemic to detect and diagnose patients who are positive with the virus.Material & Methods:In Bangladesh, researchers from a tertiary care hospital抯 thoracic surgery section did a retrospective analysis. In total, we had 34 participants. All COVID-19 cases requiring thoracic surgery consultation and management that were admitted to the ICU between July 2020 and January 2022 were included in this study. Iatrogenic pneumothorax and other critical cases not associated with COVID-19 were also eliminated.Results:Thirty-four individuals sought thoracic surgery consultation. Pneumothorax (29.4%), traumatic hemothorax (8.8%), hydropneumothorax (5.9%) and extensive pleural effusion were the causes (55.9%). No post-thoracostomy complications. 6 patients died 3 days after tube thoracostomy who were on artificial breathing and both had more than 81 percent lung involvement (fibrosis) confirmed by CT scan of chest. Surviving patients with thoracostomy tube insertion had better survival than those treated conservatively.Conclusions:In COVID-19 disease, non-iatrogenic pneumothorax, subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema are associated with worse prognosis and outcomes. Pneumothorax may have a better prognosis and outcome than surgical and mediastinal emphysema.
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Background: Since ancient times, plants and its derivatives have been used in traditional medicine to curehuman diseases. In the past few decades, the research on medicinal plants has gained significant attention dueto the medicinal potential of certain phytochemicals against cancer and metabolic disorders. The present studyhas examined the alcoholic extract of Caralluma quadrangula (Ca qu) for its quantitative and qualitativecomposition and its anti-oxidant as well as anti-hemolytic properties. The findings have potential implicationsfor plausible intervention in reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated pathologies. Materials and Methods: An80 % aqueous-methanol extract of areal parts of Ca qu was prepared. It was subjected to qualitative andquantitative phytochemical analysis. Anti-oxidant potential was determined by inhibition of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’ -Azino-bis-3- ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals; while, antihemolytic activity was determined by the ability of the extract to protect human RBCs from oxidative insult.Results: The extract showed abundance of polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds at concentrations of 8.6 GAE% w/w and 0.90 mg QE % w/w, respectively. Tannins, alkaloids and saponins were present at theconcentration of 8.50 mg TAE % w/w, 2.8 mg % w/w and 20.07 mg % w/w, respectively. Qualitative HPLCcolumn chromatography indicated the presence of rutin in the extract. In an increasing concentration rangefrom 31.25 to 2000 μg/ml the extract provided significant protection to RBCs from membrane damage inducedby ROS. In the DPPH and ABTS inhibition assays, the extract showed a dose-dependent inhibition of theradicals in the concentration range of 50 -1000 μg/ml and 10-250 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Ca qu contains several classes of important phytochemicals with known therapeuticsignificance. The extract possesses significant anti-oxidant and anti-hemolytic potential as demonstrated instandard assays. The findings can be exploited for advanced studies on pharmacological premises forintervention in different diseases that are associated with an imbalanced production of ROS/free radicals incells including certain anemic disorders and cancers. The formulations derived from the plant are expected topossess therapeutic advantage as nutraceuticals or as adjuvants with standard treatment regimen.
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Background: Clinical guidelines recommend that optimal management of acute coronary syndrome should include patient risk stratification. Predicting the anatomical extension of coronary artery disease is also potentially useful for clinical decision. The objective of our study is to determine whether the GRACE risk score correlates with the angiographic extent and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction. Methodology: 50 patients diagnosed with Acute Myocardial Infarction were included as sample by purposive sampling method. GRACE risk score for each patient was calculated and the patients were divided into groups according to the GRACE risk score: low risk (<108); intermediate risk (109-140). The severity of the coronary artery disease was assessed by vessel score and Gensini score. Relation between Grace score and Gensini score was evaluated. Results: Mean GRACE score of study population was 128.3±22.7. Mean Gensini score was 23.88±17. Mean Gensini score were 15.47±10.4, 27.75±9.26 and 31.52±16.91 in low GRACE risk group, intermediate group and high risk group respectively and the difference of mean Gensini score was statistically significant (p=0.006). In our study correlation co-efficient between GRACE risk score and Gensini score was r=0.17 (p=0.04). Multiple regression analysis showed that age more than 50 years (p=0.02), ST segment deviation (p=0.01), smoking (p=0.02), hypertension (p=0.01) were able to independently predict patients with severe CAD. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the GRACE risk score carries a significant positive correlation with the coronary artery disease severity in patients with STEMI.
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Background: There is growing recognition that congestive heart failure caused by a predominant abnormality in left ventricular diastolic function is common and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Diastolic function usually declines before systolic function, and this precedes clinical signs. 12-lead electrocardiogram is a commonly used tool to assess left atrial enlargement, which is a marker of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. We investigated the relationship between P wave dispersion, which is easily measured on the surface electrocardiogram and left ventricular diastolic function. Methods: There were 100 patients: 50 with diastolic dysfunction and 50 without. P wave dispersions were calculated by measuring minimum and maximum P wave duration values on the surface electrocardiogram. The relationships between P wave dispersion and echocardiographic measurements of diastolic dysfunction were assessed. Results: Maximum P wave duration was observed significantly (p=0.001) in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (119.60±8.2 ms vs 114.0±6.4 ms). Minimum P wave duration was observed significantly (p=0.001) higher in patients without diastolic dysfunction (72.6±7.5 ms vs 62.70±7.4 ms). P wave dispersion was observed significantly (p=0.001) higher in patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (56.6±6.3 ms vs 41.5±5.2 ms). When patients were grouped according to grades of diastolic dysfunction, P wave dispersion was observed sequentially increased among 3 grades of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (55.8±5.2 ms vs 55.9±7.0 ms vs 61.4±4.7) but the differences were not statistically significant (p=0.09). Conclusion: We conclude that P wave dispersion increases in diastolic dysfunction of LV. When clinical and echocardiographic variables are taken into account, there is a weak but significant correlation between P wave dispersion and left ventricular ejection fraction.
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Background: Aim of our study was to predict the effect of subvalvular changes on mitral valve leaflets excursion in a patient with mitral stenosis following percutaneous trans-venous mitral commissurotomy. Methods: Total of 60 patients of severe mitral stenosis were enrolled in the study. Transthoracic echocardiography was done on the day before percutaneous trans-venous mitral commissurotomy and 24-48 hours after percutaneous trans-venous mitral commissurotomy. Subvalvular area, anterior and posterior leaflets excursion were recorded. Results: Following percutaneous trans-venous mitral commissurotomy there were significant increase in anterior leaflet excursion from 1.8 ± 0.2 to 2.2 ± 0.2cm (p=<0.001), posterior leaflet excursion from 1.5±0.2to1.8 ± 0.2cm (p<0.001) . Subvalvular splitting areas was from 0.8 ± 0.2 to1.2 ± 0.2cm²(p=<0.001). Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure and left atrial diameter were significantly reduced respectively 55.6 ± 19.5 vs. 31.6 ± 9.5 mmHg,(p < 0.001) and 4.3 ± 0.6 cm vs. 3.8 ± 0.6 cm (p < 0.001). Post percutaneous trans-venous mitral commissurotomy subvalvular splitting area was found to be the predictor of increased excursion of both anterior and posterior mitral leaflets. Conclusion: percutaneous trans-venous mitral commissurotomy is associated with immediate significant changes in mitral valve morphology in terms of splitting of fused mitral commissures, increased valve leaflets excursion and splitting of the subvalvular structures. Post percutaneous trans-venous mitral commissurotomy subvalvular splitting area was found to be the predictor of increased excursion of both anterior and posterior mitral leaflets.
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Background: The purpose of the study was to find the effect of loading dose of atorvastatin on the reduction of myocardial injury resulting from percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total 100 consecutive patients were included in this study of which 50 patients were in the group I who were treated with a loading dose of atorvastatin and the rest 50 patients were in the group II who were treated without the loading dose of atorvastatin.The occurrence of myocardial injury was measured by serum cTn-I level in patients undergoing PCI with or without loading dose of atorvastatin.
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Objectives: Coronary collaterals appear to play important role in coronary artery disease morbidity and mortality. In this study it was intended to determine whether hypertension is associated with development of coronary collaterals in patients with severe coronary artery disease. Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study carried out in the department of cardiology of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from October 2010 to June 2011. A total of 334 patients were examined to include in the study. Among them 118 patient of severe coronary artery disease (CAD) were included who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. From where 63 patients were CAD with hypertension (Group -I) and 55 patients were CAD without hypertension (Group -II). Based on Rentrop Grading the study patients were divided in two groups, patients with poor collaterals (Grade 0& 1) and good collaterals (Grade 2&3). Data compared the coronary collaterals in hypertensive patients with those without hypertension with severe coronary artery disease. Results: The data showed that good collateral circulations were higher with duration of hypertension. The difference were statistically significant in duration <5 years and duration >10 years in both groups (p<0.05). The pattern of vessel involvement in double vessel disease and triple vessel disease (p <.001) and dyslipidemia (p<0.004) appeared to be significant predictor of hypertension controlling for other factors in the model. People with hypertension are around four times more likely to have good collateral circulation, multiple vessel disease and around 12 times more likely to have dyslipidemia. Conclusion: It is concluded that the patients of hypertension develop higher grades of coronary collaterals which increases with duration of hypertension in patients of severe coronary artery disease. Involvements of coronary arteries were more extensive in patients of hypertension with coronary artery disease.
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Background: ST-segment depression in ECG is a common finding during paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The exact mechanism and etiology of this ST-segment depression is not always evident. In this study we have tried to evaluate the significance of ST-segment depression during supraventricular tachycardia. Methods: Hospitalized patients for elective electrophysiological study with previous (EPS) history of supraventricular tachycardia with or without ST-segment depression were evaluated clinically, by coronary angiogram and EPS. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistical methods and comparison made between groups with ST-segment depression (Group A) and without ST-segment depression (Group B). Results: Total number of patients was 66. Equal number of patients (33) was in each group. The mean age of patients was 43.8 years. There was female predominance (M:F ratio 2:3). The mean heart rate during supraventricular tachycardia was 161 beats/min. Age, sex, coronary artery disease risk factors and heart rate during an episode of supraventricular tachycardia did not have any significant influence on ST-segment depression. Significant coronary artery disease was found in two patients in Group A and one patient in Group B. Electrophysiological study revealed that Atrio ventricular reentry tachycardia (AVRT) and AV nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) were present in 28 (42.4%) and 38 (57.6%) cases respectively. Patients of group A exhibit AVRT significantly more than patients of group B.The sensitivity of ST-segment depression in correctly diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) was 66.7% while the specificity was 50.8%. The sensitivity of ST-segment depression in correctly differentiating AVRT was 83.3% while the specificity was 66.7%. The positive predictive value (PPV) and Negative predictive value (NPV) of the test were 75% and 76.9% respectively. Conclusion: ST-segment depression during episode of supraventricular tachycardia is a poor indicator of coronary artery disease. Presence of ST-segment depression can differentiate AVRT from AVNRT. However, >2 mm ST-segment depression was proved to be an excellent predictor of AVRT.