Non-Invasive Parameters, Including a Low Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, for Predicting Sudden Cardiac Death in Korean Post Myocardial Infarction Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: According to the MADIT II criteria, a low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is one of the most important predicting factors for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in post myocardial infarction (PMI) patients, and it is a reasonable indication for ICD implantation. The aim of this study is to reveal the incidence and the prognostic value of the non-invasive parameters and whether the MADIT II criteria for ICD implantation can be applied to Korean PMI patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: During the period from January 2001 to June 2005, 640 PMI survivors were included in this study. The incidence of an abnormal SAECG, premature ventricular complex (PVC) counts > or = 10/hr, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) on ambulatory ECG and a low ( or = 10/hr and NSVT on the ambulatory ECG was 14.3% and 7.5%, respectively. 29 patients (4.9%) had a LVEF of less than 30%. Arrhythmic events occurred in 9 of the 29 patients (31%). SCD or adverse arrhythmic events occurred in 42 of the 640 patients. The percentage of patients who were using beta-blocker was lower than that in the MADIT II study group (55% vs 70%, respectively). In the adverse arrhythmic event (+) group, the percentage of beta-blocker use was significantly lower than that in the arrhythmic event (-) group (32.5% vs 58%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The MADIT II criteria and PVCs > or = 10/hr or NSVT on the ambulatory ECG can be suggested as the indications for implanting an ICD in Korean PMI patients. The use of beta-blocker is important for preventing adverse arrhythmic events.

Primary Cardiac Osteosarcoma

A 52-year-old woman, who was suffering from aplastic anemia, presented with the clinical features of severe heart failure. The transthoracic echocardiogram showed a heterogeneous, huge mass on the base of the posterior mitral valve. We guessed that the mass would be a benign neoplasm and probably myxoma, and we decided upon surgical resection. After tumor resection, an unexpected result of the histopathology was a high grade osteosarcoma. The other studies that were done after we had the diagnosis could not reveal any evidence of metastatic malignancy.

Immediate and follow-up results after long stent implantaton in diffuse long coronary lesions / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The results and restenosis after long stent implantation for diffuse long coronary lesion has not been fully evaluated. We evaluated immediate and follow-up results of single long coronary stenting for long coronary disease. METHODS: This study report on the use of follow-up examination is possible 48 patients with 50 lesions after stenting in total 70 patients with 72 lesions with long lesion. Diffuse long coronary lesion was defined as a lesion length longer than 20mm. Mean follow-up duration was 8.7+/-2.9 months and mean patients age was 58+/-10 years. Total patients was infused 8000-10000IU heparin and added bolus 3000-5000IU heparin for activating clotting time(ACT) was over 250 seconds during procedure. Restenosis was defined over 50% diameter stenosis in 6 months follow-up angiographic study. RESULTS: Angiographic success was achieved 68/70 patients(97.1%) in this study. Mean reference diameter was 3.14+/-0.1mm and baseline, final, follow-up minimal luminal diameter(MLD) was 0.6+/-0.4mm, 3.0+/-0.4mm, 1.6+/-0.3mm on each occasion and each % diameter stenosis(% DS) was 78.7+/-0.4%, 4.9+/-0.4%, 47.4%+/-0.5% present. The overall significantly increased in diabetics patients(7/21 vs 3/29 p=0.04) and in long lesion length patients(33.9+/-4mm vs 30.4+/-0.4mm p=0.02) but, clinical diagnosis and indication of stenting, lesional location, stent length, stent size, reference diameter size were not associated with restenosis rate. CONCLUSION: Single long stent implantation for diffuse long coronary lesion shown excellent success rate but high restenosis rate present. The restenosis rate was significantly associated with diabetics and lesion length Some further study for improving restenosis rate is needed.

Clinical Significance of Precordial ST Segment Depression in Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUNG AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and prognostic significance of precordial ST segment depression in precordial leads on admission electrocardiogram (ECG) in acute inferior myocardial infarction treated with intravenous thrombolytic therapy. We analysed about clinical and angiographic characters. MATERIALS AND METHOD: ECG findings in 50 patients with acute inferior myocardial infarction were retrospectively studied with results of coronary angiography and clinical informations. We classified all patients in two group according to the admissional ECG. Twenty nine patients (Group A) had no or or =1.0 mm ST depression in two or more precordial (V1-V6) leads were included in this group. RESULTS: In precordial ST segment depression in acute inferior myocardial infarction patients had higher plasma peak mean CK levels (1945+/-1419 vs 3547+/-2728 IU/L, p=0.027) and lower LV ejection fraction (62+/-10% vs 53+/-11%, p=0.008) and lower left ventricle global chordal shortening (0.89+/-0.71 vs -1.39+/-0.94, p=0.046) and inferior wall chordal shortening (-1.68+/-1.11 vs -2.43+/-0.74, p=0.014) and higher Killip class (1.3+/-0.8 vs 2.4+/-1.4, p=0.002) than without precordial ST segment depression patients. CONCLUSION: In conclusion acute inferior myocardial infarction with precordial ST depression patients had more extensive myocardial damage with global and inferior left ventricle severe wall motion dysfunction. Therefore, this suggests a worse prognosis in acute inferior myocardial infarction with precordial ST depression than without precordial ST depression patients. We need more aggressive diagnosis and treatment in this patients to prevent extending myocardial damage.

Three Cases of Coronary Artery Fistula from Right Coronay to Left Ventricle

The coronary artery fistula from right coronary artery to left ventricle is a rare disease among coronary artery anomaly. We experienced three cases of rare coronary fistula and report with literature review. Although symptoms of coronary artery fistula are associated with arteriovenous shunt and coronary steal phenomenon, many cases are asymptomatic. In this report, all patients had no symptom. but incidental murmur was noted (two are continuous, one is diastolic rumbling). The diagnosis was made by transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiogram and selective coronary angiography. Because patients were relatively young and the diameter of dilated coronary artery were huge, we perfomed operation on three patients.

Relationship between Angiographic Coronary Artery Morphology and Successful Intracoronary Thrombolysis in Acute Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND: It is well known that intracoronary thrombolysis during the early period of acute myocardial infarction leads to the limitation of myocardial necrosis, preserves left ventricular function, and improves survivals. The recanalization rate of intracoronary rrokinase infusion into infarct-related coronary artery was known as 62-94 percents in previos studies. The various factors influence the outcome of intracoronary thrombolysis, including total dose of urokinase, time from onsrt of chest pain to thrombolysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the occlusion site morphology influences recanalization rates of intracoronary thrombolysis. METHODS: We evaluated infarct-related coronary artery morphology of 56 acute mycardial infarction patients who performed intracoronary thrombolytic therapy within 6-12 hours after the onset of acute myocardial infarction. Intracoronary urokinase infusion was performed at a rate of 25000 IU/minute. The presence of calcification, collaterals, side branches and the stump site morphologies(thrombus type, pencil type, cutting type) were identified on magnified 35mm cine frames. RESULTS: Reperfusion was successed in 34 patients and failed in 22 patients. There were no statistically significant difference in the pressure of calcification, collaterals, and side branches between success and failure groups. Intracoronary thrombus was identified in 21 percent of success group, but not in failure group. The reperfusion rates according to stump site morphology were 76% in thrombus type, 58% in cutting type, and 42% in pencil type(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates the presence of intracoronary thrombus and the morphology of thrombus type is more effective in intracoronary thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction. The identification of types of the coronary obstruction will be helpful for the selection of intracoronary thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction patients. And the results suggest that the difference of stump composition show different stump morphologies.

Relationship of Regional Early Diastolic Flow Velocity to Left Ventricular Hemodynamic Indices using Conventional Pulsed Doppler Method

BACKGROUND: Doppler echocardiography is widely used for the noninvasive evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function. More recently, it has attempted to indirectly assess left hemodynamic status by using different measurements obtained from puled wave Doppler ultrasound mitral flow recordings. However, the mitral flow velocity pattern is affected by several physiologic factors and change to normalized or restricutve pattern, Thus, this study designed to assess the relatioship between intraventricular dispersion of early diastolic flow velocity and hemodynamic variables. METHOD: The study population consisted of 8 patients with atypical chest pain, 8 patients with stable angina pectoris, 10 patients with myocardial infarction and 4 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Left ventricular catheterization was performed with fluid-filled catheter and left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP), left ventricular end diastolic pressure(LVEL), -peak/dP/dt, and +peak dP/dt were measured, the mitral flow velocity was recorded at mitral valve tip and regional left ventricular diastolic flow velocity was recored at 1cm, 2cm and 3cm from mitral valve tip to the apex. Regional left ventricular early diastolic flow velocity was expressed as percentage to the early diastolic flow velocity in mitral valve tip(%Ex=(peak Ex/peak E)×100, %VTIEx=VTIEx/VTIE)×100, x=cm from mitral valve tip). RESULTS: There were modest negative correlations between %E2, %E3 and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, respectively ; r=−0.62, −0.46. Modest negative correlation was found between %VTIE2 and LVEDP(r=0.42). %E2 15mmHg with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 77%. CONCLUSION: Propagation of left ventricular filling flow veolcity in early diastole is correlate with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and %E2 is a relatively useful index of elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

The Role of the Adenosine Receptor Subtypes and Protein Kinase C in Ischemic Preconditioning in the in Vivo Cat Heart

BACKGROUND: It is well known that ischemic preconditioning protects the heart against infarction or arrhythmias from a subsequent ischemic injury. Recent laboratory data indicate that the adenosine during the ischemic period may trigger protection via A1 or A3 adenosine receptor and also protein kinase C(PKC) plays a central role. This study was designed to determine the role of adenosine receptor subtypes and PKC in the preconditioning protection. METHODS: All cat heart groups were subjected to 40min ischemia and 30min reperfusion. The preconditioning protocol consists of 4min ischemia and then 10min of reperfusion 4 times. The effects of ischemic preconditioning, nonselective adenosine receptor blocker(SPT), an A1 specific antagonist(DPCPX) and protein kinase C inhibitor(Polymyxin B), on ischemic preconditioning were determined by infarction size. There were 5 groups : (1) control group (Group 1, n=10)(2) Ischemic preconditioned group(Group 2, n=9)(3) DPCPX pretreatment group(Group 3, n=6)(4) SPT preteatment group(Group 3, n=6)(5) Polymyxin B pretreatment group(Group 5, n=6). SPT and DPCPX were given intravenously 5 min before ischemic preconditioning. Polymyxin B was administered to cats for 30min during ischemic preconditioning period. RESULTS: Ischemic preconditioning only or pretreatment with DPCPX prior to preconditioning demonstrated a significant reduction in infarct size(22.6+/-1.5, 25.4+/-0.9% infarction of the risk zone, respectively, p<0.05) with respect to control, SPT-pretreatment, and polymyxin B-pretreatment groups(44.0+/-1.7, 43.0+/-2.0 and 40.3+/-0.4% infarction of the risk zone, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic preconditioning protects heart from subsequent ischemia. Protection was blocked by SPT and protein kinase C inhibitor(polymyxin B), but not by A1 antagonist DPCPX. The cardioprotective effects by ischemic preconditioning in the in vivo cat heart appear to be dependent on A3 adenosine receptors and activation of protein kinase C.

The Response of Coronary Artery Diameter to Acetylcholine in Patients with or Without Minimally Diseased Coronary Artery*

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery spasm plays an important role in the pathogenesis of not only variant angina but also other forms of angina,acute myocardial infarction, and sudden death. However precise mechanisms by which coronary spasms occur remains unknown. The role of increased coronary artery tone as a part of pathogenesis of conary spasm and relation to the severity of coronary artery disease are still controversial. Thus we underwent this study to investigate the role of increased coronary artery tone as a part of pathogenesis of conary spasm and realtion to the severity of coronary artery disease. METHODS: Intracoronary acetylcholine and isosorbide dintrate were used as a spasm-provocative agent and vasodilator respectively. We analyzed 176 vessels(69 right coronary artery, 58 left anterior descending coronary artery, 49 left circumflex coronary artery) of 75 patients admitted for evaluation of chest pain syndrome. Among the 176 vessels, spasm occurred in 39 vessels of 25 patients. RESULTS: 1)Coronary artery spasm occured in 30.4%(21/69), 17.2%(10/58), 16.3%(8/49) of right coronary artery, left anterior descending coronary artery, left circumflex coronary artery respectively. 2) There is no relationship between angiographically visible minimal coronary artery disease and occurrence of spasm provoked by acetylcholine. 3) There was no significant difference of coronary risk factor predicting coronary spasm between two groups. 4) There is more significant % vasodilation by isosorbide dintrate(ISDDN) occurred din both the spastic and nonspastic arterial segment of vasospastic angina group than no spasm group(30.2%, 28.4% vs 14.2%, p<0.05). 5) Degree of % vasodilation by ISDN was more significantly larger in vasospastic angina group than no spasm group despite the presence of same amount of angiographically visible minimal coronary artery disease(38.3% vs 12.5%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggests that the occurrence of conronary artery spasm is not related to minimal coronary artery disease. Increased coronary artery tone observed only in vasospastic angina group may be part of pathogenesis of coronary spasm.

The Protective Effect of Intravenous Adenosine on Myocardial Reperfusion Injury in Feline Heart Model

BACKGROUND: Among the various mechanisms of Myocardial reperfusion injuries, neutrophil is thought to be one of them. Endogenous coronary vasodilator adenosine is known to have myocardial protective effect through variable pharmacologic action, influencing the function of several cell types involved in the pathogenesis of myocardial reperfusion injury. This study was designed to determine the beneficial effect of adenosine on the left ventricular function during reperfusion and whether this effect is due to the adenosine on the role of neutrophil. METHODS: 27 open-chest cats were randomly divided into 3 groups. 6 cats received ischemic injury without reperfusion(group 1). 21 cats were subjected to 60 minutes of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by a 60-minute reperfusion. 11 of 21 cats received intravenous adenosine(0.15mg/Kg/min) infusion starting 5 minutes before reperfusion throughout the entire period(group 3). 10 cats received equal volume of saline instead of adenosine(group 2). RESULTS: 1) During the experimental period, significant decrease of heart rate, blood pressure, RPI, negative dP/dT and increase of LVEDP were noted in group 2 and 3 with no difference between the two groups. The reduction of positve dP/dT was more significant in group 2 at 30 and 60 minute of reperfusion than the preocclusion value(1404+/-111, 1631+/-161 vs 1832+/-169mmHg/sec at baseline, p<0.05). In contrast, positive dP/dT in group 3 at 30 and 60 minute of reperfusion were similar to baseline values(1890+/-92, 2052+/-112 vs 2025+/-227mmHg/sec at baseline, p=NS). These were significantly higher(p<0.05) than untreated group 2. 2) Infarct size was significantly reduced in adenosine-treated group 3, when expressed as a percentage of the area at risk(28.4+/-3.3% vs 44.5+/-3.2% of group 2, p<0.05). The significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity observed after reperfusion was not detected in adenosine treated group 3.(0.18+/-0.05 vs 0.46+/-0.09 unit/100mg wet tissue weight, p<0.05). A significant correlation was present between infarct size (% of left ventricle) and myeloperoxidase activity(r=0.72, p<0.01). 3) Light microscopic examination demonstrated the decreased acute interstitial and intra vascular inflammatory infiltration and capillary plugging together with decreased tendency of incidence of contraction band necrosis in adenosine treated group 3. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that intravenous administration of adenosine during the early reperfusion period significantly reduces infarct size, improving the early recovery of global ventricular function. The probable cause is the effect of adenosine on neutrophil as one of the various protective mechanisms of adenosine in feline heart model subjected to coronary occlusion and reperfusion, 60 minutes each.

A Case of Double Chambered Right Ventricle with Congenital Right Ventricular True Diverticulum

Congenital diverticula of the cardiac ventricle have been reported as arising either from the left ventricule or, rarely from both ventricules. A diverticulum arising from the right ventricle alone is very rare. Double chambered right ventricle(DCRV) was first described in 1962 by Lucas et al, and account for 1.5% of congenital heart disease. Right ventricular diverticulum are associated with right ventricle outlet obstructive disease, tetralogy of fallot, double outlet right ventricle, pulmonic stenosis, ventricular septal defect, left ventricule-right atrium communication, persistant truncus arteriosus. DCRV are freqently associated with ventricular septal defect(80%), pulmonic stenosis(33%), renal anormaly(43%). Treatment consist of suture of diverticulum and resection of septum. We report a case of double chambered right ventricle with congenital right ventricular true diverticulum in 62 years of female patients admitted due to anterior chest pain and mild exertional dyspnea.

Pericardial lymphangioma: Case report

Cardiac lymphangioma is one of the rarest, primary, benign tumor of the heart. We report a case of cardiac lymphangioma, which was diagnosed with CT and MRI in a 50 years old female. Plain chest film showed minimal enlargement and globular shape of the heart. On CT scan, abnormal fluid density mass lesion was noted within pericardial sac. The signal intensity was lower on T1-weighted image and hgher on T2-weighted image than that of the myocardium and located along the left atrioventricuar groove. Several small low signal spots representing hemorrhage were seen within this lesion.

Toxic effect of azalea extract on cardiovascular system / 영남의대학술지

The toxic effect of azalea extract, especially on cardiovascular system, in relatively unclear. The purpose of this study is to study the possible underlying mechanism and effect of toxic ingredient of azalea on cardiovascular system. The 71 healthy rabbits were divided into 10 groups: In group as preliminary study; 4 cc of normal saline was administered intravenously (N); 0.7 gm/kg and 1.0 gm/kg of azalea extract was administered respectively in the same route, volume (A1, A2); atropine was administered intravenously (A); after pretreatment with atropine (0.04 mg/kg) to block parasympathetic system, azalea extract was injected like the above groups (AA1, AA2); normal saline, 0.7 gm/kg and 1.0 gm/kg of azalea extract were administered respectively with 0.2 cc (1:1000) epinephrine (E0, E1, E2). We measured the following indices at I minute interval during first 10 minutes and then 10 minute interval during next 30 minutes: RR interval, QTc interval, maximal systolic and diastolic pressure drop with occurring time and presence of significant arrhythmia. The results were as follows: 1. The changes of RR interval, QTc interval were significantly increased in groups by Azalea extract. The blood pressure change was significantly decreased in groups by Azalea extract. There were no significant differences according to dosage of Azalea extract. 2. The changes of RR interval, blood pressure were significant differences between administration of atropine and Azalea extract after pretreatment with atropine, but not in the change of QTc interval. 3. There were no significant differences in the change of RR interval, ATc interval, blood pressure drop according to pretreatment with atropine. 4. The interaction between epinephrine and Azalea extract was not noted by the effect of epinephrine itself. 5. The ST change by 0.7 gm/kg, 1.0 gm/kg of Azalea extract was revealed in 1 case (14.0%), 7 case (100%), respectively. 6. Most of all cases with arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, were noted in the group by epinephrine, except on case by Azalea extract (1.0 gm/kg). It was idioventricular rhythm. In conclusion, azalea extract has negative inotropic and chronotropic effect with arrhythmogenic potential possibly through direct myocardial ischemia or injury but we can't be absolutely exclusive of actions of autonomic nervous system, especially parasympathetic nervous system.

Two Cases of Pulmonic Valvular Vegetation and Pulmonary Infarction Associated with VSD

Bacterial endocarditis is a disease with protean manifestations whose presentation has recently changed greatly. Right-sided endocarditis associated with congenital heart lesions is now relatively less common. Patients with ventricular septal defect are at risk for right-sided endocarditis, but its incidence is low in children and adolescents. The organism is frequently a staphylococcus and the clinical course is dominated by septic pulmonary infarction and septicemia. We reported two cases of pulmonic vegetation and pulmonary infarction associated VSD with brief review of literature.