ABSTRACT
We studied left atrial (LA) function in severe rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) patients using twodimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Eighty patients with isolated severe MS in sinus rhythm and 40 controls underwent comprehensive echocardiography including STE derived LA strain [reservoir strain (LASr), conduit strain (LAScd) and contractile strain (LASct)]. The mean MVA was 0.93 ± 0.21 cm2 . The mean values of LASr (14.73 ± 8.59%), LAScd (±7.61 ± 4.47%) and LASct (±7.16 ± 5.15%) in patients were significantly lower (p < 0.001) vs. controls 44.11 ± 10.44%, ±32.45 ± 7.63%, -11.85 ± 6.77% respectively and showed decreasing trend with increasing MS severity and higher NYHA class. In conclusion, LA dysfunction is prevalent in severe MS irrespective of NYHA functional class.
ABSTRACT
Background: Osteoporosis is a rising health difficulty, which is renowned in both developed and developing countries. It is linked with considerable morbidity and socio-economic burden worldwide. Various factors are responsible for osteoporosis such as race, family history, body weight, estrogen deficiency (menopause), low calcium intake, and many others. The present study was aimed to early prediction and evaluates the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women of slum area of Ahmedabad (Raipur and Kalupur). Methods: The prospective, single-center study included 230 postmenopausal women. Baseline demographic characteristics were recorded using standard pre-designed case record form. Eligible patients according to inclusion and exclusion criteria were underwent for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to measure bone mass density at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and hip bone. Laboratory investigations such as serum calcium and serum vitamin D were performed according to standard procedure. Prediction for early detection of osteopenia and osteoporosis was evaluated based on T-score (DEXA scan). Results: The overall prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis were found 28.69% and 44.34%, respectively. Prevalence of osteoporosis was found higher (50.72%) in study population belongs to age between 51 and 60 years, whereas the prevalence of osteopenia was higher (38.53%) in age group (41-50). In further, normal body mass index was associated with the higher prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis. The calcium deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, family history of osteoporosis were found major risk factor associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis (p<0.05). T-score was much lower at femoral neck site (−3.29±0.47) and lumbar spine site (−3.15±0.50) when compared with hip bone (−2.40±0.68). Conclusions: The present study found moderately higher prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis among the postmenopausal women from slum area of Ahmedabad. Results revealed that the early measurement of bone mineral density will not only help for early detection, but it will also help for the prevention of osteoporosis.
ABSTRACT
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection [SCAD] is an uncommon entity, frequently presenting as ST-elevation myocardial infarction [MI] or sudden cardiac death. It is usually reported in association with pregnancy and has a high mortality. We present here a case of asymptomatic dissection of the right coronary artery, incidentally detected, in a young normotensive male when coronary angiography was done following acute anterior wall MI. This patient had none of the risk factors to which SCAD is generally ascribed. While management of the infarct-related artery was clear-cut, whether or not to intervene for this nonocclusive dissection was a difficult decision. A conservative approach was finally adopted for the spontaneous dissection and the patient is faring well till date