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Background@#In addition to vascular endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are subject to continuous shear stress because of blood circulation. The angiogenic properties of VSMCs in extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may exceed those of normal blood vessels if the body responds more sensitively to mechanical stimuli. This study was performed to investigate the hypothesis that rapid angiogenesis may be achieved by mechanical shear stress. @*Methods@#VSMCs were obtained from six patients who had AVMs and six normal controls. The target genes were set to angiopoietin-2 (AGP2), aquaporin-1 (AQP1), and transforming growth factor-beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1). Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR were implemented to identify the expression levels for target genes. Immunofluorescence was also conducted. @*Results@#Under the shear stress condition, mean relative quantity values of AGP2, AQP1, and TGFBR1 in AVM tissues were 1.927±0.528, 1.291±0.031, and 2.284±1.461 when compared with neutral conditions. The expression levels of all three genes in AVMs were higher than those in normal tissue except for AQP1 under shear stress conditions. Immunofluorescence also revealed increased staining of shear stress-induced genes in the normal tissue and in AVM tissue. @*Conclusions@#Shear stress made the VSMCs of AVMs more sensitive. Although the pathogenesis of AVMs remains unclear, our study showed that biomechanical stimulation imposed by shear stress may aggravate angiogenesis in AVMs.
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Objective@#To evaluate the feasibility of single-shot whole thoracic time-resolved MR angiography (TR-MRA) to identify the feeding arteries of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) and reperfusion of the lesion after embolization in patients with multiple PAVMs. @*Materials and Methods@#Nine patients (8 females and 1 male; age range, 23–65 years) with a total of 62 PAVMs who underwent percutaneous embolization for multiple PAVMs and were subsequently followed up using TR-MRA and CT obtained within 6 months from each other were retrospectively reviewed. All imaging analyses were performed by two independent readers blinded to clinical information. The visibility of the feeding arteries on maximum intensity projection (MIP) reconstruction and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) TR-MRA images was evaluated by comparing them to CT as a reference. The accuracy of TR-MRA for diagnosing reperfusion of the PAVM after embolization was assessed in a subgroup with angiographic confirmation. The reliability between the readers in interpreting the TR-MRA results was analyzed using kappa (κ) statistics. @*Results@#Feeding arteries were visible on the original MIP images of TR-MRA in 82.3% (51/62) and 85.5% (53/62) of readers 1 and 2, respectively. Using the MPR, the rates increased to 93.5% (58/62) and 95.2% (59/62), respectively (κ = 0.760 and 0.792, respectively). Factors for invisibility were the course of feeding arteries in the anteroposterior plane, proximity to large enhancing vessels, adjacency to the chest wall, pulsation of the heart, and small feeding arteries. Thirty-seven PAVMs in five patients had angiographic confirmation of reperfusion status after embolization (32 occlusions and 5 reperfusions).TR-MRA showed 100% (5/5) sensitivity and 100% (32/32, including three cases in which the feeding arteries were not visible on TR-MRA) specificity for both readers. @*Conclusion@#Single-shot whole thoracic TR-MRA with MPR showed good visibility of the feeding arteries of PAVMs and high accuracy in diagnosing reperfusion after embolization. Single-shot whole thoracic TR-MRA may be a feasible method for the follow-up of patients with multiple PAVMs.
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Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether three-dimensional (3D)-printed flexible denture resin has suitable mechanical properties for use as a thermoplastic denture base resin material. @*Materials and Methods@#A total of 96 specimens were prepared using the 3D printed flexible denture resin (Flexible Denture). Specimens were designed in CAD software (Tinkercad) and printed through a digital light-processing 3D printer (Asiga MAX UV). Post-polymerization process was conducted according to air exposure or glycerin immersion at 35°C or 60°C and for 30 or 60 minutes. The maximum flexural strength, elastic modulus, 0.2% offset yield strength, and Vickers hardness of 3D-printed flexible denture resin were assessed.Result: The maximum flexural strength ranged from 64.46±2.03 to 84.25±4.32 MPa, the 0.2% offset yield strength ranged from 35.28±1.05 to 46.13±2.33 MPa, the elastic modulus ranged from 1,764.70±64.66 to 2,179.16±140.01 MPa, and the Vickers hardness ranged from 7.01±0.40 to 11.45±0.69 kg/mm2 . @*Conclusion@#Within the limits of the present study, the maximum flexural strength, 0.2% offset yield strength, elastic modulus, and Vickers hardness are sufficient for clinical use under the post-polymerization conditions of 60°C at 60 minutes with or without glycerin precipitation.
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Background/Aims@#Pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (ADA) levels are useful in discriminating tuberculous pleural effusions (TPEs) from malignant pleural effusions (MPEs). However, some patients with MPE exhibit high-ADA levels, which may mimic TPEs. There is limited data regarding the differential diagnosis between high-ADA MPE and high-ADA TPE. This study aimed to identify the predictors for distinguishing high-ADA MPEs from high-ADA TPEs. @*Methods@#Patients with TPE and MPE with pleural f luid ADA levels ≥ 40 IU/L were included in this study. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were compared between the two groups. Independent predictors and their diagnostic performance for high-ADA MPEs were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve. @*Results@#A total of 200 patients (high-ADA MPE, n = 30, and high-ADA TPE, n = 170) were retrospectively included. In the multivariate analysis, pleural fluid ADA, pleural f luid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and pleural nodularity were independent discriminators between high-ADA MPE and high-ADA TPE groups. Using pleural ADA level of 40 to 56 IU/L (3 points), pleural CEA level ≥ 6 ng/mL (6 points), and presence of pleural nodularity (3 points) for predicting high-ADA MPEs, a sum score ≥ 6 points yielded a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 96%, positive predictive value of 82%, negative predictive value of 98%, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.965. @*Conclusions@#A scoring system using three parameters may be helpful in guiding the differential diagnosis between high-ADA MPEs and high-ADA TPEs.
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Background@#Venous malformations (VMs) are the most common type of vascular malformations. Intramuscular venous malformations (IMVMs) are lesions involving the muscles, excluding intramuscular hemangiomas. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between patients with IMVMs who were treated with sclerotherapy and those who were treated with surgical excision. @*Methods@#Of 492 patients with VMs treated between July 2011 and August 2020 at a single medical center for vascular anomalies, 63 patients diagnosed with IMVM were retrospectively reviewed. Pain, movement limitations, swelling, and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated subjectively, while radiological outcomes were assessed by qualified radiologists at the center. Complication rates were also evaluated, and radiological and clinical examinations were used to determine which treatment group (sclerotherapy or surgical excision) exhibited greater improvement. @*Results@#Although there were no significant differences in pain (P=0.471), swelling (P=0.322), or the occurrence of complications (P=0.206) between the two treatment groups, the surgical treatment group exhibited significantly better outcomes with regard to movement limitations (P=0.010), QOL (P=0.013), and radiological outcomes (P=0.017). Moreover, both duplex ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed greater improvements in clinical outcomes in the surgical excision group than in the sclerotherapy group. @*Conclusions@#Although several studies have examined IMVM treatment methods, no clear guidelines for treatment selection have been developed. Based on the results of this study, surgical excision is strongly encouraged for the treatment of IMVMs.
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Background@#Oral propranolol has recently been introduced as a successful treatment for infantile hemangioma (IH).Though, there are limited reports on this treatment including large number of Korean patients with IH covering a long-term powder and solution formulation period. @*Objective@#We investigated the effectiveness and side effects of two different formulations of oral propranolol treatment in patients with IH at a Korean tertiary university hospital. @*Methods@#From June 2011 to October 2019, 375 patients were treated with powder- or solution-type oral propranolol starting at 1 mg/kg/day and increasing up to 3 mg/kg/day. Drug effectiveness was evaluated on four scales through sequential photographs by two dermatologists. Side effects were recorded on a medical chart. @*Results@#Overall, the mean improvement scale was 2.61±0.73 at 3 months after treatment initiation. The scale was higher for solution-type than for powder-type oral propranolol at the 3-month follow-up (2.71±0.79 vs. 2.54±0.67, p＜0.05). The patients’ mean duration of treatment was 8.56±5.85 months, which was shorter for solution-type than for powder-type oral propranolol (6.0 vs. 10.69 months, p＜0.05). Among the total number of patients, 22 reported mild side effects, including loose stools and noticeable sleep disturbance, and few serious side effects such as grunting, while two patients required medical intervention. @*Conclusion@#The patients in our study were effectively treated for IH with oral propranolol without significant side effects and had a shorter treatment duration with solution-type oral propranolol than with powder-type oral propranolol.
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Background@#Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which is a high-blood-flow lesion with connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary bed, is difficult to manage. The ear is the second most common site of extracranial AVM. However, studies regarding the management of this condition remain lacking. The purpose of this study was to share managing experiences in our center and to investigate the treatment effect through a retrospective analysis of cases. @*Methods@#Among 265 patients with AVM treated in our vascular anomalies center between January 2008 and January 2021, 10 patients with auricular AVM were included in the study to investigate the lesion distribution, clinical stage, and treatment methods by performing a retrospective evaluation. @*Results@#Among 10 patients, five patients had AVMs distributed in the upper half of the ear, one patient in the lower half of the ear, and four patients in whole ear, respectively. Seven patients had Schobinger stage II, and three had stage III. One patient received surgical treatment only, four patients received sclerotherapy only, and five patients received both surgical treatment and sclerotherapy. The posttreatment status was checked as controlled in two patients, improved in seven patients, persistent in one patient. There were no worsening patients. @*Conclusion@#Auricular AVM is a disease that is difficult to manage by one specific department, thus requiring a collaborative management effort from multidisciplinary team.
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Background@#Oral propranolol has recently been introduced as a successful treatment for infantile hemangioma (IH).Though, there are limited reports on this treatment including large number of Korean patients with IH covering a long-term powder and solution formulation period. @*Objective@#We investigated the effectiveness and side effects of two different formulations of oral propranolol treatment in patients with IH at a Korean tertiary university hospital. @*Methods@#From June 2011 to October 2019, 375 patients were treated with powder- or solution-type oral propranolol starting at 1 mg/kg/day and increasing up to 3 mg/kg/day. Drug effectiveness was evaluated on four scales through sequential photographs by two dermatologists. Side effects were recorded on a medical chart. @*Results@#Overall, the mean improvement scale was 2.61±0.73 at 3 months after treatment initiation. The scale was higher for solution-type than for powder-type oral propranolol at the 3-month follow-up (2.71±0.79 vs. 2.54±0.67, p＜0.05). The patients’ mean duration of treatment was 8.56±5.85 months, which was shorter for solution-type than for powder-type oral propranolol (6.0 vs. 10.69 months, p＜0.05). Among the total number of patients, 22 reported mild side effects, including loose stools and noticeable sleep disturbance, and few serious side effects such as grunting, while two patients required medical intervention. @*Conclusion@#The patients in our study were effectively treated for IH with oral propranolol without significant side effects and had a shorter treatment duration with solution-type oral propranolol than with powder-type oral propranolol.
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Lymphorrhea is a rare but potentially severe complication that occurs after various surgical procedures. Untreated lymphorrhea may lead to wound dehiscence, infection, and prolonged hospital stay. Currently, there is no standard effective treatment. Early management usually includes leg elevation, drainage, and pressure dressing. However, these methods are associated with prolonged recovery and high recurrence rates. We report a case of lymphorrhea from a calf wound after endoscopic great saphenous vein (GSV) harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The patient presented with intractable oozing from the postoperative wound on the right calf. Lymphorrhea perGsisted for 6 weeks despite negative-pressure wound therapy with a long-acting somatostatin. We performed unilateral pedal lymphangiography that confirmed wound lymphorrhea, followed by glue embolization. No recurrence was observed after 8 months of follow-up. This case report demonstrates the successful use of lymphangiography with glue embolization in the control of lymphorrhea after GSV harvesting for CABG.
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Background@#Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which is a high-blood-flow lesion with connections between arteries and veins without an intervening capillary bed, is difficult to manage. The ear is the second most common site of extracranial AVM. However, studies regarding the management of this condition remain lacking. The purpose of this study was to share managing experiences in our center and to investigate the treatment effect through a retrospective analysis of cases. @*Methods@#Among 265 patients with AVM treated in our vascular anomalies center between January 2008 and January 2021, 10 patients with auricular AVM were included in the study to investigate the lesion distribution, clinical stage, and treatment methods by performing a retrospective evaluation. @*Results@#Among 10 patients, five patients had AVMs distributed in the upper half of the ear, one patient in the lower half of the ear, and four patients in whole ear, respectively. Seven patients had Schobinger stage II, and three had stage III. One patient received surgical treatment only, four patients received sclerotherapy only, and five patients received both surgical treatment and sclerotherapy. The posttreatment status was checked as controlled in two patients, improved in seven patients, persistent in one patient. There were no worsening patients. @*Conclusion@#Auricular AVM is a disease that is difficult to manage by one specific department, thus requiring a collaborative management effort from multidisciplinary team.
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Sinus pericranii is a rare vascular anomaly characterized by abnormal venous communication betweenthe inner and outer regions of the cranial cavity. Here, we report a case of sinus pericraniiand venous malformations in the right periorbital region of a 2-year-old girl. Radiologic findingsshowed venous malformations in the right parietal region communicating with the superior sagittalsinus in the intracranial region. There were notable improvements following surgical resectionfor the abnormal venous lesions and several sclerotherapies. Presence of a bluish and pulsatingmass on the scalp, which showed bruit on auscultation, may indicate sinus pericranii, whichshould be included in the differential diagnosis.
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Endobiliary radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a procedure performed widely to induce locoregional tumor control by the transfer of thermal energy to the lesion and subsequent tumor necrosis. A 72-year-old male with a prior history of acute calculous cholangitis and perforated cholecystitis was admitted to the Kyungpook National University Hospital complaining of fever and nausea. He had an indwelling percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) catheter from the previous episode of perforated cholecystitis. An abdominal CT scan showed marked dilation of both the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Common bile duct cancer was confirmed histologically after an endobiliary biopsy. A surgical resection was considered to be the initial treatment option. During open surgery, multiple metastatic nodules were present in the small bowel mesentery and anterior abdominal wall. Resection of the tumor was not feasible, so endobiliary RFA was performed prior to biliary stenting. Cholecystectomy was required for the removal of the PTGBD catheter, but the surgical procedure could not be performed due to a cystic ductal invasion of the tumor. Instead, chemical ablation of the gallbladder (GB) with pure ethanol was performed to breakdown the GB mucosa. Palliative treatment for a biliary obstruction was achieved successfully using these procedures. In addition, a PTGBD catheter was removed successfully without significant side effects. As a result, an improvement in the patient's quality of life was accomplished.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Male , Abdominal Wall , Bile Ducts, Extrahepatic , Biopsy , Catheter Ablation , Catheters , Cholangiocarcinoma , Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde , Cholangitis , Cholecystectomy , Cholecystitis , Common Bile Duct , Cystic Duct , Drainage , Ethanol , Fever , Gallbladder , Mesentery , Mucous Membrane , Nausea , Necrosis , Palliative Care , Quality of Life , Stents , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Treatment for venous malformations of the head and neck includes sclerotherapy, surgical resection, or a combination of both. Surgical resection can remove or reduce the volume of vascular lesions; however, surgery can cause postoperative scarring and potential surgical complications. This study sought to determine the effectiveness of surgery for the treatment of venous malformations of the head and neck. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of patients who received surgeries for venous malformations of the head and neck from January 2011 to July 2019 was performed. Using clinical photographs, preoperative and postoperative Doppler ultrasonography, outpatient clinic records, and operation records, the postoperative result and complications were evaluated for each case. RESULTS: Among patients who visited our vascular anomalies clinic, 43 patients (ratio of male to female= 24:19) received surgeries for venous malformations of the head and neck. Twenty-nine patients had undergone surgery only, five patients received sclerotherapy after surgery, and nine patients received surgery after preoperative sclerotherapy. In postoperative evaluations, the result was excellent in 24 patients, good in 18 patients, and poor in one patient. Four patients experienced a recurrence of lesions with lagophthalmos, drooping of the corner of the mouth, partial wound necrosis, and scar widening found in one patient each. CONCLUSION: Because the head and neck region is the most exposed area in the body, more active implementation of surgical treatments with or without sclerotherapy is essential to reduce the functional and cosmetic impairments associated with venous malformations.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Cicatrix , Head , Medical Records , Mouth , Neck , Necrosis , Recurrence , Retrospective Studies , Sclerotherapy , Surgery, Plastic , Ultrasonography, Doppler , Vascular Malformations , Wounds and InjuriesABSTRACT
PURPOSE@#To assess the usefulness of an ultrasound (US)-guided peritoneal biopsy for the solitary peritoneal thickening visualized as only infiltrated fat on a computed tomography (CT) scan.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#This retrospective study included 36 patients (16 males, 20 females; mean age, 51.7 years) who underwent a US-guided biopsy for the solitary peritoneal thickening of unknown cause visualized as only infiltrated fat without an apparent mass formation on a CT scan. The rate of the specific histopathological diagnosis and accuracy for the diagnosis of malignant disease was assessed.@*RESULTS@#The procedure was technically successful with the acquisition of an adequate amount of the specimen for microscopic examination from all patients. A specific histopathological diagnosis was made in 31/36 patients (86.1%): peritoneal carcinomatosis in 15/31 (48.4%), tuberculous peritonitis in 15/31 (48.4%) and panniculitis in 1/31 (3.2%). A non-specific histopathological diagnosis was made in 5/36 (13.9%): chronic inflammation in 4/5 (80%) and mesothelial hyperplasia in 1/5 (20%). The procedure showed sensitivity of 83.3%, with a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, a negative predictive value of 85.7%, and an accuracy rate of 86.1% for the diagnosis of malignant diseases.@*CONCLUSION@#The US-guided peritoneal biopsy is a fairly accurate diagnostic procedure for the peritoneal thickening visualized as only infiltrated fat on a CT scan, and it can be used before performing laparoscopic or an open biopsy.
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Dystrophic calcifications themselves in the breast are classified as typically benign according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. However, we experienced a patient with invasive ductal carcinoma surrounding large dystrophic calcifications that could be regarded as long-standing benign conditions such as fat necrosis or hematoma. A 61-year-old woman presented with two large dystrophic calcifications within an irregular mass in the right upper outer breast on mammography. Ultrasonography revealed an irregular mass with dense calcifications showing strong posterior acoustic shadowing. On contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, an irregular mass showed a persistent enhancement pattern and high signal intensity on a diffusion weighted image with non-enhancing areas corresponding to the calcifications. No abnormal uptake was observed on Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scan. Invasive ductal carcinoma was observed on ultrasonography-guided core needle biopsy. In this case, we conclude that typical dystrophic calcifications within a breast mass cannot guarantee a benign diagnosis if the imaging characteristics of the mass are suspicious.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Acoustics , Biopsy, Large-Core Needle , Breast , Carcinoma, Ductal , Diagnosis , Diffusion , Fat Necrosis , Hematoma , Information Systems , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Mammography , Shadowing Technique, Histology , Technetium Tc 99m Medronate , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the expression of p16(INK4a) (referred as to p16) and Ki-67 in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and the correlation between high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the above biomarkers. METHODS: We analyzed 31 patients who were diagnosed with CIN at Kwandong University Myongji Hospital from October 2006 to September 2007. CIN specimens (CIN1, 12; CIN2, 6; CIN3, 13) were obtained by colposcopy-directed biopsy (CDB) or loop electrical excision procedure (LEEP). The expressions of p16 and Ki-67 were evaluated by immunohistochemical methods with antibodies to p16 and Ki67. The immunohistochemical staining results were classified into four grades: 0, 1, 2 and 3. HPV genotyping or Hybrid Capture-II test was used to detect high-risk HPV. RESULTS: The expression of p16 (p<0.001) and Ki-67 (p=0.003) were positively associated with CIN grade. p16 expressions increased significantly with high-risk HPV infection (p=0.014), especially HPV type 16 and 58. Ki-67 expression was not related with high-risk HPV. There was positive correlation between the expression of the p16 and Ki-67 (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: CIN grade were positively related to the expression of p16 and Ki-67. p16 expressions of high-risk HPV specimens significantly increased more than Ki-67. Therefore, in the diagnosis of CIN and high-risk HPV infection, p16 can be a useful biomarker.
Subject(s)
Humans , Antibodies , Biomarkers , Biopsy , Uterine Cervical Dysplasia , Chimera , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 , Human papillomavirus 16 , Papillomavirus InfectionsABSTRACT
An aneurysm of the pulmonary artery is a rare entity, but has a potentially fatal prognosis. We report a case of a 28 year-old asymptomatic woman, with an idiopathic pulmonary artery aneurysm. She was admitted to our hospital because of an abnormal bulging contour of the left hilum on chest X-ray. A computed tomographic scan and pulmonary angiography showed dilatation of the main and proximal left pulmonary arteries. She has a stable, non-progressive condition without treatment during the 8 month follow-up period.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Aneurysm , Angiography , Dilatation , Follow-Up Studies , Prognosis , Pulmonary Artery , ThoraxABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The ventricular activation time (VAT) is increased in both ventricular hypertrophy and bundle branch block. It is also known that the VAT is increased in myocardial ischemia due to the development of depolarization abnormality. However, little is known about the changes in the VAT on body surface electrocardiography following coronary stenting in patients with ischemic heart disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of VAT following coronary stenting by assessing the changes in the VAT during the 6 months following coronary stenting in patients with ischemic heart disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The VAT was measured in 92 patients who had underdone coronary stenting due to of significant coronary artery stenosis on coronary angiography. The electrocardiography was recorded with a high paper speed at pre-stenting, immediate after and at 1 and 6 months after coronary stenting. RESULTS: The VAT was significantly decreased during the 6 month follow-up following coronary stenting (pre-stenting ; 45.9 +/-5.9 msec, immediate after stenting ; 38.5+/-2.7 msec, after 1 month ; 38.8+/-2.8 msec and after 6 months ; 38.8+/-2.5 msec, p<0.05). The VAT dispersion was significantly decreased during the 6 month follow-up following coronary stenting in the patients with one vessel disease (p<0.05), but not with two vessels disease. CONCLUSION: Coronary stenting significantly decreased the VAT during the 6 month follow-up. We would conclude that coronary stenting relieves depolarization abnormalities caused by myocardial ischemia, and improves the intraventricular conduction velocity. However, further studies are needed to assess the usefulness of VAT in evaluating myocardial ischemia.
Subject(s)
Humans , Bundle-Branch Block , Coronary Angiography , Coronary Artery Disease , Coronary Disease , Coronary Stenosis , Coronary Vessels , Electrocardiography , Follow-Up Studies , Hypertrophy , Myocardial Ischemia , StentsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac performance is dependent on both the preceding RR interval (RR-1) and the prepreceding RR interval (RR-2) in atrial fibrillation (AF). We reported a new method for improving the relation between the two RR intervals and cardiac performance in AF of various causes. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the method and its relationship in AF without organic heart disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The beat to beat variation in the left ventricular outflow peak ejection velocity (Vpe) was measured by pulsed Doppler ultrasound in 28 consecutive patients with lone AF. The relations between the RR-2 and the Vpe were obtained before and after the exclusion of coordinates with the RR-1<0.5 second. The association of the Vpe with the RR-1 was adjusted by the RR-2 using an equation obtained from the relation between the RR-2 and the Vpe. RESULTS: The RR-2 was found to have a weak, negative, association with the Vpe. The mean squared correlation coefficient (r2) between the RR-2 and the Vpe was 0.14+/-0.13, which was improved to 0.23+/-0.21 (p=0.007) following the exclusion of coordinates with a RR-1<0.5 second. The RR-1 was positively associated with the Vpe. The mean r2 between the RR-1 and the Vpe was 0.55+/-0.15, which became stronger, at 0.68+/-0.12 (p<0.001), following adjustment with the RR-2. A multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that the mean and standard deviation of the RR interval, and the duration of AF were independently associated with the modified r2 between the RR-2 and the Vpe. CONCLUSION: Simple modification could improve the relationship of both the RR-1 and the RR-2 with the cardiac performance in AF without organic heart disease, as with AF of various causes.
Subject(s)
Humans , Atrial Fibrillation , Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed , Electrocardiography , Heart Diseases , Heart , Stroke Volume , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: QT dispersion (QTd) represents inhomogeneous ventricular repolarization. Increased QTd has been reported to be associated with ischemic heart disease and sudden cardiac death. Successful percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) produces a favorable recovery of inhomogenous repolarization and reduces QTd. Although treadmill exercise test is commonly used for follow-up test after PTCA, limited data are available about QTd during treadmill test. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in QTd and determine its clinical role in follow-up treadmill exercise test after coronary stenting. METHODS: 41 patients with significant coronary artery disease underwent successful coronary stenting, while 46 patients were medically treated. Treadmill exercise test was performed to compare QTd between two groups as a follow-up test at 6 months after coronary stenting and medical therapy. Treadmill exercise test was recorded in pre-test, peak exercise, and recovery 2 minutes phase. QTd and corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) were measured in these ECGs using a digitizer. RESULTS: Coronary stenting significantly reduced QTd and QTcd at 6 months after coronary stenting. QTd and QTcd did not show significant difference between coronary stenting and medical therapy group at initial EKG before treatment. After coronary stenting, QTd and QTcd were significantly reduced than those of medical therapy group. And the changes in QTd and QTcd were more marked at peak exercise (28.2+/-11.9 and 39.3+/-16.2 msec in coronary stenting group vs 40.4+/-20.5 and 57.8+/-30.0 msec in medical therapy group). Lesion location and diseased vessel number were not associated with changes in QTd and QTcd. CONCLUSION: Coronary stenting reduced QTd and QTcd significantly in follow-up treadmill exercise test. Coronary stenting appears to be more effective to relieve myocardial ischemia and to improve inhomogenous ventricular repolarization than medical therapy. The measurement of QTcd during treadmill exercise test may be a useful index to evaluate myocardial ischemia after coronary stenting. Clinical relevance of these finding will require further study.