The effect of antiplatelet drug on coronary endothelial and microvascular function: comparison with ticagrelor and clopidogrel

Background/Aims@#Coronary endothelial and microvascular function play important roles in cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the effect of ticagrelor on coronary artery function and tested the antiplatelet effect of low dose ticagrelor in East-Asian patients. @*Methods@#Sixty-one consecutive patients with non-significant coronary disease were included in the study. Initially, patients were randomized in 1:1:1 ratio to receive drugs: ticagrelor 90 mg twice a day (bid; n = 22), ticagrelor 45 mg bid (n = 19) or clopidogrel 75 mg once a day (qd; n = 20) and then divided into two groups (ticagrelor vs clopidogrel) for evaluation of coronary artery function, and three groups for evaluation of antiplatelet function. Endothelial dysfunction was measured by coronary flow reserve (CFR), and changes in the levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), cluster of differentiation (CD) 40 ligand, and P-selectin. Microvascular function was evaluated as index of microvascular resistance (IMR). Platelet reactivity was assessed by VerifyNow P2Y12 assay. @*Results@#The levels of CFR, ADMA, and CD 40 ligand were not different between the two groups. However, P-selectin was lower in the ticagrelor group compared with clopidogrel group. IMR was significantly lower in the ticagrelor group compared with clopidogrel group (median, 15.0 [interquartile range, 12.0 to 21.0] vs. 47.5 [23.0 to 67.5], p = 0.014). There was significant difference in platelet inhibition among the three groups (ticagrelor 90 mg bid vs. ticagrelor 45 mg bid vs. clopidogrel 75 mg qd; 85.57 ± 47.63 vs. 120.33 ± 51.09 vs. 256.42 ± 55.10, p < 0.001) @*Conclusions@#It is hypothesized that ticagrelor might ameliorate the coronary microvascular function. When compared with clopidogrel, low dose ticagrelor exhibited satisfactory antiplatelet effect in the present study.

A Case of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Cellulitis of the Lower Leg / 대한내과학회지

Cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) have similar symptoms (lower extremity pain, erythema, and swelling) and there is the potential for misdiagnosis. In cases of cellulitis, DVT should be ruled out, as the symptoms of cellulitis might mask those of DVT, leading to serious complications such as pulmonary thromboembolism. The reported incidence of DVT in patients with cellulitis is low, especially patients with progression to pulmonary thromboembolism. We present a case of pulmonary thromboembolism following cellulitis of the lower leg in a 54-year-old male.

The Relationship between the Left Atrial Volume and the Maximum P-wave and P-wave Dispersion in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure

PURPOSE: A maximum P-wave duration (Pmax) of > or = 110msec and a P-wave dispersion (PWD) > or = 40msec are accepted indicators of a disturbance in interatrial conduction and an inhomogeneous propagation of the sinus impulse, respectively. The left atrial (LA) volume has been reported to be strongly associated with a systolic and diastolic dysfunction and is considered to be an index of atrial remodeling. We aimed to investigate the relationship between LA volume and Pmax or PWD in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-one patients with CHF were enrolled in this study. The study population was classified into four groups: two groups were divided according to the Pmax (> or = 110msec or or = 40msec or or = 110ms or a PWD > or = 40ms and those with a Pmax < 110ms or a PWD < 40ms. The LAVi was independently associated with a disturbance in interatrial conduction and an inhomogeneous propagation of the sinus impulse. The LAVi can be used to identify patients with a disturbance in interatrial conduction and an inhomogeneous propagation of the sinus impulse with reasonably good accuracy. CONCLUSION: We concluded that a disturbance in interatrial conduction and an inhomogenous propagation of the sinus impulse in patients with CHF is associated with an increase in the LA volume and a deleterious systolic and diastolic dysfunction.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Caused by Encircling Soft Tissue

Superior vena cava syndrome can occur from benign conditions that might not alter life expectancy. Here we present a case of a superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction caused by soft tissue encircling the SVC, which was strongly suspected of being an unusual focal type of fibrosing mediastinitis. A 39-year-old man with no prior medical history presented with a four-week history of facial plethora, headache and dilated veins of the neck with a dark purple color change on the anterior chest wall. Radiology examinations, including venography, and computed tomography with a 3-dimensional volume-rendering image of the chest, had revealed severe narrowing of the SVC due to tiny encircling soft tissue and collateral vessels. A total occlusion of the SVC occurred as a result of a thrombus that developed within 1 day after the diagnostic SVC angiogram. The patient underwent stent deployment three days after the administration of thrombolytic therapy.

Change of the P wave duration and P wave dispersion according to treatment strategy in patients with a acute myocardial infarction / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: P wave dispersion (PWD) and P wave duration have been used to evaluate the discontinuous propagation of sinus impulse and the prolongation of atrial conduction time, respectively. This study was conducted to compare the change of the maximal P wave duration (Pmax) and PWD according to the treatment strategy used in patients with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 86 patients that experienced an AMI. Patients were classified into three groups according to the treatment strategy: primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), thrombolytic therapy, and delayed PCI. ECGs that were obtained from all patients on admission and on the second day were analyzed. The Pmax and minimum P wave duration (Pmin) were measured from a 12-lead ECG. The PWD was calculated as the difference between the Pmax and Pmin. RESULT: There was no significant difference in the age, gender, medication, coronary risk factor, ejection fraction, left atrial diameter, basal Pmax and PWD among the groups. However, there were significant differences in P max and PWD between the primary PCI group and the other groups on the second day after hospital admission. In the thrombolytic therapy and delayed PCI groups, the PWD was significantly lower in the patients with a patent infarct-related artery (IRA) than in patients without a patent IRA on the second day after hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a primary PCI decreased the Pmax and PWD more than thrombolytic therapy or a delayed PCI.

Assessment of Left Ventricular Function by Analysis of Volume-Time Curves of 16 Segments with Real-Time Three Dimensional Echocardiography : Left Ventricular Asynchrony as a Clinical Parameter for Patients with Heart Failure

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES : Recent technical developments with high-resolution real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) have facilitated the acquisition of high quality images and the analysis of segmental volume-time curves (VTCs). The purposes of this study were to assess left ventricular (LV) asynchrony with using the VTCs of 16 segments by RT3DE and to compare this with tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) as a clinical parameter. SUBJECTS AND METHODS : Twenty-three heart failure (HF) patients (LVEF: 25+/-6%, age: 60+/-13 years) and 16 normal controls underwent TDI and RT3DE at baseline and 1-year. The standard deviation (SD3) of the end systolic time to reach the minimal systolic volume for the 16 segments on VTCs was obtained by RT3DE. The standard deviation (SD2) of the electromechanical coupling time for the 8 segments was measured using TDI. RESULTS : SD3 was markedly higher in the HF patients than that in the controls (7.7+/-2.5 vs 1.5+/-1.0%, respectively, p<0.01) and it increased as the LVEF decreased (r=-0.85, p<0.01). SD2 was also significantly higher in the HF patients (27.0+/-8.6 vs 12.6+/-5.0 msec, respectively, p<0.01) and it had good negative correlation with the LVEF (r=-0.72, p<0.01). SD3 was well correlated with SD2 (r=0.66, p<0.01). At 1-year, the HF patients with an increased LVEF showed a decreased SD3 (7/13). In contrast, the patients with a decreased LVEF had an increased SD3 (3/13). CONCLUSION : The analysis of VTCs for the 16 LV segments with using RT3DE from a single acoustic window may be a useful clinical parameter for evaluating the LV function, including LV asynchrony, the LV volume and the LVEF.

Comparison Study between Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography Using Real-Time Three Dimensional and Two Dimensional Echocardiography for Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease : Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography Using Real-Time Three Dimensional Echocardiogr

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) with 2D echocardiography (2DE) is one of the time-consuming procedures in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Moreover, the accuracy of DSE with 2DE depends on the operator's skill or bias during the image acquisition. This study was conducted to determine the feasibility and accuracy of DSE with real-time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE) for the diagnosis of CAD. SUBJECT AND METHODS: 62 patients (RT3DE: 36, 2DE: 26), suspected of angina pectoris and post-revascularization ischemia, underwent DSE and coronary angiography (CAG). Image acquisition was performed at the baseline, and at 4 times during the dobutamine infusion and recovery stages. The procedure time (from the baseline to the end of the peak dose stage) was recorded. Off-line analyses of the volumetric images acquired with RT3DE were performed using 3D computer software (TomTec, Co.). Digitized quad-screen images acquired with 2DE were analyzed using the 2DE review system (ProSolv 4.0). >50% luminal diameter stenosis of any coronary artery on CAG was defined as significant coronary artery stenosis. RESULTS: The procedure time of DSE with RT3DE was significantly shorter than that of DSE with 2DE (25+/-4 vs. 37+/-4 mins, p0.05) or specificity (p>0.05) between the two procedures. CONCLUSION: DSE with RT3DE seems to be a feasible and less time consuming diagnostic procedure, probably providing comparable sensitivity and specificity for the detection of coronary artery stenosis, than DSE with 2DE.

A fatal case of acute arsenic poisoning / 대한내과학회지

Arsenic trioxide is the most prevalent natural inorganic form of arsenic, which is a widely used heavy metal and is ubiquitously distributed in the environment. A 71-year-old man ingested about 10 g of arsenic trioxide powder in an attempted suicide. He developed severe vomiting, watery diarrhea and abdominal pain, and he presented to the emergency room 15 hours after the ingestion. On admission he was slightly drowsy, but shocked. He showed metabolic acidosis, acute renal failure and abnormal electrocardiogram suspecting myocardial infarction. The chest and abdominal X-rays revealed radiopaque materials in the stomach and small bowel. The stomach was irrigated via a nasogastric tube and activated charcoal was given to bind unabsorbed arsenic. The whole bowel irrigation was tried to remove the remained arsenic in the gastrointestinal tract and BAL (British anti-lewisite) was repeatedly administrated. Despite of intensive supporting management with supplemental oxygen, aggressive volume expansion, correction of metabolic disturbances and administration of cardiotonic agents, he developed progressive hypotension and died 42 hours after the ingestion. Random urine arsenic concentration, which was collected at the time of admission, but confirmed after death, was 3,564 microgram/L.

The Role of P Wave from Surface Electrocardiography for the Prediction of Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia that develops after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), and contributes to the morbidity and prolonged length of hospital day associated with the procedure. The purpose of this study was to determine predictors of AF after CABG. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twelve (112) patients (mean age 59+/-10, male 64, female 48), who underwent isolated CABG at one institution, were enrolled. The patients' clinical characteristics, medications, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram and coronary angiogram were reviewed retrospectively. We measured the P wave duration and dispersion, and the PR interval from 12-lead surface ECG in each patient. Documentation of AF after the CABG was obtained from ECG monitoring in the coronary care unit and those taken after the CABG. Logistic regression analysis was performed, and the discriminatory values of the parameters compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: AF developed in thirty-three patients (29.5%) after the CABG. Multivariable predictors were dichotomized on the basis of their variable distribution. A maximal P wave duration > or =110 msec (p or =58 years (p=0.023, sensitivity 94%, specificity 54%) were considered significant predictors of AF after CABG. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that AF after CABG can be predicted preoperatively from a prolonged maximal P wave duration on preoperative ECG and a patient's old age.

A Case of Double Right Coronary Artery with Arteriovenous Fisula

Double coronary artery with coronary arteriovenous fistula is a very unusual anomaly and has not been reported in Korea. Coronary arteriovenous fistula consists of communication between one of the coronary arteries and a cardiac chamber or vein. It generally drains into the right ventricle, right atrium, coronary sinus, or pulmonary artery. It is being diagnosed with increasing frequency with combined use of coronary angiography and contrast echocardiography. In the present case, coronary angiography showed double right coronary artery with separated ostia. We confirmed that one of them drained into right ventricular chamber by contrast echocardiography performed after intraaortic contrast injection.

A Case of Concomitant Disseminated Gonococcal Infection with Acute Viral Hepatitis C / 감염과화학요법

Gonorrhea is endemic in developing countries. Frequent sexual contacts are common among travellers to endemic countries and the risk of sexually transmitted disease as gonorrhea is believed to be high. Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) results from blood dissemination of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from the primary mucosal infection and is a common cause of infective arthritis in sexually active adults in the USA. The usual manifestations of DGI are dermatitis, tenosynovitis, and septic arthritis. We experienced a case of DGI concomitant with acute viral hepatitis C, probably acquired by sexual contacts in Philippines. A 40-year-old man took a trip to Philippines and stayed for a week. During his stay in Philippines, a hemorrhagic bulla and several pustules developed on his extrimities. Subsequently he suffered from high fever and arthralgia of several joints, including both knee joints. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was identified by culture of an aspirate from the right knee joint and he was managed with ceftriaxone for 3 weeks under the diagnosis of DGI and gonococcal arthritis. During the follow-up at the outpatient clinic, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels began to rise and an anti-HCV antibody became positive. Because HCV viral loads were surging up from 56,703 copies/mL to 538,292 copies/mL during the next 4 weeks, interferon-alpha 2b was administered for 6 months with resultant normal liver function tests and undetectable HCV viral loads.

A Case of Concomitant Disseminated Gonococcal Infection with Acute Viral Hepatitis C / 감염과화학요법

Gonorrhea is endemic in developing countries. Frequent sexual contacts are common among travellers to endemic countries and the risk of sexually transmitted disease as gonorrhea is believed to be high. Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) results from blood dissemination of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from the primary mucosal infection and is a common cause of infective arthritis in sexually active adults in the USA. The usual manifestations of DGI are dermatitis, tenosynovitis, and septic arthritis. We experienced a case of DGI concomitant with acute viral hepatitis C, probably acquired by sexual contacts in Philippines. A 40-year-old man took a trip to Philippines and stayed for a week. During his stay in Philippines, a hemorrhagic bulla and several pustules developed on his extrimities. Subsequently he suffered from high fever and arthralgia of several joints, including both knee joints. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was identified by culture of an aspirate from the right knee joint and he was managed with ceftriaxone for 3 weeks under the diagnosis of DGI and gonococcal arthritis. During the follow-up at the outpatient clinic, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels began to rise and an anti-HCV antibody became positive. Because HCV viral loads were surging up from 56,703 copies/mL to 538,292 copies/mL during the next 4 weeks, interferon-alpha 2b was administered for 6 months with resultant normal liver function tests and undetectable HCV viral loads.

A Case of Acute Pachymeningitis Misdiagnosed as Subdural Hematoma in a Patient with Polyarteritis Nodosa / 대한류마티스학회지

The pathymeningitis is a very rare neurologic manifestation of PAN. We report a case of pathymeningitis misdiagnosed as subdural hematoma by brain CT in a patient with PAN. A 45-year old man who diagnosed as PAN through arteriography and skin biopsy in the ischemic finger 6 months ago. He complained of sudden headache, nausea, and diplopia 3 days before admission. In emergency room, noncontrast brain CT findings suggested small amount of subdural hematoma. But subsequent MRI findings revealed pachymeningitis of bilateral paratentoria and falx. He was treated with high-dose steroid and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy. Thereafter, his symptoms were gradually resolved. As far as we know, this is the first report of a case of pachymeningitis complicating PAN in Korea.