Comparison between the effects of bretschneiders htk solution and cold blood cardioplegia on systemic endothelial functions in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass surgery: a prospective randomized and controlled trial

Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of Bretschneider's histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution and cold blood cardioplegia on systemic endothelial functions. Methods: A total of 50 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery between March 2018 and May 2018 were randomly divided into two groups - group 1 (Bretschneider's HTK solution, n=25) and group 2 (cold blood cardioplegia, n=25). Data related to the indicators of endothelial dysfunction were recorded. Flow-mediated dilation was measured together with the assessment of the values of endothelin-1, von Willebrand factor, and asymmetric dimethylarginine to identify endothelial dysfunction. Then, the two groups were compared regarding these values. Results: The most significant result of our study was that the endothelin-1 level was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (P<0.001). The value of flow-mediated dilation was found to increase to a lesser degree on the postoperative days compared to the value at the day of admission in group 1 (P=0.002 and P=0.030, respectively). Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary bypass leads to endothelial dysfunction. Our results revealed that Bretschneider's HTK solution causes less severe endothelial injury than cold blood cardioplegia.

Gradual treatment of arteriovenous fistula in femoral vessels as a complication of coronary angiography

Abstract Arteriovenous fistula due to coronary angiography intervention is rarely seen. Arteriovenous fistulas may be asymptomatic according to the size of the shunt, as well as to the heart failure. In this case report, we aimed to share gradual transition from endovascular methods to surgery and why surgical treatment is required for a patient who developed arteriovenous fistula after coronary angiography.

Left atrial giant cell myocarditis presenting as a tumor: first-in-man case report

Abstract Giant cell myocarditis is a rare and highly lethal disorder with resultant cardiac insufficiency. It necessitates aggressive immune suppression therapy, although the results are often fatal. When it affects only the atria, the characteristics of the disease changes completely. In this case report, we present atypical presentation of atrial giant cell myocarditis with mass lesion, which completely resolved after successful surgical resection without immuno suppression therapy.