Liver perivascular epithelioid cell tumor in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION: Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PECOMA) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm which expresses both myogenic and melanocytic markers showing a benign course,although malignant tumors have also been reported. To date there are approximately 33 cases of published hepatic pecomas. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a 47-year-old man with a 27-year past medical history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who underwent left liver lobectomy due to a liver pecoma. His postoperative course complicated with infection, thrombosis of hepatic artery and liver ischemia as well as drug fever. DISCUSSION: Treatment protocol especially for hepatic PECOMA has not reached a consensus although surgical resection is the preferred therapy. CONCLUSION: This is the first case of coexistence of liver pecoma and SLE.

Severe hyperkalemia following blood transfusions: Is there a link?

Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding often require large volume blood transfusion. Among the various side effects of blood transfusion, the increase of potassium levels is a serious one which is often overlooked. We report a case of severe hyperkalemia in a patient with gastric bleeding after large volume transfusion of packed red blood cells. The patient had hyperkalemia at baseline associated with his receiving medication as well as acute renal failure following hypovolemia. The baseline hyperkalemia was further aggravated after massive transfusions of packed red blood cells in a short period of time. The associated pathogenetic mechanisms resulting in the increase of potassium levels are presented. A number of risk factors which increase the risk of hyperkalemia after blood transfusion are discussed. Moreover, appropriate management strategies for the prevention of blood transfusion associated hyperkalemia are also presented. Physicians should always keep in mind the possibility of hyperkalemia in cases of blood transfusion.

Defining the Path Between Social and Economic Factors, Clinical and Lifestyle Determinants, and Cardiovascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Low socioeconomic status is associated with poorer cardiovascular health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present work was to evaluate how social and economic factors influence modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors and thus, acute coronary syndrome or ischemic stroke presence. METHODS: One thousand participants were enrolled; 250 consecutive patients with a first acute coronary syndrome (83% were male, 60 ± 12 years old) and 250 control subjects, as well as 250 consecutive patients with a first ischemic stroke (56% were male, 77 ± 9 years old) and 250 control subjects. The control subjects were population-based and age-sex matched with the patients. Detailed information regarding their medical records, lifestyle characteristics, education level, financial status satisfaction, and type of occupation were recorded. RESULTS: After controlling for potential confounding factors, significant inverse associations were observed regarding financial status satisfaction and sedentary/mental type occupation with acute coronary syndrome or stroke presence, but not with the educational level. Nevertheless, further evaluation using path analysis, revealed quite different results, indicating that the education level influenced the type of occupation and financial satisfaction, hence affecting indirectly the likelihood of developing a cardiovascular disease event. CONCLUSIONS: Social and economic parameters interact with modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors through multiple pathways.

The effect of adding ezetimibe to rosuvastatin on renal function in patients undergoing elective vascular surgery.

We compared the effects of lipid lowering with rosuvastatin (RSV) monotherapy versus intensified treatment by combining RSV with ezetimibe (EZT) on kidney function in patients undergoing vascular surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to either 10 mg/d RSV (n = 136) or RSV 10 mg/d plus EZT 10 mg/d (RSV/EZT, n = 126). At 12 months, a similar decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was noted. Patients who achieved a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of <100 mg/dL had less eGFR decrease than those patients having an LDL-C limit of more than 100 mg/dL. There were no significant changes in the urinary total protein to creatinine ratio in either group. Significant microalbuminuria was evident in both the groups. Patients undergoing vascular surgery show deterioration in their renal function during the first year, despite statin therapy. Intensified lipid-lowering therapy by adding EZT does not appear to have any renoprotective effect.

Eating behaviors and their relationship with cardiovascular disease. A case/case-control study.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the combined role of eating behaviors and to investigate their effect on the likelihood of developing an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or an ischemic stroke. During 2009-2010, 1000 participants were enrolled; 250 consecutive patients with a first ACS (83% males, 60 ± 12 years) and 250 control subjects, as well as 250 consecutive patients with a first ischemic stroke (56% males, 77 ± 9 years) and 250 controls. The controls were population-based and age-sex matched with the patients. Detailed information regarding their anthropometric data, medical records and lifestyle characteristics (dietary and smoking habits, physical activity, psychological state and eating practices -using a special questionnaire-) were recorded. Five eating behaviors were selected to compose an eating behavior score for the purposes of this work: adherence to the Mediterranean diet (using the MedDietScore), frequency of breakfast consumption, eating while being stressed, eating while working and skipping meals. Eating behaviors with beneficial health effects were scored with 0, while those with negative effects were assigned score 1. The total range of the score was between 0 and 5. Higher scores reveal "unhealthier" eating practices. After controlling for potential confounding factors, each unit increase of the eating behavior score was associated with 70% (95% CI: 1.29-2.22) higher likelihood of developing an ACS. Insignificant associations were observed regarding ischemic stroke. The overall adoption of specific "unhealthy" eating practices seems to have a detrimental effect on cardiovascular health, and especially coronary heart disease.

Association between mediterranean diet and non-fatal cardiovascular events, in the context of anxiety and depression disorders: a case/case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the Mediterranean diet on the likelihood of having a non-fatal cardiovascular outcome, taking into account anxiety and depression status. METHODS: This was a case-control study with individual matching by age and sex. During 2009-2010, 1000 participants were enrolled; 250 were consecutive patients with a first acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 250 were consecutive patients with a first ischemic stroke, and 500 were population-based control subjects, one-for-one matched to the patients by age and sex. Among other characteristics, adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by the MedDietScore, anxiety was assessed with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y-2, while depressive symptomatology was evaluated by the Zung Depression Rating Scale. RESULTS: Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a lower likelihood of ACS and ischemic stroke, even after adjusting for anxiety or depression (ACS: OR=0.92, 95%CI 0.87-0.98 and 0.93, 0.88-0.98, respectively; ischemic stroke: 0.91, 0.84-0.98 and 0.90, 0.83-0.97, respectively). For both ACS and stroke patients, anxiety and depression were associated with a higher likelihood of ACS and stroke. When stratifying for depression or anxiety status, the Mediterranean diet remained a significantly protective factor only for people with low levels of depression and anxiety for ACS, and only for people with low levels of anxiety, as far as stroke was concerned. CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression seem to play a mediating role in the protective relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the likelihood of developing cardiovascular events.

Endothelial dysfunction, but not structural atherosclerosis, is evident early in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) are prone to premature atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial dysfunction may predict increased cardiovascular risk in children with heFH. The aim of this study was to assess for early functional and structural vascular changes in children with heFH. This cross-sectional study included 30 children with heFH (mean age 12 years) and 30 age- and sex-matched controls. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and large- and small vessel compliance were measured noninvasively. HeFH children exhibited significantly greater total and LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein (a) levels (p < 0.05 for all) and lower FMD (6.23 ± 3.88 vs. 9.46 ± 4.54 %, p < 0.004) compared with controls. When children were divided in age subgroups, FMD was found to be significantly decreased in heFH compared with control subjects only in ages >10 years (p < 0.05). However, FMD was found to be similarly impaired in heFH children in all age subgroups (two-way analysis of variance, p = 0.39). No differences in other vascular function indices were found. In heFH patients, but not in controls, FMD was inversely correlated with cIMT (r = -0.378, p = 0.036). In conclusion, endothelial dysfunction occurs early in heFH children indicating an increased risk for premature cardiovascular disease and reflecting probably the need for early initiation of anticholesterolemic treatment. Decreased FMD is detected before structural atherosclerotic changes occur.

Vitamin D and stroke: promise for prevention and better outcome.

The role of vitamin D (VitD) has recently been expanded beyond bone homeostasis and regulation of calcium levels. VitD deficiency has been proposed as a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including stroke. Low 25(OH)VitD levels are very common among post-stroke patients, probably due to their limited mobility and decreased sunlight exposure along with a higher prevalence of malnutrition, and they have been associated with previous and incident cerebrovascular events. Contributing mechanisms have been linked to the association of VitD deficiency with the presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Moreover, there is experimental evidence demonstrating that VitD exerts neuroprotective effects, such as stimulation of neurotrophic factors, quenching of oxidative hyperactivity and regulation of neuronal death, as well as antithrombotic properties. It is plausible that VitD supplementation could be a beneficial intervention for the prevention and/or treatment of cerebrovascular disease possibly by decreasing the aforementioned cerebrovascular risk factors and simultaneously by improving neurologic and cognitive functions, thereby reducing falls and fractures in post-stroke patients. However, study results are still conflicting and data from large, randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify these speculations.

Antiplatelet treatment in the secondary prevention of coronary and cerebrovascular disease: is there any place for novel agents?

Ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease remain major health problems with associated mortality and quality-of-life consequences. Antiplatelet agents, including thienopyridines and the new P2Y12 inhibitors, have been shown to improve survival in the secondary prevention setting. We review the available evidence on the effectiveness and safety of previous established as well as novel antithrombotic agents in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a special focus on cerebrovascular disease.

Atherosclerosis, biomarkers of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia, involving progressive deterioration of neuronal networks. Although the pathophysiological mechanism of AD is not fully elucidated, apart from ß-amyloid and tau protein, a diverse number of factors such as cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation, and lipids metabolism may play a significant role. Numerous epidemiological and laboratory studies support vascular injury and inflammation, as key pathological processes. The present review is focused on cardiovascular risk factors, lipids, and circulating biomarkers of inflammation, discussing them as independent mechanisms converging to the same final pathogenetic cascade of AD.

Comparative analysis of a-priori and a-posteriori dietary patterns using state-of-the-art classification algorithms: a case/case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of a-priori and a-posteriori dietary patterns in the prediction of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and ischemic stroke. This is actually the first study to employ state-of-the-art classification methods for this purpose. METHODS AND MATERIALS: During 2009-2010, 1000 participants were enrolled; 250 consecutive patients with a first ACS and 250 controls (60±12 years, 83% males), as well as 250 consecutive patients with a first stroke and 250 controls (75±9 years, 56% males). The controls were population-based and age-sex matched to the patients. The a-priori dietary patterns were derived from the validated MedDietScore, whereas the a-posteriori ones were extracted from principal components analysis. Both approaches were modeled using six classification algorithms: multiple logistic regression (MLR), naïve Bayes, decision trees, repeated incremental pruning to produce error reduction (RIPPER), artificial neural networks and support vector machines. The classification accuracy of the resulting models was evaluated using the C-statistic. RESULTS: For the ACS prediction, the C-statistic varied from 0.587 (RIPPER) to 0.807 (MLR) for the a-priori analysis, while for the a-posteriori one, it fluctuated between 0.583 (RIPPER) and 0.827 (MLR). For the stroke prediction, the C-statistic varied from 0.637 (RIPPER) to 0.767 (MLR) for the a-priori analysis, and from 0.617 (decision tree) to 0.780 (MLR) for the a-posteriori. CONCLUSION: Both dietary pattern approaches achieved equivalent classification accuracy over most classification algorithms. The choice, therefore, depends on the application at hand.

Comparative analysis of cardiovascular disease risk factors influencing nonfatal acute coronary syndrome and ischemic stroke.

The aim of the present work was to compare the influence of classic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors on the development of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and ischemic stroke. During 2009-2010, 1,000 participants were enrolled: 250 were consecutive patients with a first ACS, 250 were consecutive patients with a first ischemic stroke, and 500 were population-based, control subjects, 1-for-1 matched to the patients by age and gender. The following CVD risk factors were evaluated: smoking/passive smoking, family history of CVD, physical inactivity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, presence of overweight and obesity, trait anxiety (assessed with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y-2), and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (assessed by the MedDietScore). Furthermore, participants graded the perceived significance of the aforementioned factors, using a scale from 1 (not important) to 9 (very important). The risk factors with the highest effect size for ACS, as determined by the Wald criterion, were smoking and hypercholesterolemia; regarding stroke, they were anxiety and family history of CVD (all p <0.01). When the odds ratios of each factor for ACS and stroke were compared, insignificant differences were observed, except for smoking. On the basis of the participants' health beliefs, smoking and stress emerged as the most important risk factors, whereas all subjects graded passive smoking as a least important factor. In conclusion, similarities of the risk factors regarding ACS and ischemic stroke facilitate simultaneous primary prevention measures.

Statin therapy and outcome after ischemic stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized trials.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although experimental data suggest that statin therapy may improve neurological outcome after acute cerebral ischemia, the results from clinical studies are conflicting. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the relationship between statin therapy and outcome after ischemic stroke. METHODS: The primary analysis investigated statin therapy at stroke onset (prestroke statin use) and good functional outcome (modified Rankin score 0 to 2) and death. Secondary analyses included the following: (1) acute poststroke statin therapy (≤ 72 hours after stroke), and (2) thrombolysis-treated patients. RESULTS: The primary analysis included 113 148 subjects (27 studies). Among observational studies, statin treatment at stroke onset was associated with good functional outcome at 90 days (pooled odds ratio [OR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-1.56; P<0.001), but not 1 year (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.9-1.4; P=0.31), and with reduced fatality at 90 days (pooled OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.62-0.82; P<0.001) and 1 year (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67-0.95; P=0.01). In the single randomized controlled trial reporting 90-day functional outcome, statin treatment was associated with good outcome (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.24; P=0.05). No reduction in fatality was observed on meta-analysis of data from 3 randomized controlled trials (P=0.9). In studies restricted to of thrombolysis-treated patients, an association between statins and increased fatality at 90 days was observed (pooled OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02-1.52; P=0.03, 3 studies, 4339 patients). However, this association was no longer present after adjusting for age and stroke severity in the largest study (adjusted OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.90-1.44; 4012 patients). CONCLUSIONS: In the largest meta-analysis to date, statin therapy at stroke onset was associated with improved outcome, a finding not observed in studies restricted to thrombolysis-treated patients. Randomized trials of statin therapy in acute ischemic stroke are needed.

Effects of rosuvastatin with or without ezetimibe on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing elective vascular surgery: results of a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular complications represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing vascular surgery. This was a prospective randomized, open-label study to investigate the effect of lipid-lowering treatment by statin monotherapy or intensified by combining statin with ezetimibe on a  12-month  prognosis after vascular surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive rosuvastatin (RSV) 10 mg/d or rosuvastatin 10 mg/d plus ezetemibe (RSV/EZT) 10 mg/d, starting prior to scheduled surgical procedure. The primary end point was the first major cardiovascular event, including death from cardiac causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and unstable angina. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients assigned to RSV and 126 to RSV/EZT completed the study protocol. As many as 6.6% of patients in the RSV group experience a major cardiovascular event within 30 days after surgery versus 5.6% in the RSV/EZT group (P = .72). From month 1 to 12 of the follow-up period, primary end point was observed (9 taking RSV vs 2 in the RSV/EZT group [P = .04]). Intensified lipid-lowering therapy with RSV/EZT was associated with a greater decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with RSV (75.87 ± 31.64 vs 87.19 ± 31.7, P = .004), while no differential effect on triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels was noted between groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that statin therapy intensified by ezetimibe may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events within the first 12 months after vascular surgery. Nonetheless, whether the use of ezetimibe as an add-on therapy to reduce cardiovascular risk in these patients needs to be tested in larger future studies.

The mediating effect of the Mediterranean diet on the role of discretionary and hidden salt intake regarding non-fatal acute coronary syndrome or stroke events: case/case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the association between salt and salty food consumption on the development of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or ischemic stroke, under the context of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. METHODS: During 2009-2010, 1000 participants were enrolled; 250 were consecutive patients with a first ACS, 250 were consecutive patients with a first ischemic stroke and 500 population-based, control subjects, one-for-one matched to the patients by age and sex. Socio-demographic, clinical, psychological, dietary and other lifestyle characteristics were measured. Consumption of foods with high salt concentration was evaluated with a special score (range 0-10). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by the validated MedDietScore (theoretical range: 0-55). RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounding factors, use of salt added in table was associated with 81% higher likelihood of stroke (95% Confidence Interval: 1.03-3.20), whereas no association was observed regarding the development of ACS. Salt use during cooking was not associated with the development of ACS or stroke. Each unit increase of the score evaluating total salty food consumption was associated with 33% higher likelihood of stroke development (95% Confidence Interval: 1.08-1.64), but not with ACS. The effect of salt and salty food consumption regarding stroke presence was more evident for participants with lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. CONCLUSION: Simple dietary changes, with emphasis on reducing salt and salty food consumption, along with better adherence to the Mediterranean diet, should be incorporated in public health strategies for the primary prevention of stroke.

Adherence to the mediterranean diet in relation to ischemic stroke nonfatal events in nonhypercholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic participants: results of a case/case-control study.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the development of ischemic stroke according to cholesterol levels. During 2009-2010, 500 participants were enrolled; 250 were consecutive patients (77 ± 9 years, 55.6% men) with a first ischemic stroke and 250 population-based, control participants, matched to the patients by age and sex. Sociodemographic, clinical, dietary, and other lifestyle characteristics were measured. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by the validated MedDietScore (theoretical range: 0-55). After various adjustments, each 1/55 unit increase in the MedDietScore was associated with 17% lower likelihood of having an ischemic stroke in nonhypercholesterolemic participants (95%CI: 0.72-0.96) and 10% lower likelihood in participants with hypercholesterolemia (95%CI: 0.81-0.99). The present work highlights the cardioprotective benefits from the adoption of the Mediterranean diet, by showing its beneficial effect regarding ischemic stroke development, regardless of the presence of hypercholesterolemia.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in relation to acute coronary syndrome or stroke nonfatal events: a comparative analysis of a case/case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Although the role of Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular disease prevention has long been evaluated and understood, its association with the development of stroke has been rarely examined. The aim of the present work was to comparatively evaluate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the development of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or ischemic stroke. METHODS: During the period from 2009 to 2010, 1,000 participants were enrolled; 250 were consecutive patients with a first ACS, 250 were consecutive patients with a first ischemic stroke, and 500 population-based, control subjects, 1-for-1 matched to the patients by age and sex. Sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, dietary, and other lifestyle characteristics were measured. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by the validated MedDietScore (theoretical range 0-55). RESULTS: After various adjustments were made, it was observed that for each 1-of-55-unit increase of the MedDietScore, the corresponding odds ratio for having an ACS was 0.91 (95% CI 0.87-0.96), whereas regarding stroke, it was 0.88 (95% CI 0.82-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: The present work extended the current knowledge about the cardioprotective benefits from the adoption of the Mediterranean diet by showing an additional protective effect on ischemic stroke development.

Clopidogrel vs. aspirin treatment on admission improves 5-year survival after a first-ever acute ischemic stroke. data from the Athens Stroke Outcome Project.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We undertook this study to compare the impact of aspirin vs. clopidogrel treatment on 5-year survival of patients experiencing a first-ever acute ischemic noncardioembolic stroke. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving patients with an acute ischemic stroke who had an indication for antiplatelet therapy (atherothrombotic, lacunar and cryptogenic stroke subtype). A total of 1228 (383 women) hospitalized due to an acute first-ever stroke and receiving aspirin (n = 880) or clopidogrel (n = 348) were finally involved. To determine the factors that independently predict 5-year survival statistical analysis including the Kaplan-Meier survival curve and multifactorial analysis (Cox regression) was performed. RESULTS: Subjects treated with clopidogrel had improved 5-year survival compared with those receiving aspirin (log rank test: 16.4, p <0.0001). The difference in survival was evident as early as 6 months from index stroke: cumulative survival 93.8% for aspirin vs. 97% for clopidogrel (log rank test: 4.01, p = 0.045). The composite cardiovascular event (including stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, coronary revascularization, aortic aneurysm rupture, peripheral atherosclerotic artery diseases, and sudden death) rates were lower in the clopidogrel group (n = 60, 17.2%) compared with the aspirin (n = 249, 28.3%) group (log rank test: 12.4, p <0.0001). This preferential effect of clopidogrel over aspirin was independent of age, gender, presence of cardiovascular disease other than stroke or cardiovascular risk factors as well as irrespective of the severity of stroke and days of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports that clopidogrel is superior to aspirin in preventing death and cardiovascular events after an acute noncardioembolic ischemic stroke.

Hyponatremia in patients with infectious diseases.

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disturbance associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Hyponatremia may not infrequently be present during the course of an infection, does not cause specific symptoms and may be overlooked by clinicians. Nonetheless, it may reflect the severity of the underlying process. This review focuses on the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of hyponatremia associated with infectious diseases. In the majority of cases, the fall in serum sodium concentration is of multifactorial origin owing to increased secretion of the anti-diuretic hormone either appropriately or inappropriately. Inadvertent administration of fluids may worsen hyponatremia and prolong morbidity.