Evaluation of left ventricular systolic function with pulsed wave tissue Doppler in rheumatic mitral stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Mitral stenosis (MS) is still the most common complication of acute rheumatic fever in Turkey. Rheumatic carditis affects not only cardiac valves but also myocardium. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and contraction of short and long axial circumferential and longitudinal fibers by pulsed wave tissue Doppler in rheumatic MS patients who have preserved LV systolic function in 2D echocardiography. METHODS: Fifteen severe, 20 moderate rheumatic MS patients hospitalized for mitral balloon valvuloplasty, and 15 patients who had normal echocardiographic findings were included in the study. After routine conventional transthoracic echocardiographic examination, LV myocardial systolic velocities were evaluated with pulsed wave tissue Doppler in the short and long axis with simultaneous electrocardiographic monitoring. RESULTS: Long axis first systolic velocity (SW1) of mild-moderate and severe MS was much lower than normal group (10.7 ± 2.3 in normal group vs. 7.9 ± 1.3 in mild-moderate MS group vs. 6.2 ± 1.4 in severe MS group, p < 0.001). Long axis Q-SW1 duration was longer in mild-moderate MS group (145 ± 32 in normal group vs. 199 ± 43 in mild-moderate MS group, p = 0.001). Short axis Q-SW2 duration was longer in normal group compared to mild-moderate and severe MS groups (298 ± 41 in normal group vs. 245 ± 37 in mild-moderate MS group vs. 234 ± 26 in severe MS group, p < 0.001). Significant correlation between mitral valve area and SW1, Q-SW1 was determined (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Even if LV functions are normal with conventional 2D echocardiography, subclinical systolic dysfunction exists in MS. Also, there is a dyssynchrony between contraction of longitudinal and circumferential myofibrils.

The relationship between functional capacity and ultrasonic tissue characterization in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonic tissue characterization (UTC) has been widely used to investigate left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in various cardiac disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between functional capacity and UTC in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). METHODS AND RESULTS: Treadmill test according to modified-Bruce protocol was performed in 48 patients with IDCM to assess their functional capacity. Baseline clinical and echocardiographic variables were obtained and UTC was performed on images obtained from septum and posterior wall (PW). Cyclic variation (CV) index of mean gray level (MGL) was calculated according to the formula: [(MGLdiastole - MGLsystole) ÷ MGLdiastole] × 100.PW and septum CV indices were correlated with exercise duration (r = 0.63, p = 0.001 and r = 0.67, p = 0.0001, respectively) and "MET" level (r = 0.80, p = 0.0001 and r = 0.83,p = 0.0001, respectively). The ROC curve analysis revealed that the PW CV index was a strong indicator of good exercise capacity (> 8 METs) with an AUC of 0.97 (95% CI0.90-1.0), as the interventricular septum (IVS) CV index (AUC = 0.97, 95% CI 0.89-1.0). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value to identify good exercise capacity for IVS CV index were 90%, 88%, 82%, and 94%, respectively and for the PW CV index, 90%, 88%, 82%, and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this particular study, we found out that in patients with severe LV dysfunction good exercise capacity was related to septum and PW CV indices measured by UTC, and these indices may be used as an indirect prognostic marker in heart failure.

New echocardiographic parameter of aortic stiffness and atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease: aortic propagation velocity.

BACKGROUND: In this study, a novel echocardiographic parameter in the evaluation of the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic stiffness, aortic propagation velocity, was measured and compared with other conventional aortic stiffness parameters such as aortic strain and aortic distensibility. Also, the relation between aortic propagation velocity and carotid intima media thickness was evaluated. METHOD AND RESULTS: A total of 51 patients with CAD and 42 patients with normal coronary arteries as a non-CAD group were included in the study. Aortic propagation velocity was significantly lower in the CAD group (p<0.001). A statistically significant relation was detected between aortic propagation velocity and the maximum, mean, and overall carotid intima media thickness values for right and left carotid arteries (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant relation between aortic propagation velocity, aortic strain, and aortic distensibility (r=0.556, p<0.001 and r=0.483, p<0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Aortic propagation velocity is a novel and simple echocardiographic parameter of aortic stiffness which is feasible for non invasive cardiovascular risk stratification and selection of high risk individuals for CAD.

[Coronary artery ectasia: its frequency and relationship with atherosclerotic risk factors in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization]. / Koroner arter ektazisi: Koroner anjiyografi uygulanan hastalardaki sikligi ve aterosklerotik risk faktörleri ile iliskisi.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as local or generalized aneurysmal dilatation of the coronary arteries. We aimed to determine the frequency of CAE at our center and to compare clinical and angiographic characteristics between patients with isolated CAE and CAE with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: From February 2004 to December 2005, 12.514 patients were retrospectively analyzed by two independent operators who underwent coronary angiography. Coronary artery diameters were measured using qualitative computed angiography. CAD risk factors were recorded for all patients. Unpaired Student's t-test and Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: CAE was diagnosed in 201 patients (1.59%). The majority (78%) were male. The mean age was 61±10.8 years (range, 25 to 82 years). The cases were divided into 2 groups as isolated CAE (Group 1) (14.9%) and CAE with CAD (Group 2) (85.1%). The risk factors of CAD were similar between two groups. The frequency of arterial involvement was: the right coronary artery (RCA) 54.3%; circumflex artery (Cx), 48.3%; the left anterior descending artery (LAD), 40.4%. CAE affected only one major vessel in 64.2% of cases and all 3 vessels in 9%. Isolated CAE was most commonly detected in Cx (47%). The type of CAE was determined according to Markis and Harikrishnan classification. The most prevalent involvement was Markis type 4 and Harikrishnan type 4a. Although atypical angina was the most common clinical presentation in both groups, acute coronary syndrome was more frequent in Group 2 (p=0.018). CONCLUSION: The risk factors of CAD and the manner of clinical presentation were considerably similar in both groups and this situation was consistent with similar etiopathogenesis of two diseases.

Diagnostic accuracy of P-wave dispersion in prediction of maintenance of sinus rhythm after external cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: P-wave dispersion (PWD) is an electrocardiographic measurement, which reflects a disparity in an atrial conduction. In this study, we aim to demonstrate the diagnostic accuracy of PWD in predicting recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with sinus rhythm restoration after external cardioversion. METHODS: This prospective, observational study consists of 26 patients, who underwent external cardioversion for non-valvular persistent AF and successfully cardioverted to sinus rhythm (13 men, mean age 58.1 ± 11 years). Twelve-lead surface electrocardiogram of each patient was recorded immediately after the external cardioversion process to measure the P-wave duration. Recurrent AF was assessed for each patient during the 12-month follow-up after restoring the sinus rhythm. Patients were divided into the 2 groups with respect to the AF recurrence (recurrent AF group, (n=19), and sinus rhythm group, (n=7)) and variables that can affect AF development were compared between the two groups. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of AF recurrence and ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the cut-off value of independent factors. RESULTS: The two groups have similar demographic, clinical and echocardiographic features. Patients with recurrent AF had significantly higher PWD than those who continued to have a sinus rhythm (80 ± 21 msec vs 53 ± 11 msec, p=0.001, respectively). There is a positive correlation observed between the increase in PWD and the risk of AF recurrence (r=0.643; p=0.001). In logistic regression analysis, PWD was found to be an independent predictor of AF recurrence (OR 1.192 (95% CI 1.032-1.375), p= 0.013). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the best cut-off value of PWD for maintenance of sinus rhythm was 58 msec (sensitivity: 86%, specificity: 95%, AUC=0.917, 95% CI=0.785-1.05, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that PWD analysis after successful external cardioversion has diagnostic accuracy to predict the recurrence of AF.

[Endomyocardial disease: a case report]. / Endomiyokardiyal hastalik: Olgu sunumu.

Endomyocardial disease is a form of restrictive cardiomyopathy, of unknown etiology, which occurs most commonly in tropical and subtropical areas. It is characterized by the formation of endomyocardial fibrosis of the apical and subvalvular regions of one or both ventricles. A 29-year-old male patient was admitted with restrictive cardiomyopathy and decompensated heart failure. Telecardiography showed cardiomegaly and right pleural effusion. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed preserved left ventricular systolic functions, biatrial dilatation, apical obliteration of both ventricles, increased endocardial echoreflectivity, and pericardial effusion. The right ventricular outflow tract was dilated. There was no endocardial thickening in this region. Doppler examination showed grade 3 mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Ventriculograms showed apical obliteration of both ventricles, marked decrease in the size of the right ventricular cavity, significant dilatation of the right ventricular outflow tract and both atria, and severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Laboratory findings showed no hypereosinophilia. Hepatic congestion, splenomegaly, and ascites were noted on abdominal ultrasonography. Following cardiac catheterization, the patient was placed on the waiting list for cardiac transplantation.

Association of heart rate profile during exercise with the severity of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Autonomic nervous system abnormalities are associated with coronary artery disease and its complications. Exercise stress tests are routinely used for the detection of the presence of coronary artery disease. In this study, we observed the association between heart rate profile during exercise and the severity of coronary artery disease. METHOD AND RESULTS: One hundred and sixty patients with abnormal exercise treadmill test (> or =1 mm horizontal or downsloping ST-segment depression; 119 men, 41 women; mean age = 57 +/- 9 years) were included in the study. Use of any drug affecting heart rate was not permitted. Resting heart rate before exercise, maximum heart rate during exercise, and resting heart rate after exercise (5 min later) were measured and two parameters were calculated: heart rate increment (maximum heart rate - resting heart rate before exercise) and heart rate decrement (maximum heart rate - resting heart rate after exercise). All patients underwent selective coronary angiography and subclassified into two groups according to stenotic lesion severity. Group 1 had at least 50% of stenotic lesion and group 2 had less than 50%. Patients in the first group had increased resting heart rate, decreased maximum heart rate, decreased heart rate increment, and decreased heart rate decrement compared with second group. All patients were classified into tertiles of resting heart rate, heart rate increment, and heart rate decrement level to evaluate whether these parameters were associated with severity of coronary artery stenosis in the study. The multiple-adjusted odds ratio of the risk of severe coronary atherosclerosis was 21.888 (95% confidence interval 6.983-68.606) for the highest tertile of resting heart rate level compared with the lowest tertile. In addition, the multiple-adjusted odds ratio of the risk of severe coronary atherosclerosis was 20.987 (95% confidence interval 6.635-66.387) for the lowest tertile of heart rate increment level compared with the highest tertile and 2.360 (95% confidence interval 1.004-5.544) for the lowest tertile of heart rate decrement level compared with the highest tertile. CONCLUSION: Altered autonomic nervous system regulation affects heart rate profile, increased resting heart rate, decreased heart rate increment, and decreased heart rate decrement, during exercise and this effect is strongly and independently associated with the severity of coronary artery disease.

[The significance of admission hs-CRP in patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention for acute myocardial infarction]. / Akut miyokard infarktüsü nedeniyle primer perkütan girisim uygulanan hastalarda basvuru anindaki hs-CRP düzeyinin önemi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the role of admission high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level in estimating myocardial perfusion and in-hospital adverse events in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). STUDY DESIGN: The study included 43 consecutive patients (34 males, 9 females; mean age 59+/-11 years) who underwent PCI for STEMI within six hours after the onset of symptoms. Coronary angiograms were evaluated with respect to TIMI flow grade, corrected TIMI frame count, and myocardial blush grade (MBG). Electrocardiograms obtained 90 min after PCI were analyzed for ST-segment resolution. In-hospital adverse events were recorded. hs-CRP level was measured by immunonephelometry in blood obtained immediately before PCI. RESULTS: The mean hs-CRP level was 1.35+/-1.17 mg/dl. Based on the median hs-CRP value (0.98 mg/dl), 22 patients with a low hs-CRP level had a lower frequency of hypertension (p=0.047), decreased TIMI frame counts of the left anterior descending (p=0.010) and circumflex (p=0.033) arteries, a higher rate of ST resolution (p=0.000), improved MBG (p=0.015), and shorter hospitalization (p=0.028). Adverse events occurred in six patients (14%), in five of whom (5/21) the hs-CRP level was above 0.98 mg/dl. hs-CRP was significantly correlated with corrected TIMI frame counts of the left anterior descending (r=0.388, p=0.01) and circumflex arteries (r=0.336, p=0.027), length of hospitalization (r=0.357, p=0.019), and inversely correlated with MBG (r=-0.415, p=0.006). In multivariate regression analysis, hs-CRP was found to be an independent predictor of ST resolution (p=0.008). ROC analysis showed that a higher level of hs-CRP than 0.88 mg/dl predicted poor MBG with 73% sensitivity and 31% specificity (95% CI 0.577-0.899, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: In STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, high levels of admission hs-CRP are associated with poor myocardial perfusion and longer hospitalization.

[Elevated serum uric acid levels in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia]. / Izole koroner arter ektazisi olan hastalarda artmis serum ürik asit düzeyi.

OBJECTIVES: It has been shown that serum uric acid (SUA) constitutes an important independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We investigated SUA levels in patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE). STUDY DESIGN: Serum uric acid levels were measured in three groups of patients who underwent coronary angiography. One group consisted of 97 consecutive patients (69 males, 28 females; mean age 58.1+/-9.5 years) with isolated CAE, another group included 104 patients (79 males, 25 females; mean age 58.4+/-8.8 years) with coronary artery disease (CAD), and finally 90 subjects (66 males, 24 females; mean age 57.6+/-10.1 years) with normal coronary arteries comprised the control group. Coronary artery ectasia was defined as a luminal dilatation of at least 1.5 times of the adjacent normal coronary segments, without any stenotic lesions. In addition, patients with CAE were assessed in four groups of severity and extension. RESULTS: The three groups were similar with respect to age, sex, body mass index, and the frequencies of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking (p>0.05). The mean SUA level did not differ significantly between the CAE and CAD groups (6.6+/-1.9 mg/dl and 6.3+/-1.9 mg/dl, respectively; p=0.184); however, compared with the control group (5.4+/-1.8 mg/dl), SUA levels were significantly higher in both groups (p<0.001). A significant correlation was found between the SUA level and the presence of isolated CAE (r=0.625; p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an independent relationship between isolated CAE and SUA (OR 1.896; 95% CI 1.1048-1.5014; p<0.001). Serum uric acid levels did not differ significantly among the four subgroups of CAE severity. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to demonstrate significantly increased SUA levels in patients with isolated CAE. Our results support relevant data suggesting an association between endothelial function and the SUA level.