[Clinical and haemodynamic results after repeat valvotomy of the mitral valve using the Inoue balloon. A comparison with the results after primary valvotomy]. / Klinische und hämodynamische Ergebnisse nach Re-Valvotomie der Mitralklappe mittels Inoue-Ballon. Ein Vergleich zu Ergebnissen nach primärer Valvotomie.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous mitral valvotomy (MVT) with the Inoue balloon is the most frequently performed therapeutic alternative to surgical commissurotomy in patients with symptomatic mitral valve stenosis. Few data are available on the results of repeat MVT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared the immediate and 3-month results of all patients who had a repeat MVT (n = 39) with those who had a primary intervention (n = 1,117) in our institution between February 1989 and January 2001. Mean age of the 31 women and 8 men with repeat MVT was 53 +/- 14 years at the first and 57 +/- 14 years at the second intervention performed 3 - 10 years later. RESULTS: Following primary intervention the invasively assessed mitral valve are (MVA) had increased from an average of 1.0 +/- 0.2 cm(2) to 1.7 +/- 0.4 cm(2). Echocardiography three months after the intervention revealed a MVA of 1.7 +/- 0.3 cm(2). Repeat MVT resulted in an immediate increase of MVA from 1.0 +/- 0.2 cm(2) to 1.6 +/- 0.4 cm(2), after 3 months the average MVA was 1.6 +/- 0.3 cm(2). According to the NYHA classification clinical symptoms had improved on average from 2.6 to 1.6 three months after primay intervention and from 2.8 to 2.1 three months following the repeat procedure. The incidence of significant procedure-related complications was less than 3 % for both primary and repeat MVT. CONCLUSION: The clinical and hemodynamic results demonstrated in our patients suggests repeat MVT as the treatment option of choice in mitral restenosis after previous balloon intervention, if mitral valve morphology is still suitable.

[Women and men after acute myocardial infarction: are there gender differences in participation rates in cardiac rehabilitation?]. / Frauen und Männer nach Herzinfarkt: Gibt es in Deutschland geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede in der Inanspruchnahme rehabilitativer Leistungen?

In Germany and other countries a possibly lower programme attendance in cardiac rehabilitation of women compared to men has been critically discussed for many years. Up to now however there are only limited data related to gender-specific utilization rates and programme attendance. In a longitudinal study with three points of measurement, 496 men and 172 women after an acute myocardial infarction and their physicians were asked to complete questionnaires referring to different aspects of the medical and psychosocial situation as well as to provision of acute cardiac care and rehabilitation services. The results show that currently in Germany no gender differences exist in the use and provision of cardiac rehabilitation. Whether this apparently "fair" distribution in relation to gender can be seen as an adequate supply however is questionable in the context of different needs - especially with respect to the different psychosocial conditions of women and men.

Influence of cytoimmunological state on the development of tuberculosis in heart transplant recipients.

We examined the relationship between the development of tuberculosis and the cytoimmunological state of orthotopic heart transplant (HTx) recipients, which is affected by immunosuppressive therapy. Tuberculosis developed in 7 (1%) of 716 HTx recipients (four men and three women, aged 33-71 years) during a 7-year period, the standardized annualizing rate being about 1370/100000 per year, which is greater than the 17.5/100000 per year in the general population of Germany. Tuberculosis developed in the early posttransplant period in four patients when they were experiencing episodes of ongoing rejection, after 2.5, 3.5, 4.0, and 9.0 months, respectively, the standardized annualizing rate being 780/100000 per year. In three of those four patients, cytoimmunological monitoring was carried out until the development of tuberculosis. The repeated administration of pulsed corticosteroid therapy followed by oral steroids reduced T-cell and CD4+ T-cell counts, which could have increased the risk of tuberculosis developing if they were exposed. The cytoimmunological state of the remaining three patients in whom tuberculosis developed late after HTx, when episodes of ongoing rejection did not exist, was similar to the preoperative state, the standardized annualizing rate being 590/100000 per year. These findings indicate that the relatively high incidence of tuberculosis in post-HTx patients could be attributable to the immunosuppressive therapy given, including steroids.

Cardiac catheterization in Germany. Diffusion and utilization from 1984 to 1996.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the diffusion of cardiac catheterization technologies and time trends of their use according to setting and geographic region in Germany during a 13-year period. It is hypothesized that the cardiac catheterization technology has matured from an experimental state to a broadly accepted technology. METHODS: Data come from the annual survey of the German Society for Cardiovascular Research. All German cardiac catheterization units are requested to provide data on volume and type of catheterization procedures. Data are available from 1984 to 1996. Number and type of procedure, type of unit, diagnoses, and complications are all recorded. The overall response rate is 90%, on average. RESULTS: The total number of catheterization units was 324 in 1996, or an average of 3.69 units per 1 million population. In 1996, all of the East German Länder and districts were below average. Utilization of cardiac catheterization procedures increased exponentially during the study period. The number of angiographies rose from about 45,000 in 1984 to more than 450,000 in 1996; the number of angioplasties increased almost by a factor of 50 to 125,000 procedures in 1996. Inverse correlations between the rates per million population of either coronary angiographies or PTCAs and mortality rates from ischemic heart disease were observed at the level of the German Länder. CONCLUSION: Further studies taking patient characteristics, long-term outcomes, and other factors in account are necessary to clarify the large geographic variations and the negative relationship between utilization rates and coronary heart disease mortality found in this study.

[Diagnosis and differential therapy of mitral stenosis]. / Diagnose und Differentialtherapie der Mitralstenose.

Clinical symptoms and diagnostic findings in patients with mitral stenosis are usually determined by the extent of the stenosis. Compared to a normal mitral valve area (MVA) of > 4 cm2, MVA in patients with severe mitral stenosis is usually reduced to < 1.5 cm2. In older patients symptoms are frequently influenced by concomitant diseases (e.g. atrial fibrillation, arterial hypertension or lung disease). An important diagnostic element besides anamnesis, auscultation, ECG and chest X-ray is echocardiography, which is required in order to measure non-invasively and reliably the mitral valve gradient (MVG), the MVA and morphologic changes to the valves, as well as concomitant valvular disease, ventricular functions and, where appropriate, left-atrial thrombi. In addition to the surgical treatment of patients with severe mitral stenosis, which has been an established procedure for 50 years, percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) has recently established itself as an alternative option. At the current time, the Inoue technique seems to display the most advantages. Following transseptal puncture, the Inoue balloon is guided transvenously into the left atrium and then into the left ventricle using a special support wire. The balloon is short and soft. Its special unfolding character enables it to be placed securely in the mitral valve without any risk of ventricular perforation (Figure 1). As with surgical commissurotomy, balloon valvuloplasty leads to a separation of fused commissures. This results in a significant reduction of MVG, accompanied by an increase in the MVA (Figure 2). The results and success of MVP are influenced by the morphology of the valves and the changes to the subvalvular apparatus. In randomized studies, the results of surgical commissurotomy were comparable with those of balloon mitral valvulotomy. In our hospital, an increase in MVA from 1.0 to 1.8 cm2 could be achieved in 899 patients (mean age 56 +/- 3 years). In younger patients with less significantly changed valves, the results were correspondingly more favorable than in older patients (Figure 3). Provided valve morphology is suitable, a relapse following previous surgical commissurotomy is not a contraindication for MVP. The MVP complication rate is very low in skilled hands: mortality is below 1%; mitral insufficiency occurs in 3 to 10% of interventions; we observed a severe mitral insufficiency in 5% of our patient group. Thromboembolic complications may be prevented after exclusion of atrial thrombi by transesophageal echocardiography. The occurrence of a hemodynamically significant atrial septum defect is a very rare event. The mid-term results (5 to 10 years) and the low restenosis rate following MVP in patients with suitable valves are comparable with those of surgical commissurotomy. In older patients with considerably changed, calcified and fibrotic valves, restenosis may be expected within 1 to 5 years. In these patients MVP represents no more than a palliative intervention in order to prolong the point of surgery, for example in patients where a concomitant aortic valve disease in itself is not yet an indication for surgery. Special indications are to be found in young patients with severe mitral stenosis yet few symptoms, in pregnant females and in emergency situations, as well as in patients with Grade II mitral stenosis with intermittent atrial fibrillation. Catheter therapy is much less invasive than surgery. In case of failure the patient still has the option of surgical therapy. Patients with morphologically significantly altered valves usually receive a valve replacement since an unsuccessful reconstruction would lead to a second operation within a very short time interval. Contraindications for MVP are thrombi in the left atrium, a previously existing > Grade II mitral regurgitation and marked, degenerative destruction of the subvalvular apparatus or extensive calcification of the valves. MVP thus represents a significant addi

[Changes in life style as a causal therapeutic approach in coronary heart disease]. / Lebensstiländerung als kausaler Therapieansatz der koronaren Herzkrankheit.

Life style measures (weight reduction and control, reduction of total fat calories to < 30% of total calories, modification of fat intake to increased monounsaturated vegetable fat, increased intake of dietary fibers, increased physical activity, controlled stress relaxation) are the basis of longterm therapy of coronary heart disease. For transformation to daily life both patient and doctor need motivation, information, patience, and realistic aims. For realization the 10 rules of medical information should be followed. The patient must be informed that the "new lifestyle" is not punishing but means a new quality of life. With respect to the most important metabolic syndrome with hyperinsulinemia due to insulin resistance, weight reduction is the most important measure for preventing complications of atherosclerosis. The patient should use a diary for weight control and blood pressure self-measurement. Secondary prevention of CHD has been shown useful and effective; however, most patients need additionally drug therapy to avoid or retard progression of the coronary heart disease. The targets for cholesterol and blood pressure control are low; the responsibility of the patient remains high. Besides weight reduction, stopping smoking, lowering lipids, controlling hypertension, and aspirin are the most important.

Validation of the Omron F3 blood pressure measuring device for use in the finger through simultaneous invasive comparative measurements according to the German Institute for Validation (DIN) 58130 protocol.

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN: Simultaneous invasive comparative measurements in order to validate the blood pressure measuring device Omron F3 for use in the finger, in accordance with the German Institute for Validation (DIN) 58130 protocol. METHODS: A total of five consecutive simultaneous blood pressure comparative measurements were carried out in each of 15 patients (n = 75). Blood pressure was measured in the left index finger using the blood pressure measuring device Omron F3, and at the same time invasively using a pigtail catheter situated in the aortic arch. The measuring arrangements, validation of the unit of invasive measurement and evaluation were all carried out in accordance with the DIN 58130 protocol. RESULTS: The blood pressure measuring device Omron F3 for use in the finger fulfils the criteria of the European Standard prEn 1060-3. Systolic blood pressure decreased by 2.9+/- 6.6 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 2.6+/- 5.9 mmHg. CONCLUSION: The blood pressure measuring device Omron F3 measures blood pressure reliably and accurately if used correctly in appropriate patients. Before using the device for the first time, comparative blood pressure measurements in the upper arm, using the standard auscultatory blood pressure measurement technique according to Riva-Rocci and Korotkoff, should be carried out, in order to check the accuracy of measurement.

Heart transplantation for end-stage heart failure caused by iron overload.

Few reports exist concerning heart transplantation in recipients with end-stage myocardiopathy-associated heart failure caused by iron overload occurring with beta-thalassaemia, Diamond-Blackfan syndrome or haemochromatosis. Seven potential transplant candidates (six male, one female, mean age 26 years) with such heart failure, following desferrioxamine application subcutaneously over a number of years, and intravenously during their hospitalization before transplantation, were retrospectively analysed. Five were New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV, three experienced one or more resuscitations immediately before transplantation could be performed. Continuous, high-volume, veno-venous haemofiltration was necessary in two patients. One of these two candidates additionally had to be bridged, first with a right ventricular, then with a biventricular assist device. Five of the seven patients survived, two with haemochromatosis, one with beta-thalassaemia major and one with Diamond-Blackfan syndrome following transplantation. One non-transplanted candidate with beta-thalassaemia major has been recompensated for 5 years. Survival was 14-74 months. Our results demonstrate the feasibility and indication of transplantation in patients with such heart failure and the satisfying outcome of immunosuppression is described.

Results of heart transplantation in patients with preexisting malignancies.

Twenty patients with end-stage heart failure and preexisting malignancies underwent heart transplantation at a single center, with a neoplasm-free interval before the procedure of 0 to 240 months. Twelve patients were long-term survivors (2 to 72 months); there were 2 early and 6 late deaths, thus justifying heart transplantation in patients with preexisting malignancies in individual cases.

Tuberculosis in heart transplant recipients.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To clarify the prevalence and factors associated with tuberculosis, as well as patient survival in heart transplant recipients. DESIGN: A retrospective review of case records of all heart transplant recipients from March 1989 to February 1996 during a 7-year period. SETTING AND PATIENTS: During the period reviewed, 727 orthotopic heart transplantations were performed in 716 patients at the Heart Center Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany. RESULTS: Tuberculosis was proved in seven (1%) patients (four men/three women; age, 33 to 71 years; two miliary lesions, three pulmonary lesions, and two urogenital lesions). None of them had primary history of tuberculosis. Tuberculin skin tests were not performed before transplantation because there were no lesions indicating primary infection of turberculosis. The immunosuppressive regimen was based on double-drug (cyclosporine + azathioprine) therapy. Immunosuppression had been intensified by methylprednisolone pulses at least three times in those seven patients, and prednisone had been used orally in six of seven patients. Tuberculosis developed from 2.5 to 41 months after transplantation. Tuberculosis was found by routine examinations in four of seven patients. Diagnoses were made with both direct microscopy and cultures in six patients, and by histologic study in one. Treatment consisted of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Two patients with miliary lesions were treated with four drugs, and the others were treated with three drugs. Isoniazid was used in all patients. Rifampicin, which decreases cyclosporine serum levels, was not used from the beginning in one patient and treatment with it was stopped halfway in another patient because low cyclosporine level had induced rejection. Six of the seven patients are doing well while receiving antituberculous therapy. One patient died with miliary tuberculosis as a cause of death. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of tuberculosis in heart transplant recipients was higher than that in the general population. We recommend that a high degree of clinical suspicion is maintained for tuberculosis in heart transplant recipients with meticulous follow-up, and that the treatment of tuberculosis has to be with meticulous care, especially during the use of rifampicin.