Association of PC and AT levels in the early phase of STEMI treated with pPCI with LV systolic function and 6-month MACE.

OBJECTIVES: To examine a relationship between protein C (PC) and antithrombin III (AT III) activities with ejection fraction of left ventricle (EFLV), in the early phase of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), and to investigate whether PC and AT III are associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 6 months following from pPCI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The research had a prospective character and included 357 patients who had, following the diagnosis of the STEMI, undergone pPCI at the Clinic of Cardiology and Emergency Internal Medicine, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia, from January 2010 until April 2019. RESULTS: The EFLV positively correlated with PC values (rho = 0.229). There was a statistically significant increase in the PC values between patients with MACE compared with those without MACE at 6 months' follow-up evaluation (p < 0.0001). Also, significant difference in PC values between patients who died in hospital and those who were alive at 6 months' follow-up (p < 0.01) was observed. PC values were different across different EFLV groups (p < 0.001), increasing from the 1st to the 4th EFLV quartiles: the median and the interquartile values for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles were 1.0400IU/l ± 0.15, 1.1400IU/l ± 0.15, 1.1350IU/l ± 0.16 and 1.2200IU/l ± 0.14, respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased PC activity in the early phase of STEMI is associated with higher EFLV 5 days after the pPCI as well as with MACE at 6 months after the pPCI.

Lower plasma protein C activity is associated with early myocardial necrosis and no-reflow phenomenon in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Activity of protein C has important role in the development of early necrosis and no-reflow phenomenon in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Methods: We examined association between plasma activity of protein C, antithrombin, coagulation factors II, VII, VIII and fibrinogen to early formation of new Q-waves (myocardial necrosis) before pPCI and early ST-segment resolution (microcirculatory reperfusion) after pPCI in patients with acute STEMI. According to ischaemic time, patients were considered as early or late presenters. 12-lead ECG was analysed for the presence of new Q-wave at admission and for significant ST-segment resolution 60 minutes after primary PCI. Results: In early presenters' group, protein C activity was significantly lower in patients who did not achieve significant ST-segment resolution after pPCI compared to patients who did (1.11 IU/L vs. 0.99 IU/L, p = .006) and in patients who had new Q-waves compared to group who had not (1.04 UI/l vs. 1.11 IU/L, p = .038). There was significant negative correlation between protein C activity and maximal CK-MB levels (R2 = 0.06, p = .009) and BNP levels (R2 = 0.109, p = .003) and significant positive correlation between protein C activity with LVEF (R2 = 0.065, constant = 33.940, b = 11.968, p = .007) in early STEMI presenters. There were no differences between the activity of other examined haemostasis factors. Conclusion: Therefore we concluded that STEMI patients with early myocardial necrosis and no-reflow phenomenon after pPCI have lower activity of plasma protein C levels.

Iatrogenic dissection of the left main coronary artery during elective diagnostic procedures--A report on three cases.

UNLABELLED: INTRODUCTION. Left main coronary artery dissection is a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of coronary angiography and angioplasty which requests urgent revascularization. CASE REPORT: During the period between 2010 and November 2014 at single healthcare center we did totally 8,884 coronary procedures, out of which 2333 were percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). In this period we had a total of 3 (0.03%) left main coronary artery dissections, and all of them were successfully treated by PCI. We presented three cases with iatrogenic dissection of the left main coronary artery, occurred during elective diagnostic procedures, successfully treated with PCI with different techniques. CONCLUSION: PCI could be fast and life-saving approach in iatrogenic dissections of the left main coronary artery.

Successful primary percutaneous coronary interventions in a patient with two consecutive ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions and dual left anterior descending artery (type IV).

INTRODUCTION: Dual left anterior descending (LAD) artery is a very rare inherited anomaly. It can be incidentally revealed during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and may produce difficulties in detecting and treating the culprit lesion. CASE REPORT: We presented a 52-year-old male patient with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEM1) of inferior wall, in whom dual LAD anomaly was revealed during pPCI: a short LAD artery originated from the left main coronary artery and a long LAD artery originated from the proximal part of the right coronary artery (RCA). A bare metal stent was successfully implanted in the place of the culprit lesion in RCA and ST-segment resolution was achieved in ECG. After two hours, the patient was referred again to the catheter lab due to new STEMI of anteroseptal wall. Another bare metal stent was implanted in new infarction related artery, this time it was proximal part of the short LAD. CONCLUSION: Careful and correct interpretation of ECG is very helpful in detection and treatment of the culprit lesion in cases with dual LAD.

Very late stent thrombosis of bare-metal coronary stent nine years after primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Introduction: Stent thrombosis (ST) in clinical practice can be classified according to time of onset as early (0­30 days after stent implantation), which is further divided into acute (< 24 hours) and subacute (1­30 days), late (> 30 days) and very late (> 12 months). Myocardial reinfaction due to very late ST in a patient receiving antithrombotic therapy is very rare, and potentially fatal. The procedure alone and related mechanical factors seem to be associated with acute/subacute ST. On the other hand, in-stent neoathero-sclerosis, inflammation, premature cessation of antiplatelet therapy, as well as stent fracture, stent malapposition, un-covered stent struts may play role in late/very late ST. Some findings implicate that the etiology of very late ST of bare-metal stent (BMS) is quite different from those following drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. Case report: We presented a 56-year old male with acute inferoposterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) related to very late stent thrombosis, 9 years after BMS implantation, despite antithrombotic therapy. Thrombus aspiration was successfully performed followed by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with implantation of DES into the pre-viously implanted two stents to solve the in-stent restenosis. Conclusion: Very late stent thrombosis, although fortu-nately very rare, not completely understood, might cause myocardial reinfaction, but could be successfully treated with thrombus aspiration followed by primary PCI. Very late ST in the presented patient might be connected with neointimal plaque rupture, followed by thrombotic events.

Massive right atrial myxoma with dyspnea at rest in an elderly patient: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Primary heart tumors are extremely rare and myxoma is the most common type of these tumors. Although intra-atrial presentation is a predilection place, right atrial localization is atypical. The symptom triad is characteristic in the clinical presentation of the tumor: embolic complication, intracardiac blood flow obstruction and systemic manifestations like elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fever, anemia, body weight loss. CASE REPORT: We presented an elderly female patient with massive myxoma in the right atrium, 77 x 44 mm in diameter, which filled the entire right atrium and spread into the right ventricle, causing the tricuspid valve obstruction and dyspnea. It was visualized by transthoracic echocardiography and small and insignificant pericardial effusion was also seen. After surgical removal of the tumor, the patient remained without any symptoms and pericardial effusion. CONCLUSION: Tumors of the right heart have to be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained dyspnea in elderly patients. Transthoracic echocardiography is certainly necessary and mostly available diagnostic tool that can be of great help in diagnosing heart tumor as well as planning cardiac surgery, as it provides in most cases excellent visualization of the tumor and its relationship with other parts of the heart.

Therapeutic approach in patients with a floating thrombus in the right heart.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of a floating thrombus in the right heart, although rare, is a life-threatening condition requiring a specific approach. In most cases, these thrombi are a result of embolization from deep venous thrombosis, and have lodged temporarily in the right heart. The management of this condition is variable, depending on whether or not there is a thrombus entrapped within a foramen ovale (FO). OBJECTIVES: To present the management of 2 patients with a free-floating thrombus in the right heart, and a third patient with an entrapped thrombus in the FO. CASE REPORTS: Two patients with a free-floating thrombus in the right atrium who were treated with thrombolytic therapy had an immediate excellent outcome. The patient with a thrombus entrapped within the FO was scheduled for surgical removal of the thrombus due to an unacceptable risk of systemic embolization if treated with thrombolytic and anticoagulant therapy. Unfortunately, he developed an ischemic stroke on the fifth day of presentation, just a few hours before the scheduled surgery, despite meticulous monitoring of continuous heparin infusion with activated partial thromboplastin time. CONCLUSION: Thrombolytic therapy is recommended in patients with a free-floating thrombus in the right heart. However, in patients with a thrombus entrapped within an FO, delaying surgical removal of the thrombus may be deleterious due to unpredictable systemic embolization.

Forearm approach for percutaneous coronary procedures.

This article gives contemporary review on the forearm approach for percutaneous diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures. Advantages and disadvantages as well as practical issues and current controversies regarding both radial and ulnar artery approach are discussed throughout the paper. Having in mind advantages of forearm approach in terms of safety and comfort over the traditional femoral approach, as well as the rapid development of invasive technology in the past years, it will probably become the default vascular approach for all percutaneous coronary procedures in the near future.

[Impact of heart myxoma localization upon its clinical course and outcome].

INTRODUCTION: Primary heart tumors are very rare. They can be benign and malignant. Benign ones make about two thirds of all heart tumors. However, they are benign only by their biologic characteristics, but potentially malignant by their localization. About three forths of benign tumors are myxomas. Their growth is usually slow and they can be for a long time silent, particularly if they do not compromise vital functional parts of the heart. Myxomas grow in the atria, mostly in the left one and very rarely in the ventricles. CASE REPORT: We presented two patients with myxomas in the left, and, in the right atrium which are representative samples of the most common localization of heart myxoma considering previous knowledge of these tumors. Analysis of the clinical course in the two presented patients with characteristic localizations showed general characteristics of the clinical course of heart myxoma. The patients did not have characteristic symptoms for a rather long period of time and the findings obtained by standard examinations did not raise suspicion of heart tumor. Pulmonary symptomatology in one patient and cardial in the other, when tumor had already occupied almost the entire atrium, suggested necessity of cardiologic examination. Indication for operation was in both patients confirmed after performed echocardiography, computed tomography of the thorax and angiography with ventriculography. The size of the removed atrial tumors and their localization explained some of the patients' troubles, but it was also amazing that they had not caused more serious problems. Operation as the only method of treatment was successful in both female patients and its effect was permanent. At annual controls neither recurrence of the tumor nor troubles possibly associated with it were observed. CONCLUSION: Patients with heart myxoma usually pass through asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic phase, but when troubles become manifested, they do not much differ from those due to other causes. For this reason this tumor can be diagnosed just when complications caused by its localization and growth develop. Modern cardiologic diagnostics, primarily preventive non-invasive echocardiography, enables timely diagnosis and removal of the tumor because only then it may take a name benign tumor.

[Urgent percutaneous coronary intervention leads to a decrease in serum concentrations of soluble CD40 ligand].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Inflammation as a consequence of vascular injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a pathological substrate of restenosis and of its complications. The aim of the study was to examine perprocedural inflammatory response expressed by soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients treated with PCI and dual antiplatelet therapy. METHODS: The experimental group included 52 patients (80.8% men, age 60 +/- 9 years) with angina pectoris treated by PCI (22 urgent PCI) with stent implantation, and dual antiplatelet therapy (tienopiridins and aspirin), according to the current recommendations for the execution of the intervention. The control group consisted of 8 patients (70.5% men, age 59 +/- 7 years) with angina pectoris, who had undergone coronarography taking aspirin 3 days prior to it. In all the patients 24 hours before and after the PCI concentrations of CRP and sCD40L in the blood were determined. RESULTS: In the experimental group, the concentration of sCD40L was lower as compared to the control (p < 0.02). In 34 (65%) patients postprocedural decrease in sCD40L was recorded, in 18 (34.6%) of them increase, while in 50 (96%) patients there was a rise in CRP. The patients with postprocedural fall in sCD40L hod greater preprocedural concentration of sCD40L (p < 0.001), and less postprocedural concentration of sCD40L (p < 0.001), compared to the group with an increase in sCD40L after the PCI, while CRP levels between these groups were not statistically different. Patients treated with emergency PCI compared to elective patients had a postprocedural decrease in sCD40L (p = 0.02). Increase in the level of CRP was higher in the group with emergency PCI in relation to elective PCI (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Emergency PCI procedures in the treatment of patients with unstable angina pectoris lead to a postprocedural fall in the serum concentration of sCD40L. Dual antiplate therapy with tienopiridins and aspirin inhibits the release of sCD40L. Regardless a clinical presentation of coronary disease PCI leads to an postprocedural increase in concentrations of CRP in the serum.

Influence of intracoronary injections of bone-marrow-derived mononuclear cells on large myocardial infarction outcome: quantum of initial necrosis is the key.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Autologous bone-marrow-derived intra= coronary injection of mononuclear cells (MNC) modestly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the selected patients after acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Major determinants of stem cell therapy outcome in the subacute phase of STEMI still remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine modifying factors for the outcome of stem cell therapy after STEMI. METHODS: Eighteen patients in the stem cell therapy group and 24 patients in the control group with the successfully reperfused first large STEMI (LVEF < or = 40%) were enrolled in the study. The stem cell group was submitted to autologous bone-marrow-derived MNC injection between 7-12 days after MI. Left ventricular ejection fraction and infarction size at baseline and after 4 months were determined by echocardiography and scintigraphy examination. Age, pain onset to reperfusion time, admission glycemia, maximum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and C-reactive protein level, baseline LVEF and infarction size, and the number of MNC injected were compared between patients with and without significant improvement of LVEF and decrease of myocardial infarct size after 4 months. RESULTS: In the stem cell group, patients with the improvement of LVEF for more than 5.1% had significantly lower levels of LDH than patients without such improvement (1689 +/- 139 vs 2133 +/- 215 IU/L, p < 0.001) and lower baseline infarction size on scintigraphy (26.7 +/- 5.2 vs 34.9 +/- 3.7%, p < 0.001). Such dependence was not found in the control group. CONCLUSION: In the patients with first large STEMI intracoronary injection of autologous bone-marrow-derived MNC leads to the significant decrease of myocardial infarction size but not the significant improvement of LVEF after four months. Higher serum LDH levels after STEMI and very large baseline infarction size are predictors of failure of stem cell therapy in our group of STEMI patients.

[Effects of reperfusion on late potentials of the QRS complex in acute myocardial infarction].

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac rhythm disorders are common in patients after myocardial infarction. They play an important role in the course and in prognosis of this illness. Signal-averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG) is a non-invasive diagnostic method for the induction of sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Early opening of the infarct-related artery decreases occurrence of ventricular disorders in these patients. The aim of this study was to establish the connection between the late potentials of the QRS complex (SAECG) and unsuccessful reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: After myocardial infarction, presence of SAECG was examined in patients receiving reperfusion therapy in order to establish the treatment outcome. Late potentials in SAECG were determined by computer measurements in regard to criteria for its positivity. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 33 patients. Out of 23 patients with successful reperfusion, only 6 (26.1%) had late potentials, in contrast to the group without reperfusion, 8 (80%) out of 10 patients had late potentials. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, we can conclude that there is a significant association between the presence of late ORS-complex potentials (SAECG) and unsuccessful reperfusion. Also, we can conclude that presence of late potentials is an independent predictor of infarct-related artery patency in patients with AMI treated with thrombolytic therapy.

[Dual chamber pacemaker in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation].

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent cardiac dysrhythmia. The aim of this study was to show the role and the efficacy of a dual chamber pacemaker with the algorithm of atrial dynamic overdrive, in the suppression of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. CASE REPORT: A woman with a classical bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome, and frequent attacks of atrial fibrillation, underwent the implantation of a single chamber permanent pacemaker (WI). Pacemaker successfully treated the episodes of symptomatic bradycardia, but the patient had frequent attacks of atrial fibrillation, despite the use of different antiarrhythmic drugs, which she did not tolerate well. The decision was made to reimplant a permanent dual chamber pacemaker with the algorithm of atrial dynamic overdrive. The pacemaker was programmed to the basic rate of 75/min, while rate at rest was 55/min. In addition, sotalol was administered. After three months, the patient became asymptomatic with only 4 short-term episodes of atrial fibrillation, and a high level of atrial pacing (99%). CONCLUSION: In selected patients with bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome, atrial-based pacing seemed to be very effective in reducing the incidence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Autologous bone marrow-derived progenitor cell transplantation for myocardial regeneration after acute infarction.

BACKGROUND: Experimental and first clinical studies suggest that the transplantation of bone marrow derived, or circulating blood progenitor cells, may beneficially affect postinfarction remodelling processes after acute myocardial infarction. AIM: This pilot trial reports investigation of safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow-derived progenitor cell therapy for faster regeneration of the myocardium after infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four male patients (age range 47-68 years) with the first extensive anterior, ST elevation, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), were treated by primary angioplasty. Bone marrow mononuclear cells were administered by intracoronary infusion 3-5 days after the infarction. Bone marrow was harvested by multiple aspirations from posterior cristae iliacae under general anesthesia, and under aseptic conditions. After that, cells were filtered through stainless steel mesh, centrifuged and resuspended in serum-free culture medium, and 3 hours later infused through the catheter into the infarct-related artery in 8 equal boluses of 20 ml. Myocardial viability in the infarcted area was confirmed by dobutamine stress echocardiography testing and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) 10-14 days after infarction. One patient had early stent thrombosis immediately before cell transplantation, and was treated successfully with second angioplasty. Single average ECG revealed one positive finding at discharge, and 24-hour Holter ECG showed only isolated ventricular ectopic beats during the follow-up period. Early findings in two patients showed significant improvement of left ventricular systolic function 3 months after the infarction. There were no major cardiac events after the transplantation during further follow-up period (30-120 days after infarction). Control SPECT for the detection of ischemia showed significant improvement in myocardial perfusion in two patients 4 months after the infarction. Echocardiographic assessment in these two patients also showed significant improvement of systolic function three months after the infarction. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results of the study showed that the transplantation of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells into the infarcted area was safe, and feasible, and might improve myocardial function. Further follow-up will show if this treatment is effective in preventing negative remodeling of the left ventricle and reveal potential late adverse events (arrhythmogenicity and propensity for restenosis).

Late ventricular potentials in risk assessment of the occurrence of complex ventricular arrhythmia in patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure.

AIM: To determine the prognostic significance of late ventricular potentials on signal-averaged electrocardiogram and left ventricular ejection fraction for the occurrence of complex ventricular arrhythmia in patients treated with accelerated tissue-type plasminogen activator, using the rapid protocol, within six months of acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: In this analytic observational prospective study patients were divided into four groups: patients with left ventricular ejection fraction bellow 40% and late ventricular potentials, patients with left ventricular ejection fraction bellow 40% and without late ventricular potentials, patients with left ventricular ejection fraction over 40% and late ventricular potentials, and patients with left ventricular ejection fraction over 40% and without late ventricular potentials. Complex ventricular arrhythmias (Lown grade IVa, IVb, and V) were recorded using standard electrocardiography and 24-hour Holter monitoring 21, 60, and 90 days after acute myocardial infarction, respectively. Serial recordings of signal-averaged electrocardiogram were obtained 30, 90, and 180 days after acute myocardial infarction. Left ventricular ejection fraction was determined by echocardiography between 15 and 21 days after acute myocardial infarction. Multivariant logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relation between late ventricular potentials and left ventricular ejection fraction with the occurrence of complex ventricular arrhythmias. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of late ventricular potentials and left ventricular ejection fraction for the occurrence of complex ventricular arrhythmias were determined. RESULTS: The prospective study included 80 patients (73% men), mean age 64 +/- 3.5 years. Complex ventricular arrhythmias were recorded in 34 (42.5%) of patients, all 17 (50%) of which were from the first group (p < 0.01). Complex ventricular arrhythmias were recorded in 25 (73.5%) patients with late ventricular potentials, and in 23 (67.6%) patients with left ventricular ejection fraction bellow 40%. Left ventricular ejection fraction bellow 40% and late ventricular potentials represented independent predictors for the occurrence of complex ventricular arrhythmias (RR = 14.33, p < 0.01). When combined with left ventricular ejection fraction bellow 40%, late ventricular potentials had sensitivity (0.50), specificity (0.93), and positive predictive accuracy (0.85) higher than late ventricular potentials alone (0.44, 0.67, and 0.37, respectively) for the occurrence of complex ventricular arrhythmias following acute myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: In this study, late ventricular potentials in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction bellow 40% represented the independent predictor for the occurrence of complex ventricular arrhythmias in the first six months after the first myocardial infarction treated with accelerated tissue-type plasminogen activator, using the rapid protocol.

[Relation between QT dispersion and reperfusion in acute myocardial infarct]. / Odnos QT disperzije i reperfuzije u akutnom infarktu miokarda.

BACKGROUND: QT dispersion (QTd) represents the parameter of the expanded heterogeneity of myocard of ventricles. The aim of this study was to examine the dynamics of changes of QTd during the first 5 days of the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in dependence to noninvasively estimated success of thrombolytic therapy. METHODS: Thirty six patients with AMI were included in the study. All patients were treated with alteplaze according to rapid protocol. QTd (QTc max-QTc min) was measured immediately after the reception (0 min), after the thrombolytic therapy (90 min) and since the 2nd to the 5th day of the hospitalization. Reperfusion was estimated on the basis of electrocardiographic and biohumoral parameters. RESULTS: In the group of 36 patients, 22 male and 11 female, both parameters of the reperfusion were not compatible in 3 patients. The other 23 patients had the reperfusion, while 10 patients did not have it. At the reception there was no significant difference of QTd between the group with reperfusion (79 +/- 34 ms) and the group without reperfusion (65 +/- 19 ms). After receiving alteplase, the average QTd in the group with reperfusion was 67 +/- 31 ms, which was not shorter in relation to the group without reperfusion (70 +/- 23 ms). Since the 2nd day of AMI, significantly smaller QTd in pa-patients with reperfusion was not registered compared with the patients without the reperfusion (54 +/- 17 vs. 73 +/- 20 ms), whereas since the 3rd day the difference became significant (46 +/- 16 vs. 87 +/- 24 ms). On the 4th day it was 43 +/- 12 vs. 78 +/- 21 ms, and on the 5th day it was 38 +/- 11 vs. 62 +/- 23 ms. On the 1st day significant difference of QTd between the groups with and without reperfusion was not registered in the group of patients with anterior AMI (0 min: 97 +/- 47 vs. 72 +/- 16; 90 min: 68 +/- 47 vs. 72 +/- 20) whereas on the 2nd day it became statistically significant (51 +/- 15 vs. 74 +/- 20 on the 2nd day, 51 +/- 20 vs. 88 +/- 24 on the 3rd day, 46 +/- 10 vs. 81 +/- 19 on the 4th day and 40 +/- 8 vs. 69 +/- 22 ms on the 5th day. In the group of patients with inferolateral AMI, only on the 3rd day significant difference of QTd between the group with and the group without reperfusion was registered (43 +/- 14 vs. 69 +/- 29 ms), while in all other measuring it was not registered (0 min: 69 +/- 22 vs. 42 +/- 9; 90 min: 67 +/- 20 vs. 67 +/- 41; 55 +/- 19 vs. 60 +/- 25 on the 2nd day; 41 +/- 14 vs. 51 +/- 6 on the 4th day and 51 +/- 12 vs. 37 +/- 8 ms on the 5th day). CONCLUSION: Qt dispersion was of significantly shorter duration in patients with the successfully performed reperfusion in relation to the patients without the reperfusion. In patients with the anterior AMI, QTd was significantly different in patients with in relation to the patients without the reperfusion in distinction with the patients with inferolateral AMI.

Current therapy of the right ventricle myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction of the right ventricle (AMI-RV) is a separate subgroup within the scope of inferoposterior infarction of the left ventricle. It still represents the population of patients at high risk due to numerous, often hardly predictable complications and high mortality rate. METHODS: In fifteen-year period (1987-2001) 3,765 patients with the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) of different localizations of both sexes--2,283 males and 1,482 females of the average age 61.4 +/- 4.6 years were treated in our institution. Anterior myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 2,146 (56.9%) patients, inferior in 1,619 (43.1%) patients, out of whom right ventricular infarction (RVI) was confirmed in 384 (23.7%). Thrombolytic therapy was administered in 163 (42.4%) patients with RVI, and in 53 (41.7%) of these patients balloon dilatation was performed with coronary stent implantation in 24 (45.2%). RESULTS: Favorable clinical effect of the combined thrombolytic therapy and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was achieved in 51 (96.1%), and in only 2 (3.9%) of patients the expected effect wasn't achieved. Myocardial revascularization was accomplished in 6 (3.6%) and 1 patient died. In 3 (3.4%) patients primary balloon dilatation with the implantation of intracoronary stent was performed within 6 hours from the onset of anginal pain. In the other group of 221 (57.5%) patients with RVI who did not receive thrombolytic therapy, or it had no effect, 26 (11.7%) patients died, which indicated the validity and the efficacy of this treatment (p < 0.01). In the whole group of patients with myocardial infarction of the right ventricle 31 (8.1%) died; in the group that received thrombolytic therapy and PTCA 5 (3.1%) died, while in the group treated in a conservative way 26 (11.7%) died. CONCLUSION: Combined therapy was successful in the treatment of patients with RVI and should be administered whenever possible, since it was the best prevention of life-threatening complications and the decrease in the mortality of those patients.