Coronary Slow-Flow Phenomenon in Takotsubo Syndrome: The Prevalence, Clinical Determinants, and Long-Term Prognostic Impact.

Patients with takotsubo syndrome (TTS) may present coronary slow flow (CSF) in angiography performed in the acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, the detailed clinical relevance and its long-term impact remain poorly understood. Among 7771 MI patients hospitalized between 2012 and 2019, TTS was identified in 82 (1.1%) subjects. The epicardial blood flow was assessed with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) scale and corrected TIMI frame count (TFC), whereas myocardial perfusion with TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG). CSF was defined as TIMI-2 or corrected TFC > 27 frames in at least one epicardial vessel. CSF was identified in 33 (40.2%) TTS patients. In the CSF-TTS versus normal-flow-TTS group, lower values of left ventricular ejection fraction on admission (33.5 (25-40) vs. 40 (35-45)%, p = 0.019), more frequent midventricular TTS (27.3 vs. 8.2%, p = 0.020) and the coexistence of both physical and emotional triggers (9.1 vs. 0%, p = 0.032) were noted. Within a median observation of 55 months, higher all-cause mortality was found in CSF-TTS compared with normal-flow TTS (30.3 vs. 10.2%, p = 0.024). CSF was identified as an independent predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio 10.09, 95% confidence interval 2.12-48.00, p = 0.004). CSF identified in two-fifths of TTS patients was associated with unfavorable long-term outcomes.

THE DIETARY HABITS AND NUTRITION BELIEFS OF PATIENTS WITH AORTIC STENOSIS.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The analysis of dietary knowledge and habits of patients with aortic stenosis, both prior to and post valve implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Patient with diagnosed moderate or severe aortic stenosis were included into the study. Telephonic dietary interview was performed. It was based on the standard KomPAN questionnaire developed and validated by the Behavioural Nutrition Team, Committee of Human Nutrition of Polish Academy of Sciences. RESULTS: Results: The analysis was conducted in 94 consecutive patients. The pro-health diet index was 4.87 points (3.7; 5.96), while the optimal level was defined as 20 points. The 12.8% of the respondents had low knowledge about nutrition, 79.8% - moderate and 7.4% - good. From 94 patients, 37 had the patientprosthesis mismatch and overweight. The 35.1% of patients with the patient-prosthesis mismatch and overweight considered their nutritional habits as bad, 62.2% as moderate and 2.7% as good. In a group of patients without the patient-prosthesis mismatch the self-opinion about diet was bad in 20.8%, moderate in 72.9% and good in 6.3%. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Dietary habits and nutritional knowledge in patients with aortic stenosis are inadequate. However, awareness of bad dietary habits in patients who are overweight and have patient-prosthesis mismatch is better compared to the remaining group of patients. The proper dietary education is needed in all patients with aortic stenosis.

The Prognostic Significance of Atrial Fibrillation and Left Atrium Size in Patients with Aortic Stenosis.

Aim    Aortic stenosis increases left atrial (LA) pressure and may lead to its remodeling. This can cause supraventricular arrhythmia. The aim of this study was to determine if the size of the LA and the presence of atrial fibrillation are related to the prognosis of patients with aortic stenosis.Material and methods    Clinical evaluation and standard transthoracic echocardiographic studies were performed in 397 patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis.Results    In all patients, LA dimension above the median (≥43 mm) was associated with a significantly higher risk of death [HR 1.79 (CL 1.06-3.03)] and a LA volume above the median of 80 ml was associated with a significantly higher risk of death [HR 2.44 (CI 1.12-5.33)]. The presence of atrial fibrillation was significantly associated with a higher risk of death (p <0.0001). The presence of atrial fibrillation [HR 1.69 (CI 1.02-2.86)], lower left ventricular ejection fraction [HR 1.23 (CI 1.04-1.45)], higher NYHA heart failure class [HR 4.15 (CI 1.40-13.20)] and renal failure [HR 2.10 (CI 1.31-3.56)] were independent risk factors of death in patients in aortic stenosis.Conclusion    The size and volume of the LA and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation are important risk factors for death in patients with aortic stenosis. The presence of renal dysfunction, low left ventricular ejection fraction, high NYHA functional class and atrial fibrillation are independent risk factors of poor prognosis in patients with aortic stenosis.

Prostacyclin analogues decrease platelet aggregation but have no effect on thrombin generation, fibrin clot structure, and fibrinolysis in pulmonary arterial hypertension: PAPAYA coagulation.

Prostacyclin (PGI2) analogues (epoprostenol, treprostonil, iloprost) are the cornerstone of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment. PGI2 analogues inhibit platelet reactivity, but their impact on coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters has not been elucidated. We compared platelet reactivity, thrombin generation, clot permeation, and lysis properties in patients with PAH treated with PGI2 analogues (n = 20) and those not receiving PGI2 analogues (n = 20). Platelet reactivity was lower in patients treated with PGI2 analogues, compared to the control group, as evaluated with arachidonic acid (ASPI), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and thrombin receptor-activating peptide-6 (TRAP) tests (p = .009, p = .02, p = .007, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, both treprostinil and epoprostenol decreased platelet reactivity to the similar extent. There were no differences regarding thrombin generation, clot permeation, and lysis parameters in patients receiving and not receiving PGI2 analogues (p ≥ .60 for all). In the subgroup analysis, there were no differences regarding coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters between treprostinil, epoprostenol, and no PGI2 analogues. To conclude, patients with PAH treated with PGI2 analogues have reduced platelet reactivity, but similar clot formation and lysis parameters, compared to patients not receiving PGI2 analogues. Further randomized clinical trials are required to confirm these findings.

Prognostic significance of atherogenic index of plasma, atherogenic coefficient and lipoprotein combined index among elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in 1-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of death in elderly patients. Recently, novel lipoproteins- Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), Atherogenic Coefficient (AC) and Lipoprotein Combine Index (LCI) have been suggested as CAD risk factors; their clinical usefulness, however, remains unknown. The aim of the study was to assess the predictive value of AIP, AC and LCI concerning incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in 1-year follow-up. METHODS: For the study, 1,083 patients, aged 60 or older, with NSTEMI were enrolled and divided into two groups: young-old and old-old. RESULTS: MACE occurred in 11.8 % of the patients; LCI showed a borderline significance, but only in univariate analysis. Analysis in groups revealed ambiguous results. None of the examined indices was a predictor of MACE in the young-old group whereas all three of them were significant, but negative predictors in the old-old group. Finally, all-cause mortality at follow-up was 14.9 %. AC predicted 1-year mortality in the whole study population (OR = 1.1 (95% CI: 1-1.2; p = 0.02), but was insignificant in the multivariable model. Additionally, it was an independent predictor in the old-old group, but with borderline significance (OR = 1.14 (95% CI: 1-1.3, p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: AIP, AC and LCI should not be used as predictors of MACE and 1-year mortality among elderly patients with NSTEMI (Tab. 5, Ref. 23).

Screening diagnosis of dementia in patients following heart failure decompensation is associated with a higher relative wall thickness.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of echocardiographic characteristics for dementia prediction in patients with heart failure decompensation (HFD) is not determined. Therefore, we sought to investigate the echocardiographic features of patients with HFD and screening diagnosis of dementia (SDD). METHODS: 139 patients aged over 65 years were hospitalized with the diagnosis of HFD. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic characteristics were recorded during hospitalization. SDD was defined based on the result of ALFI- MMSE of <17 points. RESULTS: Patients with SDD were older (p=0.013), had thicker IVSd (p=0.021), thicker PWd (p=0.005) and had a higher RWT (0.40 vs 0.35, p=0.004) than patients without SDD, without differences in LVMI (p=0.13). There was no correlation between RWT and LVMI (r=-0.01, p=0.88). In the multivariate analysis, an older age (ß=-0.116, 95% CI -0.224 - -0.008, p=0.035, per year) and a higher RWT (ß=-0.069, 95% CI -0.137 - -0.002, p=0.045, per 0.01) influenced a lower ALFI-MMSE. For a prediction of SDD, the RWT reached the area under a ROC curve of 0.67 (95% CI 0.56-0.77, p=0.004 with sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 70% for RWT of ≥0.375). CONCLUSIONS: Apart from age, RWT reflecting left ventricular geometry changes but not hypertrophy was independently but moderately associated with SDD in patients following HFD (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 35).

Prognostic value of non-traditional lipid parameters: Castelli Risk Index I, Castelli Risk Index II, and triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio among patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction during 1­year follow-up.

Aim    Concentrations of classical lipoproteines have a well-established role in non-invasive cardiology. The efficacy of the Castelli Risk Index I (CRI I), Castelli Risk Index II (CRI II), and triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG / HDL-C) ratio in clinical practice are currently under evaluation. The study aimed to assess the predictive value of CRI I, CRI II and TG / HDL-C for the incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and for all-cause mortality during 1­year follow-up of patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).Material and Methods    1,301 patients were enrolled in the study. Associations between CRI I, CRI II, TG / HDL-C and occurrence of MACE and 1­year mortality were studied. Moreover correlations between CRI I, CRI II, and TG / HDL-C and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) were assessed.Results    MACE occurred in 10.9 % (142) of patients, and 1­year mortality was 13.4 % (174). None of the evaluated indices appeared to be an independent predictor of MACE in either the entire population or subpopulations, as divided according to the presence of diabetes or CAD diagnosed prior to admission. Furthermore, no dependence between 1­year mortality and the examined indices was found. Additionally, only a weak correlation between CAD severity and CRI I was observed (R=0.08, p=0.02). No significant correlations for CRI II (p=0.07) and TG / HDL-C (p=0.6) were detected.Conclusions    CRI I, CRI II and TG / HDL-C should not be used as predictors of MACE or all-cause mortality among patients with NSTEMI. Moreover, these indices do not reflect CAD severity.

Typical variant of takotsubo cardiomyopathy in oncological patients. Two case reports and review of the literature.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) represents an acute systolic left ventricular dysfunction typically triggered by severe psychological or physical stress. Oncological patients due to emotional distress of the diagnosis, proinflammatory and prothrombotic nature of cancer and also physical stress often following complex anticancer therapies are at high-risk of TCM. Moreover, there are also few reports of TCM associated with oncological treatment, mostly chemotherapy. Recent data from large registries indicate a surprisingly high incidence of malignancy in TCM, significant differences in clinical characteristics and unfavorable short- and long-term clinical outcomes in this specific group of patients. Therefore, we present two case reports of TCM that occurred during active anticancer therapy. Both women were admitted with suspicion of acute coronary syndrome. The first patient underwent mastectomy two years before due to hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and on admission she was during adjuvant hormonotherapy with tamoxifen. The admission of the second patient was preceded by fifteen fractions of adjuvant external beam radiotherapy due to intermediate-risk endometrial cancer after radical hysterectomy. Based on coronary angiography type I of acute coronary syndrome was excluded. Both patients negated stressful situations in the period immediately before the symptoms onset. Within hospital course baseline apical ballooning observed in both cases fully recovered and enabled subsequent completion of oncological treatment in accordance with adopted treatment protocols without recurrence of TCM. To our knowledge, presented cases are the first reports showing direct relationship between TCM and adjuvant hormonotherapy with tamoxifen or pelvic radiotherapy.

Stable patient with heart failure - the fact or the myth?

A treated patient with heart failure (HF), whose signs and symptoms have remained generally unchanged for at least 1 month is said to be 'stable'. Majority of patients with heart failure who are properly treated complain of slight symptoms described as functional class I and II NYHA. There is a belief that oligosymptomatic patients with heart failure have a good prognosis. Nevertheless, results of registries and randomized trials (e.g. ESC-HF-LT-R, CHARM, EMPHASIS-HF, PARADIGM-HF) disclosed that there is high risk of death and hospitalization for heart failure. Consequently, risk of every patient with heart failure should be evaluated with the use of validated scales - for example MAGGIC. Even in mild symptoms, remodeling of a left ventricle and dysfunction of the heart is progressing. It was revealed in the TRED-HF trial that withdrawal of guideline-directed medical therapy causes deterioration of clinical state in patients who were devoid of HF symptoms and presented improvement of echocardiographic parameters (left ventricle ejection fraction, left ventricle end diastolic volume) and laboratory parameters (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide). This fact indicates that a chronic therapy in HF is necessary even in a situation where symptoms disappear, and heart function normalizes. An analysis of QUALIFY and ESC-HF-LT-R registries revealed that minority of patients with HF are treated according to current guidelines and doses of medications are not optimized. This management leads to deterioration of patient's prognosis. In addition to standard therapies (beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, ivabradine), novel drugs (e.g. sacubitril/valsartan) and individualized medical procedures should be applied in therapy.

Low triiodothyronine syndrome and selenium deficiency - undervalued players in advanced heart failure? A single center pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The function of deiodinases - selenoproteins converting thyroid hormones may be disturbed by oxidative stress accompanying heart failure. Selenium (Se) may be used by glutathione peroxidase, leading to a lack of deiodinase and triiodothyronine (T3). The aim of the study was the evaluation of the prevalence and clinical significance of low T3 syndrome in heart failure and the assessment of the association of low fT3 and Se deficiency. METHODS: The study group consisted of 59 consecutive patients hospitalized due to decompensated HFrEF NYHA III or IV. Exclusion criteria were: thyroid dysfunction, severe systemic disease, treatment with amiodarone, steroids or propranolol. Group A included 9 patients with low free T3 (fT3) concentration below 3.1 pmol/L. Group B consisted of the remaining 50 patients with normal fT3 levels. RESULTS: The prevalence of low T3 syndrome was 15.3%. The prevalence of Se deficiency was 74.6%. We demonstrated correlations between fT3 and main clinical variables (i.e. NT-proBNP, LVEF, hsCRP), but we did not find correlation between fT3 and the Se level. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed lower survival probability in patients with low fT3 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Low T3 syndrome is frequently found in patients with HFrEF and is associated with a poor outcome. We did not identify any significant correlation between Se and fT3 level.

Correction to: Low triiodothyronine syndrome and selenium deficiency - undervalued players in advanced heart failure? A single center pilot study.

After publication of the original article [1], the authors have notified us of a typing error in spelling Dr. Kabat's name. The original publication has been corrected.

Coronary artery dissection following aortic valve replacement. How can one deal with this rare yet life-threatening complication?

Coronary artery dissection following its cannulation for cardioplegia administration as a result of aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a rare but nevertheless life-threatening complication. The three cases of a patient suffering from aortic stenosis illustrated below focus on the issue of how to identify and treat the dissected artery. In all of the patients who had undergone AVR diagnosed was a periprocedural myocardial infarction. Angiography revealed the dissection of the left main in two of the patients, while in the third one that of the right coronary artery. In the case of local dissection, angiography was sufficient to identify the true lumen, whereas in a dissection encompassing the whole of the coronary tree it was necessary to either find the coronary artery not involved in the dissection or to perform intravascular ultrasound imaging. After true lumen identification, the entry of dissection was stented with the optimal angiographic result.

The awareness and knowledge about heart failure in Poland - lessons from the Heart Failure Awareness Day and internet surveys.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a life-threatening condition which affects up to 2% of contemporary populations. Generally, it is a chronic and progressive disease, however in many cases it can be prevented or treated. Nevertheless, effective control of this disease requires awareness of symptoms in the society. AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess the level of HF knowledge in the Polish population. METHODS: The questionnaire concerning knowledge about HF prepared by the Competence Network HF under the patronage of the European Heart Failure Association of the ESC, was used. The survey included 534 contributors who formed three groups: medical students - in vast majority at first half of the study course (MS) - 198 (37.1%), HF Awareness Day participants (HFDP) - 134 (25.1%) and other (OP) - 202 (37.8%). RESULTS: Study groups differed in terms of gender, age and level of education. As predicted, MS achieved the highest score (22.5 [20.0-24.0]), compared to HFDP (20.0 [17.0-22.0], P <0.001) and OP (19.0[16.0-21.0], P <0.001). Knowledge on typical HF symptoms was alarmingly low in the analyzed groups - dyspnea (MS - 96.0%, HFDP - 78.4%, OP - 74.6%), ankle edema (MS - 79.8%, HFDP - 50.6%, OP - 32.2%), body weight gain (MS - 14.1%, HFDP - 17.2%, OP - 4.5%). By multivariate model medical education (ß 3.372, 95% CI 2.738-4.005) and own illness or having relatives or friends with HF (ß 0.654, 95% CI 0.066-1.242) independently affected the score of awareness questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The basic knowledge on HF in Poland is not sufficient. It is moderately better among MS. Further campaigns improving HF awareness are necessary.

Low triiodothyronine syndrome and serum selenium status in the course of acute myocardial infarction.

Both glutathione peroxidase and deiodinases are selenoproteins requiring selenium. Oxidative stress accompanying acute myocardial infarction (MI) may lead to activation of peroxidase and relative selenium deficiency. That may impair conversion of tetraiodothyronine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3). AIM: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the prevalence of low T3 syndrome in MI, in relation to selenium deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 59 consecutive patients hospitalized due to STEMI or NSTEMI, treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Exclusion criteria: thyroid dysfunction, severe systemic disease, treatment with amiodarone, steroids or propranolol. Group A consisted of 7 patients with low fT3 concentration, Group B consisted of remaining 52 patients with normal fT3 levels. RESULTS: The prevalence of low T3 syndrome was 11.9%. The prevalence of selenium deficiency was 71.2%. Patients with low T3 syndrome had higher heart rate at admission and more often needed intravenous diuretics or inotropic agents. Low fT3 group presented higher levels of NT-proBNP, hsCRP, WBC, admission CKMB levels. There was a nonsignificant trend towards lower selenium levels in A group. We demonstrated correlations between fT3 and hsTnT, CKMB, NT-proBNP, hsCRP, MAPSE but we did not find correlation between fT3 and selenium or LVEF. CONCLUSIONS: Selenium deficiency was found in majority of MI patients, while low T3 was identified in 11.9% of patients. fT3 levels correlate with markers of infarction severity and inflammatory markers. Se deficiency alone does not explain the reason of low fT3 concentration.

[Przezskórne zamkniecie ubytku w przegrodzie miedzyprzedsionkowej: wplyw na prawy przedsionek, dyspersje zalamka P i zaburzenia rytmu serca w obserwacji srednioterminowej]. / Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect: impact on right atrium, P-wave dispersion and arrhythmias in mid-term follow-up.

The size of the right atrium (RA) reduces after transcatheter closure of the atrial septal defect (ASD). Inverse structural and electrical remodeling is observed. AIM: The aim of study was to analyze the parameters predisposing to the lack of normalization of enlarged RA after transcatheter closure of ASD during 6-month follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study included 56 consecutive adult patients (12 men) aged from 23 to 76 years (49.8±13.3 years) with ASD, in whom transcatheter ASD closure was performed. Each patient was assessed before and 6 months after the treatment using standard 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (ECG), 24-hour Holter monitoring and echocardiography. RESULTS: Before the procedure in 37 patients with ASD enlarged RA was observed, while after transcatheter ASD closure in 24 patients normalization of enlarged RA was noted. Patients in whom 6 months after the procedure there was no normalization of the enlarged RA were older, characterized by higher right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs), larger size of the occluder, interatrial septal defect, longer fluoroscopy time and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. P-wave dispersion (Pdysp) was found to be a destimulant i.e. increased Pdysp (>67 ms, P<0.000) decreased the chance of RA normalization after procedure. On the other hand, minimum P-wave duration (Pmin) was a stimulant, therefore, increased Pmin (>72ms, P<0.000) increased the chance of RA normalization. A significant association was found between the reduction of supraventricular extrasystolic beats and RA area normalization (P<0.001), and there was no association between the incidence of atrial fibrillation episodes and RA area normalization. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the duration of the P-wave and its dispersion may help to assess the prognosis of the right atrium size normalization in the mid-term follow-up after transcatheter closure of ASD. There is a significant relationship between normalization of the right atrium size and reduction of supraventricular extrasystolic beats.

Relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in serum phospholipids, systemic low-grade inflammation, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: There are inconsistent data about the role of serum phospholipid fatty acid composition in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between serum phospholipid fatty acid composition, systemic low-grade inflammation, and glycemic control in high-risk T2DM patients. METHODS: Seventy-four patients (26% women, mean age 65.6 ± 6.8 years) with T2DM (median diabetes duration 10 years) and documented ASCVD (74 with coronary artery disease, 26 with peripheral arterial disease) were enrolled in the study. Baseline HbA1c was estimated using turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay. According to the median value of HbA1c the patients were grouped into those with HbA1c < 7.0% (< 53 mmol/mol) (n = 38) and those with HbA1c ≥ 7.0% (≥ 53 mmol/mol) (n = 36). Serum phospholipid fatty acids were measured with gas chromatography. RESULTS: Patients with HbA1c ≥ 7.0%, compared with those with HbA1c < 7.0% had similar composition of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids, but had higher concentrations of linoleic acid (LA) and higher n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio as well as lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), total n-3 PUFAs, and the EPA/arachidonic acid ratio. We found that LA (r = 0.25; p = 0.03) and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (r = 0.28; p = 0.02) were positively correlated with HbA1c. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, hsCRP and T2DM duration were independent predictors of worse glycemic control in patients with T2DM and ASCVD. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that glycemic control in high-risk T2DM patients with ASCVD was significantly associated with unfavorable serum phospholipid n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio and greater systemic inflammation.

Fulminant adrenergic myocarditis complicated by pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest.

Adrenergic myocarditis is an uncommon presentation of pheochromocytoma and extremely rare cause of de novo acute heart failure (AHF). We present a case of a 31-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of hypertension and recurrent occipital headaches who was admitted to the emergency department due to severe de novo AHF presenting as pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock. During the hospital admission the patient experienced asystolic cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated, intubated, and mechanically ventilated. Bedside transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe diffuse left ventricular hypokinesis with ejection fraction (LVEF) of 10%. Coronary angiography disclosed normal epicardial coronary arteries. The diagnosis of fulminant myocarditis was based on clinical, laboratory and imaging findings including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) Lake Louise criteria. STIR-cMRI sequences revealed myocardial edema in the lateral, inferior and posterior walls of the left ventricle, whereas T1-weighted early contrast-enhanced sequences showed myocardial hyperemia and capillary leak. An ultrasound and computed tomographic scan of the abdomen disclosed a solid, heterogeneous mass (3.6×3.2×2.8-cm) in the right suprarenal area. Urinary and plasma catecholamines and metanephrines were markedly elevated. A pheochromocytoma was suspected and laparoscopic resection of the tumor was performed after pharmacological preparation with phenoxybenzamine. The histopathological findings were consistent with pheochromocytoma. Follow-up cMRI showed complete reversal of myocardial edema and hyperemia. At 12-month follow-up, the patient has remained asymptomatic and normotensive with no recurrence of cardiovascular symptoms.

Chronic heart failure in the elderly: still a current medical problem.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the final stage in several heart diseases. The diagnosis of CHF in older patients is a challenge. Preserved left ventricular systolic function is a characteristic type of CHF in seniors. The purpose of the study was to characterize elderly patients with CHF and to highlight specific features of the conditions in seniors. e most common etiology of HF in this group of patients is hypertension and coronary heart disease. In seniors atypical presentations of chronic heart failure is much more common than in younger patients. Malnutrition, limitations of exercise and sedentary lifestyles or comorbid diseases have an influence on asymptomatic, early stage of HF. There are better outcomes of treatment in obese individuals. It is called the obesity paradox. Open communication with a patient and his/her family may improve their response to therapy. When heart failure becomes an incurable disease and aggressive treatment is ineffective, palliative care should be considered in end-of-life heart failure patients. The goal of treatment in the remaining moments of life last moments of life should be maximizing the patient's comfort.

Treatment with high-dose n-3 PUFAs has no effect on platelet function, coagulation, metabolic status or inflammation in patients with atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous studies on cardioprotective effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), there is limited evidence for n-3 PUFA-mediated effects, especially at its higher dose, on cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes (DM2) and established atherosclerosis. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of daily treatment with a higher dose (2 g) of n-3 PUFAs on platelet function, coagulation parameters, fibrin clot properties, markers of systemic inflammation and metabolic status, in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease and DM2 who receive optimal medical therapy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-center study, in which thrombin generation (plasma thrombogenic potential from automated thrombogram), fibrin clot properties (plasma fibrin clot permeability; lysis time), platelet aggregation (light transmission aggregometry with adenosine diphosphate and arachidonic acid used as agonists), HbA1c, insulin level, lipid profiles, leptin and adiponectin levels, as well as markers of systemic inflammation (i.e., hsCRP, IL-6, TNF-α, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and myeloperoxidase) were determined at baseline and at 3 months after treatment with 2 g/day of n-3 PUFAs (n = 36) or placebo (n = 38). Moreover, we assessed serum fatty acids of the phospholipid fraction by gas chromatography both at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: Majority of patients were treated with optimal medical therapy and achieved recommended treatment targets. Despite higher serum levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (by 204%; p < 0.001) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (by 62%; p < 0.0001) in n-3 PUFA group at the end of treatment no changes in platelet aggregation, thrombin generation, fibrin clot properties or markers of systemic inflammation were observed. No intergroup differences in the insulin, HbA1c and lipid levels were found at the end of the study. There was no change in adiponectin and leptin in interventional group, however leptin increased in control group (p = 0.01), therefore after study period leptin levels were lower in the interventional group (p = 0.01). Additionally, resolvin D1 did not differ between interventional and control group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our study demonstrated that in patients with long-standing, well-controlled DM2 and atherosclerotic disease the treatment with a high dose of n-3 PUFAs (namely, 1 g/day of EPA and 1 g/day of DHA for 3 months) does not improve coagulation, metabolic, and inflammatory status when measured with the specified tests. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier: NCT02178501. Registration date: April 12, 2014.

Trauma-induced acute myocardial infarction due to delayed dissection of the left anterior descending coronary artery.

Acute myocardial infarction is a very rare, life-threatening complication of blunt chest trauma. A 27-year-old man with no previous medical history was admitted to the emergency department due to multiple trauma following a car accident. After 48h following the accident, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated, with severe dyspnea at rest, tachycardia, and increasing chest pain. A 12-lead ECG showed a sinus tachycardia at 120bpm with significant ST-segment elevation in leads V1 to V5, pathologic Q wave in I, aVL, and QS complex in leads V1 to V4. Bedside echocardiography disclosed akinesis of the anterior and lateral walls, apex, and anterior septum with severely decreased left ventricular ejection fraction of 30%. Urgent coronary angiography revealed an occlusive dissection of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention with a Biolimus A9™-eluting stent implantation were successfully performed. The further course was uneventful. At 12-month follow-up, the patient has remained asymptomatic with no recurrence of cardiovascular symptoms.