Novel Method for Real Time Co-Registration of IVUS and Coronary Angiography.

OBJECTIVES: We present our experience with a novel method for real time co-registration of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and coronary angiography. BACKGROUND: A major limitation of the current practice of concomitant use of coronary angiography and IVUS is that the locations of the acquired IVUS images are not correlated with their exact locations on the vessel roadmap obtained by coronary angiography. METHODS: Phantoms simulating the coronary tree were used to test the accuracy and potential of co-registration. Subsequently we examined patients who underwent IVUS during cardiac catheterization. Analysis and feasibility were performed in 42 arteries of 36 patients. RESULTS: The statistical validation in phantoms resulted in a co-registration accuracy of 1.12 mm. The length measurement on an angiogram resulted in an accuracy of 0.38 mm. Co-registration in patients was successful in all cases and four categories were assisted by 1(bad) to 5 (good) grading. Accuracy (the co-registration precision in pointing at the exact corresponding location): 4.8±0.41; Ease of use and workflow: 4.74±0.44; Stent landing zone detection and evaluation: 4.58±0.5; Stent landing zone length and diameter measurement: 4.94±0.23. The co-registration error was estimated as no more than 1 mm. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, we found that the novel IVUS and coronary angiography co-registration method is accurate, easy to use, fast and user-friendly. This method precludes the need to use motorized automated pull back device.

Acute pancreatitis complicated by ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiographic abnormalities mimicking myocardial ischemia have been reported in intra-abdominal conditions, including acute pancreatitis. However, the occurrence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is rare. OBJECTIVES: To present a case report of a young man with acute pancreatitis subsequently complicated by acute STEMI. The diagnosis and management of STEMI in acute pancreatitis can present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, which are reviewed. CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old man with no conventional coronary risk factors presented with acute abdominal pain, elevated pancreatic enzymes, and computed tomography scan findings of acute pancreatitis. The patient developed chest discomfort and presented to us on Day 2 with electrocardiographic evidence of an evolved extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction. Cardiac troponin I levels were elevated, and the electrocardiogram showed regional wall motion abnormalities in the left anterior descending territory (LAD). Coronary angiography done after stabilization showed a thrombus in the LAD, with no atherosclerotic lesions whatsoever. Hemostatic abnormalities are known in acute pancreatitis, and the development of a transient hypercoagulable state may be responsible for thrombotic complications. The overlap of some of the symptoms of the two conditions may cause diagnostic difficulty. Management issues include the choice of revascularization therapy, the safety of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, intravenous fluid administration, and the use of cardiac medications that potentially can cause hypotension. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and management of STEMI in the setting of acute pancreatitis can be challenging. In the absence of guidelines, a multidisciplinary approach individualized to the patient's clinical situation may be most appropriate.

A descriptive study of facial acanthosis nigricans and its association with body mass index, waist circumference and insulin resistance using HOMA2 IR.

INTRODUCTION: The term facial acanthosis nigricans (FAN) lacks definition of precise clinical and histopathological features. We present a descriptive study of patients with FAN to define pigmentary patterns and estimate the prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance in these cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a prospective study that included all patients with classical AN of the neck and/or other areas with facial acanthosis nigricans described as brown-to-black macular pigmentation with blurred ill-defined margins, found on the zygomatic and malar areas. The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) of the included patients were used as parameters of obesity. Homeostatic Model of Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA2 IR) was used as a parameter to evaluate insulin resistance. Histopathological features of the 6 skin biopsies that were possible were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 102 included individuals, the patterns of facial pigmentation seen in addition to the classic pattern involving zygomatic and malar areas were a hyperpigmented band on the forehead in 59.80%, periorbital darkening in 17.64%, perioral darkening in 12.74%, and generalized darkening in 9.8% of cases. 85.29% of the males and 100% of the females were found to be obese. Varying degrees of insulin resistance was noted in 82.34% of the individuals. Six biopsies available for evaluation showed changes such as mild epidermal hyperplasia with prominent basal melanin, however, without the typical papillomatosis seen in AN of the flexures. CONCLUSION: We document an increased prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance in patients presenting with FAN and its presentations in addition to the classical description. We propose that FAN can be considered a cutaneous marker of insulin resistance and that HOMA2 IR can serve as a parameter of insulin resistance in such cases.