Association between acute myocardial infarction-to-cardiac rupture time and in-hospital mortality risk: a retrospective analysis of multicenter registry data from the Cardiovascular Research Consortium-8 Universities (CIRC-8U).

Despite the known association of cardiac rupture with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), it is still unclear whether the clinical characteristics are associated with the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI complicated by cardiac rupture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the time of cardiac rupture occurrence and the risk of in-hospital mortality after AMI. We conducted a retrospective analysis of multicenter registry data from eight medical universities in Eastern Japan. From 10,278 consecutive patients with AMI, we included 183 patients who had cardiac rupture after AMI, and examined the incidence of in-hospital deaths during a median follow-up of 26 days. Patients were stratified into three groups according to the AMI-to-cardiac rupture time, namely the > 24-h group (n = 111), 24-48-h group (n = 20), and < 48-h group (n = 52). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and the confidence interval (CI) for in-hospital mortality. Around 87 (48%) patients experienced in-hospital death and 126 (67%) underwent a cardiac surgery. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed a non-linear association across the three groups for mortality (HR [CI]; < 24 h: 1.0, reference; 24-48 h: 0.73 [0.27-1.86]; > 48 h: 2.25 [1.22-4.15]) after adjustments for age, sex, Killip classification, percutaneous coronary intervention, blood pressure, creatinine, peak creatine kinase myocardial band fraction, left ventricular ejection fraction, and type of rupture. Cardiac surgery was independently associated with a reduction in the HR of mortality (HR [CI]: 0.27 [0.12-0.61]) and attenuated the association between the three AMI-to-cardiac rupture time categories and mortality (statistically non-significant) in the Cox model. These data suggest that the AMI-to-cardiac rupture time contributes significantly to the risk of in-hospital mortality; however, rapid diagnosis and prompt surgical interventions are crucial for improving outcomes in patients with cardiac rupture after AMI.

A multicenter study on the clinical characteristics and risk factors of in-hospital mortality in patients with mechanical complications following acute myocardial infarction.

Mechanical complications (MCs) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), such as ventricular septal rupture (VSR), free-wall rupture (FWR), and papillary muscle rupture (PMR), are fatal. However, the risk factors of in-hospital mortality among patients with MCs have not been previously reported in Japan. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality in these patients. The study cohort consisted of 233 consecutive patients with MCs from the registry of 10 facilities in the Cardiovascular Research Consortium-8 Universities (CIRC-8U) in East Japan between 1997 and 2014 (2.3% of 10,278 AMI patients). The authors conducted a retrospective observational study to analyse the correlation between the subtypes of MCs with in-hospital mortality, clinical data, and medical treatment. We observed a decreasing incidence of MC (1997-2004: 3.7%, 2005-2010: 2.1%, 2011-2014: 1.9%, p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality among patients with MCs was 46%. Thirty-three percent of patients with MCs were not able to undergo surgical repair due to advanced age or severe cardiogenic shock. In-hospital mortality among patients who had undergone surgical repair was 29% (VSR: 21%, FWR: 33%, PMR: 60%). In patients with MCs, hazard ratio for in-hospital mortality according to multivariate analysis of without surgical repair was 5.63 (95% CI 3.54-8.95). In patients with surgical repair, the hazard ratios of blow-out-type FWR (5.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.22-13.76), those with renal dysfunction (3.11, 95% CI 1.37-7.05), and those receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) (3.79, 95% CI 1.81-7.96) were significantly high. Although primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with decreased incidence of MCs, high in-hospital mortality persisted in patients with MCs that also presented with renal dysfunction and in those requiring VA-ECMO. Early detection and surgical repair of MCs are essential.

Patients With CONgestive Heart Failure Benefit From Long-Term Treatment Effects With Novel Treatment Using Azosemide Compared With Furosemide Derived From Existing Retrospective Study Data: CONTENTED.

A long-acting loop diuretic, azosemide, has been shown to improve long-term prognosis in patients with heart failure compared with a short-acting loop diuretic, furosemide. However, the therapeutic advantages of azosemide over furosemide have not been clearly established. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes and laboratory data in patients with congestive heart failure treated with furosemide or azosemide, and the efficacy of these agents was compared. First, we screened 1900 patients and selected 124 (furosemide group: n = 40; azosemide group: n = 84) as the total study population. From these patients, we next selected 72 patients for the propensity score-matched analysis (furosemide group: n = 36; azosemide group: n = 36). The incidence of all-cause death and rehospitalization due to worsening heart failure during 24 months of follow-up was similar between the furosemide and azosemide groups in both the total study population and the propensity score-matched population. However, in the propensity score-matched analysis, the estimated glomerular filtration rate time-dependently decreased during 36 months of follow-up in the furosemide group (56.5 ± 19.5-43.2 ± 16.3 mL/min/1.73 m), whereas it did not change in the azosemide group (58.6 ± 22.0-50.3 ± 17.8 mL/min/1.73 m) (P = 0.032). Azosemide might have some potential advantage for renal protection over furosemide in patients with congestive heart failure.

Theophylline-Induced Left Ventricular Relaxation Disturbance in Magnesium-Deficient Rats: Improvement by K201, a Novel 1,4-Benzothiazepine Derivative.

BACKGROUND: Although magnesium deficiency induces left ventricular dysfunction, it is not known whether both systolic and diastolic functions are altered to the same extent. In this study, we investigated the effects of theophylline on left ventricular function in rats fed a normal diet or a magnesium-deficient diet for 1 month, and determined whether K201, a multi-channel blocker, modulated the effects of theophylline. METHODS: Theophylline was infused at 5 mg/kg/min for 15 min in 6 control rats and 6 magnesium-deficient rats, and hemodynamic measurements were performed. In another 6 magnesium-deficient rats, K201 was infused at 0.1 mg/kg/min for 15 min simultaneously with theophylline. RESULTS: Theophylline induced persistent increases in heart rate, peak positive first derivative of left ventricular pressure (+dP/dt), and a transient increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), but did not affect left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and peak negative first derivative of left ventricular pressure (-dP/dt) in the control rats. In contrast, in the magnesium-deficient rats, there was a persistent decrease in LVSP and a persistent increase in -dP/dt after theophylline infusion, although increases in heart rate, +dP/dt and LVEDP were similar to those in the control rats. When K201 was infused along with theophylline in the magnesium-deficient rats, both the decrease in LVSP and increase in -dP/dt were suppressed. CONCLUSIONS: Theophylline impaired left ventricular function in the magnesium-deficient rats, and this was improved by K201. K201 may provide new insights regarding future strategies for heart failure treatment.

Cardiac paraganglioma with a novel germline mutation of succinate dehydrogenase gene D.

A 58-year-old woman with a past medical history of a carotid body tumor, resected 4 months prior to presentation, was admitted to our hospital for treatment of a cardiac tumor that was identified on post-operative echocardiography and chest computed tomography. The cardiac tumor was surgically removed and identified pathologically as a paraganglioma, similarly to the carotid body tumor. Genetic analysis of both tumors identified a non-synonymous mutation in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) gene D, Exon4, c.320T>C, p.Leu107Pro showing co-segregation with paternal transmission and maternal imprinting among family members. This novel mutation appears to be the cause of familial paraganglioma in this patient.

Radiation-Induced Coronary Artery Disease Manifested at Very Late Phase.

We report the case of a 51-year-old female, in whom coronary artery disease such as occlusion of septal perforators was manifested, on the occasion of hospitalization with congestive heart failure. The patient had a history of radiation therapy for a mediastinal tumor 19 years previously. As she had no conventional coronary risk factors, the cause of the coronary artery disease is thought to have been related to the radiation therapy. As survival rates of cancer patients improve as a consequence of therapeutic advances, we should be aware of the possibility of coronary artery disease as a very late complication of radiation therapy, even in patients who have no coronary risk factors.

Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea on Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: The impact of obstructive sleep apnoea on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is unknown. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients who had heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction; ≥50% underwent a sleep study. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were determined at enrolment and at one, six, 12 and 36 months after enrolment. RESULTS: Obstructive sleep apnoea was found in 39 patients (67%), and they were all subsequently treated with continuous positive airway pressure. Echocardiography at admission showed that E/E' tended to be higher in the 39 patients with, than in the 19 patients without, obstructive sleep apnoea (15.0±3.6 vs 12.1±1.9, respectively, P=0.05). The median BNP levels at enrolment were similar in patients with and without obstructive sleep apnoea [median (interquartile range): 444 (233-752) vs 316 (218-703) pg/ml]. Although BNP levels decreased over time in both groups, the reduction was less pronounced in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (P<0.05). Consequently, BNP levels were higher in patients with sleep apnoea at six months, [221 (137-324) vs 76 (38-96) pg/ml, P<0.05], 12 months [123 (98-197) vs 52 (38-76) pg/ml, P<0.05] and 36 months [115 (64-174) vs 56 (25-74) pg/ml, P<0.05]. CONCLUSION: Obstructive sleep apnoea, even when treated appropriately, may worsen long-term cardiac function and outcomes in patients who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Left atrial reservoir strain is a marker of atrial fibrotic remodeling in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery: Analysis of gene expression.

Left atrial strain (LAS) measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) is considered to be a marker of LA structural remodeling, but it remains unsettled. We investigated the potential usefulness and clinical relevance of LAS to detect atrial remodeling including fibrosis by analyzing gene expression in cardiovascular surgery patients. Preoperative 2DSTE was performed in 131 patients (92 patients with sinus rhythm [SR] patients including paroxysmal AF [PAF], 39 atrial fibrillation [AF]) undergoing cardiovascular surgery. Atrial samples were obtained from the left atrial appendages, and mRNA expression level was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 59 cases (24 PAF, 35 AF). Mean value of left atrial reservoir strain (mLASr) correlated with left atrial volume index (LAVI), and left atrial conduit strain (mLAScd). mLASr also correlated with left atrial contractile strain (mLASct) in SR patients including PAF. mLASr was significantly lower, and LAVI was higher, in the AF group, compared with SR patients including PAF. The expression of COL1A1 mRNA encoding collagen type I α1 significantly increased in AF patients (p = 0.031). mLASr negatively correlated with COL1A1 expression level, and multivariate regression analysis showed that mLASr was an independent predictor of atrial COL1A1 expression level, even after adjusting for age, sex, and BMI. But, neither mLAScd / mLASct nor LAVI (bp) correlated with COL1A1 gene expression. The expression level of COL1A1 mRNA strongly correlated with ECM-related genes (COL3A1, FN1). It also correlated ECM degradation-related genes (MMP2, TIMP1, and TIMP2), pro-fibrogenic cytokines (TGFB1 encoding TGFß1, END1, PDGFD, CTGF), oxidant stress-related genes (NOX2, NOX4), ACE, inflammation-related genes (NLRP, IL1B, MCP-1), and apoptosis (BAX). Among the fibrosis-related genes examined, univariable regression analysis showed that log (COL1A1) was associated with log (TGFB1) (adjusted R2 = 0.685, p<0.001), log (NOX4) (adjusted R2 = 0.622, p<0.001), log (NOX2) (adjusted R2 = 0.611, p<0.001), suggesting that TGFB1 and NOX4 was the potent independent determinants of COL1A1 expression level. mLASr negatively correlated with the ECM-related genes, and fibrosis-related gene expression level including TGFB1, NOX2, and NLRP3 in PAF patients. PAF patients with low mLASr had higher expression of the fibrosis-related gene expression, compared with those with high mLASr. These results suggest that LASr correlates with atrial COL1A1 gene expression associated with fibrosis-related gene expression. Patients with low LASr exhibit increased atrial fibrosis-related gene expression, even those with PAF, highlighting the utility of LAS as a marker for LA fibrosis in cardiovascular surgery patients.

Left ventricular function in pulmonary hypertension.

To elucidate left ventricular function in pulmonary hypertension, we measured parameters of left ventricular as well as right ventricular function by echocardiography in 11 patients with pulmonary hypertension (idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension in 4, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in 5, and other pulmonary hypertension in 2). The percent change in these parameters 6 months after treatment with pulmonary artery vasodilators (beraprost in 8 and sildenafil in 3) was assessed. There was a correlation between the relative change in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and the relative changes in left ventricular outflow tract velocity-time integral (r = -0.730, P = 0.011) and mitral valve velocity-time integral (r = -0.621, P = 0.041). However, there was no correlation between the relative change in RVSP and the relative changes in left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular diastolic dimension, and systolic blood pressure. The relative change in RVSP was also correlated with the relative change in early diastolic myocardial velocity at the medial mitral annulus (r = -0.675, P = 0.023). Reduction of RVSP by pulmonary artery vasodilators might increase left ventricular preload, leading to an increase in stroke volume. Right ventricular load reduction might improve left ventricular diastolic function in patients with pulmonary hypertension, possibly through altered interventricular septal performance.

Cardiac Reversibility and Survival After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients With Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis.

Background Prognostic implications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in low-gradient (LG) aortic stenosis (AS) remain controversial. The authors hypothesized that differences in cardiac functional recovery may solve this ongoing controversy. The aim was to evaluate clinical outcomes and the response of left ventricular (LV) function following TAVI in patients with LG AS. Methods and Results This multicenter retrospective study included 1742 patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI between January 2015 and March 2019. Patients were subdivided into low-flow (LF) LG, normal-flow (NF) LG, LF high-gradient, and NF high-gradient AS groups according to the mean gradient of the aortic valve (LG <40 mm Hg) and LV stroke volume index (LF <35 mL/m2). Outcomes and changes in echocardiographic parameters after TAVI were compared between the groups. A total of 227 patients (13%) had reduced ejection fraction, and 486 patients (28%) had LG AS (LF-LG 143 [8%]; NF-LG 343 [20%]). During a median follow-up period of 747 days, 301 patients experienced a composite end point of cardiovascular death and rehospitalization for cardiovascular events, which was higher in the LF-LG and NF-LG groups than in the high-gradient groups. LG AS was independently associated with the primary outcome (hazard ratio, 1.69; P<0.001). Among 1239 patients with follow-up echocardiography, LG AS showed less improvement in the LV mass index and LV end-diastolic volume compared with high-gradient AS after 1 year, while LV recovery was similar between the LF AS and NF AS groups. Conclusions LG AS was associated with poorer outcomes and LV recovery, regardless of flow status after TAVI. Careful evaluation of AS severity may be required in LG AS to provide TAVI within the appropriate time and advanced care afterward.

Clinical and procedure characteristics in patients treated with polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stents after coronary perforation: a CIRC-8U multicenter registry and literature review.

This study aimed at identifying the clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of patients treated with polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE)-covered stents after coronary interventions in a multicenter registry. Subjects with coronary artery perforation were selected from 31,262 consecutive patients who underwent coronary interventions in the hospital registries. Subjects were divided into two groups: those with a PTFE-covered stent implantation and those without a PTFE-covered stent implantation. Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were compared between the two groups. Data for 82 consecutive coronary perforations (15 PTFE-covered stents and 67 non-PTFE-covered stents) were extracted from each hospital registry. The PTFE-covered stent group had a higher prevalence of perforations due to pre-dilatation before stenting or post-dilatation after stenting (80% vs. 10.4%; p < 0.001), more Ellis classification III perforations (66.6% vs. 28.4%; p = 0.019), longer perforation to hemostasis time (74 min vs. 10 min; p < 0.001), lower hemostatic success rates (73.3% vs. 94.0%; p = 0.015), and higher in-hospital mortality (26.7% vs. 6.0%; p = 0.015) than the non-PTFE-covered stent group. Although the prevalence of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) usage was high during coronary interventions (86.7%), IVUS was performed in less than half the cases just before coronary perforations (47%) in the PTFE-covered stent group. Patients requiring PTFE-covered stents are more likely to be observed after balloon dilatation before or after stenting and have a poor prognosis. Careful coronary intervention is needed when IVUS image acquisition is not achieved in addition to proper evaluation of IVUS. Furthermore, if coronary artery perforation occurs, it is important to determine the need for a prompt PTFE-covered stent.

Relationship between brachial flow-mediated dilation and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Although flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of brachial artery and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) are important surrogate markers in the process of atherosclerosis, information about relationship between both markers is insufficient. In the present study, we assessed extensively the relationship in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: The values of brachial FMD and carotid ultrasonography findings in 159 patients (67±8 years, 130 males) with angiographically verified CAD were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In all patients, mean carotid IMT tended to be correlated with FMD, although the correlation was not statistically significant (R=-0.149, P=0.061). Maximum IMT was not correlated with the FMD (R=0.053, P=0.508). In addition, carotid artery diameter was significantly correlated with the FMD (R=0.290, P=0.0002). Prevalence of high IMT value (≥1.0 mm) was higher in the abnormal FMD group (4%>; N.=67), compared with the normal FMD group (≥7%; N.=24; P<0.05). Carotid artery diameter was larger in abnormal FMD group, compared with both groups of normal FMD (P<0.01) and borderline FMD (4-7%; N.=68) (P<0.01). In all patients, receiver operating characteristics analysis demonstrated that cut-off value of FMD to predict the prevalence of ischemic stroke was 3.7% (AUC=0.735, P<0.001). The cut-off value of maximum IMT was 1.9 mm, but was not significant (AUC=0.522, P=0.829). CONCLUSIONS: Brachial FMD and carotid IMT would be different in clinical significance as a surrogate marker for pathophysiology of atherosclerotic disease.

Effects of carvedilol vs bisoprolol on inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and oxidative stress play a role in the pathophysiology of chronic heart failure (CHF). Our previous clinical trial, the Bisoprolol Improvement Group for Chronic Heart Failure Treatment Study in Dokkyo Medical University (BRIGHT-D), reported that bisoprolol is superior to carvedilol for myocardial protection in patients with CHF, as demonstrated by high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hsTnT) reduction. The present study was a subanalysis of the BRIGHT-D study that focused on the effects of bisoprolol vs carvedilol on inflammation and oxidative stress in CHF patients. METHODS: Of the 87 patients enrolled in the BRIGHT-D trial, the present study included 48 patients (26 in the bisoprolol group and 22 in the carvedilol group) who had baseline and follow-up measurements of derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) as an index of oxidative stress. RESULTS: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), an inflammatory marker, decreased in both groups; however, the decrease in the bisoprolol group [3.35 ±â€¯0.78 to 2.69 ±â€¯0.44 log (ng/ml), p = 0.001] was more significant than that in the carvedilol group [3.38 ±â€¯0.59 to 2.85 ±â€¯0.76 log (ng/ml), p = 0.047]. The d-ROMs also decreased in both groups; however, the decrease in the bisoprolol group (401 ±â€¯106 to 344 ±â€¯82 U.CARR, p = 0.015) was less significant than that in the carvedilol group (382 ±â€¯84 to 312 ±â€¯76 U.CARR, p = 0.006]. In all 48 patients, the change in hsTnT was correlated with that in hsCRP (R = 0.467, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Bisoprolol may be better than carvedilol for reducing inflammation, but carvedilol may be better than bisoprolol for reducing oxidative stress. Proper use of bisoprolol or carvedilol based on individual pathophysiology could be promising in patients with CHF.

Impact of low-voltage zones on the left atrial anterior wall on the reduction in the left atrial appendage flow velocity in persistent atrial fibrillation patients.

BACKGROUND: The reduction in the left atrial appendage (LAA) flow velocity is related to the presence of emboli in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The LAA is located on the left superior side of the left atrial (LA) anterior wall, and we investigated the relationship between the reduction in the LAA flow velocity (LAAFV) and low voltage zones (LVZs < 0.5 mV) on the LA anterior wall. METHODS: In 146 persistent AF patients, LAAFV measurements, by transesophageal echocardiography, and catheter ablation were performed. LA mapping was performed before ablation during sinus rhythm, and the locations of any anterior-LVZs were documented. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients had a documented LVZ on the LA anterior wall, and those with an LVZ had a significantly lower LAAFV compared to those without (anterior-LVZ(+) vs. anterior-LVZ(-) = 26 ± 11 vs. 34 ± 10 cm/s, p < 0.001), while no significant difference was observed when compared to the other LVZ regions. A low-LAAFV (≦ 20 cm/s) was observed in 36 patients, and the CHADS2-vasc score and existence of an anterior-LVZ were associated with a low-LAAFV. In patients with anterior-LVZs, the distance between the anterior-LVZ and LAA orifice correlated with a low LAAFV (r = 0.534, p < 0.001) as compared to the surface area of the anterior-LVZ (r = - 0.288, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: In persistent AF patients, an LVZ on the LA anterior wall was associated with a low LAAFV. In addition, an anterior-LVZ located near the LAA orifice was further related to a reduction in the LAAFV.

Prediction of Acute-phase Complications in Patients with Infectious Endocarditis.

Objective Embolic events are frequent and life-threatening complications of infective endocarditis (IE). Recently, an embolic risk assessment at admission, based on the Embolic Risk (ER) French Calculator, was designed to predict the development of symptomatic emboli associated with IE. This study aimed to validate the ER French Calculator for the prediction of in-hospital events, including embolic events. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of 52 consecutive patients with left-sided IE to identify possible predictors of in-hospital events within 30 days of admission. Results New embolic events were seen in 15 patients (29%), cardiac surgery was performed in 22 patients (42%), and 1 patient (2%) died within 30 days of admission. A composite endpoint of embolic complications, cardiac surgery, or death was observed in 28 patients (54%). The cumulative incidence of new embolic events was significantly higher in the high-risk group identified by the ER French Calculator than in the low-risk group (log-rank test; p=0.0004). The incidence of the composite endpoint was higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (log-rank test; p<0.0001). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model indicated that the high-risk designation on the ER French Calculator predicted embolic events (p=0.0410) and composite events (p=0.0371) independently of other candidate predictors. Conclusion The ER French Calculator may be a useful tool for predicting new in-hospital embolic events and other unfavorable in-hospital events in patients with IE.

Risk of heart failure due to a combination of mild mitral regurgitation and impaired distensibility of the left ventricle in patients with old myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is a serious complication after myocardial infarction, and the incidence of heart failure (HF) increases as the severity of MR increases. However, little is known about the relationship between mild MR and HF in the patients with old myocardial infarction (OMI) and a normal ejection fraction (EF). HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that a combination of mild MR and impaired distensibility of the left ventricle may increase the risk of diastolic HF in the patients with OMI and a normal EF. METHODS: The relationship between HF and mild MR was retrospectively investigated in 62 patients with OMI and EF of > 50% on echocardiography. RESULTS: Of the 62 patients, 47 (76%) did not have HF and 15 (24%) had HF. There was a significant difference in the incidence of mild MR between the patients with and without HF (p < 0.0001): of the 47 patients without HF, mild MR was detected in 19, but all 15 patients with HF had mild MR. However, there were no significant differences in age, gender, infarct sites, diseased coronary vessels, peak CK level, and observation period between the 2 groups. An increased E-wave and the ratio of the E-wave to the A-wave (E/A), a reduction of the E-wave deceleration time, and an increased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level were significantly noted in HF patients with mild MR compared with patients without HF. CONCLUSIONS: Even a mild MR may cause diastolic HF in patients with impaired distensibility of the left ventricle due to ischemic heart disease.

Protective effects of bisoprolol against myocardial injury and pulmonary dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to elucidate differences in effects of 2 beta blockers, bisoprolol and carvedilol, in patients with chronic heart failure. BACKGROUND: Although the beta blockers bisoprolol and carvedilol are commonly used in patients with chronic heart failure, differences in the efficacy and safety of these medications have not been established in this patient population. METHODS: Patients with chronic systolic heart failure, defined as ≤45% ejection fraction, who had received intensive medical therapy with the exception of beta blockers, were randomly assigned to receive either bisoprolol or carvedilol for 24weeks. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients were enrolled in the study (bisoprolol: 38 patients, carvedilol: 29 patients). No difference was observed in the improvement of NYHA class, ejection fraction, or N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide level between groups. In contrast, the level of high sensitivity troponin T decreased in the bisoprolol group [-4.1±0.9 to -4.5±0.8 log (ng/ml), P=0.003], but did not change in the carvedilol group [-4.4±1.1 to -4.6±0.8 log (ng/ml), P=0.161]. Forced expiratory volume in the first second increased in the bisoprolol group [2.26±0.70 to 2.40±0.70 (L), P=0.014], but did not change in the carvedilol group [2.53±0.71 to 2.59±0.78 (L), P=0.127]. CONCLUSION: Bisoprolol might be superior to carvedilol in providing protection from myocardial injury and preserving pulmonary function in patients with chronic systolic heart failure.

Hypopharyngeal perforation caused by intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an invaluable tool for cardiac surgical decision-making. TEE is considered reasonably noninvasive and safe, but insertion and manipulation of the TEE probe can lead to complications. Here, we report a patient with aortic stenosis who experienced TEE-associated hypopharyngeal perforation at the pyriform sinus complicated by esophageal trauma, pneumomediastinum and pneumoretroperitoneum. Based on this case, we suggest that rare complications be kept in mind when using TEE intraoperatively.

Choice of Antihypertensive Combination Therapy Based on Daily Salt Intake.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether thiazide diuretics (TZs) or calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are more effective as add-on therapy to angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in controlling hypertension. Because TZs are a rational choice in salt-sensitive hypertension, patients with high salt intake might preferentially benefit from ARB/TZ over ARB/CCB combination therapy. METHODS: Hypertensive patients who failed to reach blood pressure goals despite treatment with ARBs alone were randomly assigned to receive either ARB/TZ or ARB/CCB combination therapy. Estimated daily sodium intake was calculated from spot urine values of sodium and creatinine. RESULTS: Blood pressure was measured at baseline, and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after starting combination therapy. For all study patients (n = 87), diastolic blood pressure reduction was greater in patients receiving ARB/CCB treatment. However, in the 37 patients with a baseline estimated daily salt intake greater than 10 g and baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) ranging from 150 to 200 mm Hg, SBP was lower (P < 0.05) and SBP reduction was greater (P < 0.05) 4 weeks after starting combination therapy in those receiving ARB/TZ treatment. In the 31 patients whose estimated daily salt intake increased at 12 weeks compared with baseline, SBP at 12 weeks was lower in those receiving ARB/TZ treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Estimated daily salt intake is a useful tool for guiding antihypertensive therapy and should be measured repeatedly during the therapeutic course.

Early surgical intervention and optimal medical treatment for Candida parapsilosis endocarditis.

We herein report the case of a 72-year-old man with endocarditis of the aortic valve who underwent urgent aortic valve replacement 36 hours after admission due to an aggravation of aortic valve regurgitation. Postoperative cultures of the blood and site of valve vegetation identified Candida parapsilosis as a pathogen. Antifungal therapy with amphotericin B and fluconazole was initiated after surgical treatment. Thereafter, the patient displayed a favorable clinical course. Candida parapsilosis endocarditis involving the native valves is extremely rare and associated with a very high mortality rate. Prompt surgical treatment and the aggressive use of antifungal agents are required to save the patient's life.