Electrocardiographic P-Wave Duration, QT Interval, T Peak to End Interval and Tp-e/QT Ratio in Pregnancy with Respect to Trimesters.

BACKGROUND: P-wave duration helps to determine the risk of atrial arrhythmia, especially atrial fibrillation. QT interval, T peak to end interval (Tp-e), and Tp-e/QT ratio are electrocardiographic indices related to ventricular repolarization which are used to determine the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. We search for any alterations in electrocardiographic indices of arrhythmia in the pregnancy period with respect to trimesters. METHODS: We enrolled 154 pregnant and 62 nonpregnant, healthy women into this cross-sectional study. Maximum and minimum P-wave durations (Pmax, Pmin), and QT intervals (QTmax, QTmin) were measured from 12 leads. QT measurements were corrected using Fridericia (QTc-Fr) and Bazett's (QTc-Bz) correction. Tp-e interval was obtained from the difference between QT interval, and QT peak interval (QTp) measured from the beginning of the QRS until the peak of the T wave. Tp-e/QT ratio was calculated using these measurements. RESULTS: Pmax were 93.0 ± 9.1, 93.9 ± 8.9, 97.9 ± 5.6, 99.0 ± 6.1 in nonpregnant women, first, second, third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively (P = 0.001); whereas Pmin values were not significantly different. QTc-Fr max were 407.4 ± 14.2, 408.5 ± 16.1, 410.1 ± 13.1, 415.1 ± 10.1 (P = 0.007); Tp-e were 72.7 ± 6.2, 73.2 ± 6.5, 77.2 ± 8.9, 87.2 ± 9.6 (P < 0.001); and Tp-e/QT were 0.17 (0.14-0.20), 0.17 (0.14-0.20), 0.18 (0.15-0.23), 0.20 (0.16-0.25) in nonpregnant women, first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy respectively (P < 0.001). None of the participants experienced any arrhythmic event. CONCLUSIONS: P-wave duration is prolonged in the second trimester, and resumes a plateau thereafter. Maximum QTc interval, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio are increased in the late pregnancy. Although these indices are altered during the course of pregnancy, they all remain in the normal ranges.

Blood pressure morning surge, exercise blood pressure response and autonomic nervous system.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated blood pressure (BP) response to exercise with respect to BP morning surge (MS), and the association between MS, exercise treadmill test (ETT) and heart rate variability (HRV) indices. DESIGN: Eighty-four healthy subjects without hypertension were enrolled. Ambulatory BP monitoring and 24-hour Holter recordings were obtained for sleep-trough MS and HRV indices: low-frequency (LF) component, high-frequency (HF) component and LF/HF ratio. ETT was performed, and BPs were obtained at rest, end of each stage, and recovery. Third-minute heart rate recovery (HRR) and BP recovery ratio (BPRR) were calculated. RESULTS: When analysed in quartiles of MS, systolic BP at low workloads was higher in the highest than in the lowest quartile, although maximum BPs at maximum exercise were not significantly different. BPRR was highest in the highest quartile in contrast to HRR, which was lowest in the highest quartile. LF/HF was highest during both at daytime and night-time in the highest quartile. BPRR and LF/HF were positively, and HRR was inversely associated with MS. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with a high MS have higher BP at low workloads, at which most daily activities are performed, and impairment in some indices, which indirectly reflect the autonomic nervous system.

[Use of "Vaptans" in treatment of hyponatremia]. / Hiponatremi tedavisinde Vaptan kullanimi.

Hyponatremia is the most prevalent electrolyte imbalance, and may be present in up to 30% of hospitalized patients. It is an important predictor of in-hospital mortality. Irrespective of the reason underlying hyponatremia, water metabolism plays an important role. Arginine-vasopressin, which has cardiovascular effects and plays a role in water metabolism, is released from the posterior hypothalamus in response to an increase in plasma osmolality or a drop in the blood pressure, which are detected by osmoreceptors and baroreceptors respectively. Arginine-vasopressin has receptors located on vascular smooth muscle cells, the heart (V1a), the collecting ducts of the renal medulla (V2), the anterior pituitary gland (V1b) and many other organs. Arginine-vasopressin antagonists, known as "vaptans", have recently attracted attention for the treatment of chronic hypotonic hyponatremia. In this review, we focus on the diagnosis and classification of hyponatremia, current trends in its treatment in the light of guidelines, and the rationale of using vaptans in treating hyponatremia. We also briefly review cornerstone studies in the literature regarding vaptans, and the correct indications, contraindications and cautions in the use of "tolvaptan" and "conivaptan", two approved vaptans for this indication.

Do pre-procedural laboratory parameters predict drug-eluting stent restenosis?

OBJECTIVE: Drug-eluting stents (DES) have considerably reduced the rates of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Several studies reported pre-procedural C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio, red cell distribution width (RDW), serum uric acid (UA), and mean platelet volume (MPV) as independent predictors of ISR using bare metal stents. This study investigates whether any laboratory parameter obtained before the coronary stenting procedure is associated with ISR using DES in stable coronary artery disease. METHODS: Three hundred fifteen stents were retrospectively analysed in 285 patients who had undergone coronary stenting and a control coronary angiography within one year of stenting, between January 2012 and April 2014. Pre-procedural complete blood count, biochemistry, and CRP were recorded. Off-line quantitative coronary angiography analysis was performed. RESULTS: Overall restenosis rate was 10.2%. When the stents were analysed with respect to the presence of ISR, the number of diabetics and smokers was higher in the ISR group. CRP levels were significantly higher in the ISR group, but there were no differences in N/L, monocytes, eosinophils, RDW, MPV, UA, and total bilirubin levels. In the univariate regression analysis, DM, CRP, stent length, stent diameter, pre-procedural diameter stenosis, pre-procedural minimal lumen diameter (MLD), post-procedural residual diameter stenosis, post-procedural reference vessel diameter, and post-procedural MLD were predictors of ISR. However, multivariate regression analysis identified only DM and post-procedural residual stenosis as independent predictors of ISR. CONCLUSION: Pre-procedural blood parameters do not independently predict ISR in DES, which is mainly determined by the presence of diabetes and post-procedural residual stenosis.

[Cardiac and respiratory changes in the medium term after lung resection]. / Akciger rezeksiyonu sonrasi orta vadede kalp ve solunum fonksiyonlarinda degisiklikler.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the cardiac and respiratory functions at the 6th postoperative month, in lung cancer patients undergoing segmentectomy/lobectomy or pneumonectomy. METHODS: Thirteen segmentectomy/lobectomy and 5 pneumonectomy patients with lung cancer were consecutively enrolled between April 2012 and February 2014. All patients underwent respiratory function tests and transthoracic echocardiography preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Left ventricular functions were unchanged postoperatively. In the segmentectomy/lobectomy group, there were no changes in right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). However, TAPSE decreased from 19 (17-21) to 15.5 (14-16) in pneumonectomy patients (p=0.04). RVFAC was 59.5 (58-61) preoperatively and 59 (58-61) at 6 months postoperatively (p=0.049). Neither group showed differences in pulmonary acceleration time or diastolic and systolic eccentricity indices after operation. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) revealed no deterioration in left ventricular functions, but right ventricular diastolic functions (tricuspid E'/A') were impaired in both groups. Right ventricular S', showing the systolic function, was slightly decreased in the pneumonectomy group, in addition to a decrease in isovolumic velocity and isovolumic acceleration (IVA). Only IVA was decreased, from 2.33 (1.79-3.14) to 2.17 (1.73-3.01) (p=0.001), in segmentectomy/lobectomy group. CONCLUSION: Segmentectomy/lobectomy should be preferred over pneumonectomy when possible. Tissue Doppler imaging may be routinely used as a part of echocardiographic evaluation in patients with a higher risk of right ventricular dysfunction in order for these patients to be candidates for a closer cardiovascular follow-up.

Central pulse pressure amplification is associated with more extensive and severe coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: We investigate the association between noninvasively determined central pulse waveform characteristics and the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing coronary angiography with the clinical diagnosis of CAD. DESIGN: We included 145 consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), unstable angina pectoris (USAP), or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who were decided to undergo coronary angiography. Gensini and SYNTAX scores were calculated. Noninvasive PWA was performed with the SphygmoCor system. RESULTS: Dividing the patients into tertiles according to augmentation index (AIx), more patients had significant CAD with higher Gensini and SYNTAX scores and lower myocardial blush grade (MBG) (p < 0.001 for all) in the third tertile. The AIx value to predict the presence of moderate to severe CAD as determined by SYNTAX score ≥ 23 was 24.45% (ROC analysis AUC: 0.96; sensitivity 88%, specificity: 93%, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99, p < 0.001). AIx was significantly correlated with Gensini and SYNTAX scores in SAP, USAP, and AMI patients after adjusting for age, gender, height, heart rate, hypertension, and diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Increased AIx is associated with the presence and severity of CAD, and it may be used in selected patients during cardiovascular evaluation in outpatient settings for risk stratification prior to coronary angiography.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is associated with more extensive, severe and complex coronary artery disease and impaired myocardial perfusion.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relation between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (N/L) and the extent, severity, and complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial perfusion. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and fifty-one patients who underwent coronary angiography with stable angina pectoris (SAP) (n=93) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n=58) were included in the study. Blood samples were drawn before coronary angiography. Gensini and SYNTAX scores and myocardial blush grade (MBG) were assessed. RESULTS: Neutrophil counts were 4.4±1.4 and 5.0±1.6 in the SAP and ACS groups (p=0.018), whereas lymphocyte counts were 2.2±0.7 and 2.1±0.7, respectively (p=0.104). N/L was 2.2±1.2 in the SAP and 2.6±1.0 in the ACS (p=0.002) groups. In patients with SAP, N/L was significantly correlated with Gensini and SYNTAX scores (Gensini score r=0.32, p=0.002; SYNTAX score r=0.36, p=0.000), but there was no significant correlation between N/L and MBG. In the ACS group, N/L had a more powerful association with both Gensini and SYNTAX scores (Gensini r=0.42, p=0.001; SYNTAX r=0.51, p=0.000). N/L was negatively correlated with MBG in ACS patients (r= -0.48, p=0.000). Significant correlations persisted both in the SAP and ACS groups after correcting for age, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and statin use; however, the associations were weaker. Cut-off N/L to predict moderate to severe CAD according to SYNTAX score was 2.26, with 72% sensitivity and 71% specificity (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.772, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.679-0.865, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: N/L is associated with severe, extensive and complex CAD and may be used to predict moderate to severe involvement in patients with CAD.

Cardiac autonomic function and global left ventricular performance in autoimmune eauthyroid chronic thyroiditis: is treatment necessary at the euthyroid stage?

OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune chronic thyroiditis (ACT) is characterized by lymphocyte infiltration in the thyroid gland and the presence of antithyroid antibodies in serum. Medical treatment does not affect antibody levels and treatment decision is not definite yet for the euthyroid patients. We aimed to evaluate cardiac autonomic function and global left ventricular performance in autoimmune euthyroid chronic thyroiditis and determine the need for medical treatment. METHOD: We studied 30 ACT patients and 25 healthy control subjects. Cardiac autonomic function is evaluated by heart rate recovery (HRR). Global left ventricular performance is evaluated by two-dimensional echocardiography and pulsed-wave tissue Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: There was no difference between patients and controls with respect to clinical and biochemical parameters except hemoglobin (13.67 ± 1.25 g/dL, 14.51 ± 1.35 g/dL, p:0.047) and low density lipoprotein (120.71 ± 24.91 mg/dL, 100.55 ± 14.73 mg/dL, p: 0.003). Tei index was significantly higher in ACT group (0.521 ± 0.074, 0.434 ± 0.034, P < 0.0001). E'/A' was found to be significantly lower (1.234 ± 0.42, 1.750 ± 0.291, P < 0.0001) and E/E' was found to be higher than the controls (8.482 ± 0.449, 6.039 ± 0.209, P < 0.0001). HRR was significantly lower than the controls (20 ± 4 BPM, 30 ± 8 BPM, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Although left ventricular performance is found to be normal by conventional echocardiographic methods, it is found to be impaired when Tei index and tissue Doppler parameters are used. Cardiac autonomic function is also impaired in ACT patients. As a result of these cardiac changes, medical treatment may be considered earlier, even at the euthyroid stage.

[The effect of paclitaxel-eluting stents on restenosis]. / Paklitaksel salan stentlerin restenoz üzerine etkisi.

OBJECTIVE: In our study we aimed to investigate the effects of paclitaxel-eluting stent on restenosis. METHODS: Sixteen porcine were randomly assigned to two groups (n=8 per group): control group animals received conventional stent implantation and study group animals -paclitaxel-eluting stent implantation. Both groups were treated with 300 mg acetylsalicylic acid and 75 mg clopidogrel daily. The degree of neointimal proliferation and effect of drug-eluting stent on restenosis were evaluated 6 weeks after by angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). RESULTS: Angiographic in-stent restenosis was lower in paclitaxel-eluting stent group (12.50 +/- 7.07% versus 41.25 +/- 28.50%, p=0.001). The IVUS data demonstrated that paclitaxel group animals had larger minimal lumen area (8.76 +/- 1.09 mm2 versus 6.23 +/- 3.10 mm2, p=0.028), smaller mean neointimal proliferation area (1.03 +/- 0.75 mm2 versus 3.55 +/- 2.86 mm2, p=0.01) and mean percent stenosis (10.71 +/- 8.10% versus 36.85 +/- 30.93%, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that drug-eluting stents may also have a preventive effect for the in-stent restenosis.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness Is an Independent Predictor of Critical and Complex Coronary Artery Disease by Gensini and Syntax Scores.

Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is associated with the severity and extent of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. We prospectively investigated whether epicardial adipose tissue thickness is related to coronary artery disease extent and complexity as denoted by Gensini and Syntax scores, and whether the thickness predicts critical disease. After performing coronary angiography in 183 patients who had angina or acute myocardial infarction, we divided them into 3 groups: normal coronary arteries, noncritical disease (≥1 coronary lesion with <70% stenosis), and critical disease (≥1 coronary lesion with <70% stenosis). We used transthoracic echocardiography to measure epicardial adipose tissue thickness, then calculated Gensini and Syntax scores by reviewing the angiograms. Mean thicknesses were 4.3 ± 0.9, 5.2 ± 1.5, and 7.5 ± 1.9 mm in patients with normal coronary arteries, noncritical disease, and critical disease, respectively (P <0.001). At progressive thicknesses (<5, 5-7, and >7 mm), mean Gensini scores were 4.1 ± 5.5, 19.8 ± 15.6, and 64.9 ± 32.4, and mean Syntax scores were 4.7 ± 5.9, 16.6 ± 8.5, and 31.7 ± 8.7, respectively (both P <0.001). Thickness had strong and positive correlations with both scores (Gensini, r =0.82, P <0.001; and Syntax, r =0.825, P <0.001). The cutoff thickness value to predict critical disease was 5.75 mm (area under the curve, 0.875; 95% confidence interval, 0.825-0.926; P <0.001). Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is independently related to coronary artery disease extent and complexity as denoted by Gensini and Syntax scores, and it predicts critical coronary artery disease.

Thickening of the epicardial adipose tissue can be alleviated by thyroid hormone replacement therapy in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common disorder which has adverse cardiovascular effects. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), a novel marker of cardiovascular risk, is increased in SCH. AIM: We aimed to investigate whether L-thyroxine treatment can reverse the thickening of EAT in SCH. METHODS: Forty-four patients with SCH and 42 euthyroid control subjects were included. EAT thickness was measured using transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and after restoration of the euthyroid status with 3 months of L-thyroxine treatment. RESULTS: At baseline, mean EAT thickness was significantly greater in the SCH group when compared to the control group (6.3 ± 1.7 mm vs. 4.1 ± 0.9 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between baseline serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level and EAT thickness in the SCH group. There was a significant reduction in mean EAT thickness in response to L-thyroxine treatment (6.3 ± 1.7 mm vs. 5.1 ± 1.4 mm, p < 0.001). The decrease in EAT thickness after L-thyroxine treatment when compared to baseline (DEAT) significantly correlated to the difference in TSH levels before and after treatment (DTSH; r = 0.323; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is increased in patients with SCH. This thickening was alleviated with restoration of the euthyroid status with L-thyroxine treatment in our study population of predominantly male, relatively old subjects with greater baseline EAT thickness.

Tp-e/QT ratio and QT dispersion with respect to blood pressure dipping pattern in prehypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Tp-e/QT, the ratio of the interval between the peak and the end of T wave to the QT interval, is a novel index of arrhythmogenesis. We investigate Tp-e/QT and QT dispersion (QTd) in prehypertensive and normotensive patients with different patterns of nocturnal blood pressure dipping. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven prehypertensive and 37 normotensive adult patients were included. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring recording was performed and patients were considered to be dipper if nocturnal blood pressure fall was at least 10%; nondipper if it was 0-10%; and reverse-dipper if less than 0%. Tp-e, QT intervals were assessed by 12-lead ECG and Tp-e/QT was calculated using these measurements. QTd is defined as the difference between the maximum and the minimum QT interval of the 12 leads. RESULTS: Tp-e/QT was 0.22±0.02 and 0.16±0.01 in prehypertensives and normotensives, respectively (P<0.001), whereas cQTd was 36.1±6.8 and 27.2±5.2 ms (P<0.001). Tp-e and Tp-e/QT were the lowest in the dippers and the highest in the reverse-dippers in the prehypertensive group (Tp-e/QT dipper: 0.21±0.01; nondipper: 0.24±0.02; reverse-dipper: 0.25±0.01; for dipper-nondipper, and dipper-reverse-dipper P<0.05). However, in the normotensive group, dipping status had no effect on Tp-e/QT. There were no significant differences between dippers, nondippers, and reverse-dippers in terms of cQTd both in prehypertensives and in normotensives. There were no associations between left ventricular mass index and Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, and cQTd in both groups. CONCLUSION: Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, and cQTd are increased in prehypertensives compared with normotensives. Tp-e and Tp-e/QT are associated with the dipping status in prehypertensives.

Arterial stiffness and central arterial wave reflection are associated with serum uric acid, total bilirubin, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Total bilirubin (TB) was recently recognized as an endogenous anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant molecule. Uric acid (UA) takes part in cardiovascular diseases by inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. We assessed the relationship between serum TB levels, serum UA levels, and inflammatory status assessed by neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (N/L) and arterial stiffness and arterial wave reflection in patients with a clinical diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: We included 145 consecutive patients admitted with stable angina pectoris (SAP) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Blood samples were drawn at admission for complete blood count and biochemistry. Non-invasive pulse waveform analysis for the determination of augmentation index (AIx) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurements were performed with the commercially available SphygmoCor system. RESULTS: When patients were divided into tertiles of PWV and AIx, median N/L and median serum UA levels were the highest and mean TB levels were the lowest in the third tertile (p<0.001 for all). AIx and PWV were positively associated with serum UA and N/L and negatively associated with serum TB levels (p<0.001 for all). After adjustments for age, gender, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and presence of diabetes, significant correlations persisted for N/L, UA, and TB in ACS patients (p<0.05). In the SAP group, TB was significantly negatively correlated with AIx and PWV, and UA was significantly positively correlated with PWV (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: N/L ratio and serum UA and TB levels might be used to risk-stratify patients with respect to arterial stiffness in CAD patients, especially in the presence of ACS.

The relationship between serum uric acid levels and angiographic severity of coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown that the serum uric acid (SUA) level is associated with atherosclerosis. AIM: To determine the relationship between the SUA level and the presence and severity of coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A total of 705 patients who underwent coronary angiography were included in this study. All patients were assessed for the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and ongoing medications. SUA levels were measured in all patients before the procedure after 12 h of fasting. The severity of CHD was assessed by the SYNTAX score. The independent association between the SUA and the severity of CHD was statistically evaluated using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 for Windows. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 60.2 ± 11.0 years. 252 were female (35.7%) and 453 were male (64.3%). Of the patients, 59.0% had significant CHD, 34.6% had diabetes mellitus, 67.7% had hypertension, 55.3% had hyperlipidaemia, and 45.4% were current smokers. The mean SYNTAX score was 10.6 ± 12.9. According to the SYNTAX score, 289 of the patients (41%) had normal coronary arteries and non-significant CHD (controls, SYNTAX score: 0), 236 of the patients (33.5%) had mild CHD (SYNTAX score: 1-22), 97 (13.8%) had moderate CHD (SYNTAX score: 23-32), and 83 (11.8%) had severe CHD (SYNTAX score: ≥ 33). The mean SUA values were 5.3 ± 1.5 mg/dL in the control group, 5.6 ± 1.4 mg/dL in the mild CHD group, 6.2 ± 1.6 mg/dL in the moderate CHD group, and 6.5 ± 1.7 mg/dL in the severe CHD group. According to Spearman's rho analysis, a positive correlation between the SUA levels and the SYNTAX score was determined to be statistically significant (p < 0.001, r = 0.239; p = 0.002, r = 0.148 in men; p = 0.001, r = 0.204 in women). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found a positive correlation between the SUA level and the SYNTAX score. Therefore, this routine biochemical test can be used for the evaluation of the severity of CHD besides other risk factors in clinical practice. However, larger scale randomised studies are needed to show the effects of SUA on the severity of CHD.

Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is associated with myocardial infarction and impaired coronary perfusion.

OBJECTIVE: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with the presence, severity and extent of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) in addition to subclinical atherosclerosis. We investigated if EAT thickness is related to acute myocardial infarction in patients with CAD. We also searched for the association between EAT thickness and objective coronary flow and myocardial perfusion parameters such as Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Frame count (TFC) and myocardial blush grade (MBG). METHODS: Two-hundred consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris or acute coronary syndrome who were admitted to Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, Dr Ridvan Ege Hospital cardiology department were included in this observational, cross-sectional study. EAT thickness was evaluated by conventional transthoracic echocardiography. Coronary angiography was performed to determine the coronary involvement and perfusion. RESULTS: Mean EAT thicknesses were 5.4±1.9 mm, 6.3±1.8 mm, and 8.5±1.4 mm in the stable angina pectoris (SAP), unstable angina pectoris (USAP) and acute myocardial infarction groups, respectively (p<0.001). With increasing EAT thickness, TFC increases whereas mean MBG values decrease (for EAT thickness <5 mm, 5-7 mm, >7 mm; mean TFC: 21.6±2.2, 25.3±3.3 and 35.2±7.7; and MBG values: 2.98±0.14, 2.83±0.57 and 1.7±1.16, respectively; both p<0.001). Cut-off EAT value to predict AMI was identified as 7.8 mm (ROC analysis AUC:0.876; p<0.001, 95% CI:0.822-0.927). Sensitivity and specificity of EAT cut-off value 7.8 mm to predict AMI were 81.8% and 82.5% respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased EAT is associated with AMI and it may prove beneficial for choosing patients who would need more aggressive approach in terms of risk reduction using echocardiography which is a relatively cheap and readily available tool as a follow-up parameter.

Impedance cardiographic monitoring during pericardiocentesis: comparison with echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic impedance cardiography (TIC) is a noninvasive method which has proved to be useful in monitoring the haemodynamic status of the patients. In this study, we evaluated the TIC findings in patients with pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study consisted of patients with pericardial effusion with (group A) or without (group B) cardiac tamponade (CT). The stroke volume, cardiac output and ejection fraction was measured by both echocardiography and TIC. The measurements were done at baseline in both groups and following pericardiocentesis in group A. The variables were compared by linear regression analysis, paired sample's t test and chi-square test. The study included 32 patients. Group A consisted of 16 patients and group B of 14 patients. Two patients were excluded from comparisons because of insufficient quality of the echocardiographic examination. There were no significant differences between group A and B with regard to demographic features. Both echocardiographic and TIC measurements at baseline revealed decreased cardiac output, EDV and SV in group A and EF was not different. Linear regression analysis revealed that echocardiography and TIC were in significant correlation with regard to cardiac output, enddiastolic volume, stroke volume (p < 0.01) but not ejection fraction (p = 0.8910). The correlation was also present after pericardiocentesis. CONCLUSIONS: TIC can be safely used in patients with pericardial effusion. It provides suggestive data for the diagnosis of CT and can be used as a means of monitoring the results of the pericardiocentesis.

The effect of emotional status and health-related quality of life on the severity of coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of heart disease and a leading cause of death worldwide. Extensive clinical and statistical studies have identified several factors that increase the risk of CAD and myocardial infarction. AIM: To investigate the relationship between severity of CAD, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: A total of 225 patients (116 men, 109 women) who underwent elective coronary angiography were included. All patients were assessed for the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and ongoing medications. A biochemical examination of blood was performed in all patients before the procedure. The 225 patients were divided into three groups (a control group, and minimal and significant CAD groups) based on their Gensini score, which evaluates the severity of CAD. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) was used to measure HRQoL. Anxiety and depression were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between HADS and Gensini scores (HADS-anxiety: r = 0.139, p = 0.038; HADS-depression: r = 0.156, p = 0.019). A significant positive correlation was also determined between NHP-total and Gensini scores (r = 0.145, p = 0.029). According to the NHP, energy (p = 0.048) and physical mobility status (p = 0.021) were better in the control group than they were in the CAD groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that anxiety, depression, and HRQoL are related to CAD severity. Therefore, emotional status and HRQoL should be evaluated during routine clinical treatment of CAD.

Successful management of coronary artery rupture with stent-graft: a case report.

Perforation of coronary arteries is a relatively rare yet life-threatening complication of percutaneus coronary interventions and is encountered in approximately 0.5% of these procedures. According to the type of coronary perforation, various methods of correction are employed, ranging from conservative approach to emergency cardiac surgery. Coronary stent-grafts are composed of two metal stents and a polytetrafluoroethylene layer between them. Advent of such stents enabled efficient endovascular repair of coronary artery perforation. We present a case of coronary artery perforation which had occurred during stent implantation for the treatment of a bridged segment in the distal portion of the left anterior descending artery. This perforation was successfully managed by implanting a stent-graft.