The effects of fasting on heart rate variability in hypertensive patients.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an independent indicator of increased mortality in patients with myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure. The effects of fasting on the HRV are not known in hypertensive patients. Therefore, studying the effects of Ramadan fasting on hypertensive patients' HRV seems reasonable to address. We conducted a prospective study including 20 hypertensive patients with sinus rhythm. HRV was determined twice by ambulatory 24-hour Holter recordings at fasting during and after Ramadan. Subjects mean age was 55 ± 11.8 years. Sex-ratio was 1.5. When two groups compared, statistically significant differences were found in terms of SDNN (113 ± 71 vs 140 ± 38, p = 0.001), SDANN (109.7 ± 45 vs 134.8 ± 48.3, p = 0.008), T power (2368.7 ± 121.3 vs 3660.5 ± 170.9, p = 0.03) and LF (552.2 ± 31.3 vs 903.7 ± 48.9, p < 0.0001) values. HRV parameters were found to be decreased in Ramadan. Thus, Ramadan fasting enhances the activity of the sympathetic system in hypertensive patients.

Evaluation of patients' knowledge on their vitamin K antagonist treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are currently the most prescribed oral anticoagulant treatment in Tunisia. Despite the standardization of biological monitoring and the better definition of therapeutic objectives, their side effects are a frequent reason for hospitalization. AIM: To evaluate patients' knowledge about their VKA treatment. METHODS: We realized a cross-sectional descriptive study in the Cardiology Department of HabibThameur Hospital from September to October 2016. A questionnaire consisting of 14 items was used in a semi-directed interview in order to assess patients' knowledge on their VKA treatment. RESULTS: Our study included one hundred patients. Mean age was 61 ± 12 years and sex ratio of 1.8. Forty-eight per cent were illiterate. The median duration of AVK intake was 5 years. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was the most frequent indication (57%). Eighty percent of patients had more than five correct answers on the eight items of knowledge: VKA's name (96%), tablet description (93%), dose (99%), time (94%), VKA's effect (70%), INR (56%), treatment's risk (49%) and the target INR (20%). Twenty-two percent had more than four correct answers on the 6 items of know-how: what to do in case of haemorrhage (70%), what to do in case of oblivion (45%), interactions precautions to be observed with food (13%), activities advised against (49%) and medical procedures advised against (27%). In multivariate analysis, only prior VKA information was significantly associated with a better knowledge of VKA (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Our patients' knowledge on their VKA treatment was insufficient to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatment. The creation of a therapeutic education program on is therefore necessary to reduce the iatrogenic risk of this treatment.

Script concordance test as a sanctionnal evaluation in cardiology.

INTRODUCTION: Sanctioning evaluation in cardiology is carried out using multiple choice questions, short-answer questions, clinical cases and editorial questions. However, these methods do not assess clinical reasoning in a context of uncertainty in contrast with script concordance tests (SCT). AIM: To compare the scores obtained by the students in the 3rd year of medicine with the SCT versus the sanctioning test of cardiology and to study the correlation between these two evaluation methods. METHODS: This is a prospective study including 31 3rd year students who completed their cardiology clerckship in the Cardiology Department of the HabibThameur Hospital during the first half of 2016. We compared the scores obtained in the 13 SCT test (39 items) with those of the cardiology normative test. RESULTS: Students 'mean score at SCT was significantly lower than that of experts (66.6 ± 10.2 vs 86 ± 6.7%, p <0.0001). The mean score obtained by students at the SCT was significantly higher than that of the cardiology sanctioning test (p <0.001). Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.71. There was no correlation between the two tests (r = 0.329; p= 0.07). CONCLUSION: The evaluation of our students by the SCT showed mean score statistically higher than the questions of a classic test, without correlation between them. This should encourage us to incorporate SCT into our assessment methods to promote clinical reasoning.

Factors associated with poor medication compliance in hypertensive patients.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite therapeutic advances, only one-third of patients achieve blood pressure targets. Poor compliance is one of the main causes. AIM: To study the factors associated with poor compliance in hypertensive patients. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive prospective study including 200 hypertensive patients treated and followed out between March and April 2017. The Girerd medication adherence questionnaire was submitted to patients during an semi-directed interview. RESULTS: Patients meanagewas of 63.28 ± 9.62 years-old and sex ratio of 0.92. The predominant risk factor was dyslipidemia in 45% of cases, followed by smoking 36.5% and diabetes 25.5%. A previous history of acute coronary syndrome was found in 33.5% of cases and atrial fibrillation in 13%. Fifteen percent of our patients consumed alcohol regularly and 9.5% practiced regular physical activity. Fifty-five percent of our patients were on low sodium diet. The prevalence of poor medication adherence was 20.5%. In multivariate analysis, independent factors related to poor medication adherence were: the number of treating specialist physicians greater than 1 (OR = 3.444, p = 0.008) and the absence of information received on hypertension (OR = 4.345; p= 0.003). CONCLUSION: The improvement of medication adherence for our patients must be based on information on hypertension and its risks and the harmonization of care between treating physicians.

Early outcomes of cardiac surgery in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increase in average life expectancy and the higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, more elderly patients present for cardiac surgery nowadays. At the same time, age has been considered a predictor of morbidity and mortality. AIM: To evaluate the short-term outcomes of cardiac surgery in elderly patients. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study including elderly patients who underwent cardiac surgery from January 2012 to 31st of December 2016. All patients were hospitalized before and after cardiac surgery in the cardiology department of Habib Thameur Hospital. RESULTS: Our study included 55 patients. Average age was 72±6 years old and sex-ratio was two. Eighty-five percent presented with angina, 18% with dyspnea and one patient with an aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis. Mean left ventricular function was 54 ±9 %. Mean EuroSCORE II was 1.91±1.18. Twenty-six per-cent had an urgent surgery. Mean extracorporeal circulation time was of 77±26 min and mean extubation time was 8±6 h. Eighty-four per cent had a coronary artery bybass grafting and 16% a valve replacement. Four per cent had a redux and 4% a combined surgery. Stay in surgical department varied between 3 and 10 days with average of 4.6±1.2 days. Early mortality rate was of 2% and 98% had complications. Ninety-eight complications occurred after surgery: 35 reintervention for mediastinal bleeding or tamponade, 28 bleedings requiring transfusions, eight heart rhythm disorders, an atrioventricular conduction block requiring ventricular, five atrial fibrillation, two ventricular tachycardias, a ventricular fibrillation, eight low cardiac outpout, seven prolonged mechanical ventilation and eight pneumonias. In univariate analysis, recent myocardial infarction and chronic kidney disease were predictive of early complications. CONCLUSION: Our data shows cardiac surgery is feasible in elderly patients with acceptable risk in terms of mortality and an increased morbidity due to their frailty. Careful patient selection is needed for the success of cardiac surgery in elderly patients.

Response to clopidogrel and of the cytochrome CYP2C19 gene polymorphism.

INTRODUCTION: Clopidogrel (clopi) is a prodrug widely prescribed in the management of coronary artery disease and requires the intervention of hepatic cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) for its activation. However, there is interindividual variability in response to clopi despite the use of recommended doses. Thus, the studies have highlighted the effect of the CYP2C19 gene polymorphism or Cyp2C19 gene on the response to clopi and particularly Cyp2C19 * 2 which may be associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events or MACE. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Cyp2C19 * 2 polymorphism on MACE occurrence and hemorrhagic complications in patients treated with clopi. METHODS: We carried out a descriptive longitudinal study including 71 patients placed under clopi for a minimum duration of one month. Genotyping of the Cyp2C19 allele was performed by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After a follow-up period of 495 ± 183 days, we performed a statistical analysis to evaluate the association between the Cyp2C19 * 2 polymorphism and the occurrence of MACE or hemorrhagic complications. RESULTS: Among our patients, 51% had an angioplasty, 42% medical treatment and 7% a coronary artery bypass surgery. In our study population, 52% were heterozygous (HTZ), 28% homozygous (HMZ) healthy * 1 / * 1 and 20% HMZ had the loss of function allele * 2 / * 2. The allelic frequency of Cyp2C19 * 2 was 46%. Follow-up mean duration was of 495 ± 183 days. During this period, the prevalence of MACE was 11% and that of hemorrhagic complications was 13%. In our study, we did not observe a significant association between the occurrence of MACE or hemorrhagic complications with the genotype carrying the Cyp2C19 * 2 allele. CONCLUSION: Among patients treated with clopi, wearing a Cyp2C19 * 2 function loss allele didn't seem to be associated with a significantly higher risk of MACE, nor a significantly lower risk of hemorragic complications. This suggests the necessity of larger studies.

Evaluation of clinical reasoning teaching for third year medical students.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical reasoning teaching is an educational method based on learning and contextualized education.The aim of this study was to determine the value of clinical reasoning teaching sessions, from the perspective of third year medical students using a self-administered questionnaire. METHOD: Two successive groups of nine students (a total of 18 students) participated in this study.They had anexternship in the cardiology department of HabibThameur hospital during amonth.An anonymous evaluation self-administered questionnaire was submitted to the two groups at the end of the traineeshipperiod. RESULTS: The average scores given by students for the items "quality of education", "workload", "atmosphere", "interest in teaching sessions"and "acquisition of new clinical knowledge" were greater than 8/10. Exposed health problem to be solved has attracted the interest and the motivation of 16 students and prompted 15 others to do further research.Fourteen students opted for clinical reasoning teaching as the preferred teaching method for optimal memorization.Thirteen students have found a real contribution ofreasoning teaching in the management of relationship with the patient.All students assumed that clinical reasoning meetings session should be more frequently usedduring the internship period. CONCLUSION: Clinical reasoning teaching session appears to be widely desired by medical students.

Heart involvement in systemic sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Primary and secondary heart involvement in systemic sclerosis are important mortality predictors. Aim of this study was to investigate by standard echocardiography associated to pulsed-tissue Doppler imaging, six-minute walk test (6MWT) and BNP level cardiac manifestation in 30 patients with ScS and to establish a strategy to detect and to evaluate this complication. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 16 months: a total of 30 consecutive patients with ScS diagnosed as proposed by the American college of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism 2013 and who were hospitalized in Internal Medicine department of Habib Thameur hospital underwent cardiac assessment. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were female, the mean age of diagnosis was 46 years ± 13,49  [18-71 years]. Echocardiography found left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) on tissue doppler imaging, in 40% of cases, it was significantly associated with diffuse ScS (p=0,024), with Scl70 anti bodies (p=0,043) and interstitial lung disease (p=0,024). However, the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was correlated with a high diastolic arterial hypertension (p=0,028), diffuse ScS (0,048), telangiectasia (p=0,029) and pulmonary hypertension (p=0,033). Higher systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPs) (p=0,029) and higher BNP level (p=0,027) were noted in the group of patients with right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVSD). Patients who had an elevated PAPs had: accelerated pulse (p=0,022), a cough (p=0,024), dyspnea III-IV (p=0,003), shorter six-minute walk distance (p=0,044), greater Borg score (p=0,025) and elevated BNP level (p=0,015). Thus, a positive correlation was found between PAPs and BNP (p=0,004, r=+0,53), a negative correlation was noted between PAPs and ST (p=0,006, r=-0,49). The ROC curve identified a discriminator threshold for ST<11,5cm/s (BNP ≥43,5pg/l) and PAPs >35mmHg (BNP ≥92pg/l). A discriminator value of the 6MWD (≥294m) was recorded for a PAPs >35mmHg. 2000-3000 salma Conclusion: Left ventricular diastolic impairment was the most frequent echographic abnormality in our study. The BNP level and 6MWT are sensitive and specific in the detection of an elevation of PAPs.

Right ventricular systolic echocardiographic parameters in dilated cardiomyopathy and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Several RV echocardiographic parameters have been proposed as sensitive markers to detect patients at risk. OBJECTIVE: To compare the predictive value of echographic parameters of RV systolic function for adverse outcomes in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS:    Forty patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy were included. Right ventricular systolic function assessed by Doppler echocardiography standard (RV fractional area change, Tei index, TAPSE and dp/dt), tissue Doppler (peak systolic velocity (Sa)) and Strain 2D of the RV. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of a major cardiovascular event. The follow-up extended for 6.2 months ± 2,49. RESULTS: Eighteen patients reached the primary endpoint. TAPSE (HR 0.86 [0.74-0.99], p=0.04), Sa (HR 0.77 [0.62-0.95], p=0.01), Tei index (HR 1.06 [1.01-1.12], p=0.02) and strain of the lateral wall of the RV (HR 1.13 [1.04-1.23], p=0.004) were found to be independent predictors of major cardiovascular event. The cut-off thresholds for TAPSE, Sa, Tei index and strain of the lateral wall of th RV, defined using ROC curves were respectively 12,5mm ; 8,5cm/s ; 0,55 et -12. CONCLUSION: TAPSE, Sa, Tei index and strain of the lateral wall of the RV are independent predictors of major cardiovascular event in non ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Trends in infective endocarditis.

INTRODUCTION: Infectious endocarditis (IE) is a rare disease with a high mortality. In 2009, the European society of cardiology restricted antibiotic prophylaxis to a smaller number of cardiac conditions with very high risk for IE. Did these changes in the guidelines have an impact on the epidemiological and bacteriological profile of IE? AIM: The main aim of our work was to study the evolution of the microbiological profile of IE from 1991 to 2016. METHODS: We realized an analytic retrospective study comparing two groups: group 1 included patients admitted for a certain IE before September 2009 and group 2 those admitted after that date. RESULTS: Patients mean age was 46 ± 13 years and sex ratio was of 1.5. Forty percent of the patients were at high risk of IE. Blood cultures were positive in 19 cases. The most frequently isolated germ was Staphylococcus (10 patients). Serology was performed in six patients and was positive for Chlamydia Trachomatis in two cases. Forty-two patients had surgical treatment, 17 had a valve culture that was positive in 3 cases only. Clinical and paraclinic characteristics were comparable among the two groups. Negative blood cultures rates decreased from 72% to 68% between group 1 and 2 (p = 0.789). Staphylococcus positive blood cultures increased from 13% to 21% (p = 0.49). In contrast, Streptococcal positive blood cultures decreased from 11% to 5% in 2009 (p = 0.69). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that there has been no change in the bacteriological profile of IE after the reduction in antibiotic prophylaxis.

Value of Cine-MRI sequences before and after injection in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has become the examination of choice in case of suspicion of acute myocarditis. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging is very important to establish this diagnosis. Cine MRI sequences are useful for the study of the myocardial contractility. AIMS:   The purpose is to estimate the value of cine MRI sequences before and after injection for the diagnosis of acute myocarditis compared with late gadolinium enhanced sequences. METHODS: We prospectively included 40 patients having a high suspicion of acute myocarditis and examined using a 1.5 Tesla CMR. Cine MRI sequences before and after injection were performed. The protocol also include  T2-weighted  short- tau-inversion-recovery (STIR T2) fast spin echo MRI and LGE imaging eight minutes after injection with visual adjustment of inversion time. RESULTS: Delayed enhancement was found among 23 patients. Fifteen patients (65 %) presented a spontaneous hyper signal detected visually on Cine MRI sequences before injection and 11 patients (48 %) on STIR T2. The hyper signal on Cine MRI sequences after injection of gadolinium was the same topography that the late raising at 23 patients. In addition, we highlighted a significant difference between this hyper signal before injection and the left ventricle ejection fraction (p=0.022) as well as with the telesystolic volume of the left ventricle (LV) indexed by the body mass (p=0.039). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that Cine MRI sequences after injection are of equal performance in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis as the LGE sequences and its contibution is important when we want to shorten the examination or when inversion time isn't optimal.

[Communication interventriculaire compliquant un infarctus de myocarde antérieur : un cas de fermeture percutanée]. / Ventricular septal defect complicating anterior acute myocardial infarction : A Case of transcatheter closure.

INTRODUCTION: Post-infarction ventricular septal defect (PIVSD) is one of the most serious mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Over the last decade, percutaneous closure is increasingly undertaken, with results similar to cardiac surgery. We present a case of ST-elevated anterior AMI, complicated by apical PIVSD successfully treated with transcatheter closure. CASE REPORT: An 83-year-old man was hospitalized for chest pain occurred 18 hours before, during the night time. He was an active smoker. Clinical examination revealed normal heart sounds and pulmonary bibasilar crackles. ST-segment elevation with deep T waves inversion in anterior leads were detected on the electrocardiogram. A mildly-reduced ejection fraction (40%) was found by transthoracic echocardiogram. The patient underwent emergency coronary angiography, which revealed a subocclusive stenosis of the mid left anterior descending artery with a TIMI 2 flow, treated by balloon angioplasty and drug-eluting stent. Four days after revascularization, the patient developed an acute deterioration with signs of decompensated heart failure and a new holosystolic murmur with large irradiation. Inotropic agents' administration was required to maintain a precarious hemodynamic condition. A bedside Echo revealed an apical VSD, measuring 15 × 10 mm, with left-to-right shunting, and pulmonary hypertension. The patient was scheduled for transcatheter PIVSD closure. The procedure was performed under fluoroscopic guide. Two vascular access sites were placed, femoral arterial and right internal jugular vein. Through the right internal jugular vein, a 24-mm Amplatzer atrial septal occluder on a 9 French Amplatzer TREVISIO™ intravascular delivery system was advanced via right ventricle into the PIVSD. Contrast fluoroscopy was used to assess apposition and the degree of shunt reduction before release. Echocardiographic evaluation performed 48 hours later confirmed a correct apposition of the device with insignificant residual shunt. At 6 months follow-up, he was asymptomatic, with unchanged prosthetic findings. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous closure has been emerged as a valid cost-effective alternative to surgery and should be advised. However, debate remains on the optimal preprocedural optimization, timing of repair and modality of treatment.

Variation of retinal and choroidal microvascularization after an exercise stress test in patients with effort angina.

PURPOSE: To describe retinal and choroidal vascular changes following an exercise stress test (ET) in patients with effort angina and to determine whether optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) could play a role in the prediction of ischemic cardiac events. METHODS: Prospective comparative study including patients with effort angina. All patients underwent OCT-A before and after an ET was performed. Blood flow, intercapillary spaces, and vessel density were analyzed in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP). Vessel density in the choriocapillaris and the parameters of the central avascular zone (CAZ) were also analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 38 eyes included in the study, a decrease in blood flow was found in 39.5% in the large SCP vessels, in 50% in the capillaris of the SCP, and in 81.6% in the DCP. An increase in intercapillary spaces was observed in the SCP in 68.4% of eyes and in the DCP in 55.3% of eyes. A statistically significant decrease in the DCP density was observed after an ET (p = 0.03). There were no significant modifications in the CAZ parameters, the SCP density, nor the choriocapillaris density. Patients with a positive ET had a decreased DCP density in 83.3%. Among patients with an increased DCP density, 92.85% had a negatif ET. CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests that DCP density significantly decreases after an ET. The DCP appears to be most affected in patients with effort angina. A larger trial is needed to further investigate these hypotheses.

Nurse-led home-based detection of cardiac dysfunction by ultrasound: results of the CUMIN pilot study.

Aims: Access to echocardiography is a significant barrier to heart failure (HF) care in many low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we hypothesized that an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) device could enable the detection of cardiac dysfunction by nurses in Tunisia. Methods and results: This CUMIN study was a prospective feasibility pilot assessing the diagnostic accuracy of home-based AI-POCUS for HF conducted by novice nurses compared with conventional clinic-based transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Seven nurses underwent a one-day training program in AI-POCUS. A total of 94 patients without a previous HF diagnosis received home-based AI-POCUS, POC N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) testing, and clinic-based TTE. The primary outcome was the sensitivity of AI-POCUS in detecting a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% or left atrial volume index (LAVI) >34 mL/m2, using clinic-based TTE as the reference. Out of seven nurses, five achieved a minimum standard to participate in the study. Out of the 94 patients (60% women, median age 67), 16 (17%) had an LVEF < 50% or LAVI > 34 mL/m2. AI-POCUS provided an interpretable LVEF in 75 (80%) patients and LAVI in 64 (68%). The only significant predictor of an interpretable LVEF or LAVI proportion was the nurse operator. The sensitivity for the primary outcome was 92% [95% confidence interval (CI): 62-99] for AI-POCUS compared with 87% (95% CI: 60-98) for NT-proBNP > 125 pg/mL, with AI-POCUS having a significantly higher area under the curve (P = 0.040). Conclusion: The study demonstrated the feasibility of novice nurse-led home-based detection of cardiac dysfunction using AI-POCUS in HF patients, which could alleviate the burden on under-resourced healthcare systems.

Assessment of debriefing in high-fidelity mannequin simulation: study among students in cardiology.

INTRODUCTION: Debriefing is the fundamental step in the learning process when teaching by simulation. The Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH) guide is a tool designed to assess and develop the debriefing skills of trainers using healthcare simulation. AIM: To evaluate the debriefing in high-fidelity mannequin simulation in the management of cardiological emergency by the DASH tool, student version. METHODS: This was a bicentric, prospective, cross-sectional and evaluative study including five groups of students in the first year of the second cycle of medical studies completing their internship in the cardiology departments of the Habib Thameur hospital and the Internal Security Forces Hospital of Marsa during the first semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. The simulation scenario included the diagnosis and emergency management of degenerative syncopal atrioventricular block. RESULTS: Forty-four students completed the DASH assessment form (28 female, 16 male). According to the students, the trainers had maintained a climate conducive to learning (6.51±0.74). They had conducted the debriefing in a structured way (6.35±0.75). They had aroused engagement in the exchange leading the learner to analyze his performance (6.01±1.03). They had effectively identified the learner's strengths and areas for improvement as well as their reasons (6.39±1.04). The trainers had helped the learners to consider how to improve or maintain a good level of performance (6.57±0.77). The mean DASH score evaluating the trainers was 6.36±0.88. CONCLUSION: The DASH tool allows trainers to highlight the strengths and areas for improvement in the debriefing, which is the key step in the simulation to optimize the clinical reasoning process and improve the quality of care.

Contrast media-induced nephropathy in Tunisia: prospective case-control study with cardio-nephrological monitoring.

Introduction: vascular opacification using iodinated contrast media (ICM) is often the primary diagnostic and therapeutic approach. However, the risk of post-injection nephrotoxicity of ICM is significantly higher in patients with underlying nephropathy. This study aimed to determine the incidence of Contrast Media Induced Nephropathy (CMIN) and identify predictive factors for its occurrence in patients from a cardiology department. Methods: our prospective study involved 158 patients who underwent coronary angiography or angioplasty at the cardiology department between December 2017 and May 2018. Two types of ICM were used in our study: Iopromide and Iohexol. All patients received either physiological serum (9‰) or bicarbonate serum (14‰) intravenously for hydration. We defined impaired renal function as an increase in creatinine ranging from 10 to 26 µmol/L, while CMIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine exceeding 26.5 µmol/L. We investigated the factors associated with CMIN using logistic regression analysis. Results: the mean age of our patients was 60 ± 11 years (range: 29-82), with a predominance of men 63.9% (n=101). The most common cardiovascular risk factors were tobacco (36.1%, n = 57), diabetes (48.1%, n =76), hypertension (55%, n = 87). Pre-procedural creatinine averaged 81.1 ± 47.3 µmol / L with extremes ranging from 39 to 600 µmol / L. The median Mehran risk score was 3.2 (range: 0- 15). The interventional cardiology act consisted of coronary angiography in 86.2% (n=136) of cases, coronary angioplasty in 2.5% (n=4) of cases. We used iohexol and iopromide in 57.6% (n=91) and 42.4% (n=67) of cases, respectively. The overall incidence of CMIN was 9.5% (n=9). The multivariable regression analysis identified 4 risk factors independently linked to the occurrence of CMIN which were Pre-existing renal failure (OR: 6.05, 95%CI [1.23-29.62], p = 0.026), anemia (OR: 0.043, CI [1.03-8.96], p = 0.043), the toxic dose of PC (OR: 4.7, CI [1.28-17.7], p=0.02), and at a Mehran score = 11 (OR: 3.7, CI [0.88-15.6], p=0.036). Conclusion: the most effective approach for CMIN is prevention, which focuses on addressing modifiable risk factors to minimize the risk especially in patients with pre-existing renal failure.

Management of patients with cardiovascular diseases during Ramadan.

During the month of Ramadan, over one billion Muslims observe a water and food fast from sunrise to sunset. The practice of this religious duty causes marked changes in eating and sleeping habits. With the increasing incidence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, the number of patients with CV pathologies who wish to fast is increasing worldwide, and in Tunisia, which is ranked as a high CV risk country. If fasting has been shown to be beneficial for the improvement of some metabolic parameters, its practice in patients with CV pathology remains debated. The Tunisian Society of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery (STCCCV) in consultation with the National Instance of Evaluation and Accreditation in Health (INEAS) has established this document in the form of a consensus after having analysed the literature with the aim of addressing these questions: -What is the impact of fasting in patients with CV pathologies? -How to stratify the risk of fasting according to CV pathology and comorbidities? -How to plan fasting in patients with CV diseases? -What are the hygienic and dietary measures to be recommended during fasting in patients with CV pathologies? -How to manage medication during the month of Ramadan in patients with CV diseases?

Prognostic value of atrial strain in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Left atrial function in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has long been underestimated when studying the ultrasound parameters of DCM. Currently, several ultrasound parameters of left atrial function have been proposed as markers to detect patients at risk. AIM: To evaluate the left atriumfunctionwith 2D speckle tracking echocardiography and itsprognostic value in the dilatedcardiomyopathy. METHODS: The study prospectively recruited 40 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, between January and June 2014, followed up at the cardiology department of Habib Thameur Hospital of Tunis. An echocardiogram was performed for all patients at the beginning of the study. After a 6-month follow-up, the primary endpoint was the occurrence of a major cardiovascular event. The patients were divided into a first group without cardiovascular events (group 1) and a second group with a cardiovascular event (group 2). RESULTS: During the follow-up, 25 patients presented a major cardiovascular event (8 ventricular arrhythmias and 17 hospitalizations for acute decompensated heart failure). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding cardiovascular risk factors, symptoms and blood testing values.In addition, regarding results obtained from speckle tracking echocardiography, atrial peak-systolic longitudinal strain (PALS) and time to peak atrial longitudinal strain (TPALS) values were observed to be significantly lower in group 2 ( 34.6% in group 1 vs 28.4% in group 2, p=0.000; and 344.6ms in group 1 vs 349.8 ms in group 2, p=0.016 respectively). CONCLUSION: The analysis of the LA speckle tracking in the dilatedcardiomyopathymay help cardiologistto identify patients at high cardiovascular risk and thus improve their management and follow-up.