Association between vascular access type and depression in hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis is the most common treatment used for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients and an arteriovenous fistula (AV) fistula is the preferred vascular access. The goal of our study was to investigate potential associations between vascular access type and depression. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey of 180 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess degree of depression. Demographic factors, treatment details, and laboratory values were obtained from the hospital medical record. FINDINGS: Fifty-two percent (n = 93) of the patients were being dialyzed using an AV fistula and 48% (n = 87) via a tunneled cuffed catheter. No significant differences were found between access type use in terms of gender (p = 0.266), presence of diabetes, hypertension, or peripheral artery disease (p = 0.409, p = 0.323, p = 0.317; respectively). The prevalence of Beck Depression Inventory scores greater than 14 (marking presence of depression) was significantly higher in the patients being dialyzed with a tunneled cuffed catheters (61%) compared to patients dialyzed with an AV fistula (36%) (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: We found statistically higher depression scores among patients receiving hemodialysis with a tunneled cuffed catheter.

Does Elective Sternal Plating Combined with Steel Wire Reduce Sternal Complication Rates in Patients with Obesity?

INTRODUCTION: In this study, sternal complication rates of sternal closures with steel wire or steel wire combined with titanium plate in patients with obesity that underwent cardiac surgery were investigated. METHODS: The data of 316 patients that underwent cardiac surgery between May 2018 and October 2021 were analyzed retrospectively; 124 patients withbody mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were divided into group I, patients whose sternotomy was performed with steel wires, and group II, patients whose sternotomy was performed with steel wire combined with titanium plates. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were divided into group I (n=88 [70.9%]) and group II (n=36 [29.1%]). The rate of male patients was found to be significantly higher in group I, whereas the rate of female patients was significantly higher in group II (P<0.001). BMI values were found to be low in group I and high in group II (P<0.001). The distribution of complications was different in the BMI ≥ 35.00-39.99 kg/m2 and ≥ 40 kg/m2 groups (P=0.003). Development of complications was found to be higher in patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. Sternal dehiscence was observed in two patients in group I, while no dehiscence was observed in group II. CONCLUSION: The lower incidence of complications and the absence of non-infectious sternal complications and sternal dehiscence in patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 that underwent steel wire combined titanium plate sternal closure strengthened the idea that plate-supported sternal closure can prevent sternal complications in high-risk patients.

The Reliability and Quality of YouTube Videos as a Source of Information on Buerger's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients are increasingly referring to the internet after a diagnosis of vascular disease. This study was performed to quantitatively define the accuracy and reliability of information on YouTube regarding Buerger's Disease (BD). METHODS: A systematic search of YouTube was conducted using BD and thromboangiitis obliterans keywords. The default YouTube search setting of "relevance" was used to replicate an average search attempt, and the first 50 results from each keyword search were reviewed and analyzed by 2 independent reviewers. Descriptive characteristics, Journal of the American Medical Association Score (JAMAS), modified DISCERN score, Global Quality Score (GQS) were used to record data. RESULTS: A total of 50 videos were reviewed for the study. The mean JAMAS, modified DISCERN, and GQS values among the videos were 2.06/4.00 (standard deviation [SD], 0.91), 2.36/5.00 (SD, 1.39), and 2.6/5.00 (SD, 1.16) respectively. When the videos were analyzed according to the user types uploading them, the modified DISCERN score was found to be significantly higher (3.57/5.00 SD, 0.97) in the videos uploaded by vascular surgeons (P = 0.029). High-quality videos were determined as more recent (P = 0.048). It was observed that the modified DISCERN and JAMA scores increased as the video quality increased. CONCLUSIONS: While variable in source and content, the completeness and reliability of the information presented on YouTube about BD is poor. We believe that these videos should be uploaded more up-to-date and comprehensively by medical professionals, especially medical doctors.

One patient, two malpositioned hemodialysis catheters, (hepatic vein and ascending lumbar vein), no fluoroscopy.

Cuffed-tunneled hemodialysis catheter (CTHC) application via the femoral vein is a safe and effective alternative when peripheral vascular routes are exhausted for hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease. Also, imaging methods have become more important for the diagnosis or prevention of the possible complications that may develop during or after catheter placements. Here, we present a case of hemodialysis catheter dysfunction due to the insertion of a CTHC tip into the hepatic vein, and into the left ascending lumbar vein at the next attempt. We think that the use of fluoroscopy, whether in the first catheter intervention or catheter change, is extremely important in preventing possible complications that may develop, or detecting them as soon as possible.

Does Elective Sternal Plating Combined with Steel Wire Reduce Sternal Complication Rates in Patients with Obesity?

ABSTRACT Introduction: In this study, sternal complication rates of sternal closures with steel wire or steel wire combined with titanium plate in patients with obesity that underwent cardiac surgery were investigated. Methods: The data of 316 patients that underwent cardiac surgery between May 2018 and October 2021 were analyzed retrospectively; 124 patients withbody mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were divided into group I, patients whose sternotomy was performed with steel wires, and group II, patients whose sternotomy was performed with steel wire combined with titanium plates. Results: A total of 124 patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were divided into group I (n=88 [70.9%]) and group II (n=36 [29.1%]). The rate of male patients was found to be significantly higher in group I, whereas the rate of female patients was significantly higher in group II (P<0.001). BMI values were found to be low in group I and high in group II (P<0.001). The distribution of complications was different in the BMI ≥ 35.00-39.99 kg/m2 and ≥ 40 kg/m2 groups (P=0.003). Development of complications was found to be higher in patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2. Sternal dehiscence was observed in two patients in group I, while no dehiscence was observed in group II. Conclusion: The lower incidence of complications and the absence of non-infectious sternal complications and sternal dehiscence in patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 that underwent steel wire combined titanium plate sternal closure strengthened the idea that plate-supported sternal closure can prevent sternal complications in high-risk patients.

Relationship between peripheral arterial disease severity determined by the Glass classification and triglyceride-glucose index; novel association and novel classification system / Relación entre la gravedad de la enfermedad arterial periférica determinada por la clasificación GLASS y el índice de triglicéridos-glucosa; nueva asociación y nuevo sistema de clasificación

Abstract Peripheral arterial disease is a serious clinical manifestation caused by atherosclerosis. It is one common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is commonly seen in males, and its (prevelance) increases with age. It is most prevalent with smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. Novel studies investigate the relationship between triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and cardiovascular diseases. Studies investigating the association of this index and peripheral arterial disease and disease severity are generally done by using The Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) classification. We aimed to study this association by using the new Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) classification. Two hundred patients between 25 to 90 years old diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease and admitted to the hospital for peripheral arterial angiography between July 2021 and December 2021, were evaluated retrospectively with blood parameters and angiographic images. Patients were divided into two groups: moderate (group 1; n=58) and severe (group 2; n=142) according to the GLASS classification. No statistical differences were observed for comorbidities and repeated interventional procedure rates (p=0.164). Triglyceride values were found to be statistically different between groups (p=0.040). TyG was found higher in group 2 (p= 0.04). According to the binary logistic regression model, only TyG was found to have a significant effect as a diagnostic factor (p=0.011). TyG was also significantly correlated with the Rutherford (p=0.012) and GLASS classification severity (p<0.001). Peripheral arterial disease and disease severity could be easily monitored with simple calculable TyG. In this way, precautions could be taken, and morbidities could be prevented.

Resumen La enfermedad arterial periférica es una manifestación clínica importante causada por la aterosclerosis. Es una causa común de morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo. Se ve comúnmente en hombres y la prevalencia aumenta con la edad. Es más común con el tabaquismo, la hipertensión, la diabetes mellitus y la hiperlipidemia. Nuevos estudios investigan la relación entre el índice de triglicéridos-glucosa (TyG) y las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Los estudios que investigan la asociación de este índice y la enfermedad arterial periférica generalmente se realizan utilizando la clasificación de TASC. Nuestro objetivo fue estudiar esta asociación utilizando la nueva clasificación de GLASS (sistema global de estadificación anatómica de extremidades). Doscientos pacientes entre 25 a 90 años con diagnóstico de enfermedad arterial periférica e ingresados al hospital para angiografía arterial periférica entre julio de 2021 y diciembre de 2021, fueron evaluados retrospectivamente con parámetros sanguíneos e imágenes angiográficas. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos: leves (grupo 1; n=58) y graves (grupo 2; n=142) según la clasificación de GLASS. No se observaron diferencias estadísticas para las comorbilidades y las tasas de procedimientos intervencionistas repetidos (p = 0,164). Los valores de triglicéridos se encontraron significativamente diferentes entre los grupos (p= 0,04). El índice de triglicéridos-glucosa se encontró más alto en el grupo 2 (p= 0,04). Según el modelo de regresión logística binaria, solo el índice de triglicéridos-glucosa resultó tener un efecto significativo como factor diagnóstico (p=0,011). El índice de triglicéridos-glucosa también se correlacionó significativamente con la gravedad de la clasificación de Rutherford (p=0,012) y la clasificación de GLASS (p<0,001). La enfermedad arterial periférica y la gravedad de la enfermedad podrían controlarse fácilmente con TyG calculable simple. De esta manera, se podrían tomar precauciones y prevenir morbilidades.

Concomitant acute lower extremity arterial and deep vein thrombosis developing in a patient under anticoagulant therapy after COVID 19 infection / Trombosis arterial aguda y trombosis venosa profunda concomitantes de extremidad inferior en un paciente bajo terapia anticoagulante después de infección por COVID 19

Abstract The hypercoagulable state continues after the Coronavirus 2019 (Covid 19) infection and prophylactic anticoagulants are recommended in this period. However, arterial and venous thromboembolic events can be observed during the convalescence period after the Covid 19. Here, we present the case of acute lower extremity arterial and venous thromboembolism developed in the post-Covid 19 period in a 77-years-old patient, under therapeutic doses of anticoagulant therapy (enoxparin 1mg/kg of weight every 12 hours). The patient, who had no previous history of arterial or venous thrombosis, was taken to emergency surgery with the diagnosis of ALI (acute limb ischemia) due to acute arterial thrombosis. An arterial thrombectomy was performed with the help of a 4F Fogarty catheter inserted from the left femoral artery under local anesthesia. All distal pulses of the patient were palpable in the postoperative period. After the platelet count became >100,000 mm3, 100 mg of acetylsalicylic acid daily was added to the therapeutic dose of enoxaparin sodium treatment. The patient was discharged, uneventfully, except for a minimal diameter increase secondary to deep venous thrombosis (DVT) on the fifth postoperative day, with a combination of enoxaparin and acetylsalicylic acid treatment. Endothelial injury, chronic immuno-thrombogenicity, and increased platelet aggregation in the post-Covid 19 recovery period can cause major thrombotic events, even weeks after the recovery. Anticoagulant therapy is recommended for thromboprophylaxis when the following statuses exist: ≥65 years, critical illness, cancer, prior VTE, thrombophilia, severe immobility, and elevated D- dimer. Combination treatment with long-term antiaggregant therapy may be prudent in thromboembolic events developed under anticoagulant therapy.

Resumen El estado de hipercoagulabilidad continúa después de la infección por Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) y la anticoagulación profiláctica se recomienda durante este período. Sin embargo, eventos tromboembólicos arteriales y venosos se pueden observar durante el período de convalecencia posterior al Covid-19. Se presenta el caso de trombosis venosa profunda (TVP) y arterial agudas de una extremidad inferior en una paciente de 77 años, bajo terapia anticoagulante (enoxparin 1mg/kg de peso, cada 12 horas), en el período post- Covid 19. La paciente, sin historia previa de trombosis arterial ni venosa, fue llevada a cirugía de emergencia con el diagnóstico de isquemia aguda de extremidades por trombosis arterial aguda. Se le realizó trombectomía arterial con la ayuda de un catéter Fogarty 4F insertado desde la arteria femoral izquierda bajo anestesia local. Todos los pulsos distales del paciente fueron palpables en el periodo postoperatorio. Después de que las plaquetas llegaron a ser mayores a100.000 mm3, 100 mg de ácido acetilsalicílico diarios se añadieron a la dosis terapéutica del tratamiento con enoxaparina sódica. La paciente fue dada de alta sin incidencias, excepto por un mínimo aumento de diámetro secundario a la TVP, al quinto día postoperatorio con la combinación de enoxaparina y ácido acetilsalicílico. La lesión endotelial, la inmunotrombogenicidad crónica y la agregación plaquetaria aumentada en el período de recuperación posterior a Covid-19 pueden causar eventos trombóticos importantes incluso semanas después de la recuperación. La combinación con terapia antiagregante a largo plazo puede ser prudente en los casos de eventos tromboembólicos desarrollados en pacientes con terapia anticoagulante.

Spontaneous idiopathic pulmonary artery dissection with ST segment elevation in Leads aVR and V1.

Pulmonary artery dissection is a rare condition that often occurs on the basis of pulmonary arterial hypertension and causes complications such as cardiogenic shock and sudden death. Additionally, this condition can be idiopathic. A 59-year-old male patient with no previous history of disease presented to our clinic with chest pain and shortness of breath. Coronary arteries were normal on coronary angiography in the patient who had a positive troponin test result and ST segment elevation in leads V1, V2, V3 and aVR. Pulmonary embolism was suspected in the patient whose condition worsened. Pulmonary artery dissection was diagnosed via the contrast-enhanced computed tomography and sudden cardiac death occurred. In conclusion, pulmonary artery dissection may cause aVR segment elevation on electrocardiography.

Right Ventricular Epicardium-Originated Cardiac Lymphangioma: A Rare Tumor and Rare Origin.

Tumors of the heart are uncommon, and lymphangioma is one of the rarest forms of this pathologic process. We describe an asymptomatic patient whose tumor was detected incidentally during coronary artery bypass operation. We detected a spongiform thin-layered mass covering about one-third of the right ventricular epicardium. Excisional biopsy was performed, and the main operation continued. Cardiac lymphangiomas are rare tumors of the heart and mostly benign. In general, surgical excision is performed when it is diagnosed. We detected the lesion incidentally; for this reason, we took only an excisional biopsy specimen. After exact pathologic diagnosis, the patient was observed with routine medical follow-up.

The Effect of Untraditional Lipid Parameters in the Development of Coronary Artery Disease: Atherogenic Index of Plasma, Atherogenic Coefficient and Lipoprotein Combined Index.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the usability of atherogenic indices of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) due to coronary artery disease and patients without CAD as risk factors and markers for cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: The data of 150 patients who underwent CABG, and 155 patients who underwent coronary angiography and was not diagnosed with CAD were analysed retrospectively. Demographic data and plasma lipid values were collected. The relationship between these ratios and CVD was investigated via univariate logistic regression analysis performed by creating atherogenic indices. RESULTS: The data of 125 patients who underwent CABG between May 2018 and May 2020 (90 males, 35 females; mean age 64,94 ± 9,61), and 155 patients who had coronary angiography between the same dates and found to have no CAD (64 males, 91 females; mean age 60,12 ± 11,6) were analysed retrospectively. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC) and lipoprotein combined index (LCI) ratios were found to be significantly higher in the CABG group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). CABG applied patients were divided into three groups according to their SYNTAX Score-I values. There was no statistical difference in the AIP (p = 0.434), AC (p = 0.715) and LCI (p = 0.891) ratios between the groups. In the ROC analysis of the CABG group, it was found that the AC value was the highest in terms of sensitivity with a value of 74.4% (AUC = 0.669, p < 0.001), and the LCI was the highest in terms of specificity with a value of 65.8% (AUC = 0.634, p < 0.001). In the univariate logistic regression analysis created, it was seen that all three indices had a significant effect in the CABG group (AIP; OR 0.493 p = 0,002, AC; OR 0.298 p < 0,001, LCI; OR 0.358 p = 0,001). CONCLUSION: The use of atherogenic indices in daily practice can be recommended in the process of monitoring the risk of CVD in CAD patients, along with determining those patients' lipid profiles.

Aortic Thrombosis in the Course of Covid-19 Disease; Two Rare Cases.

OBJECTIVE: Acute aortic thrombosis and floating aortailiac thrombus are infrequent clinical conditions with high morbidity and mortality rates. It was observed that; SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) caused a hyperinflammation and hyperimmune state and these conditions can result in a hypercoagulation and eventually thrombotic events might occur. METHODS: Here we presented two covid-19 positive patients with rare aortic thrombotic events. RESULTS: Two patients underwent emergent diagnostic tests including computerized tomographic angiography. Total aortic thrombosis just below the renal arising point was evaluated in one patient, and aortic floating thrombus was evaluated in other patient. But despite initial medical therapies, the clinical conditions of the cases worsened and both patients died while on medical therapy before planned surgical intervention applied. CONCLUSIONS: Covid-19 is not only the disease of lungs and inflammatory system also the disease of coagulation and vascular system. Aortic thrombosis is rare and must be kept in mind in Covid-19 patients with peripheral circulation impairment.

Catastrophic complication of a hemodialysis catheter: A giant carotid artery pseudoaneurysm.

Indwelling a hemodialysis catheter is a common practice in early care of end-stage renal disease patients. Most indwell cases were non-traumatic and non-complicated, but as in our presented case, improper placement of hemodialysis catheter can cause serious complications like pseudoaneurysm, stroke, or airway collapse. We presented a giant extracranial carotid artery pseudoaneurysm after an improper placement and removal of a temporary hemodialysis catheter.

Treatment Approach to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Seen Early After Open Heart Surgery. Case Report.

SARS-CoV-2 was reported for the first time in China on December 31, 2019, as the cause of some pneumonia cases characterized by fever, cough, dyspnea, myalgia, and fatigue. Here, we present our approach to a 54-year-old male patient who had coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery diagnosed as high probability coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in early postoperative period.

Chilaiditi Sign and Syndrome: A Rare Case Seen After Open-Heart Surgery.

Chilaiditi sign is a rare radiologic finding usually diagnosed incidentally. If it presents with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and abdominal pain, it is called Chilaiditi syndrome. Here, we present an 81-year-old male patient who demonstrated Chilaiditi syndrome and signs after open-heart surgery.

Replacement of the Native Mitral Valve Due to Endocarditis Caused by Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia.

We report a case of a 59-year-old female patient with vegetative native mitral valve endocarditis caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM). She had hemodialysis-dependent chronic renal failure, but no immunosuppressive disease. Echocardiography showed mobile vegetation on her native mitral valve. Right femoral artery embolectomy and mitral valve replacement were performed simultaneously. She awakened from anesthesia, but she passed away due to septic shock complications. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first case in whom native mitral valve endocarditis caused by SM was observed (despite of absence of any immunosuppressive event) and needed to undergo valve replacement.

Replacement of the native mitral valve due to endocarditis caused by stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Abstract We report a case of a 59-year-old female patient with vegetative native mitral valve endocarditis caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM). She had hemodialysis-dependent chronic renal failure, but no immunosuppressive disease. Echocardiography showed mobile vegetation on her native mitral valve. Right femoral artery embolectomy and mitral valve replacement were performed simultaneously. She awakened from anesthesia, but she passed away due to septic shock complications. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first case in whom native mitral valve endocarditis caused by SM was observed (despite of absence of any immunosuppressive event) and needed to undergo valve replacement.

Volatiles from three genome sequenced fungi from the genus Aspergillus.

The volatiles emitted by agar plate cultures of three genome sequenced fungal strains from the genus Aspergillus were analysed by GC-MS. All three strains produced terpenes for which a biosynthetic relationship is discussed. The obtained data were also correlated to genetic information about the encoded terpene synthases for each strain. Besides terpenes, a series of aromatic compounds and volatiles derived from fatty acid and branched amino acid metabolism were identified. Some of these compounds have not been described as fungal metabolites before. For the compound ethyl (E)-hept-4-enoate known from cantaloupe a structural revision to the Z stereoisomer is proposed. Ethyl (Z)-hept-4-enoate also occurs in Aspergillus clavatus and was identified by synthesis of an authentic standard.

Is CHA2DS2-VASc Score Different in Patients with Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation Suffering from Cerebral and Non-cerebral Thromboembolism?CHA2DS2-VASc Score in Thromboembolism.

BACKGROUND: Thromboembolic complication is directly related to CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). In this study we compared the CHA2DS2-VASc score and in-hospital mortality between NVAF patients with non-cerebral thromboembolism and those with stroke. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 213 patients with NVAF who experienced stroke and 115 patients with NVAF who experienced non-cerebral thromboembolism between 2010 and 2015. In all patients, CHA2DS2-VASc score before the event was calculated. RESULTS: The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was similar in patients with stroke (4.52±1.66) and those with non-cerebral thromboembolism (4.29±2.02) (p=0.196). In-hospital mortality rate was similar between the groups (19% vs. 17%, p=0.756). The rates of coronary artery disease (52% vs. 38%, p=0.014), prior transient ischemic attack (16% vs. 5%, p=0.001), and prior non-cerebral thromboembolism (18% vs. 3%, p<0.001) were higher in patients with non-cerebral thromboembolism. Warfarin (55% vs. 14% p<0.001) and antiplatelet use (56% vs. 40%, p=0.004) was more common in the non-cerebral embolism group, while non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) use was more common in the stroke group (15% vs. 7% p=0.026). CONCLUSION: The patients with stroke had similar CHA2DS2-VASc score and in-hospital mortality compared to patients with non-cerebral thromboembolism.

Metabolism of 2,3-dihydroxypropane-1-sulfonate by marine bacteria.

Both enantiomers of the sulfoquinovose breakdown product 2,3-dihydroxypropane-1-sulfonate, an important sulfur metabolite produced by marine algae, were synthesised in a 34S-labelled form and used in feeding experiments with marine bacteria. The labelling was efficiently incorporated into the sulfur-containing antibiotic tropodithietic acid and sulfur volatiles by the algal symbiont Phaeobacter inhibens, but not into sulfur volatiles released by marine bacteria associated with crustaceans. The ecological implications and the relevance of these findings for the global sulfur cycle are discussed.