Prediction of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 and Inflammatory Markers in Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Premature Ovarian Failure Patients.

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity has been associated with the risk of clinical cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the activity of Lp-PLA2 presents a risk for subclinical atherosclerosis in young patients with premature ovarian failure (POF). METHODS: Consecutive patients with clinical and biochemical evidence of naïve POF (n = 66) in January and February 2018 and age-matched healthy controls (n = 73) were enrolled. Lp-PLA2 activity, fibrinogen concentrations, high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) levels, and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were measured in all participants. RESULTS: Plasma Lp-PLA2 activity (24.6 ± 3.2 nmol/mL vs. 18.6 ± 1.6 nmol/mL; p < 0.001), mean Hs-CRP (0.620 ± 0.26 mg/dL vs. 0.450 ± 0.28 mg/dL; p < 0.001) and fibrinogen (0.310 ± 0.12 g/dL vs. 0.24 ± 0.11 g/dL; p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in the patients with POF than control subjects. Mean CIMT was significantly higher in the POF patients than in controls (0.499 ± 0.122 mm vs. 0.323 ± 0.079 mm; p < 0.001). There was a possitive and strong correlation between CIMT and Lp-PLA2 activity (r = 0.548; 95% CI 0.445-0.644; p < 0.001) and a weak correlation Hs-CRP (r = 0.228, 95% CI 0.060-0.398; p = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, Lp-PLA2 activity (B = 1.456, 95% CI 0.908-2.003; p < 0.001) and 17ß-E2 (B = -0.077, 95% CI -0.131 - -0.023; p = 0.006) were found to be independently associated with CIMT (R2 = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that mean CIMT and Lp-PLA2 activity were significantly higher in POF subjects than control subjects. Moreover, Lp-PLA2 activity and 17ß-E2 levels were independently associated with CIMT in young POF patients.

Association between serum SCUBE1 levels and thrombus burden in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: The signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein-1 (SCUBE1) is a recently available biomarker which is expressed by activated and adhered platelets. In present study, we aimed to investigate the association between SCUBE1 levels and thrombus burden in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). METHODS: A total of 88 patients who were diagnosed with STEMI and underwent PPCI were prospectively included between July 2019 and August 2019. Blood samples were collected for routine biochemistry and serum SCUBE1 levels before PPCI and antiplatelet therapy. Angiographic coronary thrombus burden was classified based on thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus grades. We formed two groups based on the thrombus grade: 37 (42%) patients had high thrombus burden whereas 51 (58%) patients had low thrombus burden. RESULTS: The mean age of study population was 58.2 ± 11.8 years (34% female). The mean peak troponin I level, SCUBE1 level, SYNTAX score, and pain-to-balloon time were significantly higher in the high thrombus burden group compared to the low thrombus burden group (p < .05, for all). In ROC analysis, SCUBE1 level >65.63 ng/dL had a sensitivity of 91.9% and a specificity of 76.6% to predict high thrombus burden (AUC: 0.9256; p < .001). In multivariate analysis, SCUBE1 level (HR: 1.133, p = .004) and troponin (HR: 1.002; 95% CI 1.001-1.004, p = .003) were independent predictors of high thrombus burden. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we showed that SCUBE1, a novel platelet-endothelial adhesion molecule and a marker of platelet activation, is an independent predictor of high thrombus burden in patients with STEMI.

Investigation of leukocyte RHO/ROCK gene expressions in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia caused by disorganized electrical activity in the atria, and it is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. There is a limited data about Rho/Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway contribute to AF development. The aim of the present study was to elucidate leukocyte RHO/ROCK gene expressions in patients with non-valvular AF (NVAF). A total of 37 NVAF patients and 47 age and sex-matched controls were included in this study. mRNA was extracted from leukocytes, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for gene expression analysis. A marked increase in ROCK1 and ROCK2 gene expressions in patients with NVAF was observed (P<0.0001). The present study detected significant elevations in RHOBTB2, RND3 (RHOE), RHOC, RHOG, RHOH, RAC3, RHOB, RHOD, RHOV, RHOBTB1, RND2, RND1 and RHOJ gene expressions (P<0.01). However, there were marked decreases in CDC42, RAC2, and RHOQ gene expressions in patients with NVAF. No significant modifications were seen in the other Rho GTPase proteins RHOA, RAC1, RHOF, RHOU and RHOBTB3. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to provide data that gene expression of leukocyte RHO/ROCK may contribute to the NVAF pathogenesis through activated leukocytes, which promotes the immune or inflammatory cascade.

Multiple congenital ventricular diverticula causing heart failure.

This paper reports a case of multiple congenital ventricular diverticula, a rare anomaly that is associated with heart failure.

Left atrial appendage 2D-strain assessed by transesophageal echocardiography is associated with thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of left atrial appendage (LAA) mechanics assessed using 2-dimensional (2D)-strain analysis of the gray scale images obtained during transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to the conventional LAA functional parameters, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and the presence of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) and/or LAA thrombus in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: The study included 126 patients with AF and 30 controls with a sinus rhythm who were referred for TEE. The global, medial, lateral and apical LAA longitudinal 2D-strain of all patients and the CHA2DS2-VASc score of AF patients were evaluated. RESULTS: The global, medial, lateral, and apical LAA longitudinal 2D-strain results of AF patients were significantly lower than those of the controls and revealed moderate but significant correlations with LAA flow velocity and LAA area change. Patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 or 1 had the highest LAA 2D-strain values and the results revealed that the LAAemptying velocity and LAA lateral and medial 2D-strain values were independent correlates of CHA2DS2-VASc score. SEC was detected in 84 patients, of whom, 42 had dense SEC and 27 had thrombus in the LAA. Multivariate analysis indicated that LAA emptying velocity, LAA area change, and LAA medial 2D-strain were independently associated with the presence of dense SEC/thrombus. In ROC analysis, cut-off values for global, medial, apical, and lateral 2D-strain for the presence of dense SEC/ thrombus were 6.0% p=0.011), 8.0% (p=0.032), 6.0% (p=0.033), and 5.4% (p=0.004), respectively. CONCLUSION: Global and regional LAA mechanics were significantly related to conventional LAA functional parameters and to the presence of LAA-dense SEC/thrombus in patients with AF and may be useful as complementary data for estimating future thromboembolism.

Comparison of secondary prevention in coronary heart disease patients living in rural and urban areas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess differences between urban and rural patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) with respect to secondary prevention. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included all consecutive patients diagnosed with CHD at 2 cardiology clinics between January 2016 and January 2017. The demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters were recorded at routine control visits. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to residence based on their statements: urban (n=1752) and rural (n=456). RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 64 years (interquartile range: 12 years). A mean of 4.1+-2.1 years had passed after the first (index) coronary event. It was determined that 22.2% of the patients continued to smoke. The rate of quitting was significantly higher in the urban group (20.5% vs. 11.2%; p<0.001). The presence of hypertension (64.3% vs. 56.7%), diabetes mellitus (45.6% vs. 39.2%), cerebrovascular events (9.2% vs. 3.8%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (11.4% vs. 5.5%) was significantly greater among the rural patients (p<0.05 for each). In all, 34.2% were obese, and the number of obese patients was significantly greater among the rural patients (46.4% vs. 31.2%; p<0.001). The number of patients performing regular exercise was significantly lower in the rural patient group (34.4% vs. 23.9%; p<0.001). Overall, 88.9% of the patients were taking antiplatelet agents, 62.1% were taking statins, 73.1% were taking beta-blockers, and 34.2% were taking ACEI/ARB. The rate of medication use was significantly greater among urban patients compared with rural patients (p<0.05 in all cases). CONCLUSION: Secondary prevention efforts among patients with CHD require additional improvement. Moreover, secondary prevention is currently less successful among the rural population than the urban population.

The Relationship between Blood Viscosity and Isolated Coronary Artery Ectasia.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether isolated coronary artery ectasia (iCAE) is associated with whole blood viscosity (WBV). In the present study, we investigated WBV in coronary artery ectasia (CAE) patients. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with iCAE and 83 controls with normal coronary arteries were selected from 12290 patients who underwent coronary angiography between January 2014 and December 2017. WBV was calculated with a validated equation from hematocrit and total plasma protein levels for a low (LSR) and high (HSR) shear rate. RESULTS: Baseline demographic characteristics and medical history of the groups were similar. The mean level of C-reactive protein (2.1 ± 0.53 vs. 1.93 ± 0.44; p = 0.042) and total protein (7.2 ± 0.3 vs. 7.0 ± 0.6; p = 0.009) were significantly higher in the iCAE group than in the control subjects. Both HSR (4.57 ± 0.6 vs. 3.9 ± 0.7; p < 0.001) and LSR (33.5 ± 9.6 vs. 25.1 ± 9.2; p < 0.001) levels were significantly higher in the iCAE group than in the control group. In ROC analysis, a cut-off value of 4.19 WBV for HSR had an 80.8% sensitivity and 72.3% specificity [area under the curve (AUC): 0.779, 95% CI 70.6-85.1; p < 0.001] and a cut-off value of 27.5 WBV for LSR had an 80.1% sensitivity and 72.3% specificity for predicting iCAE (AUC: 0.788, 95% CI 71.4-86.2; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, both LSR (p < 0.001, OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.05-1.15) and HSR (p < 0.001, OR 4.60, 95% CI 2.33-9.09) were independent predictors for the presence of iCAE. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we determined that in WBV, both HSR and LSR were significantly higher in the iCAE group than in the control subjects, and that this may be a possible cause of iCAE.

Prediction of subtle left ventricular systolic dysfunction in homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: Genetic analyses and speckle tracking echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few studies have shown the direct effect of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) on myocardial systolic function. Studies focused on heterozygote FH patients but not homozygote ones, and they did not perform genetic analyses. We aimed to evaluate all types of patients with FH using the potentially more sensitive speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) technique to identify early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. METHODS: Genetic analyses of patients with FH were conducted for LDL-receptor, PCSK9, and ApoB100. Nine homozygote, two compound heterozygote, and 82 heterozygote FH patients and 85 healthy subjects were prospectively studied. Longitudinal and circumferential strain measurements and conventional echocardiography findings were obtained. RESULTS: LV ejection fractions were similar for all (homozygote, heterozygote, and control) groups. The LV average longitudinal strain (aLS) and average circumferential strain (aCS) levels were significantly reduced in the homozygote and heterozygote groups when compared with the controls (for aLS, P = .008 (<.001); for aCS, P =< .001). A significant inverse correlation was found between LDL-C levels and LS (P < .001, r = .728) and CS (P < .001, r = .642) for all FH patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential of using systolic strain values obtained using 2D STE for determining lipotoxicity in the myocardium owing to hypercholesterolemia. Our study found that cardiac functions of homozygote patients who had the highest cholesterol levels were disrupted at very early ages. Therefore, starting lipid reduction treatment and early reverse LV remodelling therapy at early ages may be beneficial for high-risk patients.

Clinical Efficacy of Transthoracic Echocardiography for Screening Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Turkish Patients.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in Turkish patients aged ≥ 65 years, and to demonstrate the applicability of echocardiography to AAA screening. METHODS: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed in all consecutive patients aged ≥ 65 years who were referred to cardiology clinics or were referred from other outpatient clinics. The abdominal aorta (AA) of each patient was scanned using the same probe, and the time spent was recorded. Demographic and clinic characteristics of the patients were recorded at the end of the echocardiography. RESULTS: Among 1948 patients (mean age 70.9 ± 6 years; 49.8% male), the AA was visualized in 96.3%. AAA was identified in 3.7% (69/1878) of the patients, of whom AAA was previously known in 20.3% (n = 14). The prevalence of unknown AAA was 2.93%. The average time needed to scan and measure the AA was 1 minute and 3 seconds (±23 seconds). Aortic root diameters were significantly higher in the patients with AAA than in those without AAA (34.7 ± 4.2 vs. 29.8 ± 4.7; p < 0.001). Age (per 1 year increase) [odds ratio (OR), 1.245; p < 0.001], male gender (OR, 5.382; p < 0.001), smoking (OR, 2.118; p = 0.037), and aortic root diameter (per 1 mm increase) (OR, 1.299; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of AAA. CONCLUSIONS: This study is important in that it showed a high prevalence of AAA in Turkish patients aged ≥ 65 years, and demonstrated that AAA can be visualized in the majority of patients in as little as 1 minute during TTE.

A rare complication in a patient taking rivaroxaban: Alveolar hemorrhage.

Alveolar hemorrhage (AH) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome with a high mortality rate that is characterized by extensive bleeding into the alveolar spaces. AH usually develops secondary to immunological disease and, less frequently, to drug use. Presently described is the case of an 86-year-old woman with AH who had been using rivaroxaban for 6 months.

Predicting Cardiotoxic Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Using Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning could cause significant cardiac injury. This study aimed to evaluate patients with CO poisoning by using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), a potentially more sensitive technique, to identify left systolic ventricular dysfunction for the first time in the literature. Seventy-two patients who were exposed to CO poisoning were studied. Blood collection and echocardiography were performed at admission and after patients' discharge on days 10-15 (mean 12 days). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) were calculated using STE. In order to find the normal strain levels and to compare it to the patient with CO poisoning, 35 healthy subjects were included in the study. Left ventricular ejection fraction was analyzed according to Simpson's method. Patients were divided into two groups based on their LVEF values. LVEF < 55%, Group 1 (n = 24); LVEF ≥ 55%, Group 2 (n = 48). The reduction in Group 1 strain levels decreased in correlation with LVEF (p < 0.001) while in Group 2, there were no significant changes in LVEF but strain levels were significantly reduced (p = 0.091; p < 0.001). Compared with the control group patients, admission GLS and GLC values of CO-poisoned patients were significantly low both in Group 1 and 2. On the contrary, no significant difference was observed when compared with follow-up GLS value. For prediction of CO cardiotoxicity, the cutoff value of GLS was ≥ - 19.1 with a sensitivity of 70.3% and a specificity of 100% [(AUC) 0.840, 95% (CI) 0.735-0.916; p < 0.001] in the ROC curve analyses. GLS was found as independent predictors of cardiotoxicity. Our study demonstrates the potential of using systolic strain values obtained using 2D-STE in determining cardiotoxicity due to CO poisoning. Speckle tracking echocardiography has the potential of demonstrating subtle LV systolic dysfunction even in CO poisoning patients with preserved EF.

Leukocyte TRP channel gene expressions in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The upregulation of TRP channels is believed to mediate the progression of electrical remodelling and the arrhythmogenesis of the diseased heart. However, there is limited data about the contribution of the TRP channels to development of AF. The aim of this study was to investigate leukocyte TRP channels gene expressions in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. The study included 47 NVAF patients and 47 sex and age matched controls. mRNA was extracted from blood samples, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for gene expressions by using a dynamic array system. Low levels of TRP channel expressions in the controls were markedly potentiated in NVAF group. We observed marked increases in MCOLN1 (TRPML1), MCOLN2 (TRPML2), MCOLN3 (TRPML3), TRPA1, TRPM1, TRPM2, TRPM3, TRPM4, TRPM5, TRPM6, TRPM7, TRPM8, TRPC1, TRPC2, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPC5, TRPC6, TRPC7, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPV5, TRPV6, and PKD2 (TRPP2) gene expressions in NVAF patients (P < 0.05). However, there was no change in PKD1 (TRPP1) gene expression. This is the first study to provide evidence that elevated gene expressions of TRP channels are associated with the pathogenesis of NVAF.

Oxidative injury associated with stenting of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: After carotid artery stenting (CAS), neurological complications that cannot be explained with imaging methods may develop. In our study we aimed to show, using oxidative stress markers, isolated oxidative damage and resulting neurological findings following CAS in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 131 neurologically asymptomatic patients requiring CAS. The neurological findings were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) prior to the procedure, one hour post-procedure, and two days after. Patients with elevated mRS scores but with or without typical hyperintense lesions observed on an MRI and with changes of oxidative stress marker levels at the time (Δtotal-thiol, Δtotal antioxidative status [TAS], and Δtotal oxidant status [TOS]) were evaluated. RESULTS: In the neurological examination carried out one hour prior to the procedure, there were 92 patients with mRS = 0, 20 with mRS = 1, and 12 with mRS = 2. When Δtotal-thiol, ΔTAS, and ΔTOS values and the mRS were compared, it was observed that as the difference in oxidative parameters increased, clinical deterioration also increased proportionally (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a possible correlation between oxidative damage and neurological findings after CAS which could not be explained by routine imaging methods.

Prediction of coronary artery disease severity in lower extremity artery disease patients: A correlation study of TASC II classification, Syntax and Syntax II scores.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) is a well-established risk factor for concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD). There are no published data combining all three lower limb arterial segments (aortoiliac, femoropopliteal and below the knee vessels) in order to estimate CAD severity in LEAD patients. Herein has been derived a new scoring system for this purpose, which uses the wellknown TASC II classification, Syntax score and, for the first time in medical literature, a Syntax II score. METHODS: The study population consisted of 178 patients who underwent lower limb and coronary diagnostic angiography for assessment of LEAD and CAD at the same session. Syntax and Syntax II scores were calculated. TASC II classifications of the lower limb arteries were done. A new scoring system, called "Total Peripheral Score" (TPS), for lower limbs was also calculated. RESULTS: A positive correlation was found between TPS and Syntax score and a less prominent positive correlation between TPS and Syntax II score (p < 0.001). A cut-off value of '6' for the new score was found for estimating high risk subgorup of CAD (Syntax score > 32; p < 0.001). Critical femoropopliteal arterial segment stenosis was the most predictive lower limb arterial zone for presence of severe CAD (Syntax score > 32; p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Taking into account all lower limb arterial segments for predicting CAD during lower limb arterial angiography was recommended. A TPS of more than '6' is the practical cut-off value for estimating severe CAD. Femoropopliteal arterial critical stenosis is the most predictive arterial zone for estimating severe CAD.

Procedural and Early Outcomes of Two Re-entry Devices for Subintimal Recanalization of Aortoiliac and Femoropopliteal Chronic Total Occlusions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Subintimal angioplasty is a common treatment choice for chronic total occlusions (CTO) in the iliac and femoropopliteal arteries. This article describes the technical aspects and early outcomes of two different re-entry devices and comparison with manual re-entry technique. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 61 patients (re-entry group) treated with Outback or Pioneer Plus catheters was carried out. A matched cohort of patients (n=62) who underwent lower extremity interventions without the use of re-entry devices (manual re-entry group) were also analyzed (overall 123 patients were analyzed). Procedural success, procedural durations, patency estimates, ankle-brachial indices, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients underwent Outback or Pioneer Plus guided subintimal recanalization. After the procedure, ankle-brachial indices significantly increased in all patients during follow-up. Primary patency for the entire cohort was 83% in the first month. When the re-entry device group was compared with manual re-entry group, no difference was found with respect to success, complication, and patencies between the two groups during follow-up. However, procedure duration and the amount of contrast agent used was significantly decreased in re-entry groups (p<0.001). Also, re-entry time was significantly decreased in Pioneer plus group according to Outback group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Recanalization of CTO using re-entry devices for aortoiliac or femoropopliteal arteries is safe and effective. These devices shorten the procedure time, the re-entry time, reduce radiation risk, and reduce the amount of contrast agent employed.

Bilirubin Levels are Associated With Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Peripheral Artery Disease.

The relationship between contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and oxidative mechanisms is well documented. Our aim was to demonstrate the possible relationship between CIN and serum bilirubin as an antioxidant molecule. This retrospective study included 359 patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) who underwent peripheral diagnostic angiography; 179 developed CIN after the intervention and another 180 were the control group, matched for age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors. Baseline, 48- to 72-hour, and 30-day laboratory values, major adverse cardiovascular events, and dialysis requirements were recorded. Patients with CIN had significantly higher levels of uric acid, red cell distribution width, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) but lower total bilirubin compared to the control patients ( P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus, left ventricular ejection fraction, uric acid, NLR, and total bilirubin levels were independent predictors of CIN development ( P = .01, P = .001, P = .001, P = .01, and P = .001, respectively). This study demonstrated that decreased total bilirubin was associated with CIN development after the administration of radiocontrast agents in patients with PAD.

Carotid artery stenting with double cerebral embolic protection in asymptomatic patients - a diffusion-weighted MRI controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the simultaneous double-protection method (proximal balloon plus distal filter) with distal-filter protection or proximal-balloon protection alone in asymptomatic patients during carotid artery stenting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 119 consecutive patients were investigated for carotid artery stentings in the extracranial internal carotid artery with the use of distal filters (n = 41, 34.4 %), proximal balloon (MoMa) protection (n = 40, 33.6 %) or double protection (n = 38, 31.9 %). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on all patients before the procedure, and control diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) was obtained within 24-48 h after the procedure. Procedural data, complications, success rate, major adverse cardiovascular events, and MRI findings were collected. RESULTS: New cerebral high-intensity (HI) lesions were observed in 47 (39.4 %) patients. HI lesions were observed in 22 (53.6 %), 15 (37.5 %), and 10 (26.3 %) of the patients with distal filters, proximal protection, and double protection, respectively (p = 0.004). The average number of HI lesions on DW-MRI was 1.80 in the distal-filter group, 0.90 in the proximal-balloon group, and 0.55 in the double-protection group (p < 0.001). Procedure and fluoroscopy times were slightly longer in the double-protection group compared to the distal- or proximal-protection groups (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The double (proximal plus distal) cerebral embolic protection technique is safe and effective for minimizing the risk of cerebral embolization, even in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, despite slightly longer procedure and fluoroscopy times.
.

Serum Bilirubin Levels and the Presence and Progression of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

The relationship between bilirubin levels and peripheral artery disease has been documented. Our aim was to demonstrate the possible relationship between serum bilirubin levels and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The study included 219 patients, 110 had a previous diagnosis of AAA and 109 patients were normal controls. Only patients with AAAs which had a size of 40 to 54 mm were included in the study. Baseline laboratory values and 2 computerized tomographic measurements 12 months apart were recorded. Patients with AAA had significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) counts and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) but lower total and direct bilirubin levels compared with the control patients ( P < .05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that WBC, NLR, and total and direct bilirubin levels were independent predictors of the presence of an AAA ( P = .03, P = .001, P = .001, and P = .001, respectively). White blood cells and total bilirubin level were independent predictors of a rapidly enlarging AAA (>10 mm/y, P = .002 and P < .001, respectively). This study demonstrated that increased WBC and decreased total bilirubin levels were independent predictors of an AAA, especially the subgroup in which the AAA was rapidly expanding.