Evaluation of pulmonary arterial stiffness and comparison with right ventricular functions in patients with cirrhosis preparing for liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary complications are common in patients with liver cirrhosis. Devolopment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with a poor prognosis in these patients. Pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) is considered an early sign of pulmonary vascular remodeling. The aim of this study is to investigate PAS and compare it with right ventricular (RV) functions in patients with cirrhosis who are scheduled for liver transplantation. METHODS: The study included 52 cirrhosis patients (mean age 51.01 ± 12.18 years, male gender 76.9%) who were prepared for liver transplantation and 59 age and sex matched (mean age 51.28 ± 13.63 years, male gender 62.7%) healthy individuals. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 55%, ischemic heart disease, more than mild valvular heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease, congenital heart disease, rheumatic disease, moderate to high echocardiographic PH probability, rhythm or conduction disorders on electrocardiography were excluded from the study. In addition to conventional echocardiographic parameters, PAS value, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and RV ejection efficiency was calculated by the related formulas with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). RESULTS: Demographic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors of the groups were similar. PAS, PVR, and sPAP values were found to be significantly higher in the patient group (20.52 ± 6.52 and 13.73 ± 2.05; 1.43 ± 0.15 and 1.27 ± 0.14; 27.69 ± 3.91 and 23.37 ± 3.81 p < 0.001, respectively). RV FAC and RV Ee were significantly lower and RV MPI was significantly higher in the patient group (45.31 ± 3.85 and 49.66 ± 3.62, p < 0.001; 1.69 ± 0.35 and 1.85 ± 0.23, p = 0.005; 0.39 ± 0.07 and 0.33 ± 0.09, p = 0.001, respectively). PAS was significantly correlated with RV FAC and MPI (r = -0.423, p < 0.001; r = 0.301, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Increased PAS in cirrhosis patients may be associated with early pulmonary vascular involvement. Evaluation of RV functions is important to determine the prognosis in these patients. FAC, MPI, and RV Ee measurements instead of TAPSE or RV S' may be more useful in demonstrating subclinical dysfunction. The correlation of PAS with RV FAC and MPI may indicate that RV subclinical dysfunction is associated with early pulmonary vascular remodeling in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Effects of iron deficiency on left ventricular functions in young women regardless of anemia: A speckle tracking echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide and affects multiple organs and systems including the cardiovascular (CV) system. Iron deficiency can cause structural and functional changes in the myocardium. The aim of the study is to evaluate left ventricular (LV) functions in patients with low ferritin levels without anemia by two-dimensional "speckle tracking" echocardiography (2D STE). METHODS: We studied 90 participants (all female) that were divided into two groups according to ferritin levels (49 patients with ferritin levels <30 ng/mL, 41 age-matched controls with >30 ng/mL). Patients with anemia (hemoglobin level <12 g/dL), known CV disease, diabetes mellitus, low ejection fraction (<55%), active infection, high ferritin levels (>200 ng/mL) were excluded. All patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. In addition to conventional echocardiographic parameters and Doppler measurements, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and strain rate (GLSR) were obtained by 2D STE. RESULTS: Mean ferritin level was 18.96 ± 7.29 ng/mL in low ferritin group, and was 61.22 ± 26.14 ng/mL in control group. There were no significant differences according to conventional and Doppler echocardiographic parameters between the groups. LV GLS and GLSR values were significantly lower in low ferritin group comparing with control group (17.31% ± 1.56 and 18.96% ± 1.53, p < 0.001; 0.64 ± 0.13 1/s and 0.81 ± 0.13 1/s, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between ferritin levels and LV GLS and GLSR values in study group (r = 0.482, p < 0.001; r = 0.387, p < 0.001, respectively). Ferritin level was also detected as an independent risk factor for GLS value < -18% in logistic regression analysis. In ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve for predicting GLS < -18% was 0.801 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.70-0.89) and the threshold of ferritin value was 28.5 ng/mL (sensitivity 76.1%, specificity 77.3%). DISCUSSION: Low ferritin levels can cause subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in patients without anemia. STE provides detailed information about LV functions. With larger studies, these patients should be followed more closely and considered for iron replacement treatment before developing anemia.

The Comparison between Minimally Invasive Coronary Bypass Grafting Surgery and Conventional Bypass Grafting Surgery in Proximal LAD Lesion.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive bypass grafting surgery has entered the clincal routine in several centers around the world, with an increasing popularity in the last decade. In our study, we aimed to make a comparison between minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgery and conventional bypass grafting surgery in isolated proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) lesions. METHODS: Between January 2004 and December 2011, patients with proximal LAD lesions, who were treated with robotically assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery and conventional bypass surgery, were included in the study. In Group 1, coronary bypass with cardiopulmonary bypass and complete sternotomy were applied to 35 patients and in Group 2, robotically assisted minimally invasive bypass surgery was applied to 35 patients. The demographic, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time of the conventional bypass group was 5.7 ± 1.7 years, whereas this ratio was 7.3 ± 1.3 in the robotic group. There was no postoperative transient ischemic attack (TIA), wound infection, mortality, or need for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in any of the patients. In the conventional bypass group, blood transfusion and ventilation time were significantly higher (P < .05) than in the robotic group. The intensive care unit (ICU) stay and hospital stay were remarkably shorter in the robotic group (P < .01). The postoperative pneumonia rate was significantly higher (20%) in the conventional bypass group (P < .01). Postoperative day 1 pain score was higher in the robotic group (P < .05), however, postoperative day 3 pain score in the conventional bypass group was higher (P < .05). Graft patency rate was 88.6% in the conventional bypass group whereas this ratio was 91.4% in the robotic bypass group, which was not clinically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: In isolated proximal LAD stenosis, robotic assisted minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgery requires less blood products, is associated with shorter ICU and hospital stay, and lesser pain in the early postoperative period in contrast to conventional surgery. The result of our studies, which showed similarities to the past studies, lead us to recognize the importance of minimally invasive interventions and the need to perform them more frequently in the future.

Relationship between endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk factors and the extent and severity of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and cardiovascular risk factors. The relationship between cardiovascular risk factors, ED and the presence, extent and severity of CAD, was evaluated in patients with and without angiographically defined CAD in our study. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty patients with CAD and 20 subjects with normal coronary arteries were included. Endothelial function was evaluated by endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation (NMD) measurements, using brachial artery Doppler ultrasonography (USG). Cardiovascular risk factors were identified. The extent and severity of CAD was determined via vessel and modified Gensini scores. RESULTS: FMD% and NMD% were significantly decreased in the CAD(+) group compared with the CAD(-) group (p=0.0001). In the CAD(+) group, the cut-off values of FMD% and NMD% in distinguishing between single-vessel and multi-vessel diseases were 8.5% (sensitivity: 95%, specificity: 62%) and 13.6% (sensitivity: 91%, specificity: 62%), respectively. Additionally, a modified Gensini score was significantly correlated with both FMD and NMD (r=-0.825, r=-0.778, respectively; p=0.0001) in the CAD(+) group. CONCLUSION: ED was more prevalent in the CAD(+) group, and the degree of ED correlated well with the extent and severity of CAD.

Is There a Need for Sex-Tailored Lipoprotein(a) Cut-Off Values for Coronary Artery Disease Risk Stratification?

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] plasma level is a well-known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Existing data regarding the influence of sex on the Lp(a)-CAD relationship are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between Lp(a) and CAD in men and women and to elucidate any sex-specific differences that may exist. METHODS: Data of patients with Lp(a) measurements who were admitted to a tertiary university hospital, Koc University Hospital, were analyzed. The relationship between Lp(a) levels and CAD was explored in all patients and in subgroups created by sex. Two commonly accepted Lp(a) thresholds ≥ 30 and ≥ 50 mg/dL were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1858 patients (mean age 54 ± 17 years; 53.33% females) were included in the analysis. Lp(a) was an independent predictor of CAD according to the multivariate regression model for the entire cohort. In all cohort, both cut-off values (≥ 30 and ≥ 50 mg/dL) were detected as independent predictors of CAD (p < 0.001). In sex-specific analysis, an Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL was an independent predictor of CAD only in women (p < 0.001), but Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL was a CAD predictor both in men and women (men, p = 0.004; women, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study may suggest that different thresholds of Lp(a) level can be employed for risk stratification in women compared to men.

A new stenting technique for bifurcation lesions a nine-patient case series.

AIMS: This study describes and reports preliminary outcomes using kissing T-stenting and small protrusion (K-TAP), a novel modification of traditional T-stenting and small protrusion (TAP). METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine patients who were treated with K-TAP between May 2008 and February 2012 at two hospitals were retrospectively included in this study. The primary endpoints were angiographic success, procedural success, and the composite 30-day and long-term occurrences of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), which consisted of death, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, repeated percutaneous coronary intervention of the target vessel, and non-Q-wave and Q-wave myocardial infarctions. Data were obtained from the review of institutional databases, folder auditing, a telephone survey of the patients, and the review of angiograms. Angiographic success and procedural success were achieved in all patients. The mean fluoroscopy time for the total procedure was 24.1 min (range 20-28). No complications occurred during the procedures. The MACE rate during the mean follow-up period of 102 weeks (range 22-196 weeks) was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: K-TAP, a new coronary bifurcation stenting method, has favorable angiographic and procedural success rates and a low early post-procedure MACE rate. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the K-TAP method.

Evaluation of Aortic Elasticity Parameters Measured by Transthoracic Echocardiography in a Normotensive Population: A Single-Center Study.

OBJECTIVE: Impaired arterial elastic features is one of the earliest manifestations of atherosclerosis in the vessel wall and is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and increased mortality and morbidity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mean values of aortic elasticity parameters in a normotensive population with transthoracic echocardiography and to evaluate these values in different age groups and their relationship with other risk factors. METHODS: This retrospective study included 405 subjects who met the inclusion criteria among 2880 individuals screened between 2020 and 2022. The study population was divided into 5 groups according to their age. Aortic elasticity parameters (aortic strain, aortic stiffness index, and aortic distensibility) were calculated from the associated formulas by measurements made from the ascending aorta in the parasternal long axis. RESULTS: In 405 subjects (mean age 42.18 ± 10.39, 54.3% female), the mean aortic strain value was 15.14 ± 3.56%, the mean aortic stiffness index was 3.24 ± 1.05, and the mean aortic distensibility was 7.48 ± 2.36 cm2/dyn1/103. It was observed that aortic strain and distensibility values significantly decreased with increasing age groups, while aortic stiffness significantly increased. All 3 aortic elasticity parameters were strongly correlated to age. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, age was found to be an independent factor for all aortic elasticity parameters. CONCLUSION: Aortic elasticity parameters can be evaluated with transthoracic echocardiography in daily practice. Comparing these measurements with normal values in similar age groups may help to detect patients with increased cardiovascular risk in the early period, regardless of the other risk factors.

The Relationship of Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressure with Perioperative Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Non-Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with adverse perioperative events in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before surgery, and perioperative mortality and morbidity in patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery in our center. METHODS: Of the 3425 retrospectively screened patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery, 3049 patients whose estimated sPAP values were previously determined by TTE were included in the study. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to their estimated sPAP levels. sPAP <35 mmHg formed group 1, 35-39 mmHg group 2, and ≥ 40 mmHg group 3. All demographic and perioperative data obtained from the database of our institute were compared in three groups. RESULTS: Of the 3049 patients enrolled in the study, 2406 (78.9%) were in group 1, 259 (8.5%) in group 2, and 384 (12.6%) in group 3. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was observed in 82 (2.7%) patients, cardiac mortality occurred in 9 patients (0.3%). In the group with sPAP ≥40 mmHg, cardiac mortality was 0.5% and all-cause mortality was 7.3%. Thirty-day all-cause mortality, acute pulmonary edema, and acute renal failure were significantly higher in group 3 than in the other groups. Cardiac mortality did not differ significantly between the groups. Age, sPAP value, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease history were revealed as independent predictors of all-cause mortality in multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, increased sPAP is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. The evaluation of sPAP with TTE before non-cardiac surgery in patients whose clinical features and examination findings suggest PH may contribute to preoperative risk assessment.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease: Where Do We Stand?

Obstructive sleep apnea is common in adults with cardiovascular disease. Accumulating evidence suggests an association between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease independent of the traditionally recognized cardiovascular disease risk factors. Observational studies indicate that obstructive sleep apnea is a risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease and that alleviation of obstructive events with positive airway pressure may improve cardiovascular disease outcomes. However, recent randomized controlled trials have not supported the beneficial effect of positive airway pressure in cardiac populations with concomitant obstructive sleep apnea. Some evidence suggests that the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and traditionally recognized cardiovascular disease risk factors is bidirectional, suggesting that patients with cardiovascular disease may also develop obstructive sleep apnea and that efficient treatment of cardiovascular disease may improve obstructive sleep apnea. Recent data also indicate that the apnea-hypopnea index, which is commonly used as a diagnostic measure of obstructive sleep apnea severity, has limited value as a prognostic measure for cardiovascular disease outcomes. Novel markers of obstructive sleep apnea-associated hypoxic burden and cardiac autonomic response seem to be strong predictors of adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes and response to treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. This narrative review and position paper from the Turkish Collaboration of Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Trialists aims to update the current evidence about the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease and, consequently, raise awareness for health professionals who deal with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases to improve the ability to direct resources at patients most likely to benefit from treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and optimize treatment of the coexisting cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the Turkish Collaboration of Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Trialists aims to contribute to strengthening the efforts of the International Collaboration of Sleep Apnea Cardiovascular Trialists in this context.

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic chronic mitral regurgitation patients with normal ejection fraction: a combined tissue Doppler and velocity vector imaging-based study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of the surgery in asymptomatic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) remains a challenge. The aim of the study is to evaluate the subclinical changes in LV longitudinal functions by using a novel strain imaging technique; velocity vector imaging (VVI); in patients with chronic MR. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied 54 patients with asymptomatic, nonischemic, chronic MR (56.8 ± 9 years and 56% male) and 30 healthy controls (55 ± 6.5 years and 55% male) with normal ejection fraction. Patients with MR were analyzed in tertiles according to their regurgitant volumes (RV) and regurgitant fractions (RF): mild MR (RV < 30 mL, RF < 30% n = 7), moderate MR (RV: 30-59 mL, RF = 30-50%; n = 29), and severe MR (RV > 60 mL, RF ≥ 50%; n = 18). Conventional echocardiography and VVI-based strain imaging were performed to analyze LV functions. LV longitudinal peak systolic strain and strain rate (SRs) were significantly impaired in moderate and severe MR patients. Changes in LV longitudinal deformation were more significant in patients with severe MR. All deformation parameters showed a marked negative correlation with RV (LV Strain r =-0.583, P = 0.0001; LV SR r =-0.408, P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: LV long-axis functions are important markers of LV contractility in MR patients. Novel echocardiographic techniques may provide additional data on subclinical changes in the LV and give way to the optimal timing for the surgery in severe MR patients.

Progressive subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction in severe aortic regurgitation patients with normal ejection fraction: a 24 months follow-up velocity vector imaging study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate long-term changes in left ventricular (LV) longitudinal systolic functions in patients with asymptomatic, severe aortic regurgitation (AR) by using novel 2D strain imaging. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty severe AR patients with normal ejection fraction (EF) and 30 healthy controls were evaluated by both conventional echocardiography and velocity vector maging (VVI) based strain imaging at baseline and 24 months follow-up. To evaluate LV longitudinal systolic function, segmental peak systolic strain and strain rate (SRs) data were acquired from apical four-chamber, two-chamber and long-axis views. Longitudinal peak systolic strain and SRs of the LV were decreased in patients with severe AR compared to controls at baseline (P = 0.0001). The impairment was more significant in 24 months follow-up (P = 0.0001 for strain, P = 0.01 for SRs). Longitudinal peak systolic strain was significantly correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDD; r =-0.42, P = 0.0001) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) (r =-0.41, P = 0.0001) There was also a strong negative correlation between LV SRs and LVEDD (r =-0.50, P = 0.0001), and LVESD (r =-0.39, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: VVI-derived strain and SRs may be used as adjunctive, noninvasive parameters in the assessment of subclinical LV dysfunction and its progress during clinical follow-up, in patients with severe AR.

Assessment of right atrial pressure using echocardiography and correlation with catheterization.

PURPOSE: Right ventricular systolic pressure is crucial for both treatment and prognosis of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. The proper measurement of right ventricular systolic pressure depends on an accurate estimation of right atrial pressure (RAP). There is no standard method for estimating RAP noninvasively. The purpose of this study was to compare different noninvasive methods, namely, inferior vena cava (IVC) size and inspiratory collapse, tissue Doppler derived E/E' (TV E/E') for estimating RAP, and their correlation with catheter-based measurements in patients with mitral valve stenosis with atrial fibrillation (AF) or normal sinus rhythm (NSR). METHODS: The study group consisted of 39 patients (13 men, mean age 58.9 ± 11.8 years) with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis. We performed cardiac catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography on all patients. RESULTS: Mean RAP measured by catheterization was 9.7 ± 3.8 mmHg. No correlation was found between RAP and TV E/E' ratio, but there was a significant correlation between RAP and IVC diameter (r = 0.51, p < 0.05). Seventeen patients (43.6%) were in AF and 22 patients (56.4%) were in NSR. There was no correlation between TV E/E' ratio and RAP in patients with AF and in patients with NSR. RAP was correlated with collapsibility index in patients with AF (r = 0.56, p < 0.05). RAP was significantly correlated with IVC diameter (r = 0.62, p < 0.005) and collapsibility index (r = 0.49, p < 0.05) in patients with NSR. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of IVC diameter and collapsibility index is a simple a semiquantitative approach that might provide a better estimation of RAP.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm complicating inferior myocardial infarction: a case report.

Acquired pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle is a very rare disorder and mostly occurs after large transmural myocardial infarction (MI) with peak creatine phosphokinase-MB levels greater than 150 IU/mL. Patients developing left ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysm usually present with angina or heart failure symptoms. Although different imaging modalities exist, coronary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice for LV pseudoaneurysms detected in the first months after MI. Here we report the case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with a relatively small inferior MI due to right coronary artery occlusion and complicated by LV pseudoaneurysm.

[Evaluation of left ventricular regional systolic functions in patients with coronary artery disease by two-dimensional strain imaging: a velocity vector imaging study]. / Koroner arter hastalarinda sol ventrikül bölgesel sistolik fonksiyonlarinin ikiboyutlu gerilim (strain) görüntüleme ile degerlendirilmesi: Hiz vektör görüntüleme çalismasi

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess left ventricular (LV) regional systolic functions in coronary artery disease (CAD) using a novel strain imaging method, namely, velocity vector imaging (VVI). STUDY DESIGN: The study included 69 patients (51 men, 18 women; mean age 52.9±10.3 years) with CAD and 30 healthy volunteers (22 men, 8 women; mean age 58.1±13.8 years). Thirty-three patients had previous myocardial infarction (MI). In all the patients, LV wall motions were analyzed as akinetic, hypokinetic, or normokinetic using the 16-segment model of the American Heart Association. In addition, LV peak systolic strain, strain rate (SRs), and segmental ejection fraction (SEF) of all the segments were calculated by using VVI. RESULTS: Patients with MI had significantly lower mean peak systolic strain, SRs, and SEF compared to patients without MI and controls (p=0.0001). The presence of multivessel disease was accompanied by significantly decreased peak systolic strain (p=0.04), SRs (p=0.02), and SEF (p=0.0001). Myocardial segments affected by subtotal/total occlusion (≥99%) had lower peak systolic strain (p=0.02), SRs (p=0.001), and SEF (p=0.0001) values compared to segments with less severe occlusion. In segmental analysis, longitudinal deformation was most significant in akinetic segments (p=0.0001), but hypokinetic and normokinetic segments also differed significantly with respect to deformation (for strain, p=0.01; for SRs and SEF, p=0.0001). Moreover, deformation in the normokinetic segments was more significant than normal segments of the controls (for strain, p=0.02; for SRs and SEF, p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: Velocity vector imaging allows regional deformation analysis for quantitative assessment of regional LV systolic functions; this technique may be more reliable than conventional echocardiography in determining wall motion abnormalities.

Why we should be more careful using hydroxychloroquine in influenza season during COVID-19 pandemic?

The aim of this study was to describe the QTc prolongation and related adverse cardiac events during the administration of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its combinations for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hospitalized patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) who received HCQ and had initial and follow-up electrocardiograms performed between March 10 and May 30, 2020 were included. Critical QTc prolongation was detected in 12% of the patients. On multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 1.11-30.32, p = 0.037) and the use of oseltamivir (odds ratio 5.3, 95% confidence interval 1.02-28, p = 0.047) were found to be associated with critical QTc prolongation.

Preoperative left atrial mechanical dysfunction predicts postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft operation ­ a velocity vector imaging-based study ­.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate pre-existent subclinical mechanical atrial dysfunction in patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) by using novel echocardiographic techniques. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety-six patients with sinus rhythm, undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation were prospectively enrolled. Preoperative left atrial (LA) reservoir, conduit and booster functions were evaluated by 3 different methods: conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), and 2-dimensional strain imaging based-velocity vector imaging (VVI). POAF occurred in 25 out of 96 patients (26%). LA volume index (LAVI) was the only conventional parameter associated with POAF. TDI-derived LA velocities were similar in study groups. In VVI analysis, LA systolic strain, strain rate (SRs) and early diastolic strain rate (ESRd) were impaired in patients who developed POAF after CABG (P=0.0001). Age, LAVI, LA peak systolic strain, SRs and ESRd were found to be the independent predictors of POAF. The optimal cut-off point of 44.0% (88.7% sensitivity, 96% specificity) for LA strain, 1.7 s(-1) (88% sensitivity, 86.2% specificity) for SRs and 1.95 s(-1) (sensitivity 72%, 70.4% specificity) for ESRd predicted POAF in this study. CONCLUSIONS: VVI-derived strain imaging could be used as an adjunctive non-invasive method for evaluating subclinical atrial mechanical dysfunction in patients undergoing CABG. This might help us to identify patients with high risk of POAF in clinical practice.

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic severe aortic regurgitation patients with normal ejection fraction: a combined tissue Doppler and velocity vector imaging study.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, by two novel echocardiographic techniques, velocity vector imaging (VVI)-derived strain imaging and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), in patients with asymptomatic, severe aortic regurgitation (AR). METHODS: Forty patients with severe AR with normal ejection fraction and 30 controls were included to the study. All patients underwent a standard echocardiography extended with TDI and VVI analyses. To evaluate the LV longitudinal and circumferential deformation, segmental systolic peak strain and strain rate (SRs) data were acquired from parasternal short axis, apical four-chamber, two-chamber, and long axis views, and additionally LV myocardial velocities, isovolumic myocardial acceleration (IVA), peak systolic velocity (Sa) and peak myocardial velocity during isovolumic contraction (IVV) assessed by TDI. RESULTS: IVA was the only TDI-derived parameter which was significantly impaired in AR patients (P = 0.0001). Both longitudinal and circumferential strain and SRs of the LV were significantly decreased in patients with severe AR (P = 0.0001). Longitudinal and circumferential strain/SRs and TDI-derived LV IVA were inversely correlated with LV end-diastolic diameter (P = 0.0001) and end-systolic diameter (P = 0.0001). TDI-derived IVA was also very well correlated with longitudinal deformation parameters (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: VVI- derived strain imaging and TDI-derived IVA may be used as adjunctive, reliable, noninvasive parameters for evaluating subclinical ventricular dysfunction in patients with chronic, severe AR. This may help to identify patients for closer follow-up and to determine the need for surgery before developing irreversible, severe heart failure.

[Consensus Report from Turkish Society of Cardiology: COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Diseases. What cardiologists should know. (25th March 2020)]. / Türk Kardiyoloji Dernegi Uzlasi Raporu: COVID-19 Pandemisi ve Kardiyovasküler Hastaliklar Konusunda Bilinmesi Gerekenler (25 Mart 2020).

In December 2019, in the city of Wuhan, in the Hubei province of China, treatment-resistant cases of pneumonia emerged and spread rapidly for reasons unknown. A new strain of coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) was identified and caused the first pandemic of the 21st century. The virus was officially detected in our country on March 11, 2020, and the number of cases increased rapidly; the virus was isolated in 670 patients within 10 days. The rapid increase in the number of patients has required our physicians to learn to protect both the public and themselves when treating patients with this highly infectious disease. The group most affected by the outbreak and with the highest mortality rate is elderly patients with known cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is necessary for cardiology specialists to take an active role in combating the epidemic. The aim of this article is to make a brief assessment of current information regarding the management of cardiovascular patients affected by COVID-19 and to provide practical suggestions to cardiology specialists about problems and questions they have frequently encountered.

[Turkish Cardiology Association Consensus Report: COVID-19 Pandemic and Cardiovascular Diseases (May 13, 2020)]. / Türk Kardiyoloji Dernegi Uzlasi Raporu: COVID-19 Pandemisi ve Kardiyovasküler Hastaliklar Konusunda Bilinmesi Gerekenler (13 Mayis 2020).

In December 2019, in the city of Wuhan, in the Hubei province of China, treatment-resistant cases of pneumonia emerged and spread rapidly for reasons unknown. A new strain of coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2]) was identified and caused the first pandemic of the 21st century. The virus was officially detected in our country on March 11, 2020, and the number of cases increased rapidly; the virus was isolated in 670 patients within 10 days. The rapid increase in the number of patients has required our physicians to learn to protect both the public and themselves when treating patients with this highly infectious disease. The group most affected by the outbreak and with the highest mortality rate is elderly patients with known cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is necessary for cardiology specialists to take an active role in combating the epidemic. The aim of this article is to make a brief assessment of current information regarding the management of cardiovascular patients affected by COVID-19 and to provide practical suggestions to cardiology specialists about problems and questions they have frequently encountered.

[The relationship of microalbuminuria with left ventricular functions and silent myocardial ischemia in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes]. / Tip 2 diyabetli asemptomatik hastalarda mikroalbüminüri ile sol ventrikül fonksiyonlari ve sessiz miyokart iskemisi arasindaki iliski.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, microalbuminuria (MA), a marker of advanced renal failure, has been shown to be related with cardiovascular disease especially in diabetic patients. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between MA and left ventricular functions and silent myocardial ischemia documented by exercise test in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 50 asymptomatic patients (36 women, 14 men; mean age 63+/-7 years) with type 2 diabetes. All the patients underwent treadmill test and biochemical tests following transthoracic echocardiography. Microalbuminuria was diagnosed from a 24-hour urine sample on two different days and the patients were evaluated in two groups based on the presence (= or >30 mg/dl) or absence (<30 mg/dl) of MA. RESULTS: Twelve patients (24%) were found to have MA. There were no significant differences between patients with and without (n=38; 76%) MA with regard to age, sex, blood pressure, cardiovascular risk factors, plasma glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and parameters of renal function (p>0.05). The duration of diabetes was significantly longer in patients with MA (p=0.03). Echocardiographic findings showed no significant differences in left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions between patients with and without MA (p>0.05). Exercise test revealed ischemic changes in 21 patients (42%). The incidence of silent myocardial ischemia was significantly higher among patients with MA (9/12 and 75% vs. 12/38 and 31.6%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that MA can be used as an important marker for coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.