The Investigation of a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin Motifs (ADAMTS) 1, 5 and 16 in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections.

BACKGROUND: Disintegrin-like and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin Motifs (ADAMTS) proteins that are fundamentally located in the extracellular matrix (ECM) have critical roles on different cellular processes by altering the ECM architecture. It has been known that expression of some members of these proteinases increases in aneurismal and dissectional aortic tissue. The purpose of this study is to investigate ADAMTS1, 5, 16 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1, -2 (TIMP-1, -2) levels in aortic tissue obtained from patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections and to achieve new insights about the function of ADAMTS family members. METHODS: We investigated ADAMTS1, 5, and 16 expression in human thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) (n = 22), thoracic aortic dissections (TAD) (n = 12), and thoracic aortas from age-matched control organ donors (n = 6) (a total number of 34 cases and 6 controls). The expression levels of ADAMTS proteins were determined by Western blot technique using anti-ADAMTS1, ADAMTS5, ADAMTS16, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 antibodies. RESULTS: ADAMTS1, 5, and 16 protein expressions were significantly higher in thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection tissues compared to control aortic tissues. Furthermore, TIMP-1 protein levels decreased in TAA and TAD tissues, TIMP-2 did not change. CONCLUSIONS: Under the light of our findings, increased expression of ADAMTS1, 5, and 16 proteins may promote deceleration in thoracic aortic aneurysm progression. This is the first study that demonstrates ADAMTS5 and ADAMTS16 proteolytic activity in aneurysm and dissection.

Dilatation of the Virchow-Robin spaces as an indicator of unilateral carotid artery stenosis: correlation with white matter lesions.

BACKGROUND: Virchow-Robin space (VRS) dilatation is related to many pathologic conditions, mostly associated with vascular abnormalities. White matter lesions (WMLs) are commonly seen on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with advancing age and generally considered as potential markers for vascular disease. PURPOSE: To investigate if asymmetric dilatation of VRSs and WMLs are associated with unilateral internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) and to test the relationship between dilated VRSs and common vascular risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients (18 men, 11 women; mean age, 68.62 years) with unilateral ICAS (≥70% carotid stenosis) undergoing carotid endarterectomy were identified for this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant prospective study and assessed with brain MRI. Two experienced radiologists scored VRSs and WMLs and evaluated old infarcts, chronic lacunar infarcts, and cerebral atrophy. Asymmetry of WML and VRS scores between two cerebral hemispheres was assessed and associations between VRS scores, WML scores, and explanatory variables (e.g. age, sex, vascular risk factors, and atrophy) were tested. RESULTS: In this study, WMLs and basal ganglia VRSs were significantly greater in the unilateral hemisphere with ICA stenosis than contralateral hemisphere. Basal ganglia VRSs were associated with WMLs and internal cerebral atrophy. No association between the severity of VRSs and vascular risk factors was found. CONCLUSION: ICA stenosis may contribute as a factor in the development of WMLs and dilatation of VRSs by causing chronic hypoperfusion. VRS dilatation may be an additional MRI marker of ICAS.

Ankaferd blood stopper decreases postoperative bleeding and number of transfusions in patients treated with clopidogrel: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The risk of reoperation due to bleeding after open heart surgery is 2.2%-4.2%. Patients who undergo reoperation have a two to six times greater mortality rate. Risk factors for reoperation include: older age, low body mass index, time on extracorporeal circulation, and emergency operations. In coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients who are treated preoperatively with antiplatelets, including clopidogrel, the source of postoperative bleeding may be difficult to detect. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of local Ankaferd blood stopper (ABS) to prevent mediastinal bleeding in CABG patients who were treated with clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) preoperatively. METHODS: Twenty-five emergency CABG patients premedicated with clopidogrel and ASA as antiplatelet drugs were included in the study (Group 1). An additional twenty-five patients who were premedicated with the same antiplatelet agents were selected as a control group (Group 2). Preoperative clinical characteristics of the two groups were comparable. At the end of the surgery, 4-10 mL of ABS solution was sprayed on the mediastinal and epicardial tissue following protamine administration in Group1. We compared postoperative total mediastinal bleeding, reoperation rate and total blood and blood products transfused between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no mortality in either of the two groups. Mean postoperative bleeding was 430 mL in the ABS group, and 690 mL in the CG group (P = .044). In the ICU, bleeding in groups 1 and 2 was 610 mL and 980 mL, respectively (P = .025); total bleeding from the mediastinum was 830 mL and 1490 mL, respectively (P = .001) and the amount of autotransfusion was 210 mL and 400 mL (P = .003). Total transfusion of PRBCs in the operating room in groups 1 and 2 was 0.3 and 0.8, respectively (P = .003). No patients in the ABS group needed surgical revision due to severe bleeding or cardiac tamponade. CONCLUSION: The use of local ABS reduces bleeding, transfusion requirements of packed red blood cells, platelets and total blood units in patients premedicated with clopidogrel and ASA undergoing emergent CABG .

Evaluation of myocardial contractility determination with tissue tracking echocardiography after levosimendan infusion in patients with poor left ventricular function and hemodynamics.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of conventional inotropic drugs compared to levosimendan using tissue tracking echocardiography in the early postoperative period for patients with low ejection fraction undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 115 patients (69 male, 46 female) who planned for elective coronary artery bypass surgery with low ejection fraction, ≤% 30, from September 2012 to December 2013. Patients were divided into two groups. Levosimendan was used at a loading dose of 15 µg/kg/min for the first twenty minutes, and continued at a maintenance dose of 0.2 µg/kg/min six hours before the anesthetic induction in group I (n = 47, 23 male, mean age 67.16 ± 4.72 years). Dopamine at 10 µg/kg/min and/or dobutamine at 10 µg/kg/min were used at the time of weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass in group II (n = 68, 47 male, mean age 65.43 ± 6.12 years). The patients were evaluated preoperatively and on the fifth postoperative day by transthoracic echocardiography. Patients were also evaluated just before the cardiopulmonary bypass and at the 12th and 24th hours on the first postoperative day by transesophageal echocardiography. Student t test and χ2 test were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics and preoperative hemodynamic parameters between groups I and II. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters were significantly better in group I receiving levosimendan, compared to group II. CONCLUSION: Levosimendan enhances functional myocardial tissue mass and ensures positive hemodynamic effect in the early postoperative period in patients with low ejection fraction undergoing elective CABG.

Does oral hygiene trigger carotid artery intima-media thickness?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether poor oral hygiene is associated with the intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries, which is one of the predictors of future progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS: We selected 108 patients during periodontal examinations according to their oral hygiene. The patients had no history of atherosclerotic disease. The results of carotid artery B-mode ultrasonography examinations were analyzed at baseline and after a mean of 7.8 months. Patients were scored on the DMFT index for the number of decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth (T). We also used the Silness-Loe plaque index (SLI) to evaluate oral hygiene and dental plaque. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to DMFT and SLI criteria. Group I had a DMFT index of 0 to 3 and an SLI score of 0 or 1; group II had a DMFT index of 4 to 28 and an SLI score of 2 or 3. RESULTS: Dental status and oral hygiene were significantly associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness. Patients with increasing DMFT and SLI indices were correlated with intima-media thickness of the carotid artery. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic poor oral hygiene and tooth loss are related to subclinical atherosclerotic changes in the carotid arteries and might be indicative of future progression of atherosclerosis.

Decision making and results of coronary artery bypass grafting for patients with poor left ventricular function.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the results of coronary artery bypass surgery in patients with a low ejection fraction. Between January 2007 and January 2011, 3556 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting at the Cardiovascular Surgery Clinic at Sifa University Hospital, Izmir, Turkey, were analyzed retrospectively. METHODS: The patients were divided into 2 groups. Patients undergoing isolated first-time elective coronary bypass surgery were classified according to their preoperative ejection fraction; Patients in Group I had an ejection fraction between 20% and 35% with poor left ventricular function (n = 1246; 695 men and 551 women; mean age, 62.25 ± 5.72 years, range, 47-78 years). Control patients in Group II underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting at the same time and had left ventricular ejection fraction between 36% and 49% (n = 2310; 1211 men and 1099 women; mean age, 61.83 ± 8.12 years, range, 41-81 years). The mean follow-up time for all patients was 24 ± 9.4 months (range, 12-48 months). Patients were followed postoperatively at the end of the first month and every 6 months. The left ventricular ejection fraction was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean number of distal anastomoses, myocardial infarction, and mean age was not significantly different between the 2 groups; however, cross-clamp time was longer in Group I. Patient recovery time was significantly longer in Group I. Morbidity (14.5% in Group I versus 7.4% in Group II, P < .005) and mortality (1.76% versus 0.30%, P < .005) were higher in Group I. During late follow-up, the 2-year survival rate (85.1% versus 94.5%) and 2-year event-free rate (77.6% versus 86.9%) were significantly lower in Group I when compared to Group II. Postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction values were significantly superior in Group I compared to Group II. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery bypass grafting can be safely performed in patients with low ejection fraction with minimal postoperative morbidity and mortality. The viable myocardium could be reliably determined by positron emission tomography. Low ejection fraction patients could greatly benefit from coronary bypass surgery regarding postoperative ejection fraction, increased long-term survival, improvement in New York Heart Association classification, and higher quality of life.

Trauma-induced large true superficial femoral artery aneurysm: A case report.

BACKGROUND: A femoral aneurysm is a weakness and bulging in the femoral artery wall located in the thigh. Femoral aneurysms can burst, which may cause uncontrolled bleeding and life-threatening conditions. The aneurysm may also cause a blood clot, showering emboli, potentially resulting in leg ischemia and amputation. CASE REPORT: A 49-year-old man with hypertension presented significant swelling in his right thigh. The patient had a history of surgery for arteriovenous fistula repair. The arteriovenous fistula in the thigh was caused by a bullet injury during the war. Diagnosis of the superficial femoral artery aneurysm was determined using magnetic resonance angiogram. The aneurysm was surgically excised and a prosthetic vascular graft was inserted. DISCUSSION: The exact cause of femoral aneurysms is unknown, although atherosclerosis and hypertension may play a key role. Trauma to the artery may also be a contributing factor. Long-standing occult arteriovenous fistula plays a significant role in the cause of distal aneurysms. CONCLUSION: Femoral aneurysms are usually treated surgically. A surgeon will replace the artery with a graft or create a bypass around the area of the artery where the aneurysm is present.

Thrombosed left circumflex artery aneurysm presenting with myocardial infarction.

Coronary artery aneurysms are life-threatening conditions that are quite uncommon in adults. They are observed in 1.1% to 4.9% of patients undergoing coronary angiography. They are usually located in the right coronary artery, may sometimes be thrombosed or rupture, and occasionally reach an enormous size leading to compressive symptoms. We report a case of thrombosed left circumflex artery aneurysm presenting with myocardial infarction. The thrombosed aneurysm, which could not be clearly demonstrated by coronary angiography, was definitively diagnosed by coronary computed tomography angiography. No operation was planned owing to total thrombosis of the aneurysm.

Brain diffusion changes in unilateral carotid artery stenosis with non-shunt endarterectomy: Correlation with white matter lesions.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid stenosis is associated with hemodynamic cerebral ischemia. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging allows for the assessment of changes related to alterations in tissue integrity. The aim of this study was to investigate (a) whether white matter lesions (WML) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values differ between ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres, (b) whether ADC values are related to WMLs and common vascular risk factors, and (c) whether ADC values differ after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) without a shunt in patients with unilateral internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS). METHODS: Twenty-five patients (16 men, 9 women; mean age of 68 years) with unilateral ICAS (≥ 70% carotid stenosis) were assessed with brain MRI before and after CEA, prospectively. Two experienced radiologists scored the WMLs. Bilateral ADC values in anterior and posterior periventricular WM, occipital WM, and thalamus were evaluated on preoperative and postoperative MRI. Differences in ADC values and WML scores between the two hemispheres were assessed and associations between ADC values, WML scores, and explanatory variables (e.g., age, sex, vascular risk factors) were analyzed. RESULTS: WMLs were significantly greater and ADC values were elevated in the ipsilateral cerebral WM. After CEA, ADC values rapidly decreased but remained higher than within the contralateral hemisphere. Ipsilateral hemispheric ADC values were associated with basal ganglia WMLs. No association between ADC values and vascular risk factors was found. CONCLUSION: ICAS is associated with increased diffusion in normal-appearing WM in comparison to more prominent chronic ischemic lesions. CEA has a partial effect on diffusion. These cerebral changes may be related to chronic low-grade ischemic damage that is induced by ICAS.

Previous chronic cerebral infarction is predictive for new cerebral ischemia after carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between preoperative chronic cerebral ischemia and postoperative new cerebral ischemia in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: We reviewed the diffusion weighted magnetic resonance images (DWI) of the 51 patients (37 men, mean age 68.8 ± 8.4 years) undergoing isolated CEA in the preoperative and early postoperative period. The number, anatomic location and the size of new ischemic lesions were recorded. RESULTS: In the preoperative period, 28 (54.9 %) patients were symptomatic. There was chronic cerebral infarction in the preoperative DWI images of 17 patients (33.3 %). In the postoperative period, there was newly developed cerebral ischemia in postoperative DWI images of eight (15.7 %) patients. Six of the eight patients with newly developed cerebral ischemia had chronic cerebral infarction in their preoperative DWI images. The incidence of newly developed cerebral ischemia after CEA in patients with preoperative chronic cerebral ischemia was significantly higher than the incidence in patients without preoperative chronic cerebral ischemia (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that preoperative chronic cerebral ischemia may aggravate postoperative newly developed cerebral ischemia in patients undergoing CEA.

Preoperative CRP levels is not predictive early renal dysfunction after coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the correlation between preoperative CRP levels and the early renal dysfunction after cardiac surgery. METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2013, values for preoperative CRP were available for 546 unselected patients undergoing cardiac operations. CRP was used to divide this cohort in two groups: a normal CRP levels group (Group I) of 432 patients with CRP of less than 0.5 mg/dL, and a high CRP levels group (group II) of 114 patients with a CRP of 0.5 mg/dL or more. RESULTS: Median CRP preoperative values were significantly different in the group II (2.49±1.03 mg/dL) than in the group I (0.32±0.14 mg/dL; P < 0.0001). Median CRP postoperative values were significantly different in the group I (17.62±2.99) than in the group II (23.13±3.01; P < 0.0001). Preoperative levels of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and CrCl were not significantly different between group I and group II. Postoperative levels of BUN, Cr and CrCl between the two groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The early Cr and CrCl levels after surgery are not significantly different in group I and group II. The early renal function after CABG is not correlated with the preoperative CRP levels.

Carotid and popliteal artery intima-media thickness in patients with poor oral hygiene and the association with acute-phase reactants.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether poor oral hygiene is associated with carotid and popliteal arterial intima-media thickness, which is one of the predictors of future progression of sub-clinical atherosclerosis, and highsensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and fibrinogen levels. METHODS: A specialised dentist checked the patients and selected 550 patients during periodontal examinations, according to their oral hygiene. The patients had no history of atherosclerotic disease. Carotid and popliteal artery B-mode ultrasonographic examinations and hsCRP and fibrinogen levels were analysed at baseline and after a mean of 6.2 months. The patients were scored on the DMFT index for the number of decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth (T). We also used the Silness-Loe plaque index (SLI) to evaluate oral hygiene and dental plaque. The patients were divided into two groups using the DMFT and SLI criteria. Group I had a DMFT index score from 0 to 3 and SLI index score of 0 or 1. Group II had a DMFT index score from 4 to 28 and SLI index score of 2 or 3. RESULTS: A significant association was observed between dental status, oral hygiene, carotid and popliteal artery intima-media thickness and hsCRP level. Patients with increasing DMFT and SLI scores correlated with increasing carotid artery intima-media thickness. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly showed that chronic poor oral hygiene and tooth loss are related to sub-clinical atherosclerotic changes in the carotid arteries and may be indicative of future progression of atherosclerosis.

Effects of single aortic clamping versus partial aortic clamping techniques on post-operative stroke during coronary artery bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of single-clamping and partial-clamping techniques on postoperative stroke during coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: Between December 2008 and December 2012, 2 000 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in two hospitals were analysed. Post-operative neurological complications were analysed retrospectively in these patients. The cases were divided into two groups: in group 1, 1 500 patients were analysed, in whom proximal anastomosis was performed with partial clamping in a beating heart (n = 1 500, 846 male, 654 female; mean age 63.25 ± 5.72 years; range 43-78 years). In group 2, 500 patients were analysed, in whom proximal anastomosis had been performed by other surgical teams in another hospital, with cross clamping in a resting heart with cardioplegia (n = 500, 296 male, 214 female; mean age 64.83 ± 8.12 years; range 41-81 years). During 30 days post-operatively, neurological deficits, stroke incidence and the relationship of the clinical situation to mortality were analysed. RESULTS: For both groups, patients were similar in terms of patient characteristics. In group 2, cross-clamp duration and perfusion time were longer; however, time of hospital stay was similar in the two groups. Post-operative stroke was seen in 26 patients in group 1 (1.73%) and in nine in group 2 (1.8%). The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.92). All stroke patients were over the age of 55 years. Seven of the stroke patients died (21.1%). In total, 31 patients died because of multiple organ failure in the postoperative 30 days (group 1: 1.6%; group 2: 1.4%) (p = 0.91). Smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease and hypercholesterolaemia were found to be factors that affected stroke development. Mean duration of hospital stay was 5.1 ± 2.8 days in group 1 and 4.9 ± 3.6 days in group 2 and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.46). CONCLUSION: In patients without plaques in the aorta, performing partial clamping did not increase stroke incidence.