Frontal QRS - T angle is associated with severity and prognosis of acute pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION: The pathological effects of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) on the right ventricle are one of the most important determinants of mortality in patients with APE. Frontal QRS-T angle (fQRSTa) predicts ventricular pathology and poor prognosis in many different cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we investigated whether there is a significant relationship between fQRSTa and APE severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 309 patients were included in this retrospective study. The severity of APE was classified as massive (high risk), submassive (intermediate risk), or nonmassive (low risk). fQRSTa calculated from standard ECGs. RESULTS: fQRSTa was significantly higher in massive APE patients (p < 0.001). fQRSTa was also found to be significantly higher in the in-hospital mortality group (p < 0.001). fQRSTa was an independent risk factor for the development of massive APE (odds ratio:1.033; 95% CI: 1.012-1.052; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that increased fQRSTa predicts high-risk APE patients and mortality in APE patients.

Comparison of atrial fibrillation predictors in patients with acute coronary syndrome using ticagrelor or clopidogrel

Background/aim: Ticagrelor is a drug widely used in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) that specifically increases the plasma level of adenosine, which is likely to cause atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, in this study we aimed to investigate the electrocardiographic and echocardiographic predictors of AF development after P2Y12 receptor antagonists in ACS patients. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 831 patients with ACS (486 [58.5%] with ST elevated myocardial infarction [STEMI] and 345 [41.5%] with non-ST elevated myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]). Patients were divided into ticagrelor (n = 410) and clopidogrel (n = 421) groups. P wave properties including P wave dispersion and atrial electromechanical conduction properties were measured as AF predictors with surface ECG and tissue Doppler imaging. Results: Baseline characteristics such as age, sex, heart rate, blood pressure, and laboratory parameters were almost the same in the ticagrelor and clopidogrel groups. The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in P wave dispersion (PWD) between ticagrelor and clopidogrel groups (40.98 ± 12 ms versus 40.06 ± 12 ms, P = 0.304). Subgroups analysis according to ACS types also showed no significant difference in PWD (NSTEMI: 41.16 ± 13.8 ms versus 40.76 ± 13.55 ms, P = 0.799; STEMI: 40.9 ± 12.62 ms versus 39.19 ± 11.18 ms, P = 0.132). In addition, we did not find significant difference in atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) with tissue Doppler imaging (interatrial EMD 24.11 ± 3.06 ms versus 24.46 ± 3.23 ms, P = 0.279). Conclusion: In conclusion, we did not find any difference in detailed electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters as AF predictors between ticagrelor and clopidogrel groups in patients with ACS

Pulmonary Arterial Hemodynamic Assessment by a Novel Index in Systemic Sclerosis Patients: Pulmonary Pulse Transit Time.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune connective tissue disease that is associated with vascular lesions, and fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. Cardiac complications may occur as a secondary effect of SSc as a result of pulmonary arterial hypertension and interstitial lung disease. The objective of this study was to assess whether the pulmonary pulse transit time (pPTT) could serve as a diagnostic marker for pulmonary arterial alterations in patients with SSc, prior to development of pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Twenty-five SSc patients as a study group and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers for the control group were recruited to the study. Right ventricle function parameters, such as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP), right ventricular dimensions, right ventricle fractional area changes, and myocardial perfusion index (MPI) were measured and calculated. Pulmonary pulse transit time was defined as the time interval between the R-wave peak in the ECG and the corresponding peak late systolic pulmonary vein flow velocity. RESULTS: Right ventricle myocardial performance index (RVMPI) and eSPAP were significantly higher in the SSc group than the controls (p = 0.032, p = 0.012, respectively). Pulmonary pulse transit time and TAPSE was shorter in the patients with SSc (p = 0.006, p = 0.015, respectively). In correlation analysis, pPTT was inversely correlated with RVMPI (r = - 0.435, p = 0.003), eSPAP (r = - 0.434, p = 0.003), and disease duration (r = - 0.595, p = 0.003). Conversely, it positively correlated with TAPSE (r = 0.345, p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: pPTT was found to be shorter in SSc patients. pPTT might serve as a surrogate marker of pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with SSc, even prior to the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Relation of kynurenine/tryptophan with immune and inflammatory markers in coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and immune activation have a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase, a tryptophan catabolising enzyme, is up-regulated with various inflammatory stimuli. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of tryptophan degradation with immune and inflammatory markers in coronary artery disease. METHODS: 57 subjects undergoing coronary angiography were recruited. 18 subjects with normal coronary arteries according to Gensini scoring were selected as a control group and the rest of subjects were included in patient group. Serum tryptophan and kynurenine levels were determined with HPLC-UV method, and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio was evaluated as IDO activity. Serum neopterin and myeloperoxidase activity were measured by ELISA method. RESULTS: While the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and neopterin levels were similar in both groups, the patient group had higher myeloperoxidase and hs-CRP levels than controls (p = 0.02, p = 0.002, respectively). The kynurenine/tryptophan ratio was correlated with neopterin in both groups (r = 0.389, p = 0.025; r = 0.683, p = 0.002, respectively) and with hs-CRP in patients (r = 0.637, p = 0.001). Also, neopterin levels were correlated with hs-CRP in patients (r = 0.755, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results are in line with a role of inflammation in coronary artery disease. The study provides evidence that IDO activity is related with immune and inflammatory states. Also, the study was performed in a limited hospital-based population. Further studies are warranted in the larger groups.

Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio Is Associated With High Thrombus Burden in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

The blood glucose level at admission indicates (with some limitations) poor prognosis and thrombus burden in patients with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Our study aimed to measure the predictive value of the stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR), an indicator of stress hyperglycemia, showing increased thrombus burden in patients with ACS. Patients (n = 1222) with ACS were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Coronary thrombus burden was classified as high and low. SHR was calculated by dividing the admission serum glucose by the estimated average glucose derived from HbA1c. Low thrombus burden was detected in 771 patients, while high thrombus burden (HTB) was detected in 451 patients. SHR was found to be significantly higher in patients with HTB (1.1 ± .3 vs 1.06 ± .4; P = .002). SHR was determined as a predictor of HTB (odds ratio (OR) 1.547 95% CI (1.139-2.100), P < .001) as a result of univariate analysis. According to multivariate analysis, SHR was determined as an independent risk factor for HTB (OR 1.328 CI (1.082-1.752), P = .001). We found that SHR predicted thrombus burden with higher sensitivity than admission glucose level in patients with ACS.

Effect of overweight and obesity on the left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a association exits among overweight and obesity and left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions in patients admitted with first ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: The present study was performed on 451 consecutive patients diagnosed with first STEMI (376 men, 75 women; mean age 56.1 ± 10.8 years). The patients were classified into three groups based on their body mass index (BMI) as normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI: 25-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). Echocardiographic features were evaluated and compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Mitral annulus E velocities were higher in obese individuals than normal weight group (p < 0.01). In contrast, mitral A velocities were lower (p =0.03); consequently, E\A and E'\A' ratios were lower (both p = 0.01) in the obese group with respect to normal weight group. When the correction of entire variations existing among the groups were performed using multivariate linear regressions analyses, it turned out that BMI was independently associated with E/A (ß = -0.19, p = 0.044) and with E'/A' (ß = -0.016, p = 0.021). Ejection fraction, wall motion score index and myocardial S velocities were comparable among the study groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that while obesity has no adverse effect on the left ventricular systolic function, it has unfavorable consequences on the left ventricular diastolic function in the patients with first STEMI. In contrast, no unfavorable effects of overweight on the left ventricular systolic and diastolic function were detected.

Atrial electromechanical coupling interval and P-wave dispersion in healthy elderly.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of our study was to investigate the potential effect of natural aging on atrial fibrillation (AF) by means of electrocardiographic P-wave analysis and measurement of the transthoracic echocardiographic electromechanical coupling interval (EMC). METHODS: The study comprised 25 healthy individuals aged ≥65 years (group 1) and 25 control subjects <65 years (group 2). The difference between maximum (Pmax) and minimum (Pmin) P-wave durations on 12-lead electrocardiography were defined as P-wave dispersion (PD). Intra- and inter-atrial EMC were measured by tissue Doppler imaging. RESULTS: Pmax (107.2 ± 3.58 msec vs 100.0 ± 3.56 msec, p<0.001) and PD (43.6 ± 4.98 msec vs 36.5 ± 3.56 msec, p<0.001) were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Left atrial EMC [24.6 (15.20) vs 13.3 (4.50), p<0.001] and inter-atrial EMC [43.2 (16.05) vs 33.3 (4.75), p<0.001] were significantly delayed in group 1 compared with group 2. There was a significant correlation between left atrial diameter, PD, Pmax, left atrial EMC, and inter-atrial EMC. CONCLUSION: Aging is correlated with increased left atrial size and impaired diastolic relaxation, which may contribute to a greater risk of AF in terms of prolonged PD and atrial EMC.

Atrial electromechanical coupling interval and P-wave dispersion in patients with white coat hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of white coat hypertension (WCH) to atrial conduction abnormalities by electrocardiographic P-wave analysis and echocardiographic electromechanical coupling (EMC) interval measurement. METHODS: The study consisted of sex-, age-, and body mass index-matched 24 patients with WCH, 24 patients with sustained hypertension (SH), and 24 subjects with normotension (NT). The difference between the maximum (Pmax) and minimum P-wave durations on 12-lead electrocardiography was defined as P-wave dispersion (PD). Intra- and inter-atrial EMC were measured by tissue Doppler imaging. RESULTS: Pmax and PD of subjects with WCH were significantly higher than those of normotensives and lower than those of patients with SH. Inter-atrial EMC and left atrial EMC values of WCH group were intermediate between NT and SH groups. There was a significant correlation between left atrial diameter, PD, Pmax, left ventricle mass index, left atrial EMC, and inter-atrial EMC. CONCLUSION: White coat hypertension is an intermediate group between SH and NT in terms of atrial electromechanical abnormalities which may be associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation.

Successful closure of the ventricular septal defect;A rare complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

In this report, we present a patient with ventricular septal defect (VSD) that was detected at follow-up one month after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and successfully closed percutaneously. Before the procedure, a 29 mm Portico self-expanding aortic valve prosthesis was placed in the heavy calcific aortic valve position, and then the balloon was dilated due to aortic insufficiency and excellent results were obtained. One month after TAVI, the patient complained of shortness of breath at rest, and on physical examination a pansystolic murmur was detected. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a well-functioning prosthetic aortic valve; however, a VSD was detected causing left-to-right shunt in the interventricular septum. Later, we performed the interventional treatment of the defect using the Amplatzer muscular VSD occluder device with the transfemoral approach. Currently, five months after the combined procedure, the patient showed a significant improvement in symptoms and no significant shunt was observed.

Copeptin level and copeptin response to percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty in mitral stenosis.

We aimed to investigate copeptin levels in mitral stenosis (MS) patients and the behavior of copeptin after hemodynamic improvement achieved by percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). The study involved 29 consecutive symptomatic patients with moderate to severe rheumatic MS who underwent PBMV. Twenty-eight age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers composed the control group. Blood samples for copeptin were obtained immediately before and 24 h after PBMV, centrifuged, then stored at -70°C until assayed. The copeptin level of the patient group was statistically different from that of the control group (61.8 ± 34.4 and 36.8 ± 15.2 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.001). PBMV resulted in a significant increase in mitral valve area and a significant decrease in transmitral gradient as well as systolic pulmonary artery pressure. While hemodynamic relief was obtained, we detected a statistically significant decline in copeptin levels 24 h after PBMV compared to the baseline levels (from 61.8 ± 34.4 to 44.1 ± 18.2 pg/ml; p = 0.004).

Relationship between mean platelet volume and left ventricular systolic function in patients with metabolic syndrome and ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of platelet activation, which is a central process in the pathophysiology of coronary heart disease. Metabolic syndrome (MS) may lead to worsened left ventricular systolic function by causing recurrent thrombotic events and by aggravating systemic inflammation in the course of acute myocardial infarction. The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between MPV and left ventricular systolic function in patients with metabolic syndrome who had first ST-elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: MPV was measured on admission in 33 patients who had preserved left ventricle systolic function (mean age, 56.9±10.2 years) and in 48 patients who had depressed left ventricle systolic function (mean age, 57.9±10.5 years) with metabolic syndrome and first ST elevation myocardial infarction. Depressed left ventricle systolic function was defined as ≤50% ejection fraction value. MPV levels were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: MPV was significantly higher in patients with depressed left ventricle systolic function in comparison with patients showing preserved left ventricle systolic function (p=0.02). Logistic regression analysis showed an independent relationship between MPV and deteriorated left ventricular systolic function, even after adjustment for potential confounders (1.08 (1.04-1.20), CI: 95%, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Increased MPV on admission can be associated with degree of left ventricle systolic depression in patients with metabolic syndrome with first ST-elevation myocardial infarction. MPV may prove to be useful as a prognostic marker in patients with metabolic syndrome and ST elevation MI.

Tp-e/QTc ratio, SYNTAX, and GRACE score in patients who underwent coronary angiography owing to acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Ventricular arrhythmias following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) range from benign to life-threatening fatal arrhythmias. Tpeak-end (Tp-e) interval has been shown to be an important parameter in the assessment of repolarization dispersion. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between SYNTAX and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score calculated on admission and Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio. METHODS: A total of 421 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups as low SYNTAX score (≤22) and moderate and high risk SYNTAX score (>22). According to the GRACE risk score, the patients were divided into 2 groups; high-risk patients ≥140 and <140 low-risk patients. RESULTS: In the group with SYNTAX score >22, the Tp-e interval (p<0.001) and Tp-e/QTc ratio (p<0.001) was found to be significantly higher than in the group with a SYNTAX score ≤22. Tp-e interval (p<0.001) and Tp-e/QTc ratio (p=0.002) was higher in patients with GRACE risk score ≥140 compared with patients with a GRACE risk score <140. The correlation between Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QTc ratio and SYNTAX score (r=0.489; p<0.001) and GRACE risk score (r=0.274; p<0.001) were found to be significant. A significant and independent correlation was found between the SYNTAX score and Tp-e/QTc ratio (ß=0.385; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio increased in patients with severe coronary artery disease assessed with SYNTAX score. Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio increased in patients with a high GRACE risk score.

Cardiac tamponade via a fistula to the pericardium from a hydatid cyst: case report and review of the literature.

Although echinococcus is endemic in many sheep-raising areas of the world, cardiac involvement is rare. Cysts usually reach the heart by means of the coronary circulation, but other routes have been proposed. Pericardial tamponade due to a hydatid cyst has not yet been described in the literature. We present the case of a 46-year-old woman who presented to the Emergency Department with complaints of chest pain and mild dyspnea. Her medical history was positive for a liver hydatid cyst operation 26 years earlier. She was tachypneic, tachycardic, and hypotensive. Pleural and pericardial effusions were detected on transthoracic echocardiography. When she worsened clinically, pericardiocentesis was performed and she promptly improved. A fistula was detected between the liver and pericardium on computed tomography (CT) scan of the torso. Serologic test (agglutination) for Echinococcus granulosus was positive in a 1/32 dilution. A final diagnosis of mediastinal hydatic cyst was made, and a 4-week course of albendazol was given. Then the cyst was surgically excised, and the patient recovered without complications.

Relationship between serum bilirubin levels and presence of fragmented QRS in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Aim: To assess the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and fragmented QRS (fQRS), and their association with adverse events in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods: This study included a total of 736 patients. Laboratory results such as bilirubin levels, renal and liver function tests were obtained from the first available blood sample. Results: Left ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic diameter and total bilirubin level were significantly lower in fQRS (+) group than in the control group (45.0 [40.0-55.0] vs 50.0 [45.0-60.0]%; p < 0.001; 4.7 [4.6-5.1] vs 4.7 [4.5-4.9] cm; p < 0.001; 0.66 [0.49-5.1] vs 0.72 [0.53-0.97] md/dl; p = 0.017); respectively. Occurrence of adverse events was significantly higher in fQRS (+) group (32.5 vs 20.5 %; p = 0.013) during mean 1-year follow-up period. Conclusion: Total bilirubin level is an independent predictor of fQRS formation, which is associated with the presence of adverse events in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Impact of adiponectin on left ventricular mass index in non-complicated obese subjects.

To evaluate the relationship between the adiponectin levels and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in uncomplicated obese subjects. Fifty-nine subjects were assigned to the obese (BMI> or =30 kg/m(2)) and 58 to the lean (BMI<30 kg/m (2) ) group. Plasma glucose, insulin, serum total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and adiponectin were measured. Insulin resistance was determined by the Homeostasis Assessment Model (HOMA-IR). The left ventricular functions of all subjects were determined by 2D and pulse wave Doppler echocardiography. LVMI was calculated as left ventricular mass (LVM) normalized for height in m (2.7) . The obese group displayed significantly higher LVMI and late mitral inflow velocity. Thirty-three obese subjects met the criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and had lower serum adiponectin levels compared with obese subjects without LVH and lean subjects (p<0.05). Adiponectin was negatively correlated with LVMI (R: -0.277, p: 0.002). Furthermore, during the partial correlation analysis where HOMA-IR was controlled, the negative correlation between adiponectin and LVMI progressed (r: -0.283, p: 0.002). The linear regression analysis showed an independent relationship between LVMI and adiponectin. (beta: -0.214, p: 0.01) Obesity is associated with LVH. This study showed direct influence of adiponectin on LVMI.

Asymmetrical dimethylarginine level in atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to be related with increased risk of thromboembolic events. Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), which is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), can cause endothelial dysfunction by decreasing nitric oxide (NO) and lead to increased risk of thrombosis. In the present study our aim was to compare plasma levels of ADMA in patients with acute onset (< 24 hours) and chronic AF (> 1 year) to determine the risk of thrombosis. METHOD: 17 patients with the first detected attack of AF within the first 24 hours of presentation (group 1), 25 patients who had permanent chronic AF lasting at least 1 year or more (group II) and 18 healthy persons as the control group (group III) were included in the study. For each patient the plasma ADMA, L-arginine, symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography in venous blood samples collected before cardioversion. We compared the plasma ADMA, L-arginine and SDMA concentrations between the groups. RESULTS: Plasma L-arginine (78.18 +/- 28.29 vs. 73.14 +/- 14.11 vs. 71.03 +/- 21.31, P = 0.549) and plasma SDMA concentrations (0.38 +/-0.18 vs. 0.42 +/- 0.21 vs. 0.32 +/- 0.24, P = 0.224) were similar in all groups. There was a significant difference between plasma ADMA concentrations (0.76 +/- 0.27 vs. 0.50 +/- 0.26 vs. 0.36 +/- 0.20, P < 0.001) among the groups. When we compared plasma ADMA levels between the subgroups, we also found a significant difference (P = 0.002 when comparing group I and group II, P < 0.001 when comparing of group I and group III, P = 0.042 when compareng of group II and group III). CONCLUSION: ADMA levels in patients with acute onset AF were significantly increased when compared with patients with chronic AF and the healthy control group indicating the presence of endothelial dysfunction and a prothrombotic state even in a very early phase of AF.

Renal dysfunction is the most important predictor of the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic patients tend to have more extensive and diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD) that may contribute to the less favorable outcomes in them. The aim of this study was to elucidate the predictors of the angiographic severity and extent of CAD in patients with diabetes. METHODS: A total of 203 diabetic patients (116 men; mean age, 61.9+/-10.8) who were referred for a first coronary angiogram were included. The extent and severity of CAD was assessed in several ways. The first was a simple classification in one-vessel, two-vessel, and three-vessel disease scoring system. The total numbers of segments with > or = 20 and > or = 50% stenosis were calculated as CASS 20 and CASS 50 scores, respectively. Hamsten and Gensini scores were also calculated. RESULTS: Of the 203 patients included in the study, 175 (86.2%) had CAD. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that age (Wald 5.741, P=0.017), glomerular filtration rate (Wald 5.032, P=0.025), previous myocardial infarction (Wald 10.955, P=0.001), and family history of CAD (Wald 7.236, P=0.007) were independent predictors of the severity of CAD, as assessed by the clinical zero-vessel to three-vessel disease scoring system. On stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, glomerular filtration rate was an independent predictor of the CASS 20 (r=-0.221, P=0.004), CASS 50 (r=-0.239, P=0.005), Gensini (r=-0.328, P<0.001), and Hamsten (r=-0.320, P<0.001) scores. Previous myocardial infarction was an independent predictor of the CASS 50 (r=0.355, P<0.001), Gensini (r=0.350, P<0.001), and Hamsten (0.256, P<0.001) scores. Age and sex were independent predictors for the CASS 50 (r=0.174, P=0.039; r=0.172, P=0.016, respectively) and Hamsten (r=0.212, P=0.011; r=0.244, P=0.001, respectively) scores. CONCLUSION: Renal function is one of the most important factors associated with the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis, whereas classical coronary risk factors and the degree of metabolic control were not associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.

Electrocardiography and Wells scoring in predicting the anatomic severity of pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major health problem associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. Immediate recognition of submassive and massive cases is extremely important in order to commencement of early and appropriate therapy that could be life saving. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of two scoring systems, electrocardiography (ECG) and simplified Wells (sWells) clinical scorings in predicting anatomic severity of PE. Hence, ECG and sWells scorings were combined in order to test the hypothesis if this new scoring does enhance the prediction of severity. Fifty six patients with proven PE with high (50 patients) and moderate (six patients)-probability of ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan were retrospectively studied. Baseline ECGs were analysed by two independent observers in order to constitute ECG scorings. Baseline sWells scores were also calculated. Anatomic severity of PE was calculated by scintigraphically and categorized into mild (<50% perfusion defect) (group 1), and severe (50% perfusion defect) (group 2) diseases. The mean of ECG scores, sWells scores and the combined scores were 5.23+/-3.42 and 5.85+/-3.82; 6.60+/-1.88 and 7.03+/-2.40; and 10.73+/-3.60 and 11.60+/-4.32 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p>0.05). An ECG score of 6.5 predicted severe disease (perfusion defect 50%) with a sensitivity of 41.7% and a specificity of 82%). sWells and combined scores did not provide better sensitivity or specificity values based on ROC curve analysis. Our results indicated that ECG scoring could be valuable test in predicting anatomic severity of PE, adding sWells scoring to ECG scoring did not provide any beneficial effect.

Analysis of MMP-7 and TIMP-2 gene polymorphisms in coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction: A Turkish case-control study.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) have a significant role in tissue remodeling related to cardiac function. In earlier studies, MMP-7 A-181G (rs11568818), C-153T (rs11568819), C-115T (rs17886546), and TIMP-2 G-418C (rs8179090) polymorphisms have been studied in various diseases. However, association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and these polymorphisms has been poorly studied. The goal of this study is to investigate the association of CAD and myocardial infarction (MI) with MMP-7 or TIMP-2 polymorphisms. This study included 122 CAD patients and 132 control individuals. DNA was extracted from whole blood. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and automated direct sequencing method were used for genotyping of these polymorphisms. No significant differences were found between MMP-7 A-181G, C-115T, and TIMP-2 G-418C polymorphism and CAD or MI in a Turkish population. Despite the fact that the genotypes of MMP-7 C-153T polymorphism had no significant differences among MI and control groups, allele frequencies of C-153T polymorphism were significantly different between the two groups. Our study is the first report to clarify the appreciable relationship between MMP-7 C-153T polymorphism and MI development in CAD patients. However, these findings also need to be confirmed in other populations so we can improve our knowledge about the genetic factors affecting the development of CAD.