Do Different TSH Suppression Levels Effect Heart Rate Variability and QT Dispersions in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and QT dispersion (QTd) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer at different TSH suppression levels. METHODS: The study included 125 DTC patients, who had been on TSH suppression treatment (TSHST) for at least 1 year. The patients were categorized into three groups: patients with TSH < 0.1 mIU/L (n:30), those with TSH 0.1 to 0.5 mIU/L (n:56), and those with TSH 0.5 to 2 mIU/L (n:39). The first two groups were classified as suppression groups, and the last as replacement (control) group. All patients underwent 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and 24-hour rhythm holter echocardiography analysis. RESULTS: The HRV results derived from a 24-hour rhythm holter did not exhibit any significant difference (p < 0.05). In dispersion evaluations, the QTd was significantly longer in the suppression groups (groups 1 and 2), than in the replacement group (group 3) (p < 0.001 and p:0.002, respectively). The same was found for corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) (p < 0.001 and p: 0.008, respectively). In multivariate linear regression analysis, TSH was found to affect QTd (ß = -0.299; p = 0.002) and QTcd (ß = -0.300; p = 0.002) values independently. CONCLUSION: In this study, it was shown that in patients with DTC receiving TSHST, QT dispersion prolonged as the TSH suppression level increased. Especially in high-risk DTC patients, evaluation of QTd may be useful in terms of evaluating cardiovascular risk and regulating TSHST level.

Cardiovascular evaluation of pregnant women with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The effect of physiological circulatory changes during pregnancy on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has been reported with limited data. This study aimed to provide information regarding outcomes of pregnant women with HCM and to identify predictors of major adverse cardiac event (MACE). METHODS: A total of 45 pregnancies with HCM were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was a MACE that occurred within an 8­week period after delivery, including maternal death, heart failure (HF), syncope, and malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Baseline and outcome data were analyzed for all patients. Patients with and without MACE were compared, and patients with obstructive HCM were compared with those who had non-obstructive HCM. The study population was divided into two subgroups of patients having or not having an implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation (ICD). RESULTS: At least one MACE occurred in 11 patients (24.4%); six patients developed HF (13.3%), six had a ventricular tachyarrhythmia (13.3%), and two had syncope (4.4%). New York Heart Association functional class of ≥ II, presence of HF signs before pregnancy, increased left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient were significantly associated with MACE. Fatal VAs were seen during pregnancy in one of five HCM patients with ICD. In the ROC curve analysis, an LVOT gradient higher than 53.5 mm Hg predicted the presence of MACE with a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 73.5%. This study is the largest series in the literature representing pregnant women who had HCM and ICD. CONCLUSION: The current data suggest that HF and high LVOT gradients are important risk factors for the development of cardiac complications.

The Role of Systemic Immune Inflammation Index for Predicting Saphenous Vein Graft Disease in Patients with Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

As inflammation plays a significant role in the development of coronary artery disease, we hypothesized that there may be a relation between the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and saphenous vein graft disease (SVGD). The study population consisted of 716 consecutive patients who underwent elective coronary angiography (CAG) >1 year after bypass grafting. The patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the extent of SVG patency. SII value was significantly higher in the SVGD(+) group compared with the SVGD(-) group (P < .001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, SII (P < .001, odds ratio (OR) = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.94-5.65) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P < .001, OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.59-3.11) were found to be independent predictors of SVGD. An SII value of >935 (x103/ml) has 89.2% sensitivity and 70.6% specificity for the prediction of the SVGD, and an NLR value of >4.15 has 54.6% sensitivity and 68.5% specificity for the prediction of the SVGD. The AUC of SII was found to be greater than the AUC of NLR (P = .002), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (P = .009), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) (P = .013), MPV (P = .011), and C-reactive protein (CRP) (P = .034) in predicting SVGD. In conclusion, we demonstrated that SII, which is among the new inflammation indexes, is a more reliable predictor in determining SVGD than the NLR, PLR, and LMR.

O Índice de Inflamação Imune Sistêmica é um Novo Marcador na Previsão da Presença e Gravidade aa Ectasia Coronariana Isolada / Systemic Immune Inflammation Index is a Novel Marker in Predicting the Presence and Severity of Isolated Coronary Artery Ectasia

Resumo Fundamento A patologia subjacente da ectasia da artéria coronária (EC) isolada não foi totalmente elucidada. Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi examinar a relação entre o índice de inflamação imune sistêmica (Sıı), que corresponde à multiplicação da razão neutrófilos-linfócitos (RNL) e as contagens de plaquetas, e EC isolada. Método A população do estudo retrospectivo incluiu 200 pacientes com EC isolada, 200 consecutivos com doença arterial coronariana obstrutiva e 200 consecutivos com angiografia coronária normal. Um valor de p bicaudal <0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados Sıı, RNL, razão plaqueta-linfócito (RPL) e razão monócito-colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidade (MHR) foram significativamente maiores no grupo EC em comparação com os outros grupos (todos p<0,001). Na análise multivariada, Sıı (p<0,001, OR = 1,005, IC 95% =1,004-1,005) foi considerado um preditor independente de EC isolada. Na análise da curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC), Sıı teve uma área sob a curva maior em comparação com RNL, RPL e MHR. O valor de Sıı >517,35 tem 79% de sensibilidade, 76% de especificidade para a predição do EC [AUC: 0,832, (p<0,001)]. Sıı teve correlação significativa com o número de artérias coronárias ectásicas e classificação de Markis (r: 0,214 p=0,002; r:-0,195, p=0,006, respectivamente). Conclusão Até onde sabemos, este é o primeiro estudo em que Sıı foi significativamente associado à presença isolada de EC e gravidade anatômica.

Abstract Background The underlying pathology of isolated coronary artery ectasia (CE) has not been fully elucidated. Objective We aimed to examine the relationship between the systemic immune inflammation index (Sıı), which corresponds to the multiplying of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet counts, and isolated CE. Method The retrospective study population included 200 patients with isolated CE, 200 consecutive with obstructive coronary artery disease, and 200 consecutive with a normal coronary artery angiogram. A 2-sided p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results Sıı, NLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) were significantly higher in the CE group compared with the other groups (all p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, Sıı (p<0.001, OR = 1.005, 95% CI =1.004-1.005) was found to be an independent predictor of isolated CE. In Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis, Sıı had a higher Area Under the Curve than NLR, PLR, and MHR. Sıı value of >517.35 has 79% sensitivity, 76% specificity for the prediction of the CE [AUC: 0.832, (p<0.001)]. Sıı had a significant correlation with the number of ectatic coronary arteries and Markis classification (r:0.214 p=0.002; r:-0.195, p=0.006, respectively). Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that Sıı was significantly associated with isolated CE presence and anatomical severity.

Inter-arm blood pressure difference is associated with contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious complication in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI). An interarm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBD) ≥10 mmHg has been identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the IASBD for the risk of CIN in patients with STEMI who underwent p-PCI. METHOD: We prospectively investigated 2120 consecutive patients who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of STEMI and underwent p-PCI. A relative increase in serum creatinine levels of ≥ 25% or an absolute increase of ≥ 0.5 mg/dL from baseline within 72 h of contrast exposure was defined as CIN. The IASBD was calculated on admission to the emergency department. The risk of CIN was evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of CIN was 6.6% (n = 139). The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the development of CIN. Age (p = .001), baseline creatinine levels (p < .001), DM (p < .001), HT (p < .001) and anemia (p = .001) were higher in patients with CIN. An IASBD ≥10 mmHg was noted in 13 (9.3%) patients in the CIN group and 83 (4.1%) (p = .001) in the non-CIN group (Table 1). According to the multivariate analysis, the IASBD was found to be a predictor of CIN development (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.42-3.90, p: 0.001). CONCLUSION: The IASBD on admission can be a potential predictor of CIN development in patients with STEMI who underwent p-PCI.

Presence of fragmented QRS is associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction after surgery in patients with severe aortic regurgitation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Chronic severe aortic regurgitation (AR) is associated with progressive accumulation of interstitial fibrosis and disruption of myocardial structure. After aortic valve replacement (AVR), the negative remodeling process reverses, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improves but not in all patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of fragmented QRS (F-QRS), which is a possible marker of myocardial fibrosis, with postoperative left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 147 consecutive patients with AVR were included in this study. F-QRS was identified by the presence of various RSR' patterns (QRS duration <120 ms) such as additional R wave (R prime)or notching of the R or S wave in at least two consecutive leads. Patients were compared in two groups based on the presence or absence of F-QRS. A logistic regression model was used to determine independent predictors of postoperative LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF <50%). RESULTS: Patients with F-QRS were associated with poor recovery of LV systolic function after AVR compared to the patients without F-QRS, regardless of preoperative LVEF (p = .008). F-QRS was found to be an independent predictor of postoperative LV systolic dysfunction (LVEF <50%). Lower preoperative LVEF and increased LV end diastolic diameter index were also found as independent risk factors for postoperative LV systolic dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: As a possible marker of myocardial fibrosis, F-QRS was associated with postoperative LV systolic dysfunction. Therefore, as a simple and convenient clinical parameter, F-QRS may be used to predict poor recovery of LVEF after AVR.

Coronary artery thromboembolism: Unexpected presentation of left atrial myxoma covered with thrombus.

Cardiac myxomas are benign primer cardiac tumors of the heart. They can be fatal with a thromboembolic presentation. Myocardial infarction is one of these unusual thromboembolic presentations. We report a patient who presented with cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation related to myocardial infarction. After successful resuscitation, coronary angiography and transthoracic echocardiography were performed. A left atrial mass was observed and interpreted as a possible cause of coronary embolism leading to myocardial infarction. After surgical excision, the pathological examination confirmed myxoma, which was the essential cause of the tendency to arterial embolism.

Simultaneous kissing stent technique for bifurcation lesion in a saphenous Y-graft.

Coronary artery bifurcation disease of a saphenous vein graft (SVG) is extremely rare. SVG disease remains a challenging lesion to treat because of increased morbidity and mortality with repeated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, a high rate of periprocedural complications, and in-stent restenosis or occlusion requiring repeat revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention. Presently described is use of the simultaneous kissing stent technique to treat inverted Y SVG bifurcation disease in a patient with a prior CABG and new-onset acute coronary syndrome.

A rare complication of percutaneous closure of coronary artery fistula: Inability to retrieve coil.

Coronary fistulae may lead to coronary steal phenomenon or considerable volume overload on the cardiac chambers, causing significant hemodynamic problems. Coronary fistulae can be closed either surgically or percutaneously. Percutaneous closure is frequently performed with coil embolization or a vascular plug. Although percutaneous closure has significant advantages, such as a shorter duration of hospitalization and no sternal scarring, several complications, including coil embolization or failure to retrieve the device, may occasionally occur. In the current report, a patient with a left coronary to right atrium fistula who declined to have surgery underwent percutaneous coil embolization. However, after release of the coil, the catheter could not be retrieved using the standard anti-torque mechanism.

Twist deformation for predicting postoperative left ventricular function in patients with mitral regurgitation: A speckle tracking echocardiography study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative LV dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis and increased mortality in patient with mitral regurgitation undergoing surgery. With this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive value of classic and speckle tracking echocardiographic (STE) LV deformational parameters for estimating postoperative LV dysfunction. METHODS: Fifty-nine asymptomatic patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve prolapse, who had sinus rhythm and LV ejection fraction (EF) ≥50%, were included. Patients underwent comprehensive and speckle tracking echocardiographic examination before and 6 months after the surgical procedure. Patients were divided into two groups according to postoperative LV function: group A postoperative LV EF≥50% and group B postoperative LV EF<50%. RESULTS: Patients in group A were found to have higher LV twist (19.7±6.8° vs 11.9±4.2°; P<.001), LV global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) (-21.7±4 vs -16.5±3.4%; P<.001), and circumferential strain (-19.5±5.2 vs -14.4±5.1%; P=.004) values but lower end-systolic diameter (ESD) (3.2±0.6 vs 4.1±0.9 cm; P<.001) when compared to group B. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that GLPS, ESD, and twist were independent predictors of postoperative LV functions. In the ROC analysis, GLPS ≥18.4% and twist>14.4° predicted postoperative LVEF ≥50%. CONCLUSION: GLPS and twist measured by 2DSTE are predictors of LV preservation after surgery in severe MR. These parameters may also be used as prognostic predictors and optimal timing of operation in this patient population.

SYNTAX score predicts postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing on-pump isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia following coronary artery by-pass graft surgery (CABG). The value of SYNTAX score to predict postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) has not been clearly addressed. We aimed to evaluate this relationship in patients undergoing isolated CABG. METHODS: This study was designed as a single-center, non-randomized, observational, prospective study. Ninety-four patients undergoing isolated on-pump CABG, who had sinus rhythm and were older than 18 years, were enrolled. Demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded; SYNTAX score was calculated preoperatively for each patient. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine for predictors of PoAF. RESULTS: The median SYNTAX score of the enrolled patients was 21, (56-5). PoAF was observed in 31 (33.3%) patients. Univariate logistic regression showed that age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), urea, initial troponin I, peak postoperative troponin I, interventricular septum, left atrial diameter, and SYNTAX score were significantly associated with the frequency of PoAF following CABG. An independent association was identified with age [ß: 0.088, p:0.023, OR: 1.092, 95% CI (1.012-1.179)], COPD [(ß: 2.222, p:0.003, OR: 9.228, 95% CI (2.150-39.602)], and SYNTAX score [(ß: 0.130, p:0.002, OR: 1.139, 95% CI (1.050-1.235)]. CONCLUSION: This study showed that a higher SYNTAX score was related to more frequent PoAF in patients undergoing isolated on-pump CABG.

Atrial longitudinal strain parameters predict left atrial reverse remodeling after mitral valve surgery: a speckle tracking echocardiography study.

Volume overload in chronic severe mitral regurgitation (MR) causes left atrial (LA) remodeling. Volume overload generally diminishes after mitral valve surgery and LA size and shape are expected to recover. The recovery of LA functions named as reverse remodeling is said to be related with prognosis and mortality. A few clinical and echocardiographic parameters have been reported to be associated with LA reverse remodeling. In this study, we investigated the relationship between LA peak longitudinal strain (reservoir strain) assessed with 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) and LA reverse remodeling. 53 patients (24 females and 29 males, mean age: 45.7 ± 13.5 years) with severe MR and preserved left ventricular systolic function were included in the study. All patients had normal sinus rhythm. The etiology of MR was mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in 37 patients and rheumatic valvular disease in 16 patients. Mitral valve repair was performed in 30 patients while 23 underwent mitral valve replacement. Echocardiography was performed before the surgery and 6 months later. LA peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) was assessed with speckle tracking imaging. LA reverse remodeling was defined as a percent of decrease in LA volume index (LAVI). Left atrial volume index significantly decreased after surgery (58.2 ± 16.6 vs. 43.9 ± 17.2 ml/m2, p ≤ 0.001). Mean LAVI reduction was 22.5 ± 27.2%. There was no significant difference in LAVI reduction between mitral repair and replacement groups (22.1 ± 22.6 vs. 23.1 ± 32.8 %, p = 0.9). Although the decrease in LAVI was higher in MVP group than rheumatic group, it was not statistically significant (24.4 ± 26.8 vs. 18.2 ± 28.9%, p = 0.4). Correlates of LAVI reduction were preoperative LAVI (r 0.28, p = 0.039), PALS (r 0.36, p = 0.001) and age (r -0.36, p = 0.007). Furthermore, in multivariate linear regression analysis (entering models), preoperative LAVI, age and PALS were all significant predictors of LA reverse remodeling (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.04, p = 0.001 respectively). Left atrial peak longitudinal strain measured by 2D STE, in conjunction with preoperative LAVI and age is a predictor of LA reverse remodeling in patients undergoing surgery for severe MR. We suggest that in this patient population, PALS may also be used as a preoperative prognostic marker.

Clinical and echocardiographic evaluation of mitral valve aneurysms: a retrospective, single center study.

Mitral valve aneurysms (MVAs) are rarely encountered in echocardiography laboratories. Although they are commonly associated with endocarditis of the aortic valve, various mechanisms have been suggested for the etiopathogenesis of MVAs associated with non-infectious conditions. 5,887 patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) between 2007 and 2012 were evaluated retrospectively for MVA. Mitral valve aneurysm is defined as a localized saccular bulging of the mitral leaflet towards the left atrium with systolic expansion and diastolic collapse. The color flow Doppler image of a perforation was described as a high-velocity turbulent jet traversing a valve leaflet in systole. We found that 12 of 5,887 patients (0.204 %) had MVA in TEE examinations. The mean age of patients with MVA was 53 years (range 21-80 years), including four females and eight males. Nine patients presented with symptoms of endocarditis. On TEE, aneurysms were located in the anterior mitral leaflet in 11 patients, and in the posterior mitral leaflet in one patient. Eight patients had severe, three had moderate, and one had trace mitral regurgitation. Of the nine patients with perforated leaflets, eight patients had severe and one patient had moderate mitral regurgitation. Aortic regurgitation was present in nine patients, being severe in three, moderate in two, mild in two, and trace in two patients. Two patients without severe mitral regurgitation were followed-up conservatively, while nine patients underwent surgery. Two patients died from septic shock, one in the postoperative period and the other one prior to surgery. Although MVAs occur during the course of aortic valve endocarditis and, in particular, due to aortic regurgitation jet, it should be borne in mind that they may develop as an isolated valvular pathology and may be misdiagnosed as chordal rupture, other cardiac masses, or vegetation. Thus, MVAs may not be so infrequent as they are thought; they may justify to be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses seen on the mitral valve on echocardiographic examination.

Left atrial longitudinal strain parameters predict postoperative persistent atrial fibrillation following mitral valve surgery: a speckle tracking echocardiography study.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is common after cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stay. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has been applied recently for evaluation of LA function. The purpose of this study was to examine whether left atrial longitudinal strain measured by STE is a predictor for the development of POAF following mitral valve surgery for severe mitral regurgitation. We studied 53 patients undergoing mitral valve surgery in sinus rhythm at the time of surgery. Echocardiography with evaluation of LA strain by STE was performed. Detection of POAF was based on documentation of AF episodes by continuous telemetry throughout hospitalization. Patients who did not develop POAF were taken as group 1 and those who had POAF constituted group 2. The echocardiographic and clinical predictors of POAF were investigated. POAF occurred in 28.3% of subjects. Mean age, LAVi and BNP were found higher in group 2 while peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) (13.9 ± 3.8% vs. 24.8 ± 7.3%; P < 0.001), peak atrial contraction strain (PACS) (7.6 ± 1.95% vs. 11.3 ± 3.5%; P < 0.001) were significantly lower. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, PALS and LAVi were independent predictor of POAF development. LA longitudinal strain was found to predict POAF in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. It could be used to better identify patients at greater risk of developing POAF, and thus to guide in risk stratification and to take appropriate intensive prophylactic therapy.

Drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives and risk of adverse outcomes after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The association between oral contraceptives (OC) and myocardial infarction remains controversial. The new generation contraceptive Yasmin (30 µg ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg drospirenone) has a lower estrogen and newer progestin component. To date, there are no data available for the myocardial infarction risk and outcome for drospirenone. We aimed to investigate the effect of Yasmin use on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary angioplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 1851 patients who underwent primary angioplasty for acute STEMI. Of them, 440 female patients (23.8%) composed the study population and 12 female (2.7%) were taking the oral contraceptive-Yasmin at the time of infarction. Patients were divided into two groups based on their age (≥50 (n = 339) and <50 years old). Patients under 50 years-old (n = 101) were separated into two groups according to use of OC therapy (OC (+) group n = 12; OC (-) group n = 89). RESULTS: Patients who were older than 50-year-old were more likely to have comorbid conditions like diabetes mellitus and hypertension than other groups. Current smoking status was significantly higher in OC (+) group than OC (-) group (P = 0.007). There was a significant difference in favour of OC (+) group when compared with OC (-) group for the increased angiographic thrombus burden according to both TIMI and Yip classification (P = 0.045 and P = 0.029, respectively). The incidence of final TIMI 3 flow and post-procedural complete ST resolution were significantly lower in OC (+) group (P = 0.019, P = 0.002, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, use of OC was found to be an independent predictor of high grade thrombus burden (OR 5.13, 95% CI 1.07-24.60, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the myocardial infarction risk and its subsequent clinical sequelae in women having a STEMI while taking the OC-Yasmin. Women on the oral contraception Yasmin, who underwent coronary revascularization had a lower post-procedural complete ST resolution and worse left ventricular function. Furthermore, OC use with Yasmin is an independent predictor of a high-grade thrombus burden.

Effect of mitral valve repair versus replacement on left ventricular rotational deformation: a study with speckle tracking echocardiography.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Radial and longitudinal movements of the heart do not fully reflect cardiac hemodynamics and physiology. Twist deformation of the heart is essential for adequate cardiac filling and stroke volume. The study aim was to examine the effects of mitral valve replacement or repair on left ventricular rotational parameters, evaluated by speckle tracking echocardiography, in patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS: A total of 51 patients (22 males, 29 females; mean age 45.7 +/- 13.5 years) with severe MR, sinus rhythm and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) > 50% was included in the study. Mitral valve repair was performed in 29 patients (group A), and mitral valve replacement in 22 patients (group B). Rotational parameters (basal rotation, apical rotation, twist and untwist), LVEF and left ventricular diameters and volumes were compared before and after surgery. The postoperative percentage change in twist was calculated as follows: (preoperative twist - postoperative twist)/preoperative twist x 100. RESULTS: Rotational parameters of basal rotation were significantly decreased in both groups (group A: -5.6 +/- 3.1 degrees versus -4.0 +/- 3.0 degrees; p = 0.035; group B: -6.7 +/- 3.0 degrees versus -3.4 +/- 2.6 degrees; p < 0.001). However, apical rotation (group A: 11.4 +/- 6.6 degrees versus 9.7 +/- 8.3 degrees; p = 0.4; group B: 10.9 +/- 5 degrees versus 7.2 +/- 6.8 degrees; p = 0.009), twist (group A: 16.9 +/- 8.4 degrees versus 13.4 +/- 8.4 degrees; p = 0.1); group B: 17.1 +/- 5.7 degrees versus 10.1 +/- 8.7 degrees; p < 0.001) and untwist (group A: -109.2 +/- 57.8 degrees versus -104.6 +/- 56.0 degrees; p = 0.69; group B: -120.4 +/- 47.8 degrees versus -79.2 +/- 39.5 degrees; p = 0.002) were decreased significantly in the replacement group, but the decreases were not statistically significant in the repair group. The change in twist was observed to be significantly higher in the replacement group compared to the repair group (43.2 +/- 34.7% versus 9.4 +/- 54.1%; p = 0009; overall twist change 24 +/- 49.3%). To identify independent predictors of change in twist, a multivariate regression analysis was performed, whereby the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and type of operation were identified as independent predictors of change in twist. CONCLUSION: Compared to mitral valve replacement, mitral valve repair results in better rotational deformation parameters. Maintaining the mitral apparatus and enabling valvular-ventricular interaction contributes to a preservation of left ventricular twist and untwist. However, the prognostic and clinical impact of preserved rotational deformation parameters need to be determined.

Unusual left atrial mass: inverted left atrial appendage caused by massive pericardial effusion.

Left atrial appendage inversion is a very rare cause of left atrial mass that usually occur after cardiac surgery. Its echocardiographic appearance often misleads clinicians to the diagnosis of thrombus or cardiac neoplasms. Unfortunately, misdiagnosed patients often undergo unnecessary anticoagulation or surgical treatment. We are presenting a case of left atrial appendage inversion caused by massive pericardial effusion in a patient with no previous history of cardiac surgery together with demonstrative images of transesophageal echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging.