Antioxidant activity in off and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting and valve replacement surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiac surgeries initiate oxidative stress, increasing organ dysfunction development and mortality. The present study investigated the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as an antioxidant enzyme, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass (CABG) and heart valve replacement surgeries. METHODS: A prospective study was performed on patients with proven coronary artery disease (CAD) or valvular heart disease (VHD) candidates for on- or off-pump CABG and valve replacement surgery. Serum SOD activity was measured preoperatively, at 24 h postoperatively, and at the time of discharge. In addition, echocardiography was performed before surgery and at discharge. RESULTS: A total of 48, 51, and 47 patients were enrolled in the on-pump, off-pump CABG, and valve replacement groups, respectively. Baseline serum SOD activity showed no significant association with BMI, age, and blood pressure in either CAD or VHD patients. The SOD values decreased at the 24 h postoperative time and then increased at the time of discharge in all groups, except for a slight decrease in the on-pump group. The changes in serum SOD values were not significantly different for the three surgical groups. CONCLUSIONS: The serum SOD activities fell significantly after CABG and valve replacement surgery. Further investigation is emphasized for the role of SOD in oxidative stress after cardiac surgery.

Changes in serum zinc and copper concentrations in patients with cardiovascular disease following cardiac surgery.

The trace elements copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential for maintaining oxidative balance, and cardiac surgery is known to provoke an increase in oxidative stress. We investigated the variations in serum Zn and Cu concentrations before and after surgery in patients undergoing on- and off-pump CABG and heart valve replacement. We performed a prospective study on patients undergoing on- or off-pump CABG, or heart valve replacement surgery (48, 51, and 47 patients, respectively). Venous blood samples were obtained, and serum Cu and Zn concentrations were measured preoperatively, 24 h postoperatively, and the time of discharge. In addition, echocardiography was carried out on all patients before surgery and again on the day of discharge. We found the temporal changes in Cu, Zn, and Zn/Cu ratio were significantly different in all three groups of surgery (p < 0.05). In each group, Cu and Zn values and Zn/Cu ratio decreased at the 24-h postoperative time and rose at the discharge time. There were no significant differences between surgery groups in the changes induced in Zn or Cu values (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the concentrations of Cu and Zn were markedly reduced after on- and off-pump CABG and valve replacement surgery. This may suggest that supplementary Zn and Cu administration could be beneficial during open-heart surgeries. However, more long-term studies with more patients are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Vector analysis of moderate to high myopic astigmatism after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE): 12-month follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the refractive outcomes of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery in moderate to high myopic astigmatism. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: This study evaluated 111 eyes of 68 patients treated with femtosecond SMILE surgery for the correction of myopia and astigmatism. Inclusion criteria were myopia of - 0.5 D or more and astigmatism between - 1.0 D and -5.0 D. Refractive and visual measurements were obtained preoperatively, 1 and 12 month(s) postoperatively. Vector analysis was used to study the astigmatic outcomes at 12-month follow-up. Comparison of results in two groups of patients with astigmatism below and over 3.00 D was performed. RESULTS: The preoperative mean spherical equivalent was -5.48 ± 2.17 D (range - 1.75 to - 10.00 D) and the mean cylinder was -2.02 ± 1.09 D (range - 1.00 to - 5.00 D). The mean postoperative cylinder value was -0.60 ± 0.52 D at 12-month visit. The 12-month safety and efficacy indices were 0.98 ± 0.07 and 0.97 ± 0.12, respectively. The high astigmatism group showed significantly lower safety and efficacy indices. The postoperative residual astigmatism was 0.5 D or less in 73% of the eyes. Higher amount of residual astigmatism was observed in the high astigmatism group. The angle of error was ± 5 degrees in 49% and ± 15 degrees in 87% of the eyes. CONCLUSION: SMILE surgery is effective and safe method for correcting myopic astigmatism. Vector analysis indicated a tendency for the under correction of astigmatism in subjects with high astigmatism.

Clinical outcomes of viscocanalostomy and phacoviscocanalostomy in primary open angle glaucoma: Two years follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. METHODS: This non randomized, prospective comparative study included 168 eyes of 168 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Phacoviscocanalostomy was performed in 94 eyes with POAG and cataract and viscocanalostomy was performed in 74 eyes with POAG. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medication, intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded throughout the follow-up period. RESULTS: The mean follow-up after surgery was 20.13 ± 7.9 months. Mean IOP decreased significantly 1 month after surgery in both groups (p < 0.001) and remained significantly lower from its preoperative value at all follow-up visits. The postoperative mean IOP at the last follow up in phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy was 14.98 ± 4.8 mmHg and 16.84 ± 5.0 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.001). Complete success rate in phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy groups was 83.1% and 56.8%, respectively (p = 0.008). Qualified success rate was achieved in 89.4% eyes in the phacoviscocanalostomy group and 83.8% of viscocanalostomy group (p = 0.534). The Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in phacoviscocanalostomy group improved significantly post-operatively (p = 0.001). Postoperative antiglaucoma medication in both groups were significantly less than the preoperative values (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both Phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostmy are effective procedures in the control of IOP in patients with POAG with and without cataract. Higher complete success rates and BCVA were achieved in phacoviscocanalostomy. Therefore, phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy are recommended in eyes with medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma with and without coexisting cataract.

Outcomes of Phaco-viscocanalostomy in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma versus Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Viscocanalostomy represents an alternative to standard penetrating glaucoma surgery. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and viscocanalostomy in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) versus eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG). METHODS: In this prospective non-randomized comparative study, eyes with cataract and POAG or PEXG were enrolled. Pre- and postoperative data including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and the number of antiglaucoma medications administered were recorded at each visit. All patients underwent phacoviscocanalostomy. Complete success was defined as the IOP of 21 mmHg or less without the administration of medication while a qualified success reported the same IOP parameters either with or without the administration of medication. RESULTS: Fifty-four eyes with POAG and fifty-four with PEXG underwent phacoviscocanalostomy. The mean follow-up time was 23.36 ± 8.8 months (range, 6-40 months). The mean postoperative IOP reduced significantly in both groups, although the mean IOP reduction was significantly greater in PEXG eyes (14.7 ± 8.9 vs 10.1 ± 7.7 mmHg) (P = 0.05). At the final follow-up visit, the mean postoperative IOP was 14.1 ± 2.1 and 16.6 ± 3.5 mmHg in the PEXG and POAG eyes, respectively (P = 0.001). A complete success rate of 88.9% and 75.9% was achieved in PEXG and POAG eyes, respectively (P = 0.07). The qualified success rate was 100% in the PEXG and 85.2% in POAG groups (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Phacoviscocanalostomy achieved significant IOP reduction and visual improvement in both POAG and PEXG patients. Our results indicated that in terms of IOP reduction, this procedure was more effective in treating PEXG.

Presumed clomiphene-induced optic neuropathy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Clomiphene citrate is an estrogen receptor ligand with mixed agonistic-antagonistic properties used for the treatment of female and male infertility. Various visual disturbances and several irreversible visual outcomes have been associated with clomiphene citrate. In this report, we present a patient with presumed clomiphene-induced optic neuropathy. CASE: A 33-yr-old man with acute visual loss of the right eye was referred to Amiralmomenin Hospital, Rasht, Iran in November 2018. His only medication was clomiphene citrate 100 mg daily, taken for 2 wk for fertility issues. The patient presented with a sudden decrease of visual acuity in the right eye on the 14 th day of starting the treatment and subsequently developed complete loss of inferior visual field within a few days. On examination, the visual acuity was 6/20 in the right and 20/20 in the left eyes, with a right relative afferent pupillary defect and decreased red color saturation. The fundus examination revealed optic disc swelling with venous dilation in the right eye and a normal left fundus with a crowded disc (disc-at-risk). The patient was evaluated for systemic disorders, all of which were normal. Findings were suggestive of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy most likely due to clomiphene. CONCLUSION: As clomiphene may increase blood viscosity, it is hypothesized that reduced flow in a posterior ciliary artery in conjunction with the disc-at-risk contributes to the anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. It is advised that patients with disc-at-risk be aware of the possible non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and those experiencing visual symptoms while taking clomiphene be examined promptly for evidence of optic nerve injury.

Corneal biomechanical outcome of collagen cross-linking in keratoconic patients evaluated by Corvis ST.

PURPOSE: A 6-month evaluation of the topographic and biomechanical changes induced by corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in keratoconic eyes using Pentacam and Corvis ST. DESIGN: Longitudinal prospective case series. METHODS: In this study, 67 eyes of 67 patients with progressive keratoconus (KCN) treated with "Epithelium-off" CXL were evaluated. Patients with stages 1 or 2 of KCN and a corneal thickness of at least 400 µm at the thinnest point were included. Standard ophthalmologic examinations were carried out for all patients. The topographic and biomechanical measurements of the cornea were obtained by Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) and Corvis ST (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) preoperatively and 6-month postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 21.68 ± 4.23 years. There was significant difference in mean spherical equivalent (SE) before and 6 months after CXL. Uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity improved postoperatively, although not statistically significant. The mean and maximum keratometry showed a significant decrease 6 months after CXL (0.93 ± 0.38 D and 1.43 ± 0.62 D, respectively p < 0.001). Among Corvis ST parameters, first applanation length and velocity (AL1 and AV1) showed statistically significant changes. The radius at highest concavity changed significantly (0.13 ± 0.37 mm mean increase after CXL; p < 0.001). A significant increase was observed in stiffness parameter A1 (SP-A1; p < 0.001) and significant decreases were noted in integrated radius (IR) and deformation amplitude ratio (DAR; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Analyzing biomechanical changes after corneal cross-linking can provide basis for efficient KCN treatment. Corvis ST parameters demonstrated changes in corneal biomechanical characteristics indicative of stiffing after CXL.

Sutureless Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Using a Bioengineered Cornea as a Viable Alternative to Human Donor Transplantation for Superficial Corneal Opacities.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a bioengineered corneal implant using femtosecond laser-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty for superficial corneal opacities. METHODS: Six eyes of 6 consecutive patients with superficial corneal stromal opacities involving <220 µm owing to various pathologies were included in the study. Preoperatively, all patients underwent anterior segment optical coherence tomography (Visante; Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) to evaluate the depth of the corneal opacity. All patients underwent sutureless femtosecond laser-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty using a bioengineered collagen corneal implant (linkcor). Visual indices, refraction, and keratometry were evaluated preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly in all patients (P = 0.02). A significant decrease was seen in refractive astigmatism postoperatively (P = 0.04). Flat keratometry reduced significantly 12 months after the intervention (P = 0.04). No intraoperative or early postoperative complications were noticed. All implants were fully covered by healthy epithelium within a month after the surgery and remained clear at follow-up visits. The results of this procedure remained stable throughout the follow-up period. In 1 patient, mild inferior collagen melting and epithelial defect formation occurred at 1-year follow-up. Despite frequent topical corticosteroid therapy the melting progressed, the collagen tissue was removed and the patient was treated accordingly with good visual outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser-assisted anterior lamellar keratoplasty with bioengineered corneal (linkcor) implantation is an effective treatment for improving vision quality in anterior stromal opacities. This procedure reduces the need for human donor tissue and avoids human donor-related and suturing complications.

Surgical embolectomy in the management of massive and sub-massive pulmonary embolism: The results of 30 consecutive ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite the improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of acute pulmonary embolism, it is yet a common clinical problem. The actual role of open embolectomy has not been well understood. The present report aimed to extrapolate the outcome of early open pulmonary embolectomy in a number of patients with acute (sub) massive pulmonary embolism (AMPE/ASMPE). METHODS: A prospective study was performed on 30 patients who underwent emergency embolectomy at Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran during January 2005 to November 2012. All patients with an indication for pulmonary embolectomy according to recent American Heart Association guideline were enrolled in this study. Echocardiographic features, pulmonary artery pressure, and right ventricular (RV) diameter were recorded. The patients were followed up monthly by two cardiologists. RESULTS: Indications for operation in descending order consisted of contraindication for fibrinolytic therapy (30%), failure to respond to fibrinolysis (26.66%), cardiopulmonary arrest (20%), patent foramen ovale (20%), right atrium clot (10%), and cardiogenic shock (10%). Mean pulmonary artery pressures were 52.26 ± 6.54 and 29.43 ± 2.87 mmHg before and after the operation, respectively (P < 0.0001). RV function and diameter improved significantly after surgery (P < 0.0001 and < 0.0001, respectively). Complete follow-up was performed in all surviving patients. All patients survived the operation, except one who died 2 days after surgery due to profound hypotension. CONCLUSION: Short and long-term outcomes of early open embolectomy seemed to be satisfactory in high-risk patients presenting high clot burden in central pulmonary arteries. This study demonstrated that pulmonary embolectomy may play a promising role in the management of AMPE and ASMPE and recommended for future clinical trials.

Surgical embolectomy versus thrombolytic therapy in the management of acute massive pulmonary embolism: Short and long-term prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison between surgical embolectomy and thrombolytic therapy in patients suffering from acute massive pulmonary embolism (AMPE). BACKGROUND: Prompt treatment of AMPE is necessary, although optimal management is a matter of debate. METHODS: Patients with AMPE were assigned to either thrombolytic therapy or pulmonary surgical embolectomy. Early and late mortality, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), right ventricular diameter (RVD) and bleeding complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy eight patients were treated with thrombolytic therapy and 30 patients underwent surgery. The difference between pre-intervention and third-day post-intervention in terms of RVD and SPAP was significantly greater in patients under surgical embolectomy (P < 0.001). There was a significant decline in RVD and SPAP in both groups during follow-up (P < 0.001). Mortality rate in the surgical embolectomy group was lower than the thrombolytic group although not significantly. CONCLUSION: Early surgical treatment was associated with fewer complications in comparison to thrombolytic therapy.

An unusual biatrial cardiac myxoma in a young patient.

This is a report of a biatrial cardiac myxoma in a young man with a 10-month history of exertional dyspnea and palpitation. The echocardiogram revealed biatrial myxoma prolapsing through the mitral and tricuspid valves during diastole. All cardiac chambers were enlarged and dysfunctional. The electrocardiogram revealed a rapid ventricular response with atrial flutter rhythm. The masses were resected and diagnosed as myxoma by a histological examination. The follow-up echocardiogram revealed significant improvement in ventricular function and reduction in the cardiac chambers' volume. There was no evidence of myxoma recurrence. The most probable cause of the patient's heart failure was considered to be tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.

Congenital coronary artery anomaly simulating a ventricular septal defect.

Anomalous origin of the circumflex artery of the right sinus of Valsalva is a rare finding which may be present with other cardiac malformations. A 19-year-old man presented with syncope. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed discrete subaortic stenosis with a small defect just below the aortic valve, suggesting a ventricular septal defect. Transesophageal echocardiography showed anomalous origin of the circumflex artery from the right sinus of Valsalva. This was confirmed by coronary angiography. The patient underwent successful web resection without concomitant coronary surgery. Failure to demonstrate a coronary artery anomaly can be misleading for surgeons and perilous for patients.

A case of left atrial myxoma with unusual tumor vascularity.

A 69-year-old woman presented with a 2-week history of chest pain and mitral and aortic valve replacement 15 and 5 years earlier. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a well-seated monoleaflet mitral valve and a bileaflet aortic valve with normal function. Cardiac catheterization showed 3-vessel coronary artery disease and an abnormal cluster of new vessels derived from the left atrial circumflex and posterior ventricle branches. Two- and 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography identified a semi-mobile oval left atrial mass with multiple internal cystic spaces, attached to the fossa ovalis region in the interatrial septum. The mass was resected. The pathological diagnosis was atrial myxoma.

An improved technique for pulmonary endarterectomy.

We report a modified technique for pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) on a 67-year-old man with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who presented with dyspnea. He was referred to our medical center for coronary artery bypass grafting. CTEPH had not been detected in his first visit to another medical center, but upon re-evaluation, the diagnosis was confirmed. PEA was performed with a modified method, which seems to be safe and suitable for the removal of clot and fibrotic materials. Iatrogenic dissection was performed with normal saline injection in the pulmonary artery, and then, the clot was removed completely. Although the technique may not be applicable for all cases, it can be used as an alternative to using an aspirating dissector and a pair of forceps.

Carcinoid heart disease and the utility of 3D trans-thoracic and trans-esophageal echocardiography: Two clinical cases.

Carcinoid tumors are rare neuroendocrine malignancies. We present two cases of metastatic carcinoid tumors, complicated by carcinoid syndrome and by cardiac valve involvement. Carcinoid syndrome is characterized by secretory diarrhea, episodic flushing, and bronchospasm. Cardiac involvement occurs in up to 50% of patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors which commonly causes abnormalities of the right sided valves. Echocardiography is the best available and non invasive technique for diagnosis. Characteristic features of carcinoid heart disease are thickened, shortened, retracted, and fixed or partially fixed valve leaflets. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography provided an en face view of pulmonary and tricuspid valve, not obtainable by two-dimensional echocardiography, and improved delineation of the relationship between these structures and cardiac chambers.