Left ventriculo-pulmonary artery fistula.

The morbidity and mortality of complicated endocarditis remains a serious problem. Left ventriculo-pulmonary artery fistula after culture-negative native aortic valve endocarditis is quite rare. A very rare case of left ventriculo-pulmonary artery fistula arising as a result of culture-negative native aortic valve endocarditis in a 70-year-old patient with no underlying medical history other than acute cholangitis has been reviewed in the light of literature.

Pericardial SCUBE1 levels may help predict postoperative results in patients operated on for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Signal peptide-CUB epidermal growth factorlike domain-containing protein (SCUBE1) is a newly described, secretable and measurable cellular surface protein associated with atherosclerotic lesions in humans, which may be involved in hypertension and cardiovascular pathologies. We aimed to detect normal SCUBE1 levels in pericardial fluid and investigate the effects of SCUBE1 values on postoperative outcomes after coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: Between February 2016 and March 2017, 184 consecutive patients were included in the study. Group 1 consisted of patients with unstable angina pectoris, group 2 of patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, group 3 of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and group 4 consisted of patients operated on due to non-coronary reasons. Pericardial fluid and arterial blood SCUBE1 values, demographic variables and postoperative results were noted and compared. RESULTS: Normal SCUBE1 level in pericardial fluid was 0.049 ± 0.061 ng/ml. Arterial SCUBE1 levels of smokers were higher. Pericardial SCUBE1 levels were higher in patients requiring postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump support and patients needing peri-operative temporary cardiac pacing. High pericardial SCUBE1 values did not correlate with postoperative stroke, prolonged intensive care unit stay and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of pericardial SCUBE1 may help us predict the need for postoperative intra-aortic balloon pump support and the need for temporary cardiac pacing, however they were not helpful in predicting prolonged intensive care unit stay and early postoperative mortality.

FOLFIRI-Mediated Toxicity in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells and Possible Amelioration with Curcumin and Quercetin.

Systemic chemotherapy-mediated cell toxicity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Life-threatening acute events of the FOLFIRI (irinotecan, folinic acid and 5-fluorouracil) regimen are mainly due to DNA damage induced by antimetabolite and topoisomerase inhibition effects. However, the role of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HaVSMCs) in this process and the mechanisms of oxidative stress, DNA and protein damage and apoptosis have not been investigated. Therefore, the effects of curcumin and quercetin on HaVSMC survival in the generation of molecular and cellular toxicity by FOLFIRI treatment and the involvement of vital cellular signalling pathways were investigated. We analysed both FOLFIRI toxicity and the therapeutic potential of quercetin and curcumin in terms of HaVSMC damage using molecular probe and florescence staining, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. Our study presents two preliminary findings: (a) in HaVSMCs, FOLFIRI treatment significantly induces oxidative damage to both DNA and protein, leading to a dramatic increase in caspase-dependent apoptotic death through P53-mediated Caspase3-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis, and results in TNF-α/Caspase8-mediated necrotic death, and (b) flavonoids not only regulate the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and increase DNA damage but also limit programmed and necrotic cell death processes in HaVSMCs. Our results clearly indicate the potential for curcumin and, particularly, quercetin as preventative chemotherapeutic interventions for cardiovascular toxicity induced by the FOLFIRI regime in HaVSMCs.

Ruptured Internal Carotid Artery Pseudoaneurysm 10 Years after Cervical Spine Surgery.

An iatrogenic internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm is an extremely rare complication of cervical spine surgery. Here we report an extraordinary case of massive hematemesis due to a ruptured ICA pseudoaneurysm caused by the laminoplasty plate 10 years after cervical spine surgery. Computed tomography angiography revealed a ruptured 4×10-mm left extracranial ICA pseudoaneurysm probably connected to the pharynx. Emergent surgery was performed because of the uncontrolled massive bleeding. After complete resection of the injured segment, an interposition graft with a 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft was placed and the fistula tract to the pharynx was repaired.

Retinal ganglion cell complex and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses following carotid endarterectomy.

PURPOSE: To examine changes in retinal ganglion cell complex (GCC) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in contralateral and ipsilatateral eyes of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) patients before and after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). METHODS: Forty-two consecutive patients diagnosed with CAS (70-99% stenosis rate) who underwent CEA were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. The indication for CEA was based on the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study. Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography angiography were performed to calculate CAS. All the subjects underwent an ophthalmological examination, including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, biomicroscopy, fundoscopy, and OCT before and after the surgery. RESULTS: The mean preoperative intraocular pressure was 15.2 ± 2.1 mmHg in the ipsilateral eye and 15.8 ± 2.7 in the contralateral eye. The mean postoperative intraocular pressure in the ipsilateral and contralateral eye was 18.6 ± 3.0 and 19.3 ± 3.8, respectively. The intraocular pressure was significantly higher in postoperative eyes (p = 0.0001). There was a statistically significant decrease in peripapillary RNFL thickness in superior quadrants postoperatively in ipsilateral eyes. The retinal GCC layer thickness was not significantly different before and after CEA in ipsilateral and contralateral eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid endarterectomy results in thinning of the superior peripapillary RNFL thickness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine peripapillary RNFL and GCC thicknesses before and after CEA.

Clinical correlation of biopsy results in patients with temporal arteritis

Summary Objective: Temporal arteritis is systemic vasculitis of medium and large sized vessels. The lowest incidence rates were reported in Turkey, Japan and Israel. We aimed to investigate the results of patients with biopsy-proven temporal arteritis and those classified according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria from a low-incidence region for temporal arteritis. The results of our study are noteworthy, since there is limited data on pathologic diagnosis of temporal arteritis in Turkey. Method: We studied the medical records, laboratory findings such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels, biopsy results, and postoperative complications of all the patients operated for temporal artery biopsy at our clinic. We used the computerized laboratory registry that keeps all records of 42 consecutive temporal artery biopsy results from January 2011 to December 2016. Results: The mean age was 66±12.5 years. The most common manifestations on admission were temporal headache, optic neuritis and jaw claudication, respectively. Temporal artery biopsy results confirmed tempoal arteritis in eight out of 42 (19%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference between biopsy-positive and biopsy-negative groups in terms of sex, age, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and biopsy length. Conclusion: We were not able to find a correlation between the analysis of biopsy results and clinical evaluation of patients with temporal arteritis. We suggest that diagnosis of temporal arteritis depends on clinical suspicion. Laboratory examination results may not be helpful in accurate diagnosis of tempoal arteritis.

Avoiding Liver Injury with Papaverine and Ascorbic Acid Due to Infrarenal Cross-Clamping: an Experimental Study.

OBJECTIVE:: Ischemia-reperfusion injury after acute ischemia treatment is a serious condition with high mortality and morbidity. Ischemia-reperfusion injury may result in organ failure particularly in kidney, lung, liver, and heart. In our study, we investigated the effects of papaverine and vitamin C on ischemia-reperfusion injury developed in the rat liver after occlusion-reperfusion of rat aorta. METHODS:: 32 Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomized into four groups (n=8). Ischemia was induced with infrarenal aortic cross-clamping for 60 minutes; then the clamp was removed and reperfusion was allowed for 120 minutes. While the control group and the ischemia-reperfusion group did not receive any supplementary agent, two other groups received vitamin C and papaverine hydrochloride (papaverine HCL). Liver tissues were evaluated under the light microscope. Histopathological examination was assessed by Suzuki's criteria and results were compared between groups. RESULTS:: In ischemia-reperfusion group, severe congestion, severe cytoplasmic vacuolization, and parenchymal necrosis over 60% (score 4) were observed. In vitamin C group, mild congestion, mild cytoplasmic vacuolization and parenchymal necrosis below 30% (score 2) were found. In papaverine group, moderate congestion, moderate cytoplasmic vacuolization and parenchymal necrosis below 60% (score 3) were observed. CONCLUSION:: An ischemia of 60 minutes induced on lower extremities causes damaging effects on hepatic tissue. Vitamin C and papaverine are helpful in reducing liver injury after acute ischemia reperfusion and may partially avoid related negative conditions.

Avoiding liver injury with papaverine and ascorbic acid due to infrarenal cross-clamping: an experimental study

Abstract Objective: Ischemia-reperfusion injury after acute ischemia treatment is a serious condition with high mortality and morbidity. Ischemia-reperfusion injury may result in organ failure particularly in kidney, lung, liver, and heart. In our study, we investigated the effects of papaverine and vitamin C on ischemia-reperfusion injury developed in the rat liver after occlusion-reperfusion of rat aorta. Methods: 32 Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomized into four groups (n=8). Ischemia was induced with infrarenal aortic cross-clamping for 60 minutes; then the clamp was removed and reperfusion was allowed for 120 minutes. While the control group and the ischemia-reperfusion group did not receive any supplementary agent, two other groups received vitamin C and papaverine hydrochloride (papaverine HCL). Liver tissues were evaluated under the light microscope. Histopathological examination was assessed by Suzuki's criteria and results were compared between groups. Results: In ischemia-reperfusion group, severe congestion, severe cytoplasmic vacuolization, and parenchymal necrosis over 60% (score 4) were observed. In vitamin C group, mild congestion, mild cytoplasmic vacuolization and parenchymal necrosis below 30% (score 2) were found. In papaverine group, moderate congestion, moderate cytoplasmic vacuolization and parenchymal necrosis below 60% (score 3) were observed. Conclusion: An ischemia of 60 minutes induced on lower extremities causes damaging effects on hepatic tissue. Vitamin C and papaverine are helpful in reducing liver injury after acute ischemia reperfusion and may partially avoid related negative conditions.

Evaluation of Pericardial Fluid C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Patients Undergoing Coronary Bypass Surgery.

Background Neurohumoral and hemodynamic mechanisms have an effect on cardiac activity. C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is accessible in the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to determine whether CNP concentrations in pericardial fluid and blood are related to cardiac dysfunction in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Materials and Methods In this study, 40 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled. The patients were separated into two groups according to left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF): group 1 contained 28 patients with normal LV systolic function (LVEF ≥ 50%) and group 2 contained 12 patients with impaired LV systolic function (LVEF < 45%). Plasma and pericardial fluid samples were acquired during surgery to measure CNP levels. Results In group 1, CNP levels were detected to be 0.46 ± 0.10 ng/mL in plasma and 0.66 ± 0.8 ng/mL in pericardial liquid. In group 2, these levels were 0.51 ± 0.09 and 0.79 ± 0.12 ng/mL, respectively. CNP levels were determined to be significantly higher in patients with low EF compared with those with normal EF in pericardial fluid concentrations (p = 0.013). Conclusions CNP level in pericardial fluid is a more sensitive and proper marker of LV dysfunction than CNP levels in plasma. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine pericardial fluid CNP levels in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. It may have a valuable role in organizing cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy.

Clinical correlation of biopsy results in patients with temporal arteritis.

OBJECTIVE: Temporal arteritis is systemic vasculitis of medium and large sized vessels. The lowest incidence rates were reported in Turkey, Japan and Israel. We aimed to investigate the results of patients with biopsy-proven temporal arteritis and those classified according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria from a low-incidence region for temporal arteritis. The results of our study are noteworthy, since there is limited data on pathologic diagnosis of temporal arteritis in Turkey. METHOD: We studied the medical records, laboratory findings such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels, biopsy results, and postoperative complications of all the patients operated for temporal artery biopsy at our clinic. We used the computerized laboratory registry that keeps all records of 42 consecutive temporal artery biopsy results from January 2011 to December 2016. RESULTS: The mean age was 66±12.5 years. The most common manifestations on admission were temporal headache, optic neuritis and jaw claudication, respectively. Temporal artery biopsy  results confirmed tempoal arteritis in eight out of 42 (19%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference between biopsy-positive and biopsy-negative groups in terms of sex, age, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and biopsy length. CONCLUSION: We were not able to find a correlation between the analysis of biopsy results and clinical evaluation of patients with temporal arteritis. We suggest that diagnosis of temporal arteritis  depends on clinical suspicion. Laboratory examination results may not be helpful in accurate diagnosis of tempoal arteritis.

Comparison of early period results of blood use in open heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: Various adverse effects of homologous blood transfusion detected particularly in open heart surgery, in which it is frequently used, lead researchers to study on autologous blood use and to evaluate the patient's blood better. Due to the complications of homologous blood transfusion, development of techniques that utilize less transfusion has become inevitable. We aimed to evaluate the effects of acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) in patients undergoing open heart surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 120 patients who underwent open heart surgery were included. Patients were grouped into three: Autologous transfusion group (Group 1), homologous transfusion group (Group 2), and those received autologous blood and homologous blood products (Group 3). Patient data regarding preoperative characteristics, biochemical parameters, drainage, extubation time, duration of stay at intensive care, atrial fibrillation (AF) development, and hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (P < 0.005) was found in favor of autologous group (Group 1) with respect to gender, body surface area, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation, smoking, hematocrit levels, platelet counts, urea, C-reactive protein levels, protamine use, postoperative drainage, frequency of AF development, intubation period, stay at intensive care and hospital stay, and amount of used blood products. CONCLUSION: The use of autologous blood rather than homologous transfusion is not only attenuates side effects and complications of transfusion but also positively affects postoperative recovery process. Therefore, ANH can be considered as an easy, effective, and cheap technique during open heart surgery.

Impact of surgeon experience during carotid endarterectomy operation and effects on perioperative outcomes

Abstract Objective: We evaluated the effect of surgeon experience on complication and mortality rates of carotid endarterectomy operation. Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy between January 2013 and February 2016 were divided into two groups. Patients who had been operated by surgeons performing carotid endarterectomy for more than 10 years were allocated to group 1 (experienced surgeons; n=34). Group 2 (younger surgeons; n=25) consisted of patients operated by surgeons independently performing carotid endarterectomy for less than 2 years. Both groups were compared in respect of operative results and postoperative complications. Results: No intergroup difference was found for laterality of the lesion or concomitant coronary artery disease. In group 1, signs of local nerve damage (n=2; 5.9%) were detected, whereas in group 2 no evidence of local nerve damage was observed. Surgeons in group 1 used local and general anesthesia in 3 (8.8%) and 31 (91.2%) patients, respectively, while surgeons in group 2 preferred to use local and general anesthesia in 1 (4%) and 24 (96%) patients, respectively. Postoperative stroke was observed in group 1 (n=2; 5.9%) and group 2 (n=2; 5.8%). Conclusion: Younger surgeons perform carotid endarterectomy with similar techniques and have similar results compared to experienced surgeons. Younger surgeons rarely prefer using shunt during carotid endarterectomy. The experience and the skills gained by these surgeons during their training, under the supervision of experienced surgeons, will enable them to perform successful carotid endarterectomy operations independently after completion of their training period.

Impact of Experiencing Acute Coronary Syndrome Prior to Open Heart Surgery on Psychiatric Status.

Objective: The incidence of depression and anxiety is higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study is to determine whether experiencing acute coronary syndrome prior to open heart surgery affects patients in terms of depression, hopelessness, anxiety, fear of death and quality of life. Methods: The study included 63 patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery between January 2015 and January 2016. The patients were divided into two groups: those diagnosed after acute coronary syndrome (Group 1) and those diagnosed without acute coronary syndrome (Group 2). Beck depression scale, Beck hopelessness scale, Templer death anxiety scale and death depression scale, State-Trait anxiety inventory and WHOQOL-Bref quality of life scale were applied. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the total score obtained from Beck depression scale, Beck hopelessness scale - future-related emotions, loss of motivation, future-related expectations subgroups, death anxiety scale, the death depression scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - social and environmental subgroups. The mental quality of life sub-scores of group 2 were significantly higher. The patients in both groups were found to be depressed and hopeless about the future. Anxiety levels were found to be significantly higher in all of the patients in both groups. Conclusion: Acute coronary syndrome before coronary artery bypass surgery impairs more the quality of life in mental terms. But unexpectedly there are no differences in terms of depression, hopelessness, anxiety and fear of death.

Impact of experiencing acute coronary syndrome prior to open heart surgery on psychiatric status

Abstract Objective: The incidence of depression and anxiety is higher in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study is to determine whether experiencing acute coronary syndrome prior to open heart surgery affects patients in terms of depression, hopelessness, anxiety, fear of death and quality of life. Methods: The study included 63 patients who underwent coronary bypass surgery between January 2015 and January 2016. The patients were divided into two groups: those diagnosed after acute coronary syndrome (Group 1) and those diagnosed without acute coronary syndrome (Group 2). Beck depression scale, Beck hopelessness scale, Templer death anxiety scale and death depression scale, State-Trait anxiety inventory and WHOQOL-Bref quality of life scale were applied. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the total score obtained from Beck depression scale, Beck hopelessness scale - future-related emotions, loss of motivation, future-related expectations subgroups, death anxiety scale, the death depression scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - social and environmental subgroups. The mental quality of life sub-scores of group 2 were significantly higher. The patients in both groups were found to be depressed and hopeless about the future. Anxiety levels were found to be significantly higher in all of the patients in both groups. Conclusion: Acute coronary syndrome before coronary artery bypass surgery impairs more the quality of life in mental terms. But unexpectedly there are no differences in terms of depression, hopelessness, anxiety and fear of death.

A rare cause in etiology of left atrial mass: metastatic testicular germ cell tumor.

Although intracardiac metastasis of germ cell tumors is rare, it can be localized in the right or left heart by disseminating spread and give their cardiac symptoms depending on the location of metastatic mass. We present a 38-year-old male patient with a preliminary diagnosis of testicular tumor who was followed by the medical oncology clinic with cerebrovascular event and heart failure symptoms.

Impact of Surgeon Experience During Carotid Endarterectomy Operation and Effects on Perioperative Outcomes.

Objective: We evaluated the effect of surgeon experience on complication and mortality rates of carotid endarterectomy operation. Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy between January 2013 and February 2016 were divided into two groups. Patients who had been operated by surgeons performing carotid endarterectomy for more than 10 years were allocated to group 1 (experienced surgeons; n=34). Group 2 (younger surgeons; n=25) consisted of patients operated by surgeons independently performing carotid endarterectomy for less than 2 years. Both groups were compared in respect of operative results and postoperative complications. Results: No intergroup difference was found for laterality of the lesion or concomitant coronary artery disease. In group 1, signs of local nerve damage (n=2; 5.9%) were detected, whereas in group 2 no evidence of local nerve damage was observed. Surgeons in group 1 used local and general anesthesia in 3 (8.8%) and 31 (91.2%) patients, respectively, while surgeons in group 2 preferred to use local and general anesthesia in 1 (4%) and 24 (96%) patients, respectively. Postoperative stroke was observed in group 1 (n=2; 5.9%) and group 2 (n=2; 5.8%). Conclusion: Younger surgeons perform carotid endarterectomy with similar techniques and have similar results compared to experienced surgeons. Younger surgeons rarely prefer using shunt during carotid endarterectomy. The experience and the skills gained by these surgeons during their training, under the supervision of experienced surgeons, will enable them to perform successful carotid endarterectomy operations independently after completion of their training period.

The effects of sildenafil and n-acetylcysteine on ischemia and reperfusion injury in gastrocnemius muscle and femoral artery endothelium.

PURPOSE: We aimed to examine the effects of sildenafil and n-acetylcystein on ischemia/reperfusion injury in femoral artery endothelium and gastrocnemius muscle. BASIC METHODS: 32 rats of Sprague-Dawley breed were randomly divided into four groups (n=8). Median laparotomy was performed, then a 120-minute ischemia was created by microvascular clamping of infrarenal aorta, followed by the release of clamping. In sildenafil group, 1 mg/kg of sildenafil infusion and in the n-acetylcystein group, 100 mg/kg of n-acetylcystein infusion was administered after release of clamps. Blood samples and tissue samples of femoral artery and gastrocnemius muscle were extracted for a histopathological evaluation. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Serum levels of malondialdehyde in ischemia/reperfusion group (6.16±0.79) were higher compared to the control group (4.69±0.33), whereas a significant decrease was detected in sildenafil (5.17±0.50) and n-acetylcystein (4.96±0.49) groups. Femoral artery tissue sections of the control group, mean tumor necrosis factor alpha and hypoxy-induced factor-1 alpha immunoreactivity were found to be negative. In the ischemia/reperfusion group, mean tumor necrosis factor α immunoreactivity was intense and mean hypoxy-induced factor-1 alpha immunoreactivity was 51-75%. In the ischemia/reperfusion+Sildenafil and ischemia/reperfusion+NAS groups, mean tumor necrosis factor α immunoreactivity was slight and mean hypoxy-induced factor-1 alpha immunoreactivity was 26-50%. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, sildenafil and n-acetylcystein may reduce femoral artery endothelium and gastrocnemius muscle injury following lower extremity ischemia/reperfusion.