Atypical compartment syndrome of the forearm due to mixed infection with Proteus mirabilis and Morganella morganii after a penetrating injury: A limb-saving approach.

Compartment syndrome is a well-described clinical condition and is considered an orthopedic emergency affecting individuals of all ages. A typical scenario for acute compartment syndrome involves lower limb fractures or crush injuries. However, physicians may occasionally encounter atypical presentations, defined as atypical compartment syndrome (ACS). A 38-year-old, left-handed male patient without any comorbidities developed ACS of the forearm and clinical presentation of sepsis after a small penetrating injury to his right forearm. He developed ACS secondary to infected hematoma and subsequent soft tissue infection caused by Proteus mirabilis and Morganella morganii. Both bacteria infected the patient by direct contamination after injury with a knife, resulting in multifloral contamination. The patient was successfully treated with reconstructive surgery. In conclusion, ACS secondary to this type of penetrating injury shows a subtle clinical course at the time of hospital admission and can insidiously progress from an infected hematoma, posing a serious threat to the limb or even cause mortality. Good extremity function without any disability can be achieved with an accurate diagnosis during the initial evaluation of the patient in the emergency department and prompt surgical intervention followed by appropriate reconstructive methods.

Does idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome deteriorate proprioception of the hand? A case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the deterioration in kinesthetic kinesthesia (KKS) and visual kinesthesia (VKS) of the hand as a component of proprioception in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included a total of 90 hands of 60 patients (9 males, 51 females; mean age: 47.6±9.4 years; range, 28 to 60 years) who were diagnosed with CTS and 25 hands of 25 healthy individuals (8 males, 17 females; mean age: 42.6±14.4 years; range, 20 to 60 years) as the controls between January 2019 and January 2021. The KKS and VKS scores were compared between the groups. Clinical parameters such as pain levels, hand grip strength (HGS) values, and two-point discrimination (2PD) test scores were compared between the patients with and without KKS or VKS deficits. The association between the severity of electromyographic findings and KKS or VKS deficits was examined. RESULTS: The mean VKS score of the CTS group was 22.9±1.6 and the KKS score was 20.8±3.4, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). The CTS patients performed less accurate repetitions in visually cued (60%) and kinesthetically cued (40%) positions than the control group (100% both). There were significantly more patients with VKS and KKS deficits in the moderate or severe CTS groups than in the mild CTS group (p<0.001 and p=0.007, respectively), and KKS or VKS deficits were significantly associated with the impaired HGS (p=0.042 and p=0.048, respectively) and functional status (p=0.020 and p=0.016, respectively) accompanied by the increased symptom severity (p=0.010 and p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that idiopathic CTS is associated with impaired proprioception and kinesthetic sense of the hand. In addition, idiopathic CTS is related to impaired hand function and severe symptoms. Screening kinesthetic sense in patients with idiopathic CTS prior to decompression surgery or postoperative hand therapy is helpful to set realistic goals and achieve superior clinical outcomes.

Aquatic vs. land-based exercise after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in middle-aged active patients with a degenerative meniscal tear: A randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Awareness of the value of aquatic exercise (AE) in the postoperative rehabilitation has increased, and several inherent advantages of AE, such as adjustment of both resistance and muscle strengthening parameters makes good rationale for its inclusion in postoperative rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine and compare the benefits of AE and land-based exercise (LBE) on pain, functionality, and quality of life after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). METHODS: This randomized controlled study included 30 middle-aged (35-50), physically active patients who were randomized into LBE (n = 15) and AE (n = 15) groups after APM for a degenerative meniscal tear. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), single-leg hop test and Lysholm questionnaire scores in addition to isokinetic muscle strength values were evaluated at baseline, at fourth week immediately after cessation of exercise program and at eighth week follow-up visits. The exercise sessions were conducted in 1-h sessions per day, three days a week for a total of four weeks. RESULTS: Significant improvement was observed in the VAS, single-leg hop test, Lysholm questionnaire, and most of SF-36 subscale scores in both groups at both fourth and eighth follow-ups. Isokinetic dynamometer revealed significant improvement in the peak torque values for extension at angular velocities of 60° and 180° at both follow-ups in the AE group. LBE group showed significant improvement in the peak torque value for extension only at an angular velocity of 60° only at fourth week follow-up. There was no significant difference between groups for any of these parameters at any of the follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Both AE and LBE programs had significantly improved pain, function, isokinetic muscle strength, and quality of life in patients after APM. Either type of exercise is essential as part of the rehabilitation protocol for good clinical outcomes after APM and should not be neglected (level II). CLINICALTRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04925726.

Bone cement with screw augmentation technique for the management of moderate tibial bone defects in primary knee arthroplasty patients with high body mass index.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether variables such as body mass index (BMI), size of the cement with screw augmentation area (CSA), distance between the base of tibial plate and the deepest point of the defect area (DPDA) may cause any mechanical problems leading to deterioration in tibiofemoral alignment or impact clinical outcomes when the surgeon utilizes bone cement with screw augmentation (BCSA) technique in the treatment of moderate non-contained tibial bone defects in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study, conducted between March 2018 and March 2019, included 37 knees of 28 patients (4 males, 24 females; mean age 71.3±8.9; range, 55 to 86 years) with moderate tibial bone defects requiring treatment with BCSA during primary TKA. Patients with BMI >30 were scored with Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score for clinical outcomes; besides, CSA, DPDA, and tibiofemoral alignment were calculated on plain X-rays. RESULTS: Mean BMI was 34.1±5.7 (range, 24.9 to 45.9). Patients had a mean follow-up period of 44±13.9 (range, 28 to 75) months. Mean postoperative CSA was 98.2±35.3 (range, 42 to 180) mm2 and DPDA was 7.4±2.6 (range, 3.5 to 12.9) mm. Mean HSS score at last follow-up was 88.0±7.5 (range, 71 to 97). CONCLUSION: Bone cement with screw augmentation technique was associated with satisfactory clinical outcomes and tibiofemoral alignment was not significantly deviated in patients with high BMI. We determined that neither the depth of DPDA nor the size of CSA had any correlation with clinical outcomes.

The effect of high intensity laser therapy in the management of painful calcaneal spur: a double blind, placebo-controlled study.

To evaluate the effect of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in patients with calcaneal spur. The patients were randomized to receive either HILT + exercise (n = 21) (five times a week for a period of 3 weeks) or placebo HILT + exercise (n = 21) (five times a week for a period of 3 weeks). Pain severity (with visual analog scale (VAS) and with Roles and Maudsley score (RMS)), functionality (with Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS)), plantar pressure measurement, and quality of life (with short form-36 (SF-36)) of the patients were evaluated at baseline, at 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. A significant improvement in the VAS (p < 0.001), RMS (p < 0.001), and most of the SF-36 subgroup scores (p < 0.05) and most of the FAOS subgroup scores (p < 0.05) at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment was achieved in both groups. Besides, there was no significant difference in VAS (p > 0.05) and RMS (p > 0.05) between the groups. FAOS symptoms (p = 0.022) and quality of life (p = 0.038) subgroups were higher in the placebo group at 12 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in dynamic pedographic measurements in the HILT group (p < 0.05), and dynamic measurement values were significantly higher in the HILT group compared to placebo group (p < 0.05). Although the evaluation parameters, except dynamic pedographic measurements, have improved in both groups, our study results showed no superiority of HILT over placebo. To conclude, when the main complaint is pain in patients, only exercise therapy can be an economical, practical, and reliable treatment.

Triple nonunion after steel-like triple pelvic osteotomy.

Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) is a widely known and accepted procedure carried out to treat acetabular dysplasia in adults. According to this technique, osteotomies are performed through the ischium, ilium and pubis in order to mobilize the whole acetabulum. In this article, we report a 30-year-old female patient who was admitted to our outpatient clinic with a complaint of intense pain after standing or walking. Patient had undergone Steel-like TPO for acetabular dysplasia approximately nine months before. After physical and radiological evaluation, patient was diagnosed with triple nonunion. Patient was successfully treated with debridement and grafting at iliac nonunion site followed by refixation with reconstruction plate and screws. A review of the literature did not detect any published studies or case reports regarding symptomatic triple nonunion after TPO using Steel-like method.

Atypical injury of radial nerve after humeral shaft fracture.

As general opinion, conservative treatment is usually suggested for closed humeral shaft fractures with radial nerve palsy; however, some authors advocate early surgical exploration, particularly for spiral fractures of the humerus accompanied with radial nerve palsy. In this article, we present a case of radial nerve palsy after fracture of the proximal-middle third of humeral shaft. A surgical exploration of the nerve revealed that the sharp tip of the bony fragment at fracture site was penetrated into the nerve and separated the nerve as two bands, almost like a ″buttonhole″ injury. We think that this kind of an atypical injury of the radial nerve would most probably not recover with conservative management; or the nerve may even be damaged worse by the fragment in case of a possible movement on the nerve's fracture line or by being trapped by callus formation during healing. In this case report, we aimed to raise awareness among orthopedists regarding such and similar atypical injuries of the radial nerve.

Nailing or plating for subtrochanteric femoral fractures: a non-randomized comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of reverse less invasive stabilization system for distal femur (LISS-DF) plates and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in the treatment of patients with subtrochanteric fracture. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with 32 fractures were included in this study. The PFNA group consisted of 16 patients, and the reverse LISS-DF plate group consisted of 15 patients. Intraoperative data such as surgical time (min), amount of blood transfusion (units and erythrocyte suspensions) and radiation time (seconds) were noted. Time elapsed until fracture consolidation (weeks), time until full weight bearing (weeks), mean Harris hip score and length of stay (LOS) at hospital (days) were recorded postoperatively. RESULTS: The reverse LISS-DF group had a significantly longer elapsed time until fracture consolidation (p < 0.05). The mean radiation time was significantly longer (p < 0.05), and the Harris hip scores at last control were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the PFNA group. No significant differences were determined in terms of complications and re-operation rates. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that in the reverse LISS-DF-treated group, the mean time for bone union was longer and weight bearing was delayed. Considering the surgical technique, minimal surgical approach, reduced amount of blood transfusion and superior functional results following surgery, we concluded that the PFNA system offers advantages over reverse LISS-DF plating in the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures.

A rare case of 3C disease: Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome presenting with recurrent talipes equinovarus.

INTRODUCTION: Club foot (CF) is characterized by multiple deformities such as varus, adductus and internal rotation of the forefoot. It is well-known and a frequent congenital disorder. CF can concurrently be seen with several diseases but it can rarely manifest as a component of any other syndrome. Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome, or cranio-cerebello-cardiac syndrome, is rarely seen and has autosomal recessive inheritance. It is characterized by cranio-facial, cerebellar and cardiac abnormalities. We report a case diagnosed as Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome concurrent with persistent CF. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A two-year-old boy with persistent CF and concurrent congenital hip dysplasia. Despite successful serial casting and subsequent achilloplasty a clinical relapse was observed in our patient. After a detailed phenotypic evaluation, genetical tests and imaging technique the patient was diagnosed 3C Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome. DISCUSSION: A comprehensive literature review did not show any reports about concurrent hip dysplasia and clubfoot in Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome. We report that CF may be associated with rare genetical abnormalities. CONCLUSION: With this report we would like to raise awareness about the possible association of persistent CF with this rare genetical disorder, Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome. It should be included in differential diagnosis of patients with persistent CF.

Are myofibroblasts activated in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome? an immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate whether myofibroblasts participate in the fibrotic process of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients (12 males, 28 females; median age 50.85 ± 11.2 years; range 30 to 71 years) who were operated in our clinic between March 2010 and August 2010 were included in the study. Twenty-five idiopathic CTS patients were assigned to the study group, and 15 trauma patients were assigned to the control group. Samples were taken from both transverse carpal ligament and subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) of participants and they were analyzed by immunohistochemical method. Four immunohistochemical markers were used to analyze myofibroblast existence and vascular wall thickness (alpha smooth muscle actin [α-SMA]), collagen type IV antibodies, and T (CD3) and B (CD20) lymphocytes. RESULTS: The existence of myofibroblasts (α-SMA) in SSCT of patients who were in early phase of idiopathic CTS was shown through the positive reaction of their antibodies with fibroblasts. A significantly increased reaction of α-SMA and collagen antibodies in vascular structure of SSCT demonstrated increased vascular wall thickness and vascularity in the study group (p<0.01). No significant difference was detected between the two groups in terms of T and B lymphocyte antibody reaction (inflammation). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate a potential for myofibroblasts to be activated during the early phase of the disease and contribute to the onset of disease. Further studies with larger sample sizes would be of great assistance in determining the role of myofibroblasts in idiopathic CTS.

The role of nebivolol in the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with renal dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study was designed to evaluate the potential protective effect of nebivolol compared with metoprolol on the development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) following coronary angiography in patients with renal dysfunction. METHODS: Ninety patients with stable coronary angina pectoris with renal insufficiency (creatinine value ≥1.2 mg/dl) were included for this prospective study. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients in group 1 (n=55) received oral administration of nebivolol 5 mg/daily for coronary artery disease and/or hypertension. Group 2 consisted of 35 patients who received metoprolol 50 mg/daily for the same indications. All patients were hydrated with 0.9% NaCl at a rate of 1 mL/kg/hr for 12 hours before and 24 hours after the procedure. Patients were also given N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 600 mg twice a day, beginning 24 hours before and continuing 48 hours after the procedure. All patients underwent routine coronary angiography. Serum creatinine was assessed just before, immediately after and 48 hours after the procedure. CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration of ≥25% within 48 hours after the procedure compared to the patient's baseline value. Tests for significance between groups were conducted using the independent sample t-test for continuous variables and Chi-square test for categorical variables. RESULTS: Baseline serum creatinine levels were statistically comparable in two groups. Following angiography, serum creatinine levels increased in both groups. Post-angiographic creatinine levels were not statistically different in the nebivolol and the metoprolol groups. Contrast induced nephropathy developed in 13 patients (24%) of the nebivolol group and in 12 patients (33%) of the metoprolol group. The incidence of CIN was statistically significantly lower in the nebivolol group comparing with the metoprolol group (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The use of oral nebivolol for one week at a dose of 5 mg per day may decrease the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients who underwent coronary angiography with renal dysfunction. The small numbers of this study do not allow to draw final conclusion on the use of nebivolol in the prevention of CIN. Therefore, larger studies may be necessary to address the definite role of nebivolol in this setting.

C-reactive protein in unstable angina pectoris and its relation to coronary angiographic severity and diffusion scores of coronary lesions.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and the severity and diffusion of coronary artery lesions in patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and the independent association of CRP with this clinical situation. METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational study included 50 patients. Classification by Braunwald was used for UAP. The severity and diffusion of angiographic coronary disease were graded according to Reardon's modified scoring system. Plasma CRP levels were quantified by immunoturbidimetry. Nonparametric tests were used for comparison of CRP and other risk factors, and logistic regression analysis for evaluation of independent association between CRP and unstable angina pectoris. RESULTS: The severity score was 46±18 points in class IIB1 UAP, 36±20 points in class IIB2 and 53±18 points in class IIIB2 (p=0.017, class IIIB2 vs IIB2). Respectively, CRP levels were 6.6 mg/L, 3.8 mg/L and 4.8 mg/L (p=0.371, class IIB1 vs IIB2 vs IIIB2). Lesions with diffusion score 4 revealed higher CRP values than lesions with diffusion score 1 (11.1 mg/L vs 3.1 mg/L, p=0.048). Adjusting age, sex and smoking, assessment of partial correlation analysis showed a positive, moderately powerful and significant association between CRP levels and the severity and diffusion scores of the coronary lesions (r=0.30; p=0.034 and r=0.31; p=0.030, respectively) in the whole study group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed no appreciable independent association between CRP and UAP (OR: 1.63, 95%CI: 0.90-5.63, p=0.093). CONCLUSION: Although, CRP was correlated with the severity and diffusion of angiographic coronary disease in patients with UAP, there was no independent association between CRP and clinical severity of UAP.

[Value of interatrial conduction time and P wave dispersion in the prediction of atrial fibrillation following coronary bypass surgery]. / Koroner baypas cerrahisi sonrasi atriyal fibrilasyonu öngörmede interatriyal ileti süresi ve P dalga dispersiyonunun degeri.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective observational study investigated predictive power of interatrial conduction time (IACT) and P wave dispersion (PWD), in addition to other atrial fibrillation (AF) predictors, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). METHODS: Eighty-one patients undergoing CABG were enrolled. Before surgery, IACT and PWD were measured. Time interval from electrocardiographic P wave to echocardiographic transmitral a wave was defined as IACT. Rhythm monitorization was used for AF detection. Continuous and categorical data were compared with independent samples t test and Chi-square statistics. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent AF predictors. RESULTS: During a follow-up period of 6.4 ± 2.1 days, AF developed in 14 patients (17%). There were no significant differences between patients with or without AF according to age, gender, number of bypass grafts, cross-clamp duration, systolic function, and left atrial diameter. Significantly increased PWD and IACT were found in AF group (PWD: 37 ± 9 ms vs 24 ± 8 ms, p=0.005 and IACT: 129 ± 11 ms vs 117 ± 11 ms, p=0.01) as compared to group without AF. Increased PWD (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.04-1.31; p=0.02), absence of beta-blocker treatment (OR 8.88; 95% CI 1.62-48.45; p=0.01), diabetes (DM) and hypertension (HT) combination (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.15-4.22; p=0.01) were independent AF predictors. However, IACT predictive power had borderline significance (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.95-1.12; p=0.06). CONCLUSION: Increased PWD, absence of beta-blocker therapy, HT-DM combination were independent AF predictors following CABG. There was significant difference between groups according to IACT, however predictive value of IACT was nonsignificant. Other studies are needed to establish predictive power of IACT.

Delayed sternal closure: an effective procedure for life-saving in open-heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, short term survival and safety of delayed sternal closure following open-heart operation due to myocardial edema, non-surgical bleeding and malignant arrhythmia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our medical records to identify the patients who underwent delayed sternal closure following open-heart operation and recorded morbidity, mortality postoperative complications of these patients. Among 2698 patients who underwent on- pump cardiac surgery, the sternum was left open in 46 (1.7%) patients, 31 men and 15 women, ranging in age from 2 to 73 years (mean 57.0+/-7.6 years). In 39 patients sternum was left opened following the initial operation and in 7 patients sternum was re-opened due to bleeding or hemodynamic instability after initial surgery. Statistical analysis was accomplished using Chi-square test, Mann Whitney U test and analysis of variances for repeated measurements. RESULTS: The operative procedures were classified as elective in 24 (52.8%), emergency in 10 (22%), urgent in 7 (15.4%), and redo cardiac operations in 5 patients (11%). Bleeding (n=21), hemodynamic instability (n=16), arrest (n=5), and arrhythmia (n=4) were the reasons of delayed sternal closure. The patients had an open sternum for 3.48+/-0.35 days. Time to discharge was 21.5+/-1.6 days after operation and 17.6+/-1.6 days after sternal closure. Mortality within 30 days was 23.9% (7 patients died before closure and the remaining 4 after closure). Complications were mediastinitis (n=2), minor wound infection (n=3) and renal failure (n=5). CONCLUSION: Delayed sternal closure is a safe and simple method for treating bleeding, arrhythmia and myocardial edema following on pump cardiac surgery. It is anticipated that as cardiac surgeons become more familiar with the technique of delayed sternal closure, the frequency of its use following on pump cardiac surgery may increase.

Right coronary artery fistula draining into the right atrium and associated with mitral valve stenosis: a case report.

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare congenital anomaly of the coronary arteries in which abnormal connections are present between the coronary artery branch and the cardiac chambers or a major vessel. The incidence of CAF is estimated at 1 in 50,000 live births, and it is detected in approximately 0.2% of the adult population during coronary angiography. Reports of the coincidence of mitral stenosis and CAF are rare in the literature. We report a case of CAF and mitral valve stenosis in a patient with dyspnea and fatigue before valve replacement and surgical radiofrequency ablation. Coronary angiography showed a connection between the right coronary artery and right atrium. A fistula opening into the right atrium is rare in patients with coronary artery anomalies and mitral valve disease. Coronary angiography of the patient 1 month after surgical repair showed that the coronary anatomy was normal and the fistula was occluded. CAF can be diagnosed more frequently if coronary angiography is performed simultaneously with cardiac catheterization to evaluate valve functions or nonatherosclerotic myocardial ischemia in each valvular heart disease case. Surgical repair of CAF is the first-choice treatment to prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Impact of diabetic and pre-diabetic state on development of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of diabetic and pre-diabetic state on the development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: A total of 421 patients with Cockcroft clearance between 15 and 60 ml/min were divided into three groups [diabetes mellitus (DM), n = 137; pre-diabetes (pre-DM), n = 140; and normal fasting glucose (NFG), n = 144]. CIN was defined as an increase of > or =25% in creatinine over baseline within 48 h of angiography, DM as glucose > or =126 mg/dl, pre-DM as glucose between 100 and 125 mg/dl and NFG as glucose <100 mg/dl. RESULTS: CIN occurred in 20% of the DM [relative risk (RR) 3.6, P = 0.001], 11.4% of the pre-DM (RR 2.1, P = 0.314) and 5.5% of the NFG group. The decrease of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was higher in DM and pre-DM (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). GFR < or =30 ml/min (RR 19.22), multivessel involvement (RR 7.59), hyperuricaemia (RR 3.95), use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blocker (RR 2.70) and DM (RR 2.34) were predictors of CIN. Length of hospital stay was 2.45 +/- 1.45 day in DM, 2.27 +/- 0.68 day in pre-DM and 1.97 +/- 0.45 day in NFG (P < 0.001, DM vs NFG and P = 0.032, pre-DM vs NFG). The rate of major adverse cardiac events was 8.7% in DM, 5% in pre-DM and 2.1% in NFG (P = 0.042, DM vs NFG). Haemodialysis was required in 3.6% of DM and 0.7% in pre-DM (P = 0.036, DM vs NFG), and the total number of haemodialysis sessions during 3 months was higher in DM and pre-DM (P < 0.001). Serum glucose > or =124 mg/dl was the best cut-off point for prediction of CIN. CONCLUSION: Our data support that patients with DM are at a higher risk of developing CIN, but patients with pre-DM are not at as high a risk for developing CIN as diabetes patients.

Aortic valve replacement in true severe aortic stenosis with low gradient and low ejection fraction.

OBJECTIVE: The results of aortic valve replacement are uncertain among patients with severe aortic stenosis, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and low mean transvalvular gradient. The aim of the present study was to report on 27 patients who underwent surgery for aortic stenosis with left ventricular ejection fraction