Associations of non-HDL-C and triglyceride/HDL-C ratio with coronary plaque burden and plaque characteristics in young adults.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is uncommon in young adult patients. However, these patients have different risk factor profiles and high-risk coronary plaques are more common. The aim of this study was to examine the relations between the coronary plaque burden, plaque composition, serum non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels, and triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio in young adults. We analyzed a total of 551 patients under age 45 who had undergone coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Coronary plaque characteristics were analyzed using CCTA. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess the predictors of non-calcified plaque (NCB) and calcified plaque (CB) burdens. Serum non-HDL-C levels and TG/HDL-C ratio were higher in the coronary atherosclerosis patient group. Serum non-HDL-C levels and the TG/HDL-C ratio were higher in the obstructive CAD patient group. The plaque burden was positively correlated with non-HDL-C (r = 0.30; p < 0.001), and TG/HDL-C ratio (r = 0.18; p < 0.001).  NCB was positively correlated with age, gender, smoking status, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum triglycerides, hbA1c, non-HDL-C, and TG/HDL-C ratio. Non-HDL-C (ß coefficient = 0.13; p = 0.023) and TG/HDL-C ratio (ß = 0.10;  p = 0.042) were independent predictors of NCB. Serum non-HDL-C levels and TG/HDL-C were significantly associated with the presence and burden of coronary plaques. Serum non-HDL-C and TG/HDL-C ratios were independently associated with NCB, suggesting their use as easy-to-compute markers for identifying high-risk groups in young adults.

Human neutrophil peptides 1-3 level in patients with acute myocardial infarction and its relation with coronary artery disease severity.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and clinical outcome of atherosclerosis. Among the various inflammatory factors, antimicrobial peptides, such as alpha-defensins, seem to contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of human neutrophil peptide-1, -2, and -3 (HNP1-3) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to assess its relationship with the severity of coronary artery disease. METHODS: lasma HNP1-3 levels in patients with AMI and controls with angiographically normal coronary arteries were measured by solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the patient group, coronary artery disease severity was assessed using the SYNergy between percutaneous intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery score (SS). RESULTS: HNP1-3 levels were significantly higher in the group with AMI than in the controls (6.5±5.8 ng/mL vs. 2.8±2.5 ng/mL, p<0.001). The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded a cut-off value of 3.13 ng/mL for differentiating patients with AMI from the controls (area under the curve: 0.739, 95% confidence interval: 0.629-0.831, p<0.001). HNP1-3 levels in the high SS tertile (≥33) were slightly but statistically nonsignificantly higher than that in the low (≤22) and intermediate SS tertiles (high SS: 7.0±6.1 ng/mL, intermediate SS: 5.9±6.2 ng/mL, low SS: 5.3±3.8 ng/mL; p=0.639). CONCLUSION: Patients with AMI had higher plasma HNP1-3 levels than the controls, but this did not show a significant correlation with angiographic disease severity. The nonsignificant trend toward higher SS in patients with higher HNP1-3 levels warrants future studies on larger populations.

Can NLR, PLR and LMR be used as prognostic indicators in patients with pulmonary embolism? Author's reply on commentary.

We appreciate the comments made by Dr Bedel and colleagues. NLR, PLR and LMR are affected by various diseases such as oncological, collagen tissue, inflammatory, or severe renal/liver diseases [1]. Because of this, we have listed some of the above-mentioned disorders in the tables. Hematological diseases, collagen tissue disease, inflammatory diseases, congenital heart disease, or severe renal/liver disease were therefore excluded from the study. However, the presence of malignancy did not affect our results in regression analysis. Platelets swell until 120 minutes in ethylene diamine tetra acetic (EDTA) and until 60 minutes in citrate [2]. Authors suggest that optimal measuring time should not exceed 120 minutes. The blood samples of the patients were taken within 1 hour after their emergency admission. All blood samples in our study were tested within 1 hour of collection [3]. We used EDTA for whole blood anticoagulation. The mean duration of symptoms prior to admission was 5.04 ± 6.9 days. The drugs such as corticosteroids affect inflammatory parameters. Therefore, we excluded inflammatory diseases without emphasizing corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs.

What predicts spontaneous passage of ≤1 cm ureteral stones in children?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine what factors predict spontaneous passage of ≤1 cm ureteral stones in children. METHODS: Files of the patients diagnosed with a single ureteral stone on a given side between 2008 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with congenital obstructive uropathy, neurogenic bladder, vesicoureteral reflux and those with a stone diameter of >1 cm were excluded. Detection of ureteral stones was done using ultrasonography (US) primarily, and computed tomography when US findings were inconclusive. Patients were treated either conservatively or surgically. Conservative treatment included adequate hydration and pain management whereas surgical treatment included ureteroscopic intervention. Apart from those who required urgent intervention, patients were referred for surgical treatment after 2-4 weeks of follow-up with no spontaneous passage. Factors analyzed for association of spontaneous passage included age, gender, type of hematuria, stone localization, laterality, presence of concomitant kidney stone, degree of hydronephrosis, stone size and stone composition. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients (38 males, 32 females); median age 4.7 years had a ≤ 1 cm ureteral stone (median diameter 7 mm). US was able to diagnose the ureteric stone in 47 patients while computed tomography was required in 23 patients. Spontaneous passage was observed in 40 patients (57.1%). Median time for stone passage was 8 days (3-34 days). Stone size and presence of hematuria (macroscopic and microscopic combined) were factors associated with spontaneous passage and 6.7 mm was found to be the cut-off (AUC = 0.953; 95% CI 0.905-1.000; sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 82.5%, p < 0.001). Moreover, age, degree of hydronephrosis or stone location were not associated with spontaneous passage. CONCLUSION: Patients with a ureteric stone size <6.7 mm can safely be followed conservatively, with a spontaneous passage rate of 82.5%. Type of Study Case series with no comparison group. Level of Evidence IV.

Utility of the Logistic Clinical Syntax Score in the Prediction of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: The Logistic Clinical Syntax Score (log CSS) is a combined risk scoring system that includes clinical and anatomic parameters; it has been found to be effective for the prediction of mortality in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The aim of the present study was to assess whether the log CSS was associated with the development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). METHODS: A total of 930 patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI between January 2012 and August 2013 were included prospectively. The patients were grouped according to the development of CIN. Either an absolute serum creatinine level ≥ 0.5 mg/dL or a 25% increase in the serum creatinine level compared with the baseline level within 48 hours after the administration of contrast medium was defined as CIN. RESULTS: The Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Interventions With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery score (SYNTAX [SS]) and log CSS were higher in patients with CIN than in those without. In the multivariate analysis, log CSS (odds ratio, 1.405, 95% confidence interval, 1.318-1.497; P < 0.001), hemoglobin, and contrast volume were found to be independent predictors of CIN. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, a log CSS > 9.5 had a 74.5% sensitivity and a 90.5% specificity for predicting CIN, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.892, whereas an SS > 18.5 had a 64% sensitivity, a 58.1% specificity, and an AUC of 0.625 (0.892 vs 0.625; P < 0.001). A log CSS > 9.5 was associated with in-hospital and long-term mortality, reinfarction, revascularization, and in-hospital hemodialysis (P < 0.001 for each). CONCLUSIONS: The log CSS may improve the accuracy of risk stratification for the development of CIN in patients undergoing pPCI.

Predictors of slow flow in angiographically normal coronary arteries.

INTRODUCTION: Slow coronary flow (SCF) is a well-known angiographic finding; however, the pathophysiology of SCF remains only partially understood. In this study, we have examined the risk factors of slow coronary flow. METHODS: Seventy patients with angiographically proven SCF were studied along with 60 control participants. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the angiographic findings as with or without SCF. In both groups, clinical information was collected and laboratory parameters were measured and compared. RESULTS: Patients with SCF had higher serum uric acid, creatinine and hemoglobin levels. They also more commonly had a history of smoking. On the other hand, C-reactive protein and hematologic parameters such as mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW), and neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the logistic regression analysis, only uric acid (odds ratio [OR]=1.583, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.011-2.349, P=0.034) was found as an independent correlate of SCF. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that serum uric acid level is significantly correlated with SCF and may play a role in the development of the condition. These findings provide impetus for additional studies to confirm these results and treatment of SCF.

A case of May-Thurner syndrome with inconsistent radiological and surgical findings.

May-Thurner syndrome is the result of compression of the left common iliac vein between the right common iliac artery and the overlying vertebrae. In this case report, we describe an 11-year-old boy presenting with swelling of the left lower extremity. An iliac MR venography showed compression of the left proximal iliac vein between the vertebra and the left iliac artery. In surgery, it was seen that the left common iliac vein was connected to the postero-inferior part of the inferior vena cava, and it was compressed between the right common iliac artery and the columna vertebralis, which was inconsistent with the radiological findings. An interposition of the great saphenous vein graft between the left common iliac vein and the inferior vena cava was made, with a successful outcome. Our case is interesting in that it showed inconsistent findings between the radiological images and surgery.

Evaluation of lipoprotein-associated phosholipase A2 and plaque burden/composition in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: The total burden of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis is significant in young adults. Serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an established predictor of morbidity and mortality because of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the relationship between subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and serum Lp-PLA2 concentrations in a population of young adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 261 individuals younger than 45 years of age who had undergone coronary computed tomography angiography were evaluated. The study group included 101 patients in whom coronary computed tomography angiography detected subclinical coronary atherosclerosis; the control group included 160 sex-matched and age-matched healthy control patients. RESULTS: Serum Lp-PLA2 levels were increased significantly in the study group patients compared with the control patients (15.42±11.88 vs. 8.06±4.32 ng/ml, P<0.001). Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between the Lp-PLA2 levels and the total number of plaques and diseased arteries (r=0.495, P<0.001, and r=0.621, P<0.001, respectively). The presence of mixed plaque composition was also correlated with the Lp-PLA2 levels (r=0.657, P<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis identified four independently significant predictors of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, tobacco use, uric acid levels, and serum Lp-PLA2 levels. CONCLUSION: The presence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis is associated independently with Lp-PLA2, and it has potential utility as a novel indicator of cardiovascular disease risk in the young adult population.

Associations of fibroblast growth factor 23 and fetuin-A with coronary plaque burden and plaque composition in young adults.

OBJECTIVE: The total burden of subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) is significant among young adults. Serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and fetuin-A are established predictors of morbidity and mortality because of cardiovascular disease. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between subclinical CAD and serum FGF-23 and fetuin-A concentrations among a population of young adults. METHODS: A total of 241 subjects younger than 45 years who had undergone coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) were included in the study. In 117 patients, the CCTA detected subclinical CAD; the rest of the patients had no CAD detected on CCTA. RESULTS: Serum FGF-23 and fetuin-A levels were significantly increased in the CAD patients as compared with the non-CAD patients (26.7 [interquartile range, 22.4-31.9] vs 15.7 [interquartile range, 13.2-18.1] pg/mL and 904.7 [interquartile range, 695.5-1021.6] vs 469.6 [331.4-660.5] mg/L, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between FGF-23 and fetuin-A levels and the total number of plaques (r = 0.21 and r = 0.28, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, smoking status, uric acid, FGF-23, and fetuin-A levels were found to be independently associated with the presence of CAD. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of subclinical CAD is independently associated with FGF-23 and fetuin-A and could be used as novel risk markers of cardiovascular disease in the asymptomatic young adult population.

Usefulness of the Logistic Clinical Syntax Score in Prediction of Saphenous Vein Graft Failure in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

We investigated the association between the preoperative logistic clinical syntax score (log CSS), saphenous vein graft (SVG) patency, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Of 1875 patients undergoing isolated CABG between 2009 and 2011, 267 patients, who later underwent coronary angiography, were included in the study. The primary end point was at least 1 graft occlusion on the follow-up coronary angiogram. The secondary end point was a composite of MACCE. In multivariate analysis, log CSS was found as a strong predictor of SVG failure (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-0.94, P = .02; and OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.02-4.75, P = .04, respectively): log CSS was also associated with MACCE (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). The addition of clinical parameters to the anatomical SYNTAX score, termed as "log CSS", augmented the accuracy and reliability of the prediction of SVG failure and MACCE in patients undergoing CABG.

An ECG changed the life of a young boy: a case of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a progressive condition with the right ventricular myocardium being replaced by fibrofatty tissue. It is a hereditary disorder mostly caused by desmosome gene mutations. The prevalence of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is about 1/1000-5000. Clinical presentation is usually related to ventricular tachycardias, syncope, presyncope or ventricular fibrillation leading to cardiac arrest, mostly in young people and athletes. We report a case of a 17-year-old boy from Turkey, who was referred to our cardiology department for an ECG, required of him prior to joining a football team.

The relationship between gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and coronary plaque burdens and plaque structures in young adults with coronary atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels have been demonstrated to be associated with poor prognoses in patients with coronary artery disease. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a noninvasive imaging modality that may differentiate the structure of coronary plaques. Elevated plaque burdens and noncalcified plaques, detected by CCTA, are important predictors of atherosclerosis in young adults. HYPOTHESIS: The present study investigated the possible relationship between GGT levels and coronary plaque burdens/structures in young adults with coronary atherosclerosis. METHODS: CCTA images of 259 subjects were retrospectively examined, and GGT levels were compared between patients with coronary plaques and individuals with normal coronary arteries. Coronary plaques, detected by CCTA, were categorized as noncalcified, calcified, and mixed, according to their structures. The significant independent predictors of coronary atherosclerosis were also analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: GGT levels were significantly higher in patients with coronary plaque formation than in controls (35.7 ± 14.7 vs 19.6 ± 10.0 U/L; P < 0.001). GGT levels were also positively correlated with the number of plaques; presence of noncalcified plaques; and levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), hemoglobin A1c, uric acid, and triglycerides. Moreover, smoking and levels of GGT, hs-CRP, uric acid, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were independent predictors of coronary atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: GGT is an inexpensive and readily available marker that provides additional risk stratification beyond that provided by conventional risk factors for predicting coronary plaque burdens and plaque structures in young adults.

Cerebral atrophy in a vitamin B12-deficient infant of a vegetarian mother.

In developed countries, vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency usually occurs in children, exclusively breastfed ones whose mothers are vegetarian, causing low body stores of vitamin B12. The haematologic manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency is pernicious anaemia. It is a megaloblastic anaemia with high mean corpuscular volume and typical morphological features, such as hyperlobulation of the nuclei of the granulocytes. In advanced cases, neutropaenia and thrombocytopaenia can occur, simulating aplastic anaemia or leukaemia. In addition to haematological symptoms, infants may experience weakness, fatigue, failure to thrive, and irritability. Other common findings include pallor, glossitis, vomiting, diarrhoea, and icterus. Neurological symptoms may affect the central nervous system and, in severe cases, rarely cause brain atrophy. Here, we report an interesting case, a 12-month old infant, who was admitted with neurological symptoms and diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Pediatric urolithiasis: metabolic risk factors and follow-up results in a Turkish region with endemic stone disease.

The goal of this study was to investigate the metabolic etiology, clinical findings and medical treatment of children with urolithiasis in an endemic region of Turkey. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 742 (437 males, 305 females) children with urolithiasis. Physical examination results, serum biochemistry and urine metabolic evaluation, including urinary citrate, oxalate, calcium, uric acid, cystine and magnesium levels were recorded. We obtained follow-up records in 316 patients to evaluate the association between stone recurrence and metabolic risk factors. The mean age at diagnosis was 2.6 ± 3.4 (0.1-17.0) years. Male-to-female ratio was 1.4:1. A family history of stone disease was found in 76.5 % of patients and 41 % of parents had consanguineous marriage. The most common presenting symptoms were urinary tract infection (UTI, 23.9 %) and hematuria (23.6 %). Metabolic abnormalities were found in 588 (79.2 %) patients, including hypercalciuria in 31.5 %, hypocitraturia in 24.2 %, hyperoxaluria in 11.4 %, hyperuricosuria in 9.1 %, hypomagnesuria in 3.9 %, and cystinuria in 3.1 % of patients. The frequency of hyperoxaluria and hypocitraturia were significantly higher in patients with new stone formation. Follow-up records of 316 (42.6 %) patients (192 males, 124 females) were available. Urolithiasis was shown in 135 (42.7 %) of the patients on control ultrasonography, and 61.5 % of these patients had a stone size ≤ 3 mm. Hyperoxaluria and cystinuria were significantly higher in patients with stone persistence. The main goal of management for children with urolithiasis should be identification of risk factors.

P-wave dispersion and its relationship with the severity of the disease in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: P- wave dispersion (PD) is an indicator of inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of sinus impulses. In the present study we aimed to investigate the PD and its association with the severity of the disease. in patients with stable coronary artery disease. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 60 subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 25 subjects with nor-mal coronary angiograms (control group). The maximum and minimum P-wave duration and PD were measured from the 12-lead surface electrocardiograms. The CAD severity was assessed by the severity score (Gensini score) and the number of vessels involved (vessel score). RESULTS: P max was longer in CAD group compared with the control group (p<0.001). PD was greater in the CAD group, compared with the control group (p<0.001). However, P min did not differ between the two groups. In bi-variate correlation, increased PD was correlated with presence of diabetes mellitus (r=0.316, p=0.014), smoking (r=0.348, p=0.006), left ventricular ejection fraction (r=-0.372, p=0.003), vessel score (r=0.848, p=0.001), and Gensini score (r=0.825, p=0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that PD was independently associ¬ated with vessel score ((3=0.139, p=0.002) and Gensini score ((3=0.132, p=0.007). CONCLUSION: PD was greater in patients with CAD than in controls and it was associated with CAD severity.

Improvement of dilated cardiomyopathy with methylprednisolone in a patient with multiple fibrosclerosis.

Multifocal fibrosclerosis is a rare syndrome of unknown cause that is characterized by fibrosis involving multiple organ systems. Definitive diagnosis can only be made based on biopsy findings. In this case, the biopsy specimen of the patient demonstrates pulmonary hyalinated granuloma or sclerosing mediastinitis. There are few reports of multiple fibrosclerosis with heart failure. Here, we reported a case of retroperitoneal fibrosis with massive mediastinal involvement extending to pleura and pericardium causing pleuro- pericardial effusion with dilated cardiomyopathy. Systolic dysfunction was improved and pericardial effusion disappeared with methylprednisolone treatment.