Evaluation of left ventricular function in patients with mitral annular disjunction using speckle tracking echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is a structural abnormality characterized by the systolic detachment of the posterior mitral annulus and the ventricular myocardium. It is usually observed coexistent with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and associated with a mechanical dysfunction despite preserved electrical isolation function of the mitral annulus. This study aimed to evaluate left ventricular (LV) function using speckle tracking echocardiography in MVP patients with MAD. METHODS: This study was designed as a prospective, single-center study including 103 patients with MVP and 40 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were performed to assess LV function and MAD presence. RESULTS: MAD (+) MVP (n = 34), MAD (-) MVP (n = 69), and control (n = 40) groups were enrolled in the study. Among the MVP patients, 34 (33%) had MAD. T-negativity in the inferior leads on electrocardiography was more frequent in the MAD (+) group than in the MAD (-) patients (4.3% vs. 20.6%, p = .014). Mitral regurgitation degree, Pickelhaube sign (17.6% vs. 1.4%, p = .005), and late gadolinium enhancement frequency (35.3% vs. 10.6%, p = .002) were significantly higher in MAD (+) patients. MAD (+) patients had significantly impaired global longitudinal strain (-23.1 ±  2.1 vs. -23.5 ± 2.3, p < .001), basal longitudinal strain (BLS) (-19.6 ±  1.5 vs. -20.5 ± 1.9, p < .001), Mid-Ventricular Longitudinal Strain (-22.2 ± 1.7 vs. -23.2 ± 2.2, p < .001) and LA strain (-24.5 ± 3.9 vs. -27.2 ± 3.6, p < .001) when compared to MAD (-) MVP patients, despite similar LV ejection fraction. All these values of MVP patients were also significantly lower than the control group. The mean MAD distance was 7.8 ± 3.2 mm in MAD (+) patients. Patients with two or more symptoms were higher in the MAD (+) group than in the MAD (-) group (4.3% vs. 44.1%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a significant decrease in longitudinal strain in MVP patients with MAD, indicating myocardial dysfunction. These findings suggest that MAD may contribute to LV dysfunction and highlight the importance of early detection in younger patients. Further research is needed to explore the functional implications and long-term outcomes of MAD.

Long-term outcomes following double kissing crush or mini-culotte stenting for complex coronary bifurcation lesions: the EVOLUTE-CRUSH IV study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of double kissing crush stenting (DKC) and mini-culotte technique (MCT) in patients with complex bifurcation lesions. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 236 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for complex coronary bifurcation disease between January 2014 and November 2022. The primary endpoint was target lesion failure (TLF), defined as the combination of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), or clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary endpoint was major cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) including all-cause death, MI, TLR, stroke, or stent thrombosis. The regression models were adjusted by applying the inverse probability weighted (IPW) approach to reduce treatment selection bias. RESULTS: The initial management strategy was DKC in 154 (65.3%) patients and MCT in 82 (34.7%) patients (male: 194 [82.2%], mean age: 60.85 ± 10.86 years). The SYNTAX scores were similar in both groups. The rates of long-term TLF and MACCE rates were 17.4% and 20%, respectively. The rate of TLF (26.8% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.005) was higher in patients treated with MCT than those treated with the DKC technique, mainly driven by more frequent TLR (15.9% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.035). The long-term TLF and MACCE rates were notably lower in the DKC group compared to the others: adjusted hazard ratio (HR; IPW): 0.407, p = 0.009 for TLF, and adjusted HR(IPW): 0.391 [95% CI: 0.209-0.730], p = 0.003 for MACCE. CONCLUSION: At long-term follow-up, the rates of TLF and MACCE were 17.4% and 20%, respectively. However, long-term TLF was significantly higher in patients treated with MCT than those treated with the DKC technique, primarily due to a more frequent occurrence of clinically driven TLR.

Can the efficacy of a medical treatment be predicted based on the type of idiopathic premature ventricular contraction?

BACKGROUND: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common arrhythmias with diverse clinical implications. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of medical treatments using various clinical, imaging, and electrocardiographic parameters in patients with idiopathic PVCs. METHODS: A total of 1051 patients with idiopathic PVCs were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into three groups based on treatment response: beta-blocker (BB) responders (479 patients), calcium-channel blocker (CCB) responders (335 patients), and class 1c antiarrhythmic (AA) responders (237 patients). Clinical, imaging, and electrocardiographic data were collected and analyzed to assess the factors influencing treatment response. RESULTS: Age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), PVC QRS duration, CI variability, and multiple PVC morphologies were identified as significant factors affecting treatment response. Older age and lower LVEF were associated with better response to BB treatment, whereas CCB responders showed narrower QRS complexes. BB responders also exhibited higher CI variability, possibly linked to automaticity mechanisms. Moreover, the BB responder group had a higher frequency of multiple PVC morphologies. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the importance of tailored treatment approaches based on individual patient characteristics.

The Relationship between Coronary Flow Reserve and the TyG Index in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Background and Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by glucose intolerance during pregnancy. The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, a marker of insulin resistance, and coronary flow reserve (CFR), a measure of coronary microvascular function, are emerging as potential indicators of cardiovascular risk. This study aims to investigate the association between CFR and the TyG index in GDM patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study of 87 GDM patients and 36 healthy controls was conducted. The participants underwent clinical assessments, blood tests, and echocardiographic evaluations. The TyG index was calculated as ln(triglycerides × fasting glucose/2). CFR was measured using Doppler echocardiography during rest and hyperemia induced by dipyridamole. Results: The study included 87 individuals in the GDM group and 36 individuals in the control group. There was no significant difference in age between the two groups (34.1 ± 5.3 years for GDM vs. 33.1 ± 4.9 years for the control, p = 0.364). The TyG index was significantly higher in the GDM group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). CFR was lower in the GDM group (p < 0.001). A negative correlation between the TyG index and CFR was observed (r = -0.624, p < 0.001). Linear regression revealed the TyG index as an independent predictor of reduced CFR. Conclusions: The study findings reveal a significant association between the TyG index and CFR in GDM patients, suggesting their potential role in assessing cardiovascular risk.

Galectin-3 as a Biomarker to Predict Cardiorenal Syndrome in Patients with Acute Heart Failure.

Background: Galectin-3 affects cardiac tissue inflammation as an inflammatory mediator. The development of cardiorenal syndrome in heart failure patients is associated with a poor prognosis. This study aims to investigate whether serum galectin-3 levels can be used as a biomarker to predict cardiorenal syndrome in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Methods: A total of 166 symptomatic heart failure patients [New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II-III] with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (≤ 40%) were recruited prospectively. Cardiorenal syndrome type 1 was defined as an acute worsening of cardiac function leading to renal dysfunction. The patients were divided into two groups with and without cardiorenal syndrome. The galectin-3 levels of all patients were determined. The primary outcome of this study was the occurrence of cardiorenal syndrome. Results: Cardiorenal syndrome developed in 41 patients. Galectin-3 levels were found to be higher in the patients with cardiorenal syndrome (+) compared to those without cardiorenal syndrome (-) (20.7 ± 2.9 ng/mL vs. 17.8 ± 3.1 ng/mL, p < 0.001). After performing a multivariable analysis, galectin-3 levels [odds ratio (OR): 3.21, p = 0.001], NYHA functional class (OR: 1.98, p = 0.009), creatinine (OR: 3.18, p = 0.006), furosemide dose (OR: 1.21, p = 0.033), and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin-receptor blockers usage (OR: 0.54, p = 0.029) were identified as independent predictors for the development of cardiorenal syndrome. Moreover, galectin-3 level demonstrated predictive capability for cardiorenal syndrome development (AUC = 0.761, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Serum galectin-3 level showed an association with cardiorenal syndrome development in patients with heart failure, indicating potential usefulness as a prognostic biomarker.

The Relationship between the MAGGIC Score and Cardiorenal Syndrome in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Background: The Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) is a scoring system that is easy to use in outpatient clinics or at the bedside, and was developed to predict the survival of heart failure patients after hospitalization. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the MAGGIC score and cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: This retrospective, single-center study, included 706 patients with New York Heart Association II-IV who were hospitalized and discharged for acute decompensated heart failure between 2016 and 2021. CRS type 1 was defined as acute worsening of cardiac function leading to renal dysfunction. Patients were divided into two groups: those with CRS and those without. The MAGGIC score of all patients was determined. The primary outcome was the occurrence of CRS. Results: CRS developed in 132 patients. The MAGGIC score was higher in CRS (+) patients compared to CRS (-) patients (30.70 ± 8.09 vs. 23.96 ± 5.59, p < 0.001). After a multivariable analysis, MAGGIC score [odds ratio (OR): 3.92, p < 0.001], sodium (OR: 0.92, p = 0.003), N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (OR: 1.78, p = 0.009), hs troponin (OR: 1.28, p = 0.044), MRA (OR: 0.61, p = 0.019) and furosemide dose (OR: 1.03, p = 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of CRS development. The MAGGIC score was associated with CRS development (area under curve = 0.778). Conclusions: The MAGGIC score may be associated with CRS in HFrEF patients.

The Impact of Lesion Complexity and the CHA2DS2-VASc Score on Spontaneous Reperfusion in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background: In patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a patent infarct-related artery (IRA) on initial angiography is defined as spontaneous reperfusion (SR). Objective: The present study aimed to determine the impact of lesion complexity and the CHA2DS2-VASc score on SR in patients with STEMI. Methods: A total number of 1,641 consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI were assessed for this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups, those with SR, SR(+) (n = 239), and those without SR, SR(-) (n = 1402), according to their initial angiography and SR status. CHA2DS2-VASc scores were calculated for all patients. The lesion complexity of coronary artery disease was assessed with the SYNTAX score. Results: The CHA2DS2-VASc and SYNTAX scores were significantly lower in the SR(+) group compared to the SR(-) (mean CHA2DS2-VASc, 1.36 ± 0.64 vs. 2.01 ± 0.80, p < 0.001; mean SYNTAX score, 15.51 ± 5.94 vs. 17.08 ± 8.29, p < 0.001). After the multivariate regression analysis, a lower CHA2DS2-VASc (OR = 0.288, p < 0.001), SYNTAX score (OR = 0.920, p=0.007), uric acid (OR = 0.868, p=0.005), CRP (OR = 0.939, p=0.001), BNP (OR = 0.998, p=0.004), and troponin (OR = 0.991, p=0.001) were independent predictors of SR. In-hospital mortality rates were significantly lower in the SR(+) group compared to the SR(-) (0% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that lesion complexity and the CHA2DS2-VASc score are independently associated with spontaneous reperfusion.

Prognostic significance of addition of electrocardiographic findings to the MAGGIC heart failure risk score.

BACKGROUND: The Meta-analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) is a scoring system that is easy to use in outpatient or inpatient settings and was developed to predict the survival of heart failure (HF) patients after hospitalization. AIM: This study aims to determine the prognostic significance of MAGGIC risk score combined with electrocardiography (ECG) parameters in decompensated patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF) who were hospitalized for worsening HF. METHODS: A total of 562 HF patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) II-IV functional class who were discharged after hospitalization for decompensated HF between 2013 and 2018 in a single center were included. MAGGIC risk scores of all participating patients were calculated according to baseline characteristics gathered using data from the initial hospitalization for HF. In addition, electrocardiographic findings of all patients were examined. RESULTS: During the follow-up period (4.5 ± 1.2 years) 177 patients died. MAGGIC scores were observed to be higher in non-survivors compared to surviving patients (28.69 ± 7.01 vs. 22.82 ± 6.05, p < 0.001). After a multivariate analysis, MAGGIC score (OR:1.090, p < 0.001), development of cardio-renal syndrome (OR:2.035, p < 0.001), presence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) (OR:1.931, p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR:1.817, p < 0.001), and fragmented QRS (fQRS) (OR:1.671, p = 0.002) on ECG were found to be independent predictors of mortality. While the MAGGIC score was shown to predict mortality (AUC = 0.739), its predictive power was improved when combined with AF (AUC = 0.752), LBBB (AUC = 0.745), and fQRS (AUC = 0.757) respectively, as well as in the combined final model (MAGGIC score, AF, LBBB, fQRS) (AUC = 0.787). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that addition of electrocardiographic findings to the MAGGIC heart failure risk score has prognostic significance in decompensated patients with HFrEF.

Evaluation of COVID-19 Patients According to the Survival Time.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first detected as a form of atypical pneumonia. COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus, and some patients may experience acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute respiratory failure leading to death. We aim to evaluate the clinical, imaging, and laboratory parameters according to survival time to predict mortality in fatal COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Fatal 350 and survived 150 COVID-19 patients were included in the study. Fatal patients were divided into three groups according to the median value of the survival days. Demographic characteristics and in-hospital complications were obtained from medical databases. RESULTS: Of the non-survived patients, 30% (104) died within three days, 32% (110) died within 4-10 days, and 39% (136) died within over ten days. Pneumonia on computational tomography (CT), symptom duration before hospital admission (SDBHA), intensive care unit (ICU), hypertension (HT), C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), cardiac and acute kidney injury, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular fractional area change (RV-FAC), and Tocilizumab/Steroid therapy were independent predictors of mortality within three days compared to between 4-10 days and over ten days mortality.  A combined diagnosis model was evaluated for the age, CT score, SDBHA, hs-TnI, and D-dimer. The combined model had a higher area under the ROC curve (0.913). CONCLUSION: This study showed that age, pneumonia on CT, SDBHA, ICU, HT, CRP, d-dimer, cardiac injury, MODS, acute kidney injury, LVEF, and RV-FAC were independently associated with short-term mortality in non-surviving COVID-19 patients in the Turkish population. Moreover, Tocilizumab/Steroid therapy was a protective and independent predictor of mortality within three days.

The effect of the severity COVID-19 infection on electrocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: Acute myocardial damage is detected in a significant portion of patients with coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) infection, with a reported prevalence of 7-28%. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between electrocardiographic findings and the indicators of the severity of COVID-19 detected on electrocardiography (ECG). METHODS: A total of 219 patients that were hospitalized due to COVID-19 between April 15 and May 5, 2020 were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of COVID-19 infection: severe (n = 95) and non-severe (n = 124). ECG findings at the time of admission were recorded for each patient. Clinical characteristics and laboratory findings were retrieved from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Mean age was 65.2 ± 13.8 years in the severe group and was 57.9 ± 16.0 years in the non-severe group. ST depression (28% vs. 14%), T-wave inversion (29% vs. 16%), ST-T changes (36% vs. 21%), and the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) (17% vs. 7%) were more frequent in the severe group compared to the non-severe group. Multivariate analysis revealed that hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 2.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.03-5.67; p = 0.041), the severity of COVID-19 infection (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.09-2.65; p = 0.026), presence of cardiac injury (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.45-7.60; p = 0.004), and d-dimer (OR: 3.60, 95% CI: 1.29-10.06; p = 0.014) were independent predictors of ST-T changes on ECG. CONCLUSION: ST depression, T-wave inversion, ST-T changes, and the presence of fQRS on admission ECG are closely associated with the severity of COVID-19 infection.

Elevated D-dimer levels on admission are associated with severity and increased risk of mortality in COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the correlation of D-dimer levels measured on admission with disease severity and the risk of death in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search from several databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in abstracting data and assessing validity. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS). D-dimer levels were pooled and compared between severe/non-severe and surviving/non-surviving patient groups. Weighted mean difference (WMD), risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine studies reported on D-dimer levels in 5750 non-severe and 2063 severe patients and 16 studies reported on D-dimer levels in 2783 surviving and 697 non-surviving cases. D-dimer levels were significantly higher in patients with severe clinical status (WMD: 0.45 mg/L, 95% CI: 0.34-0.56; p < 0.0001). Non-surviving patients had significantly higher D-dimer levels compared to surviving patients (WMD: 5.32 mg/L, 95% CI: 3.90-6.73; p < 0.0001). D-dimer levels above the upper limit of normal (ULN) was associated with higher risk of severity (RR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.25-2.00; p < 0.0001) and mortality (RR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.40-2.37; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Increased levels of D-dimer levels measured on admission are significantly correlated with the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia and may predict mortality in hospitalized patients.

Prognostic value of right ventricular strain pattern on ECG in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 spread worldwide, causing severe morbidity and mortality and this process still continues. The aim of this study to investigate the prognostic value of right ventricular (RV) strain in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Consecutive adult patients admitted to the emergency room for COVID-19 between 1 and 30 April were included in this study. ECG was performed on hospital admission and was evaluated as blind. RV strain was defined as in the presence of one or more of the following ECG findings: complete or incomplete right ventricular branch block (RBBB), negative T wave in V1-V4 and presence of S1Q3T3. The main outcome measure was death during hospitalization. The relationship of variables to the main outcome was evaluated by multivariable Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 324 patients with COVID-19 were included in the study; majority of patients were male (187, 58%) and mean age was 64.2 ± 14.1. Ninety-five patients (29%) had right ventricular strain according to ECG and 66 patients (20%) had died. After a multivariable survival analysis, presence of RV strain on ECG (OR: 4.385, 95%CI: 2.226-8.638, p < 0.001), high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI), d-dimer and age were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: Presence of right ventricular strain pattern on ECG is associated with in hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Prognostic Significance of Fragmented QRS in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: There are studies in the literature showing the clinical importance of fragmented QRS (fQRS) in many systemic diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency and prognostic value of fQRS on electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 241 patients with acute ischemic stroke between January 2018 and January 2020. ST depression and elevation, QRS duration, PR interval, RR interval, QTc interval, QTc dispersion (QTcd), T negativity, Q wave, and fQRS were evaluated on ECG. Brain computed tomography (CT) and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were obtained in the acute period and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was calculated for each patient. Patients were followed up for a period of two years. RESULTS: The 241 patients comprised 121 (50.2%) men and 120 (49.8%) women with a mean age of 67.52 ± 13.00 years. In Cox regression analysis, age, NIHSS, QTcd, and fQRS were found to be independent predictors of mortality (age, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.063, p < 0.001; NIHSS, HR: 1.116, p = 0.006; QTcd, HR: 1.029, p = 0.042; fQRS, HR: 2.048, p = 0.037). Two-year mortality was higher in patients with fQRS than in patients without fQRS (31% vs. 9%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The fQRS is associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

The effect of idiopathic premature ventricular complexes on left ventricular ejection fraction.

AIM: Current literature lacks a definitive threshold of idiopathic premature ventricular complex (PVC) burden for predicting cardiomyopathy (CMP). The main objective of the present study was to evaluate relationship between the PVC burden and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHOD: This multicenter, cross-sectional study included 341 consecutive patients with more than 1,000 idiopathic PVC in 24 hr of Holter monitoring admitted to the cardiology clinics between January 2019 and May 2019 in the nineteen different centers. The primary outcome was the LVEF measured during the echocardiographic examination. RESULT: Overall, the median age was 50 (38-60) and 139 (49.4%) were female. Percentage of median PVC burden was 9% (IQR: 4%-17.4%). Median LVEF was found 60% (55-65). We used proportional odds logistic regression method to examine the relationship between continuous LVEF and candidate predictors. Increase in PVC burden (%) (regression coefficient (RE) -0.644 and 95% CI -1.063, -0.225, p < .001), PVC QRS duration (RE-0.191 and 95% CI -0.529, 0.148, p = .049), and age (RE-0.249 and 95% CI -0.442, -0.056, p = .018) were associated with decrease in LVEF. This inverse relationship between the PVC burden and LVEF become more prominent when PVC burden was above 5%. A nomogram developed to estimate the individual risk for decrease in LVEF. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that increase in PVC burden %, age, and PVC QRS duration were independently associated with decrease in LVEF in patients with idiopathic PVC. Also, inverse relationship between PVC burden and LVEF was observed in lower PVC burden than previously known.

The relationship between galectin-3 levels and fragmented QRS (fQRS) in patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Fragmented QRS (fQRS) complex is an electrocardiographic pattern which reflects myocardial scarring. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) on electrocardiogram (ECG) and plasma galectin-3 levels in patients with heart failure (HF) and severely decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 35%). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 125 symptomatic HF patients (NYHA class II-III) with severely reduced LVEF (≤35%). fQRS was identified in ECG. Galectin-3 and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were measured. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (n = 40) or absence (n = 85) of a fQRS on ECG. RESULTS: Majority of patients were male (87.70%), and mean age was 65.1 ± 11.6. Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP levels were found to be significantly higher in the fQRS (+) group compared with the fQRS (-) group (NT-proBNP 5,362 ± 701 pg/ml vs. 4,452 ± 698 pg/ml; p < 0.001, galectin-3 607 ± 89.8 pg/ml vs. 509.4 ± 63.5 pg/ml; p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed galectin-3 and NT-proBNP levels are the presence of fQRS on ECG (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The area under the curve using the galectin-3 level for fQRS was 0.819. CONCLUSIONS: fQRS and serum galectin-3 levels are associated with myocardial fibrosis and are associated with poor prognosis in heart failure. In our study, a positive correlation was found between serum galectin-3 levels and fQRS on ECG.

Predictive value of global and territorial longitudinal strain imaging in detecting significant coronary artery disease in patients with myocardial infarction without persistent ST-segment elevation.

INTRODUCTION: Two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiographic (STE) imaging is frequently performed in the assessment of cardiovascular diseases. We aim to investigate the role of the global and territorial longitudinal strain (GLS and TLS) values assessed via 2D STE imaging to detect significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients without wall-motion abnormalities. METHODS: This study enrolled 150 patients with the diagnosis of NSTEMI. Patients who had typical chest pain with unstable angina characteristics within the last 24 hours were 18-80 years of age and had a typical rise and/or fall of cardiac biomarkers were included. Myocardial functions were assessed via myocardial deformation analyses of 2D STE images. RESULTS: The mean age of the CAD group was 52.91 ± 9.11, vs 50.31 ± 8.32 in the control group. In the CAD group, 56 patients were male (65%), whereas 21 were male (60%) in control group. GLS and TLS assessments demonstrated a statistically significant difference between CAD and control groups, with GLS values of -16.27 ± 1.91 and -18.74 ± 1.93 (P < 0.001), TLS-LAD values of -15.67 ± 1.83 and -18.54 ± 1.97 (P < 0.001), TLS-RCA values of -17.04 ± 1.81 and -19.20 ± 1.86 (P < 0.001), and TLS-Cx values of -17.40 ± 2.08 and -18.34 ± 2.18 (P = 0.028), respectively. Correlation analyses revealed that as high-sensitivity troponin (hsTnT) values increased, GLS decreased significantly, and further, an increase in severity of CAD resulted in decreased TLS-LAD, -CX and -RCA (TLS-LAD: P < 0.001, r = -0.743; TLS-CX: P < 0.001, r = -0.449; TLS-RCA: P < 0.001, r = -0.737). Multivariate analyses indicated that GLS and GRACE ACS risk scores are independent predictors of CAD in patients with NSTEMI (GLS: OR = 0.514, P < 0.001; GRACE score: OR = 0.938, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Global longitudinal strain (GLS) assessed with 2D STE is a promising, easy to perform and quick imaging method to predict CAD in patients with NSTEMI.

Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels in Patients with Vasovagal Syncope.

Background and Objectives: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of syncope and has multiple pathophysiological mechanisms. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is the major inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma ADMA levels and syncope during the head-up tilt (HUT) test. Materials and Methods: Overall, 97 patients were included in this study. They were above 18 years of age and were admitted to our clinic with the complaint of at least one episode of syncope consistent with VVS. The HUT test was performed in all patients. Patients were divided into the following two groups based on the HUT test results: group 1 included 57 patients with a positive HUT test and group 2 included 35 patients with a negative HUT test. Blood samples were taken before and immediately after the HUT test to measure ADMA levels. Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed concerning gender and age (female gender 68% vs 60%; mean age 24.85 ± 4.01 vs 25.62 ± 3.54 years, respectively, for groups 1 and 2). ADMA values were similar between groups 1 and 2 before the HUT test [ADMA of 958 (544-1418) vs 951 (519-1269); p = 0.794]. In the negative HUT group, no significant differences were observed in ADMA levels before and after the HUT test [ADMA of 951 (519-1269) vs 951 (519-1566); p = 0.764]. However, in the positive HUT group, ADMA levels were significantly decreased following the HUT test [pretest ADMA of 958 (544-1418) vs post-test ADMA of 115 (67-198); p < 0.001]. Conclusion: ADMA levels significantly decreased after the HUT test in patients with VVS.

Significance and usefulness of narrow fragmented QRS complex on 12-lead electrocardiogram in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction for prediction of early mortality and morbidity.

BACKGROUND: The presence of notched R or S waves without accompanying typical bundle branch blocks, or the existence of an additional wave like RSR' pattern in the original QRS complex (with a duration of <120 ms) has been defined as narrow QRS fragmentation. Persistence of the fQRS found on the admission electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) will have prognostic significance in the short term. METHODS: The study was carried out using retrospectively collected data of 296 consecutive patients diagnosed as acute STEMI .fQRS group had fQRS both in admission and latest ECGs (n = 80, 27%), and non-fQRS group had no fQRS in last ECG (n = 216, 73%). Primary end points were in-hospital cardiovascular mortality, hemodynamic instability, and electrical instability. RESULTS: MI localization, symptom duration, reperfusion therapy (RPT) rate, RPT modality, rate of successful reperfusion did not differ. Mean ejection fraction was lower and all end points were more frequent in the fQRS group. Irrespective of the RPT modality and success of RPT, mortality rate was higher in patients with persistent fQRS. GRACE score >120 points (OR = 4.765), age >70 years (OR = 4.041), anterior MI localization (OR = 3.148), and presence of fQRS (OR = 2.484) were significant predictors of primary end points. fQRS increased the predictive ability of GRACE score >120 about two folds (OR = 7.305, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Persistent fQRS on ECG is associated with poor prognosis and there is a lack of expected mortality benefit of RPT, particularly that of fibrinolytic therapy, in STEMI patients with fQRS.

Impact of Treatment With Sacubitril/Valsartan on Erectile Dysfunction in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V), an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization and relieve symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of S/V on erectile dysfunction in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A prospective, open-label study was conducted with 59 male patients diagnosed with HFrEF and concomitant erectile dysfunction. Patients were treated with S/V for a duration of 1 month. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to assess the severity of erectile dysfunction and sexual activities at baseline and follow-up visits. Other clinical parameters, including heart rate, were also monitored. After S/V treatment, a significant improvement was observed in sexual activities at the 1-month follow-up visit. The IIEF score showed a statistically significant increase, indicating a decrease in the severity of erectile dysfunction. However, it should be noted that the numerical increase in the IIEF score did not reach clinical significance. This study suggests that S/V treatment in patients with HFrEF may lead to improvements in sexual activities and a reduction in the severity of erectile dysfunction as measured by the IIEF score.

Non-dominant right coronary artery (RCA) is associated with suspected inferior ischemia on SPECT in patients without significant coronary artery disease (CAD).

OBJECTIVE: There is a huge uncertainty in the medical community regarding the significance of non-dominant right coronary artery (RCA) in patients with inferior wall ischemia on myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of non-dominant RCA on myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) with respect to the misleading detection of ischemia in the inferior wall of the myocardium. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 155 patients, who had undergone elective coronary angiography owing to an indication of inferior wall ischemia by MPS between 2012 and 2017. Patients were divided into two groups based on the coronary dominance: group 1 (n = 107), if RCA is the dominant artery, and group 2 (n = 48), if there are dominance of left artery and codominance of both arteries. Obstructive CAD was diagnosed in the case of stenosis that had severity greater than 50%. The positive predictive value (PPV), which was calculated as per the correlation between the inferior wall ischemia in MPS and obstruction level in RCA, was compared in both groups. RESULTS: Majority of patients were male (109, 70%) and the mean age was 59.5 ± 10.2. There were 45 patients with obstructive RCA disease (PPV: 42%) among 107 patients in group 1, whereas there were only 8 patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in RCA among 48 patients in group 2, (PPV: 16% and p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that non-dominant RCA is associated with false-positive detection of inferior wall ischemia via MPS.