Assessment of epicardial fat and carotid intima media thickness in gestational hypertension.

AIM: Gestational hypertension (GHT) is a common disorder of pregnancy characterized by new onset hypertension without the presence of detectable proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) are suggested as new predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis. Although the relationship between these parameters and essential hypertension has been demonstrated, this association in patients with GHT is still unknown. We aimed to investigate CIMT and EFT in patients with GHT. METHODS: A total of 90 patients (44 GHT and 46 controls) were enrolled. Patients with diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) were excluded. In the third trimester, the mean CIMT at the far wall of both left and right common carotid arteries was measured on B-mode duplex ultrasound. EFT was measured on the free wall of the right ventricle at the end systole in the parasternal long-axis view by standard transthorasic 2D echocardiography. RESULTS: Unlike the mean CIMT (0.52 ± 0.13 mm vs 0.47 ± 0.11 mm; P = 0.078), the mean EFT was significantly higher in the GHT group compared to the controls (5.31 ± 1.68 mm vs 4.17 ± 1.16 mm; P = 0.002). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, among the most pertinent clinical variables, only EFT is an independent determinant of GHT (OR: 2.903; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.454-5.796; P = 0.003). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, EFT >5.5 mm had 82.6% specificity and 52.3% sensitivity in predicting a diagnosis of GHT (ROC area under curve: 0.689, 95% CI: 0.577-0.802, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Maternal EFT may be higher in pregnant women with GHT in comparison with those of controls.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: It is well-known that cardiovascular risk and all-cause mortality is increased in hemodialysis patients. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT), which reflects visceral adiposity, has been suggested as a new cardiometabolic risk factor. The purpose of this study was to investigate EFT in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: A total of 144 consecutive patients (60 hemodialysis patients and 84 controls) were enrolled into the study, and patients with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were excluded. EFT was measured on the free wall of the right ventricle at end-diastole from the parasternal long-axis view by standard transthorasic 2D echocardiography. RESULTS: The groups were similar in terms of sex distribution, age, blood pressure, heart rate and frequencies of CAD risk factors including smoking status, family history of CAD and hypertension. There were no significant differences between the hemodialysis patients and controls in 2D echocardiographic parameters, including ejection fraction and biochemical parameters except low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and c- reactive protein. Despite having lower body mass index, EFT levels were significantly higher in hemodialysis patients compared to the controls (8.0 ± 2.2 mm vs. 5.8 ± 1.9 mm; p < 0.01). In multivariate linear regression analysis we determined that hemodialysis patient status was found to be an independent predictor for both EFT (ß = 0. 700, p = 0.014) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT, ß = 0. 614, p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis patients are independently associated with high EFT and CIMT.

Assessment of Carotid Artery Distensibility and Elasticity After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: a Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: Although it is well known that obesity increases the risk of atherosclerosis in carotid arteries, it is not clear whether this risk changes after obesity surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate whether weight reduction with a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has any effect on distensibility and elasticity which show subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries of obese individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 130 patients (body mass index (BMI) 48.21 ± 6.97 kg/m2) who underwent LSG. The patients were followed up for 1 year. Comparisons were made of the distensibiliy and elasticity values calculated preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, postoperatively. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in distensibility and elasticity values from baseline to 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). The multiple linear regression analysis was used to find the variables affecting both distensibility and elasticity. According to the results, the presence of BMI decreases distensibility percentage change level by 0.38 units (ß= - 0.38, 95% CI - 0.51;- 0.25, p < 0.001). The presence of fasting plasma glucose decreases elasticity percentage change level by 0.20 units. (ß= - 0.20, 95% CI - 0.39; - 0.01, p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: Carotid artery distensibility and elasticity values increase after LSG, and this change could be caused by the change in metabolic parameters and heart geometry. These results may indirectly suggest that subclinical atherosclerosis in carotid arteries has decreased after obesity surgery.

Comparison of MOLLI and ShMOLLI in Terms of T1 Reactivity and the Relationship between T1 Reactivity and Conventional Signs of Response during Adenosine Stress Perfusion CMR

Background: One of the most important techniques of cardiac magnetic resonance in assessment of coronary heart diseases is adenosine stress myocardial first-pass perfusion imaging. Using this imaging method, there should be an adequate response to the drug adenosine to make an accurate evaluation. The conventional signs of drug response are not always observed and are often subjective. Methods based on splenic perfusion might possess limitations as well. Therefore, T1 mapping presents as a novel, quantitative and reliable method. There are several studies analyzing this newly discovered property of different T1 mapping sequences. However most of these studies are enrolling only one of the techniques. Aims: To compare modified look-locker inversion recovery and shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery sequences in terms of T1 reactivity and to determine the relationship between T1 reactivity and conventional stress adequacy assessment methods in adenosine stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance. Study Design: A cross-sectional study using STARD reporting guideline. Methods: Thirty-four consecutive patients, who were referred for adenosine stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance with suspect of myocardial ischemia, were prospectively enrolled into the study. Four patients were disqualified, and thirty patients were included in the final analysis. Using both modified look-locker inversion recovery and shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery, midventricular short axis slices of T1 maps were acquired at rest and during peak adenosine stress before gadolinium administration. Then, they were divided into six segments according to the 17-segment model proposed by the American Heart Association, and separate measurements were made from each segment. Mean rest and mean stress T1 values of remote, ischemic, and infarcted myocardium were calculated individually per subject. During adenosine administration, patients' heart rates and blood pressures are measured and recorded every one minute. Adenosine stress perfusion images were examined for the presence of splenic switch-off. Results: There was a significant difference between rest and stress T1 values of remote myocardium in both modified look-locker inversion recovery and shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery (p<0.001). In both modified look-locker inversion recovery and shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery there was no significant correlation between T1 reactivity and heart rates response (modified look-locker inversion recovery p=0.30, shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery p=0.10), blood pressures response (modified look-locker inversion recovery p=0.062, shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery p=0.078), splenic perfusion (modified look-locker inversion recovery p=0.35, shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery p=0.053). There was no statistically significant difference between modified look-locker inversion recovery and shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery regarding T1 reactivity of remote (p=0.330), ischemic (p=0.068), and infarcted (p=0.116) myocardium. Conclusion: T1 reactivity is independent of the other stress response signs and modified look-locker inversion recovery and shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery do not differ in terms of T1 reactivity.

Assessment of epicardial adipose tissue and carotid/femoral intima media thickness in insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a combination of multiple cardiovascular (CV) risk factors including insulin resistance (IR). Carotid, femoral intima media thickness (IMT), and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) are considered as novel cardiometabolic risk factors. We aimed to test the hypothesis that carotid, femoral IMT, and EFT are increased in patients with IR. METHODS: We enrolled consecutively and prospectively 113 patients with IR. Then we collected data from an age- and sex-matched control group of 112 individuals without IR. Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index value >2.5 was accepted as IR. Patients with diabetes mellitus, CV diseases, systolic heart failure, chronic liver or renal diseases were excluded. On B-mode duplex ultrasound the mean IMT at the far wall of both left and right common carotid/femoral arteries were measured manually. EFT was measured on the free wall of the right ventricle at end-diastole from the parasternal long-axis views by standard transthoracic 2D echocardiography. RESULTS: Both carotid IMT and EFT were significantly higher in patients with IR compared to controls (0.80±0.21mm vs 0.60±0.21mm; p<0.001 and 7.34±1.96mm vs 5.22±1.75mm; p<0.001, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in femoral IMT between the groups (0.74±0.20 vs 0.69±0.17; p=0.062). In multivariate linear regression analysis age (ß=0.223, p=0.010), 2-h blood glucose (ß=0.198, p=0.021), and IR (ß=0.369, p<0.001) were independent predictors of EFT. On the other hand age (ß=0.363, p<0.001) and IR (ß=0.321, p<0.001) were independent predictors of carotid IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IR have increased carotid IMT and EFT, but not femoral IMT. This apparent incoherence may be due to the involvement of carotid arteries prior to femoral arteries in patients with IR.

Temporal Lobe Parenchyma Herniation into the Transverse Sinus: MRI Findings in a Case.

Brain parenchyma herniation into dural venous sinus which is a uncommon entity, can cause dural venous sinus filling and simulate sinus thrombosis and other pathologies. It is isointense to brain parenchyma on all sequences by magnetic resonance imaging, surrounded by a cerebrospinal fluid rim and is seen to be contiguous with brain tissue on images. We report a rare case with spontaneous occult herniation of temporal lobe tissue into the left transverse sinus that may associated with headache.

Piezogenic Pedal Papules with Mitral Valve Prolapse.

Piezogenic pedal papules (PPP) are herniations of subcutaneous adipose tissue into the dermis. PPP are skin-colored to yellowish papules and nodules on lateral surfaces of feet that typically become apparent when the patient stands flat on his/her feet. Some connective tissue diseases and syndromes have been reported in association with PPP. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve, characterized by the displacement of an abnormally thickened mitral valve leaflet into the left atrium during systole. MVP may be isolated or part of a heritable connective tissue disorder. PPP, which is generally considered as an isolated lesion, might be also a predictor of some cardiac diseases associated with connective tissue abnormalities such as MVP. A detailed systemic investigation including cardiac examination should be done in patients with PPP. Since in the literature, there are no case reports of association of PPP with MVP, we report these cases.

Assessment of Subclinical Atherosclerosis by Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness in Prediabetes.

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose intolerance (IGT) are predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We tested the hypothesis that epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), as markers of early atherosclerosis, are increased in patients with prediabetes. We prospectively enrolled 246 patients (162 with prediabetes and 84 controls). Prediabetes was defined according to American Diabetes Association criteria, and patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1-IFG, group 2-IGT, and group 3-IFG + IGT. Both cIMT and EFT were significantly greater in patients with prediabetes compared with controls (0.81 ± 0.20 mm vs 0.68 ± 0.16 mm, P < .001 and 7.0 ± 2.0 mm vs 5.6 ± 1.6 mm, P < .001, respectively). This difference was mainly attributed to patients with IGT. Age, waist circumference, and 2-hour glucose independently predicted cIMT, while 2-hour glucose was the only independent predictor of EFT in multivariate analysis among other relevant parameters for cIMT and EFT. The cIMT and EFT (measured noninvasively) could be useful indicators of CVD risk in these patients. In order to prove this hypothesis, long-term prospective studies with greater patient numbers are required.

Cortical membranectomy in chronic subdural hematoma: Report of two cases.

Different surgical procedures have been used in the management of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Nowadays treatment with burr hole is more preferable than craniotomy in most clinics. We present two cases of CSDH, which caused neurological deficits. In both cases cortical membranectomy was performed following craniotomy. After this procedure, significant improvement was observed in patients neurological deficits. We recommend that craniotomy and subtotal membranectomy may be a more adequate choice in such cases. This report underlined that craniotomy is still an acceptable, safe, efficient and even a better procedure in selected patients with CSDH.

Diagnosis of early sacroiliitis in seronegative spondyloarthropathies by DWI and correlation of clinical and laboratory findings with ADC values.

PURPOSE: Sacroiliitis is one of the diagnostic criteria of seronegative SpA. The purpose of our study is to show the signal characteristics of the sacral and iliac surfaces by DWI which may contribute in early diagnosis of sacroiliitis and investigate the correlation between ADC values and clinical and laboratory parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 62 patients with inflammatory low back pain, with a history or suspect of seronegative SpA are enrolled into the study. 40 age and sex-matched subjects without SpA constituted the control group. After obtaining routine T1 and T2 weighted sequences, echo planar imaging at b values of 0, 400 and 800 was performed. ADC values on both surfaces of the both sacroiliac joints were measured in all subjects. The CRP and sedimentation results and the presence of arthritis and enthesitis were also correlated with the ADC values. RESULTS: ADC values on both surfaces of the both sacroiliac joints were found 0.23 × 10(-3)mm(2)/sn in the control group. In the patient group, mean ADC value of 0.48 × 10(-3)mm(2)/sn was obtained (p<0.001), which was statistically significant, compatible with the increased diffusion due to medullary edema in early sacroiliitis. There was a slight correlation between CRP and ADC values; presumed to be showing the relation between the activity of the disease and the active inflammation on DWI. There was no correlation between arthritis and enthesitis and the ADC values (p>0.001). CONCLUSION: DWI, by measuring ADC values, adds significant information in the early diagnosis of sacroiliitis and may help to evaluate the efficiency of the treatment.