The Influence of Coronary Dominance on Coronary Atherosclerosis and Distribution of Coronary Artery Disease in Korean

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Common anatomical variations exist within the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are equally exposed to systemic risk factors; however, coronary angiography has shown a focal and uneven distribution of atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that the nature of coronary arteries, such as the coronary dominance, is one of the local factors able to determine the morphology and progression of atherosclerotic plaques. The relationship between the coronary dominance and the distribution of coronary artery atherosclerosis; however, remains to be investigated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total 264 patients were enrolled for analysis. Using the ACC/AHA definition, the coronary dominance was assessed as either a right dominant, left dominant or balanced dominant artery. The degree of the coronary artery stenosis was obtained using a scoring system. By means of the sum of the numerical values in the three vessels, the total left anterior descending artery (LAD), total left circumflex artery (LCX) and total right coronary artery (RCA) scores were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 264 patients, right, left and balanced dominance was found in 73.5, 16.3 and 10.2%, respectively. The total LAD, LCX and RCA scores were similar in the patients from all three dominance groups (p>0.05). The score for coronary artery disease were shown to be higher in the proximal and mid segments (LAD, p=0.000; LCX, p=0.002; RCA, p=0.041). CONCLUSION: The coronary dominance was not found to relate to the angiographic severity of coronary artery disease. The distribution of coronary disease in the three coronary arteries tended to cluster within the proximal and mid segments of the vessels.

Efficacy and Safety of Amlodipine Camsylate(Amodipin(TM)) for Treatment of Essential Hypertension

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Amlodipine camsylate (Amodipin(TM)), a newly developed amlodipine formulation, has similar physical properties and pharmacokinetic equivalency to that of the conventional formulation (amlodipine besylate, Norvasc(R)). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel designed, multicenter study was conducted at a total of 7 sites. 95 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension were enrolled. Following the 2 week administration of a placebo, the patients received 5 mg of amlodipine once a day for a total of 8 weeks. If either the blood pressure was > or =140/90 mmHg or the sitting diastolic blood pressure had not decreased by > or =10 mmHg from those at the baseline after 4 weeks of treatment, the dose of amlodipine was increased to 10 mg. The blood pressure was measured twice every 4 weeks and mean value recorded. RESULTS: The diastolic and systolic blood pressures were significantly decreased with both amlodipine camsylate (baseline DBP: 97.4+/-5.8 mmHg, 8th week DBP: 84.1+/-8.8 mmHg, mean differences: -13.3+/-7.4) and amlodipine besylate (baseline DBP: 95.9+/-5.9 mmHg, 8th week DBP: 83.2+/-9.2 mmHg, mean differences: -12.4+/-8.3). The incidence of drug related adverse events was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that once-a-day monotherapy of amlodipine camsylate is effective for the control of blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension, without significant adverse events.

Plasma Renin Activity and Clinical Implication in Korean Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Angiotension II, the active component in the renin angiotensin system, modulates blood pressure via vasoconstriction and sodium retention. In normal subjects, the active level of the RAS is reflected by the plasma renin activity (PRA). Importantly, when blood pressure is elevated, the level of RAS is reactively suppressed, and that of PRA approaches zero. Therefore, this study was conducted to find the characteristics of hypertensive patients according to the level of circulating renin. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The subjects were 275 essential hypertensive patients, with a mean age of 53.2+/-11.9 years, 9.5% of which had diabetes. Patients were classified into 3 groups: low, normal and high renin (high PRA>4.5 ng/mL/h, normal PRA: 0.75-4.5 ng/mL/h and low PRA55 year-old) compared to younger patients (58.7 vs. 36.2%, both p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the hemodynamics (SBP, DBP and heart rate), LVMI and cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes) between the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Women and elderly people are more likely to have LREH compare to men and younger people, who are more likely to have HREH.

Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Diagonal Branch of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery

Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (RCA) is uncommon in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. Most RCA anomalies are usually found incidentally. However, some anomalies may be associated with malignant courses such as myocardial ischemia, syncope or sudden cardiac death. We present a previously unreported case of a 55-year-old female who had anomalous RCA arising from the diagonal branch of LAD, a variant of L-II Lipton classification, which caused chest pain.

Time-Related Alterations of Endogenous Ouabain in DOCA-Salt Hypertensive Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Controversy exists regarding the role of endogenous ouabain in the pathogenesis of DOCA-salt induced hypertension. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of endogenous ouabain in the development of hypertension in DOCA-salt rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mean blood pressure and heart rate were recorded in 1, 2 and 4 week old control and DOCA-salt treated rats. The endogenous levels of ouabain in the plasma, hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands of the 1, 2 and 4 week old control and DOCA-salt treated rats were also measured using a radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The mean blood pressures in the 2 and 4 week old DOCA-salt treated rats were significantly higher than those of the controls. There was no significant change in the heart rate between the DOCA-salt treated and control groups. In the 4 week old DOCA-salt treated rats, the endogenous level of ouabain in the adrenal glands was higher than that in the control rats, but this was only weakly significant. The endogenous level of ouabain in the hypothalamus was significantly higher in the 1 week old DOCA-salt treated rats than in the control, but this significance disappeared in the 2 and 4 week old DOCA-salt treated rats. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the endogenous level of ouabain contributes to the development and maintenance of high blood pressure in DOCA-salt rats. Further studies will be required to elucidate the relationship between the endogenous level of ouabain and DOCA-salt hypertension.

Effects of Cilostazol on Platelet Activation in Coronary Stenting Patients Who Already Treated with Aspirin and Clopidogrel

BACKGROUND: A recent study has shown that triple anti-platelet therapy (cilostazol+clopidogrel+aspirin) resulted in a significantly lower restenosis rate after coronary stenting than did conventional therapy (clopidogrel+aspirin). However, the anti-platelet effects of cilostazol, when combined with clopidogrel and aspirin, have not been evaluated. METHODS: Low dose cilostazol (50 mg/BID) was given to 47 patients who had already been taking clopidogrel (75 mg/day) and aspirin (100 mg/day) for more than 1 month subsequent to coronary stenting due to AMI and unstable angina. Markers of platelet activation, P-selectin and activated GPIIb/IIIa on platelets, were measured at baseline and 2 weeks after cilostazol treatment. We empirically divided patients into tertiles (low, n=16; moderate, n=14; high group, n=17), according to the baseline P-selectin expression. We then performed a comparative assessment of the anti-platelet effects of cilostazol at baseline and after 2 weeks of cilosatzol administration. RESULTS: P-selectin was significantly decreased after 2 weeks of cilostazol treatment in total patients (n=47, 3.2 +/- 2.4% to 2.0 +/- 1.9%, p=0.03). This inhibition of P-selectin expression was mainly achieved in the moderate and high P-selectin groups (low group; 1.4 +/- 0.5 to 1.9 +/- 1.3%, p> 0.05, moderate group; 2.5 +/- 0.3 to 1.3 +/- 0.3%, p 0.05). Underlying disease, cardiovascular risk factors, concomitant medication including statin, and hsCRP were not related to the degree of P-selectin expression. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that cilostazol treatment in addition to conventional anti-platelet therapy provides more effective suppression of platelet P-selectin expression in patients with relatively high platelet activity.

Relation of Blood Pressure Components to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Coronary Heart Disease with Aging

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is still uncertainty regarding the relative importance of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP) in predicting the risk of cardiovascular disease. The relative importance of the BP components, as markers of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and coronary artery disease (CAD), were examined in relation to age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In 257 subjects receiving no antihypertensive medication, LVH was determined using the M-mode echocardiography when left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was >or =129 g/m2 in men or >or =118 g/m2 in women. In a further 265 subjects, CAD was determined using the coronary angiography when stenosis of the coronary arterial diameter was >or =70%. The most important BP component was determined using a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: With respect to LVH, in the group 0.10) for DBP, SBP and PP respectively. In the group 50 to 59 years of age, ORs were 1.65, 1.35, 1.36 (all por =60 years of age, ORs were 1.56 (p0.10), 1.07 (p>0.10), 1.21 (por =60 years of age, no BP component had a statistical significance. CONCLUSION: With increasing age, there was a gradual shift from DBP to SBP and then to PP as the marker with the greatest relation to LVH. In all age group, PP was the strongest marker of CAD.

Relation between Pulse Wave Velocity, Left Ventricular Diastolic Function, and Circadian Variation of Blood Pressure in Patients with Never Treated Essential Hypertension

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An increased pulse wave velocity (PWV) and a non-dipping pattern in hypertensive patients have been shown to be associated with an excess of target organ damage. The relationship between the PWV and circadian variation of blood pressure (BP) (dipper or nondipper) were sought, and also the LV diastolic function between dipper and nondipper patients compared. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 44 hypertensive subjects, who had never been treated, were enrolled (mean age: 48+/-12 yrs, men: 29). The following procedures were undertaken. 1) 24 hour ambulatory BP monitoring; 2) echocardiography for LV geometry, LV mass index (LVMI), LV systolic and diastolic functions, including tissue Doppler and aortic PWV. The patients were divided into two groups with respect to their ambulatory BP profiles, i.e., dipper and nondipper. The PWV, LV geometry and diastolic functions were compared between dipper and nondipper patients, and the relationship between the PWV and diastolic function analyzed in all patients. RESULTS: Twenty (45%) were nondipper patients. There were no significant differences in the LV geometry, LVMI and PWV between dipper and nondipper patients (PWV; 8.8+/-3.1 vs. 8.6+/-3.3 m/sec, p>0.05). In all patients, the PWV was related to the deceleration time (r=0.34, p=0.03) and the mitral E/A (r=-0.31, p=0.02) and mitral Em/Am ratios obtained by the tissue Doppler echocardiography (r=-0.31, p=0.03). The proportion with diastolic dysfunction was higher in the nondipper than the dipper patients (21 vs. 50%, p<0.01). There was a significant relation between the PWV and Em (r=-0.45, p=0.047) in the nondipper, but not in the dipper. CONCLUSION: Prolonged exposure to high BP (nondipper) was not related with increased aortic stiffness in never treated hypertensive patients. The PWV was closely related with LV diastolic dysfunction in nondipper patients.

The Relationship between Serum Adiponectin, Essential Hypertension, LV Mass Index, and LV Diastolic Function

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adiponectin is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects. The purpose of this study is to characterize the relationships among serum adiponectin, essential hypertension (EH), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and LV diastolic function. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Serum adiponectin by RIA and body mass index were measured in 275 patients (M: F=137: 138). We calculated LVMI, E/A ratio, deceleration time (DT), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) by using echocardiograms. RESULTS: The serum adiponectin level of the hypertensive group was significantly lower than that of the non-hypertensive group (9.9+/-9.8 ug/mL vs. 12.9+/-9.5 ug/mL, p<0.05). Plasma adiponectin was negatively correlated with LVMI (r=-0.329, p<0.001), BMI (r=-0.290, p<0.001), and IVRT (r=-0.485, p<0.05), but was positively correlated with E/A (r=+0.359, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a decrease in serum adiponectin is associated with an increase in blood pressure and BMI, progress of LVH, and decrease in LV diastolic function.

The Comparison of Serum Lipid Levels and Risk Factors according to the Status of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Koreans

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare the lipid distributions and risk factors in an angiographically normal coronary artery group to those of microvascular and coronary artery diseased groups of Koreans, and to find the effects of the variable risk factors on the serum lipid levels according to the coronary atherosclerosis status. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 1,198 patients (563 males and 635 females), having undergone a coronary angiography (CAG) using Judkins method, were included. According to their coronary angiographic findings, they were divided into normal CAG (n=568), microvascular disease (n=230) and coronary atherosclerosis (n=400) groups. RESULTS: The mean value of the total cholesterol in the patients with normal coronary artery was 175 mg/dl, which progressively increased to 182 mg/dl and 198 mg/dl in the patients with microvascular disease and coronary atherosclerosis, respectively. The frequencies of the risk factors for coronary atherosclerosis also progressively increased in the patients with microvascular disease and coronary atherosclerosis. The mean values of the serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), progressively increased from the patients with normal angiographic findings to those with microvascular disease and coronary atherosclerosis, and the results were statistically significant. The results for the patients with microvascular disease were in between those of the patients with normal angiographic findings and those with coronary atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: The correlation between coronary atherosclerosis and the serum cholesterol levels has, until now, been studied epidemiologically, and this is the first study to angiographically elucidate the positive relationship between coronary artery disease and the serum cholesterol levels. Our data showed lower ranges of lipid distributions compared to those of the ATP III guideline.

Factors Affecting Coronary Flow Reserve: Measured by Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is considered an important index of the functional significance of coronary artery stenosis, but is influenced by several factors, such as left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH), diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia and smoking. Measurement of the coronary flow velocity of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE) is feasible, and provides reliable information. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between CFR and LVH, DM, hyperlipidemia and hypertension in patients with or without coronary artery disease, and to assess the prominent factors influencing CFR. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Coronary angiographies were performed in 38 patients to evaluate chest pain. The distal LAD flow velocity was measured by TTDE, and the CFR calculated as a ratio of the hyperemic and baseline mean diastolic velocities. The CFR was compared with clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic parameters. RESULTS: The CFR was similar in patients both with and without hypertension, DM, high LDL-cholesterol levels and low ejection fraction(<40%). The mean CFR was lower in patients with (50% LAD stenosis than in patients with no significant stenosis. The CFR of patients with a left ventricle wall thickness of (12mm was lower than in those without LVH. The multivariate analysis of the aforementioned factors showed that LVH was the factor most influencing to the CFR (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: When using CFR as a functional parameter of LAD stenosis, one should consider LVH as one of the factors attributed to CFR modification.

A Case of Anterior Papillary Muscle Rupture with Total Occlusion of Right Coronary Artery Resulting in Inferior Myocardial Infarction

The arterial supply of the posteromedial papillary muscle of the left ventricle arises from the terminal branches of the right or circumflex arteries, depending on the distribution of these arteries. The anterolateral papillary muscle of the left ventricle is supplied primarily by one or more branches from the left anterior descending coronary artery, although it may also be supplied by circumflex marginal branches. The anterolateral papillary muscle is supplied only by the branches of the left coronary artery. However, in our case, the patient demonstrated a total occlusion of the right coronary artery that resulted in acute inferior myocardial infarction with a complete anterolateral papillary muscle rupture of the left ventricule as well as acute mitral insufficiency.

A Case of Moyamoya Disease with Total Occlusion of Left Main Coronary Artery

Moyamoya disease is an occlusive intracranial arteriopathy with an abnormal cerebral vascular collateral network at the base of brain. Despite strict diagnostic guidelines for moyamoya disease, the etiology and pathogenesis remains unknown. There are several reports that moyamoya disease should be regarded as a systemic vascular disorder. However, Moyamoya and coronary artery disease may have common etiologic factors. We decribe here a 35-year-old female with moyamoya disease that was diagnosed as severe coronary artery disease. Coronary angiography showed a left main ostial total obstruction with TIMI grade III collateral blood supply from the normal right coronary artery. We report the first clinical case of moyamoya disease with left main ostial total obstruction in a Korean patient and recommend that an evaluation of the extracranial (especially coronary artery) vascular system should be considered if there is some evidence of coronary artery disease.

Effects of Ischemic preconditioning on the Post-ischemic Myocardial Dysfunction and Coronary Flow in the Isolated Rat Hearts

BACKGROUND: Brief episodic ischemias prior to subsequent prolonged ischemia limit infarct size and attenuate the reperfusion arrythmia. But the effect of ischemic preconditioning on post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction, coronary flow and nitric oxide (NO) remains unclear. METHODS: To investigate the effect of ischemic preconditioning on myocardial function and coronary flow during reperfusion after 15 minutes of global myocardial ischemia, 30 isolated hearts of Sprague-Dowley rats were perfused under constant pressure. Two episodes of three minutes global ischemia followed by 12 minutes of reflow were employed to precondition the hearts. The hearts were randomized to one of three groups : group I had no preconditioning, group II had preconditioning, group III had preconditioning as well as L-arginine pretreatment. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), LV dp/dt, perfused coronary flow, concentration of NO and heart rate were continuously measured. RESULTS: In preconditioning groups (Group II, Group III), LVDP decreased during reflow and was lower than that of the control group. LV dp/dt decreased after reflow and gradually recovered with time but recovered was less in preconditioning groups. Coronary flow increased in the first few minutes after reflow in all groups, but decreased gradually. The decrease of coronary flow was greater in preconditioning groups. NO increased during the first 10 minutes after reflow and then decreased. In preconditioning groups, NO tends to be lower than that in the non-preconditioning group. CONCLUSION: Ischemic preconditioning was not beneficial to post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction, coronary flow and NO concentration in the flow. Cummulative effect of stunning due to repetitive ischemia for preconditioning may be an explanation for worse post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction and coronary flow in preconditioning groups.

Effects of Ischemic preconditioning on the Post-ischemic Myocardial Dysfunction and Coronary Flow in the Isolated Rat Hearts

BACKGROUND: Brief episodic ischemias prior to subsequent prolonged ischemia limit infarct size and attenuate the reperfusion arrythmia. But the effect of ischemic preconditioning on post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction, coronary flow and nitric oxide (NO) remains unclear. METHODS: To investigate the effect of ischemic preconditioning on myocardial function and coronary flow during reperfusion after 15 minutes of global myocardial ischemia, 30 isolated hearts of Sprague-Dowley rats were perfused under constant pressure. Two episodes of three minutes global ischemia followed by 12 minutes of reflow were employed to precondition the hearts. The hearts were randomized to one of three groups : group I had no preconditioning, group II had preconditioning, group III had preconditioning as well as L-arginine pretreatment. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), LV dp/dt, perfused coronary flow, concentration of NO and heart rate were continuously measured. RESULTS: In preconditioning groups (Group II, Group III), LVDP decreased during reflow and was lower than that of the control group. LV dp/dt decreased after reflow and gradually recovered with time but recovered was less in preconditioning groups. Coronary flow increased in the first few minutes after reflow in all groups, but decreased gradually. The decrease of coronary flow was greater in preconditioning groups. NO increased during the first 10 minutes after reflow and then decreased. In preconditioning groups, NO tends to be lower than that in the non-preconditioning group. CONCLUSION: Ischemic preconditioning was not beneficial to post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction, coronary flow and NO concentration in the flow. Cummulative effect of stunning due to repetitive ischemia for preconditioning may be an explanation for worse post-ischemic myocardial dysfunction and coronary flow in preconditioning groups.

A Case of Sustained-release Verapamil Intoxication due to Overdose

Verapamil overdose results in cardiac arrhythmia including the complete A-V block, and hypotension due to decreased peripheral resistance and decreased myocardial contractility. However, sustained-release verapamil overdose frequently has atypical presentations, such as delayed and prolonged course of toxic signs and symptoms. Although several cases of sustained-release verapamil overdose have been reported worldwidely, the specific treatment modalities and prognostic indicators for verapamil overdose have not been well-defined. Recently, we experienced a case of sustained-release verapamil overdose in 30-year-old female. 10 hours after verapamil ingestion she presented in severe bradycardia and hypotensive shock state. Initial EKG showed the complete AV block and her systolic blood pressure was below 60 mmHg. Temporary cardiac pacemaker was performed and she was treated with activated charcoal, glucagon, amrinone, and several sympathomimetics, and 48 hours after admission, she was fully recovered.

Clinical analysis of cystic lesions of the head and neck / 대한이비인후과학회지

No abstract available.

In vitro laryngeal phonating model / 대한이비인후과학회지

No abstract available.