Correlation of Coronary Angiographic Severity with Carotid intima Media Thickness and Flow mediated dilatation of brachial Artery in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Background: Ischemic Heart Disease which encompasses Acute Coronary Syndrome and Chronic Stable Angina is the most common cause of worldwide mortality and morbidity. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is a non-invasive ultrasonographic technique to image the carotid arteries which measures the thickness of the intima and media of these vessels. It is a marker of atherosclerotic process. Flow mediated dilatation (FMD) is a marker of endothelial function of arteries. Ischemic heart disease can be predicted long before its actual occurrence by observing these two phenomenons. Methods: This cross sectional study done in the Department of Cardiology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital during the period of Oct 2010- Sept 2011.We enrolled 102 patients admitted with IHD by purposive sampling. We assessed FMD of brachial artery, CIMT by vascular duplex. Coronary artery disease severity was assessed by vessel score, stenosis score and extent score from angiography. Results:The mean (±SD) age of the patients was 50.9(±11.3) years. The male- female ratio was 5:1. CIMT has significant negative correlation with FMD (r=-.407, p=<.001). Flow mediated dilatation of brachial artery has weak but significant negative co-relation with vessel score(r=-.609, p=<.001), stenosis score(r=- .493, p=<.001) and extent score (r=-.477, p=<.001). However, carotid intima media thickness has weak but positive correlation with vessel score (r=.447, p=<.001), stenosis score (r=.417, p=<.001) and extent score(r=.412, p=<.001). Conclusion: The present study concludes CIMT has significant negative correlation with flow mediated dilatation of brachial artery. FMD has weak but significant negative co-relation and CIMT has weak but positive correlation with vessel score, stenosis score and extent score of coronary arteries.

Early Risk Assessment In Right Ventricular Infarction By TIMI Risk Score.

Background: Inferior myocardial infarction complicated by right ventricular infarction is associated with a greater risk of in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular related complications. Early risk stratification of patients with right ventricular infarction is crucial for appropriate management and reduction of adverse cardiac events. The development of TIMI risk score has provided a useful tool to quickly and easily stratify patients with right ventricular infarction. We conducted this study to evaluate the prognostic value of TIMI Risk Score analysis in patients with right ventricular infarction. Methods: This observational study was conducted in the department of Cardiology in NICVD, Dhaka, from July 2006 to June 2008. Considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 60 patients with right ventricular infarction were evaluated. All the patients were evaluated clinically and ECG was done after admission. Patients were categorized into two groups by TIMI risk scoring. Patients with low TIMI risk score(0-3) were in Group-I and patients with high TIMI risk score(4- 14) were in Group-II. Results: The study revealed no statistically significant difference among the patients of two groups (p>0.05) in relation to sex, weight, risk factors and presenting complaints. Analysis revealed statistically significant difference among the patients of two groups (p<0.05) in relation to age, duration of chest pain, clinical parameters, Killip class of heart failure and LVEF. Regarding inhospital outcome, 51.7% patients developed complications during the study period and all the complications were more in group II patients with high TIMI risk score(4-14). Death (18.3%) was the most common complication followed by cardiogenic shock (15.0%), complete heart block(6.6%),cardiac arrest(6.6%),VT(3.3%)and 2nd degree heart block(1.6%). Conclusion: This study indicates that on admission - TIMI risk score analysis can identify patients with right ventricular infarction at higher risk for in-hospital mortality and morbidity.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been reported to be high among maintenance dialysis patients. There is a paucity of data on the incidence and prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in chronic kidney disease(CKD) in Bangladeshi patients. Materials and Methods: A total 70 CKD patients (male 47,female 23), who were on conservative management and maintenance hemodialysis were studied for the presence of pulmonary hypertension. The variables studied were hypertension, diabetes, duration of dialysis and the hemoglobin, serum creatinine and serum bicarbonate levels. Results: 68.6% of the patients on maintenance hemodialysis had pulmonary hypertension compared to 8.6% of the prediadysis CKD patients. 97.1% of maintenance dialysis patients had anaemia (Hb <10gm/dl) and 42.9% of patients had metabolic acidosis. Conclusion: The incidence of pulmonary hypertension was highest in the hemodialysis group. Significant Pearson’s correlation was found between pulmonary arterial systolic pressure with the duration of hemodialysis, hemoglobin level, serum creatinine, blood sugar and serum bicarbonate level in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Risk factor Analysis and Angiographic Profiles in First 228 Cases Undergone Coronary Angiography in Cardiac Cath Lab of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

Background: Coronary artery diseases are one of the major challenges faced by cardiologists. Control of certain risk factors for CAD is associated with decrease in mortality and morbidity from myocardial infarction and unstable angina. So, identification and taking appropriate measures for primary and secondary prevention of such risk factors is, therefore, of great importance. This retrospective study was carried at the newly set up cath lab in Dhaka Medical college. Materials and Methods: Total 228 consecutive case undergone diagnostic coronary angiogram from 10th January 2007 to31st January 2009 out of which 194(80%) were male and 34 (20%) were female. In both sexes most of the patients were between 41 to 60 years of age. Risk factors of the patients were evaluated. Results: In females commonest risk factor was Diabetes (58.8%) followed by dyslipidaemia (35.3%). In males commonest risk factor was hypertension (30.9%) followed by smoking (29.9%) and diabetes (28.3%). In males 44.3% patients presented with acute myocardial infarction followed by stable angina (43.3%); but in females stable angina was the commonest presentation (50.0%) followed by myocardial infarction (38.2%).CAG findings revealed that in males 33.5% had double vessel disease 26.8% followed by single vessel 26.8% and multivessel disease 25.3%. In females normal CAG was found in 35.5% followed by double vessel 23.5%, multivessel 20.6% and single vessel 20.6%. On the basis of CAG findings; in males 41.8% patients were recommended for CABG, followed by PTCA & stenting 26.3% and medical therapy 30.0%; where as in females 55.9% were recommended for medical therapy , followed by CABG 32.4% and PTCA & stenting11.8%. Conclusion: The commonest presentation of CAD was 4th and 5th decades in both sexes. Diabetes and dyslipidaemia were more common in females whereas hypertension and smoking were more common in males. Myocardial infarction and stable angina were most common presentation in both sexes though in males myocardial infarction was more common. In males the angiographic severity of CAD was more and they were more subjected for CABG in comparison to females.

Pacing in a Woman with Full Term Pregnancy: First Case Report in Bangladesh.

A 19-year-old primigravida was diagnosed to have complete heart block (CHB) during her antenatal checkup at 36 weeks. The patient had history of syncope a few years back. She was referred to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). A temporary pacemaker was implanted at NICVD. She was then referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where a baby girl was delivered by cesarean section. A permanent pacemaker was implanted later at NICVD. To our knowledge this is the first case report of pace maker implantation in a pregnant woman from Bangladesh.

Coronary Angiographic Severity in Patients With Raised Plasma Homocysteine Level.

Background: Besides conventional classic risk factors of ischaemic heart disease other variables that have come under scrutiny for their potential contribution include estrogen deficiency, lipoprotein (a), plasma fibrinogen, plasminogen-activator inhibitor type I, endogenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), C-reactive protein and homocysteine. A number of studies have been undertaken worldwide shows strong correlation of raised fasting plasma homocysteine level with the development of atherosclerotic vascular diseases, myocardial infarction or increasing severity of coronary artery diseases. Objective: To find out the correlation of fasting plama homocysteine level with the severity of coronary artery disease in our population. Method: We undertook a study involving 100 patients of ischaemic heart disease (determined clinically & by non-invasive tests) in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh, over the period of one year from January 2003 to December 2003. Out of 100 patients, 50 patients having normal homocysteine level were considered as control and another 50 patients having raised plasma homocysteine level were taken as cases. Result: Out of 50 patients, 20% had single vessel disease, 48% had double vessel disease and 32% had 3 vessel diseases. On the other hand in control group 10% patients had normal coronary artery disease, 40% had single vessel disease, 32% had double vessel disease and 18% had triple vessel disease. Conclusion: The study showed significant increase in number of coronary artery involvement by atherosclerotic lesions with increasing levels of plasma homocysteine level.

Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from Pulmonary Trunk in an Adult Patient –A Rare Occurrence.

Anomalous origin of coronary arteries is a rare cause of cardiac disease. One of the very rare coronary anomalies is origin of left main coronary artery from pulmonary trunk. Most of these patients die in the first year of life and only 10-15% survive in adulthood. We are reporting a rare case of anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery who survives into sixth decade of life.

Ventricular Septal Defect as a Complication of Blunt Chest Trauma: A Rare Occurrence and First Case-Report in Bangladesh.

Traumatic ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a very uncommon condition, especially in association with blunt chest trauma. A healthy young adult was diagnosed as a case of VSD one week after a road-traffic accident. History and other medical records suggest it was an acquired post-traumatic VSD. Thus, all patients of blunt chest trauma deserve close cardiac evaluation.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Value of Cardiac Scan: First Experience of Utility and Prosfect of MPI in Bangladesh.

Background: Cardiac Scan (MP-SPECT) is a widely utilized noninvasive imaging modality for diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification of coronary artery disease. In Bangladesh it is a recently introduced test and there is no study upon it. Considering this ground the study is perform on Bangladeshi patients. Methods: 100 referral patients underwent MPI for evaluation of perfusion status of myocardium. The patients either of suspected IHD or diagnosed case of IHD were referred from different cardiology unit or surgery unit of NICVD. Technetium 99m (99"Tc) isotopes and tetrofosmin used in the same day stress and rest protocol. Result: The commonest findings observed in this present analysis were the early age group patients mostly of female having DCM, but the later age group of patients are of both male and female having Angina Pectoris, OMI and ICM. The referral patients by cardiologists or cardiac surgeons are mostly limited to the pre therapeutic evaluation rather than diagnostic indication. The most common indication is the evaluation of myocardial viability and aim of subsequent treatment. Conclusion: Analysis of perfusion status, decision of subsequent treatment either by medicine or CABG, conform the usually described pattern in western literature.

Role of Mitral Annular Systolic Velocity in The Evaluation of Left Atrial Appendage Function in Mitral Stenosis.

Background : Mitral stenosis (MS) is the most common valvular heart disease. Thromboembolism is one of the most important complications of MS, especially when it is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF).Patients with sinus rhythm (SR) are also sussceptible to this complication when it is associated with left atrial appendage (LAA) dysfunction .LAA dysfunction is an independent predictor of thromboembolism in mitral stenosis. Objectives: To investigate whether there is a relation between mitral annular velocities obtained by Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) and LAA function determined by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and to determine if the annular velocities can predict the presence of the inactive LAA in MS. Methods: Sixty MS patients were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography and all patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography. The annular systolic (S-wave) and diastolic (Emand Am-waves) velocities were recorded. Inactive LAA was defined as LAA emptying velocity <25 cm/sec. Patients were divided into three groups; group AI (n = 18): sinus rhythm (SR) and LAA emptying velocity e”25 cm/sec, group AII (n =22): SR and LAA emptying velocity <25cm/sec and group B (n = 20): atrial fibrillation. Results: Thrombus was detected in 14 patients and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) was detected in 48 patients. Both S-wave and peak LAA emptying velocities were decreasing, while SEC frequency and density were increasing from group A to group B. There was a positive correlation between LAA emptying vs. S-wave and LAA emptying vs. Am velocities (p < 0.001, r = 0.708 and p< 0.001, r=0.495). Multivariate regression analysis showed that only S-wave is the independent predictor of inactive LAA (p = 0.001, odds ratio = 0.133, 95% CI = 0.032–0.556). In patients with SR, the cutoff value of S-wave was 14 cm/sec for the prediction of the presence of inactive LAA (sensitivity: 92.3%, specificity: 95.3%). Conclusions: S-wave is an independent predictor of inactive LAA and a useful parameter in estimating inactive LAA in MS with SR..