Xanthelasma Is Associated with an Increased Amount of Epicardial Adipose Tissue.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we aimed to compare the amount of epicardial adipose tissue in subjects with and without xanthelasma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-two subjects with xanthelasma and 52 age- and gender-matched control subjects were enrolled in this study. Epicardial adipose tissue was assessed by measuring epicardial fat thickness (EFT) with echocardiography. Participants were dichotomized according to median EFT, which was 4 mm. The group with EFT >4 mm was defined as the supramedian group. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by weight (kilograms) divided by height (meters) squared. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to find independent factors associated with supramedian EFT (>4 mm). RESULTS: Subjects with xanthelasma had higher BMI (31.2 ± 5.6 vs. 28.6 ± 5.7, p = 0.01) and higher levels of total cholesterol (216 ± 54 vs. 181 ± 42 mg/dl, p < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (142 ± 45 vs. 115 ± 36 mg/dl, p = 0.003) and triglycerides (median, 154 vs. 101 mg/dl, p = 0.01) than control subjects. EFT was significantly higher in subjects with xanthelasma than in controls (5.04 ± 2.02 vs. 3.81 ± 2.03 mm, p = 0.002). In the conditional logistic regression analysis, the presence of xanthelasma (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.43-8.78, p = 0.006) and lower HDL cholesterol level (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99, p = 0.023) were independently associated with supramedian EFT. CONCLUSION: The amount of epicardial adipose tissue found in subjects with xanthelasma was higher than in subjects without xanthelasma. In addition, the presence of xanthelasma was independently associated with supramedian EFT.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in a patient with myelofibrosis and severe thrombocytopenia.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been commonly used to treat patients with aortic stenosis who have a contraindication to, or a high risk of, corrective surgery. Anti-thrombotic treatment is an important part of the TAVI procedure to avoid thrombotic complications during both peri- and post-procedural periods. However, no specific data are available regarding the safety of TAVI with or without anti-thrombotic treatment, either during the surgical procedure or follow up period in patients with thrombocytopenia, such as myelofibrosis. Here, the case is reported of a patient with myelofibrosis and severe thrombocytopenia who underwent a TAVI procedure without anti-thrombotic treatment such as heparin, acetyl salicylic acid, or clopidogrel.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function and its Relationship With Multidimensional Grading System (BODE Index) in Patients With COPD.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients however data regarding left ventricle (LV) function in COPD is limited. We, in this study, aimed to evaluate the LV systolic function and its relation to BODE index in COPD patients with the utility of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). The study involved 125 COPD patients and 30 control subjects. All patients underwent 2D-echocardiography, pulmonary function tests and -minute walk tests. The patients were divided into four quartiles according to BODE index score. COPD patients had lower mitral annulus systolic velocity (Sm), average global longitudinal strain (GLS), average global longitudinal strain rate systolic (GLSRs), average GLSR early diastolic (GLSRe), average GLSR late diastolic (GLSRa), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and peak systolic myocardial velocity (Sm-RV) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002 respectively) than control subjects. There were significant differences between BODE index quartiles in terms of Sm, average GLS and average GLSRs. Patients were divided into two groups according to median value of GLS (> -18.6 and ≤ -18.6). BODE index quartiles were found to be independent predictors of decreased GLS in multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = 0.030). Increased BODE index was associated with impaired LV mechanics in patients with COPD.

Relationship between Nitrate-Induced Headache and Coronary Artery Lesion Complexity.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between nitrate-induced headache (NIH) and the complexity of coronary artery lesions in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-five patients with anginal chest pain who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled in the present study. NIH was defined as the presence of headache due to nitrate treatment (isosorbide mononitrate 40 mg) after excluding confounding factors. Coronary artery lesion complexity was assessed by the SYNTAX score (SXscore) using a dedicated computer software system. RESULTS: The mean SXscore was lower in the patients with NIH than in patients without NIH (7.3 ± 5.2 vs. 14.4 ± 8.5, respectively; p < 0.001). Additionally, patients with NIH had a lower rate of multivessel disease compared with those without NIH (the mean number of diseased vessels was 1.5 ± 0.7 and 2.0 ± 07, respectively; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, increasing age (p = 0.02) and headache (p = 0.001) were found to be independent determinants of SXscore. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated an independent inverse association between NIH and SXscore. The NIH could provide important predictive information about coronary artery lesion complexity in patients with stable CAD.

Prediction of radial artery diameter in candidates for transradial coronary angiography: Is occupation a factor?

OBJECTIVE: Transradial approach (TRA) for coronary angiography is a popular alternative approach to transfemoral coronary angiography due to the infrequent occurrence of access site complications such as bleeding, hematoma and pseudoaneursym formation. However, not all patients are suitable for TRA. This study aimed to determine the predictors of radial artery diameter in patients who are candidates for TRA. METHODS: The study included 222 consecutive patients who underwent TRA due to suspected stable coronary artery disease. Radial artery diameter was evaluated prior to the procedure using B-mode ultrasonography. RESULTS: Radial artery diameter was correlated with wrist circumference (r=0.539, p<0.001), height (r=0.258, p<0.001), weight (r=0.237, p<0.001), body mass index (r=0.167, p=0.013), shoe size (r=0.559, p<0.001), and pulse pressure (r=-0.161, p=0.016). The right radial artery was larger in men than in women (2.73±0.39 mm vs. 2.15±0.35 mm, p<0.001), and smaller in patients with sedentary office work than in physically active outdoor workers (2.42±0.45 mm vs. 2.81±0.37 mm, p<0.001). Wrist circumference (b=0.044, p<0.001, confidence interval (CI) 95%= 0.025-0.062), shoe size (b=0.075, p=<0.001, CI 95%=0.039-0.112) and occupation (b=0.228, p<0.001, CI 95%=0.138-0.318) were the independent predictors of radial artery diameter in regression analysis. CONCLUSION: In addition to shoe size and wrist circumference, occupation may be an important predictor of radial artery diameter, and it should be evaluated with other clinical parameters in the prediction of radial artery diameter.

Mean platelet volume at admission is a determinant of left ventricular thrombus formation after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for first anterior wall myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is one of the important complications of acute anterior wall myocardial infarction (MI). Mean platelet volume (MPV) is one of the platelet indices reflecting platelet reactivity. In this present study we investigated the effect of MPV on LVT formation after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for first anterior wall MI. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 205 acute anterior wall MI patients were included into this prospective observational study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of LVT. The thrombus (-) group consisted of 161 patients and the thrombus (+) group of 44 patients. Complete blood count (CBC) parameters were measured at admission. Routine biochemical tests and echocardiographic examinations were performed. Groups are compared according to different parameters. With respect to CBC parameters: MPV (9.03 ± 0.76 vs 8.06 ± 0.83) was significantly higher in the thrombus (+) group, platelet count (184.09 ± 52.21 vs 219.88 ± 52.31) was significantly higher in the thrombus (-) group, WBC count (14.01 ± 4.43 vs 11.30 ± 3.53) was also significantly higher in the thrombus (+) group. Furthermore, peak troponin-T level (32.63 ± 20.18 vs 18.70 ± 23.82), CK-MB level at admission (133.49 ± 117.40 vs 71.79 ± 93.96), peak CK-MB level (245.47 ± 89.67 vs 167.37 ± 110.61) were significantly higher in the thrombus (+) group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that MPV was an independent risk factor of LVT formation. CONCLUSION: In acute anterior wall MI patients MPV is associated with the presence of LVT and is an independent risk factor of LVT formation.

Relationship between fragmented QRS complex and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in kidney transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Kidney transplant is a most important replacement therapy. It reduces cardiovascular mortality and morbidity but does not fully correct impairments in cardiac function. Fragmented QRS (fQRS) complex includes various RSR' patterns with different QRS complex morphologies on electrocardiograms. OBJECTIVE: To analyze fQRS frequency and the relationship between fQRS and left ventricular function in kidney transplant patients. METHOD: -After demographic data on 39 kidney transplant patients were recorded and biochemical parameters were investigated, electrocardiograms were evaluated for the presence of fQRS. Left ventricular ejection fraction, mitral annular plane systolic excursion, peak early diastolic mitral annular velocities, late diastolic mitral annular velocities, and systolic mitral annular velocity were analyzed. RESULTS: Fragmented QRS was detected in 16 patients. A history of hypertension was associated with the presence of fQRS. Patients with fQRS had significantly lower systolic and peak early diastolic mitral annular velocities, mitral annular plane systolic excursion, and left ventricular ejection fraction than did patients without fQRS (P= .03, .01, <.001, and .03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Detection of fQRS on electrocardiograms may be useful in predicting systolic and diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle in kidney transplant patients.

Increased frequency of fragmented QRS in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of myocardial fibrosis determined by fragmented QRS in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighty-seven consecutive patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and 83 age- and gender-matched control subjects were enrolled into this study. Severe aortic valve stenosis was defined as an aortic valve area <1 cm(2), a Vmax >4 m/s, or a mean gradient ≥40 mm Hg. Fragmented QRS was assessed using a 12-lead electrocardiogram. RESULTS: Fragmented QRS was detected in 40 (46%) patients in the aortic valve stenosis group and in 15 (18%) control subjects (p < 0.001). In multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, the presence of aortic valve stenosis was the only independent factor associated with fragmented QRS (OR = 3.69; 95% CI 1.81-7.55, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A higher frequency of fragmented QRS was detected in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis compared to controls.

A simple angiographic index to predict adverse clinical outcome associated with acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: The major determinant of final infarct size for a given coronary occlusion is the size of the myocardial area-at-risk. We propose herein a new index 'Relative Importance Index (RII)' to predict area-at-risk in patients with anterior myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the study was to assess the predictive value of RII in left ventricle (LV) systolic function reduction and its relation to adverse clinical outcome. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred twenty-three acute anterior MI patients with their first acute coronary syndrome incident were consecutively and prospectively enrolled in to the study. RII was calculated by dividing the culprit segment diameter by the sum of diameters of the left anterior descending, circumflex, and right coronary arteries at their proximal segments. We evaluated the one-month follow-up rates of major clinical endpoints, which were defined as death, non-fatal MI, stroke, and new congestive heart failure (CHF). RESULTS: RII was significantly and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r=-0.65, p<0.001). Likewise, RII was significantly correlated with 72 hour troponin I (TnI) (r=0.48, p<0.001). Patients were dichotomized according to the median value of RII (median RII: 0.30). Supra-median RII was associated with lower EF (32.8±8.6 vs. 42.8±9.4, p<0.001) and higher incidence of composite major adverse cardiac events (33.9% vs. 13.1%, p=0.01). The mortality, non-fatal MI and new CHF rates in the supra-median RII group trended higher but they did not reach statistical significance. An RII >0.30 had an 88% sensitivity and 60% specificity (ROC area: 0.82, p<0.001, CI: 0.73-0.90) for predicting severe LV dysfunction (LVEF<30%). CONCLUSION: A simple index derived from coronary angiography at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention can predict LV systolic function loss and adverse clinical outcome in patients with acute anterior MI.

Relation of epicardial fat thickness and cardio-ankle vascular index to complexity of coronary artery disease in nondiabetic patients.

OBJECTIVES: Arterial stiffness and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a novel marker of arterial stiffness. The SYNTAX score (SS) reflects the complexity of CAD. We aimed to evaluate the relation of EFT and CAVI with CAD complexity in nondiabetic patients. METHOD: We enrolled 121 patients undergoing coronary angiography. In all patients, CAVI and EFT were determined. SS were calculated. The relationship between EFT, CAVI and SS was analyzed. RESULTS: CAVI and EFT were significantly correlated with SS (r = 0.537, p < 0.001, and r = 0.629, p < 0.001, respectively) and found to be independent predictors of intermediate-high SS. For the prediction of intermediate-high SS, receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a cutoff value of 5 mm for EFT (area under the curve, AUC = 0.851, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.775-0.910) with a specificity of 92.2% and a sensitivity of 77.4% and 8.6 for CAVI (AUC = 0.877, 95% CI 0.805-0.929) with a specificity of 68.9% and a sensitivity of 93.5%. CONCLUSION: CAD complexity is associated with adverse cardiovascular events. It can be predicted noninvasively with EFT and CAVI in nondiabetic patients with suspected CAD. Thus, patients at high risk for cardiovascular events may be detected early and managed with appropriate treatment strategies.

Coronary artery calcification score is increased in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia.

PURPOSE: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is an indicator of coronary atherosclerosis and is associated with future adverse cardiac events. Isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as localized or diffuse dilation of the coronary arteries without coronary stenosis. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between CAC and isolated CAE. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with isolated CAE and 50 controls subjects, with normal coronary arteries, were enrolled in the study. Baseline demographic features and atherosclerosis risk factors were similar in both groups. RESULTS: Patients with CAE had higher total CAC than control subjects (84±111 vs. 33.5±103.5; p<0.001). There was also a significant correlation between per-segment CAC and ectatic segment length (r=0.32; p=0.01) but no correlation with diameter (r=0.09; p=0.5). CONCLUSION: Patients with isolated CAE had higher CAC than control subjects, suggesting that atherosclerosis may be involved in the pathogenesis of isolated CAE. Patients with isolated CAE may have increased cardiovascular risk and should receive appropriate risk stratification and relevant medical treatment.

Concomitant complete atrioventricular block and left main coronary artery occlusion during transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is now considered a viable alternative therapy to surgery in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, considered to have a high risk for surgery. Herein, we present a case of severe aortic stenosis treated with transfemoral aortic valve implantation and complicated by complete atrioventrciular block and left main coronary artery obstruction that was successfully managed with permanent pacemaker implantation and left main coronary artery stenting. Although less invasive, TAVI can be associated with major complications. Therefore, extra care is required when performing TAVI in patients with borderline valve to coronary ostia distance.

Is coronary artery disease complexity valuable in the prediction of contrast induced nephropathy besides Mehran risk score, in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention?

BACKGROUND: The association of coronary artery disease complexity with contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is inadequately evaluated and to our knowledge the association between SYNTAX score (SS) and Mehran score (MS) have not been studied. The aim of the present study is to clarify the incidence of CIN and to identify demographic, clinical and procedural variables associated with CIN in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) due to acute STEMI, besides the association between MS and SS with CIN. METHODS: We analysed the clinical data of 402 patients (309 male, 93 female, mean age 63.8 ± 12.65 year) with 179 (44.5%) anterior MI, 104 (25.9%) inferior MI, 119 (29.6%) inferior MI with right ventricular involvement who underwent PPCI. RESULTS: We found that CIN was observed in 32.6% of patients. The SS (OR=1.037, %95CI=1.012-1.062, p=0.003), MS (OR=1.072, %95CI=1.025-1.121, p=0.003), HDL (OR=0.974, %95CI=0.949-0.999, p=0.044) were the independent predictors of CIN. The cut off value to show CIN for SS was 31.5 (sensitivity=79.4%, specificity=88.6%) and MS was 12.5 (sensitivity=73.3%, specificity=88.9%) in ROC curve analysis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, besides MS, SS may be a valuable marker to identify patients at high risk for CIN in patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention.

Association between diagonal earlobe crease and cardio-ankle vascular index in asymptomatic hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between earlobe crease (ELC) and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in asymptomatic hypertensive subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 75 subjects with ELC and 75 age- and gender-matched patients without ELC were prospectively selected from subjects admitted to the Outpatient Cardiology Clinic. ELC was assigned to a person with a crease stretching obliquely from the outer ear canal towards the border of the earlobe of at least one ear. CAVI was assessed by a VaSera VS-1000 instrument. RESULTS: There were statistically significant higher CAVI values in ELC subjects (9.8 ± 2.1 vs. 8.6 ± 1.6, p < 0.001). There was a significant and positive association between CAVI and age (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), ELC (r = 0.31, p < 0.001), BMI (0.20, p < 0.001) and male gender (r = 0.21, p = 0.04). Linear regression analysis demonstrated ELC (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.61-1.74, p = 0.009), age (95% CI 0.03-0.09, p < 0.001) and male gender (95% CI 0.48-1.55, p = 0.03) as independent determinants of CAVI. Also, there was a higher prevalence of ELC in subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis (CAVI ≥9) than in normal subjects (CAVI <9). CONCLUSION: Patients with ELC had higher CAVI than normal subjects. This observation of ELC is simple, adds no cost and can be easily made by most physicians, and it may provide important predictive information of arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic hypertensive subjects. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

A new hope in the treatment of coronary vasospasm: bosentan.

Atherosclerosis is the most important cause of acute coronary syndromes. The mediators that trigger vasospasm, including endothelin and serotonin, are synthesized and secreted into circulation from atherosclerotic plaques and surrounding tissues. A 68-year-old man was hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome four times in a one-year period. The patient presented to emergency service again with heartburn and a pressure-like pain in his upper abdomen in February 2012. He was admitted to the coronary care unit with the detection of a more than three-fold increase in troponin values and ischemic changes on electrocardiography. By decision of the cardiology council, the endothelin receptor antagonist, bosentan was added to the treatment. There were no contraindications to this medication according to his blood and hepatic indicators. After confirmation of the Social Security Institution, bosentan was started as 62.5 mg twice a day. After the first month, the dose was increased to 125 mg b.i.d. As of completion of the eighth month of treatment with bosentan, the patient had not been hospitalized due to angina attack or acute coronary syndrome.

Incidence and Predictors of Left Ventricular Thrombus Formation After Acute Myocardial Infarction With ST-Segment Elevation.

Background and objective Our prospective study aimed to evaluate the frequency and risk factors of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) occurring after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods Our study included 131 patients diagnosed with acute STEMI who were followed up and treated. The presence of the thrombus was determined by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Study patients were evaluated as cases of thrombus (+) and thrombus (-). The relationship of electrocardiographic measurements such as the number of leads with pathological Q waves, ST segment deviation score, QT dispersion, and echocardiographic measurements such as ejection fraction (EF), end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, and wall motion score index (WMSI) with LVT was investigated. LVT risk factors were identified. Results The median age of the study patients was 59.7 ± 11.7 years, and 84.7% were male. The incidence of LVT was 17.6% (23 patients). While the anterior STEMI rate was 86.9% in the thrombus (+) group, it was 50.9% in the thrombus (-) group (p<0.001). While WMSI was 2.1 ± 0.44 in the thrombus (+) group, it was calculated as 1.40 ± 0.31 in the thrombus (-) group (p<0.001). In the thrombus (+) group, EF was found to be lower, end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes were higher, and the rate of moderate and severe mitral regurgitation and the rate of aneurysmatic segment detection were higher. LVT had a moderate correlation with WMSI (r: 0.613; p<0.001), the presence of an aneurysmatic segment (r: 0.549; p<0.001), and EF (r: -0.514; p<0.001). Presentation with anterior STEMI (odds ratio [OR]: 4.266; p<0.001), WMSI (OR: 7.971; p=0.012), the number of leads with pathological Q waves detected at discharge (OR: 3.651; p=0.009), the presence of an aneurysmatic segment (OR: 2.089, p=0.009), and EF (OR: 1.129, p=0.006) were identified as independent risk factors of the presence of LVT. The area under the curve for WMSI was found to be 0.910 (95% CI: 0.852-0.968). A WMSI cut-off of 1.56 identified LVT with 91% sensitivity and 70% specificity (Youden index: 0.617). Conclusion In the primary PCI era, LVT incidence after acute STEMI is still significant. Anterior STEMI, the number of leads with pathological Q waves detected at discharge, WMSI, aneurysm formation, and low EF are independent risk factors for LVT. Among these risk factors, the variable with the highest diagnostic power is WMSI.

Relationship between Duke Treadmill Score and coronary artery lesion complexity.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Duke Treadmil Score (DTS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) complexity in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Sixty five patients who had positive exercise testing for CAD were enrolled. Coronary angiography was performed and Syntax score (SxScore), a marker of CAD complexity, was determined. The relationship between DTC and SxScore then evaluated. RESULTS: There was a strong negative correlation between DTS and SxScore (r = - 0.91, p < 0.001). In addition, patients with higher and intermediate risk as evaluated by DTS had increased SxScore compare to those that were low risk (23 ± 6, 6 ± 5 and 0 ± 0 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A strong negative correlation was seen between DTS and coronary lesion complexity. By assessing DTS important information about coronary artery lesion complexity can be obtained before invasive coronary angiography.

Evaluation of right ventricular function in early period following transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect.

AIMS: There is limited data on alterations in novel right ventricular (RV) function indices like tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV) after transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. We aimed to evaluate RV function by echocardiography (ECG) with these novel indices in early period in patients with secundum-type ASD that was closed percutaneously. METHODS: Patients were enrolled to study if they had secundum-type ASD that was suitable for percutaneous closure. Patient population consisted of 4 men and 16 women. Echocardiography was performed before and 1 month after closure. RESULTS: Mean age was 37 ± 16. Mean diameter of ASD and total atrial septum length measured by ECG were 19 ± 6 mm and 49 ± 7 mm, respectively. Mean diameter of defect in transesophageal echocardiography was 20 ± 6 mm. Stretched mean diameter in catheterization was 23 ± 6 mm. One month after closure, there were statistically significant decreases in RV end-diastolic diameters (43.3 ± 10.7 mm vs. 34.9 ± 5.5 mm; P < 0.001), RV/left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter ratio (1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 0.87 ± 0.1; P < 0.001), TASV (16.9 ± 3.2 cm/sec vs. 14.3 ± 3.3 cm/sec; P < 0.05), early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (15.3 ± 3.1 cm/sec vs. 13.4 ± 2.4 cm/sec P <0.05), late diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (16.2 ± 5.4 cm/sec vs. 14.3 ± 6.3 cm/sec; P < 0.05), and TAPSE (29.9 ± 6.2 mm vs. 22.4 ± 7.4 mm; P < 0.001). LV end-diastolic diameter (38.0 ± 6.9 mm and 40.0 ± 4.5 P < 0.05) was increased, whereas there was no change in LV ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: Closure of ASD by using Amplatzer devices led to decrease in right heart chamber size, tissue Doppler-derived tricuspid annular velocities and TAPSE in early period.

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis have evidence of left ventricular asynchrony.

OBJECTIVES: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that often leads to cardiovascular complications including aortic regurgitation and conduction disturbances. Left ventricular (LV) systolic asynchrony is defined as loss of the simultaneous peak contraction of corresponding cardiac segments. The aim of this study was to evaluate LV systolic asynchrony noninvasively in patients with AS by using tissue synchrony imaging (TSI). METHODS: Asynchrony was evaluated in 77 AS patients (61 male, mean age 36.4 ± 10 years) and 40 controls (35 male, mean age 39.1 ± 8.2 years). All study population underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation including TSI. The time to regional peak systolic velocity (Ts) during the ejection phase in LV was measured from TSI images by the six-basal and six-midsegmental model, and four TSI parameters of systolic asynchrony were computed. RESULTS: The baseline demographic and echocardiographic characteristics were similar between the patients enrolled and controls. All TSI parameters of LV asynchrony were prolonged in patients with AS compared to controls: the standard deviation (SD) of the 12 LV segments Ts (39.6 ± 19.6 vs. 24.7 ± 11.6, P < 0.001); the maximal difference in Ts between any 2 of the 12 LV segments (122.1 ± 52.9 vs. 82.2 ± 38.6, P < 0.001); the SD of the six basal LV segments (33.5 ± 20.2 vs. 23 ± 13.3, P = 0.008); and the maximal difference in Ts between any two of the six basal LV segments (84.6 ± 48.1 vs. 60.4 ± 34.6, P = 0.008). The asynchrony parameters were significantly correlated with index of myocardial performance (Tei index) and peak systolic mitral annular velocity. CONCLUSION: TSI showed presence of LV systolic asynchrony in patients with AS which may account for the cardiovascular complications of AS.

Assessment of the relationship between aortic pulse wave velocity and aortic arch calcification.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess arterial stiffness parameters and to investigate the relationship between these parameters and aortic calcification in patients with aortic arch calcification and without symptomatic atherosclerotic disease. STUDY DESIGN: The population of this study consisted of 41 patients with aortic arch calcification verified by chest X-ray (group I, 17 males, mean age 70±5 years) and individuals without aortic arch calcification (group II, 17 males, mean age 68±6 years). Subjects with symptomatic or known vascular disease were excluded from the study. The arterial stiffness parameters of all subjects were measured non-invasively with a SphygmoCor device. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index (AIx) and heart rate normalized augmentation index (AIx@75) were used as parameters of arterial stiffness. RESULTS: The two groups were compared according to demographic characteristics, medications currently being taken, and levels of serum lipids. There was no significant difference between the groups. AP in group I was significantly higher than that of group II (p=0.002). AIx and AIx@75 were similar in both groups. Aortic PWV of group I was significantly higher than that of group II (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, the presence of aortic calcification, verified by chest radiography, was associated with increased aortic PWV.