Cardiohepatic syndrome and its prognostic predictive ability in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

With the development of progressive right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the causes of type 2 cardiohepatic syndrome (CHS). Risk assessment, timely and effective management are crucial to improve survival in PAH. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the presence of CHS at diagnosis and its association with prognosis in patients with PAH. One hundred and eighteen consecutive incident patients with PAH between January 2013 and June 2021 were retrospectively included. The presence of CHS was assessed from blood tests taken during diagnostic evaluation and was defined as elevation of at least two of three cholestatic liver parameters; total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Patients were followed for a median period of 58 (32-96) months. 23.7% of the patients had CHS at diagnosis. Significantly more patients in CHS (+) group were in intermediate and high-risk categories according to 2015 ESC/ERS guideline, REVEAL 2.0 and REVEAL Lite 2 risk assessment methods (p = .02, .03 and <.001, respectively). The presence of CHS was identified as an independent predictor of mortality (HR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.03-4.65, p = .03) along with older age (HR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.50-5.56, p = .001) and higher WHO functional class (HR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.07-6.22, p = .03). To conclude, presence of CHS at diagnosis in patients with PAH was associated with severe disease and poor prognosis independent of other well known risk factors. As a simple and easy parameter to assess from routinely taken blood tests, CHS should be evaluated in patients with PAH.

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and ST-segment resolution in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and coronary artery disease has been predominantly demonstrated in the last two decades. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of EAT thickness on ST-segment resolution that reflects myocardial reperfusion in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The present study prospectively included 114 consecutive patients (mean age 54 ± 10 years, range 35-83, 15 women) with first acute STEMI who underwent successful pPCI. ST-segment resolution (ΔSTR) <70 % was accepted as ECG sign of no-reflow phenomenon. The EAT thickness was measured by two-dimensional echocardiography. EAT thickness was increased in patients with no-reflow (3.9 ± 1.7 vs. 5.4 ± 2, p = 0.001). EAT thickness was also found to be inversely correlated with ΔSTR (r = -0.414, p = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that EAT thickness independently predicted no-reflow (OR 1.43, 95 % CI 1.13-1.82, p = 0.003). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy for EAT thickness in predicting no-reflow [area under curve (AUC) = 0.72, 95 % CI 0.63-0.82, p < 0.001]. In conclusion, increased EAT thickness may play an important role in the prediction of no-reflow in STEMI treated with pPCI.

Assessment of tenascin-C levels in ventricular noncompaction/hypertrabeculation patients: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Ventricular noncompaction/hypertrabeculation (NC/HT) is a rare form of congenital cardiomyopathy. We aimed to investigate the presence of serum tenascin-C (TN-C) in adult patients with NC/HT and evaluate its value. METHODS AND RESULTS: Serum TN-C levels were measured by ELISA in 50 NC/HT patients both with/without systolic dysfunction and in 23 normal controls. Systolic dysfunction was defined as ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 40. Mann-Whitney U-test and ROC curve analysis were done. Of 49 NC/HT patients, 24 (49%) patients had systolic dysfunction (mean age 36 ± 15) and 25 patients (51%) had normal systolic function (mean age 36 ± 17). The ages between groups were not different. The mean levels of serum TN-C in patients with or without systolic dysfunction were 26 ± 10 ng/mL and 26 ± 8 ng/mL respectively, compared to normal controls, 7 ± 2 ng/mL (P < 0.001). No significance was observed between 2 groups of NC/HT patients regarding TN-C levels (P = 0.8). The ROC curve analysis revealed that a TN-C value of 11.7 ng/mL identified patients with NC/HT with 100% sensitivity and specifity. CONCLUSION: High serum TN-C levels are present in adult NC/HT cardiomyopathy even when left ventricular systolic function remains normal. Also, serum TN-C levels could be regarded as a candidate biomarker in the diagnosis of NC/HT which needs to be tested in larger prospective studies.

Association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase intron 4a/b polymorphism and aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: The genetic risk factors that contribute to the risk of developing aortic dissection (AD) have been studied. We assessed the association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphism with AD. STUDY DESIGN: Patients who underwent surgery with the diagnosis of AD and survived after the operation in our center between May 2007 and June 2011 were recruited retrospectively. The eNOS intron 4a/b polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using oligonucleotide primers (sense: 5'-AGGCCCTATGGTAGTGCCTTT-3'; antisense: 5'-TCTCTTAGTGCTGTGGTCAC-3') that flank the region of the 27 bp VNTR in intron 4. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (88%) had type A AD, while the remainder (12%) had type B AD. The distribution of eNOS4 a/b gene polymorphism differed significantly from the control group, with higher frequencies of eNOS 4a/a and 4a/b genotypes in the AD group (x(2)=7.16, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: In this study, the distribution of eNOS genotypes differed between the AD and control groups; however, this polymorphism was not found to be an independent factor for the development of AD.

The relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase 4a/4b gene polymorphism and premature coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) plays a major role in the regulation of endothelial functions and reduced NO synthesis has been implicated in the development of coronary atherosclerosis. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) intron 4a/b polymorphism has been shown to be related to plasma nitric oxide concentrations and coronary artery disease in various population studies. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between eNOS 4a/b polymorphism and premature CAD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 70 patients under age 35 who presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were included in this study.The control group included 50 age- and gender-matched subjects with normal coronary arteries on angiography.The eNOS 4a/b polymorphism was assessed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR).The frequencies of eNOS 4a/b genotypes and alleles were compared. Multivariate regression analysis was used for estimation of the independent predictors of premature CAD. RESULTS: Frequency of eNOS4a/b gene, aa and ab genotypes were significantly higher in STEMI patients when compared to control group. Presence of allele'a'of the eNOS gene was an independent predictor of STEMI in a young population (OR: 2.78 95% CI: 1.02-7.56 P = 0.044). A significant correlation of eNOS gene polymorphism with other clinical properties of subjects was not established. CONCLUSION: The eNOS4a/b gene polymorphism may be associated with early development of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction possibly secondary to deterioration of the endothelial function.

The Relationship between the Presence of Cardiohepatic Syndrome and Mortality in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

OBJECTIVE: Heart failure (HF) is a major health burden that commonly affects liver function. Therefore, cardiohepatic syndrome (CHS) has been defined to describe the relationship between the heart and the liver. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of CHS on long-term mortality in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: Patients followed at the outpatient HF clinic of our hospital with HFrEF between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. CHS was defined as elevation of at least two of three cholestasis parameters (total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase) above the upper limit of normal. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of CHS. The endpoint was all-cause mortality. Patients were followed up for a median of 4.4 (3.3-5.9) years. RESULTS: A total of 469 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the group was 52.2 ± 11.9 years and 75.5% of the patients were males. About 22.4% (n = 105) of the patients had CHS. Patients with CHS were older and had more comorbidities than patients without CHS. Furthermore, significantly worse left and right ventricular functions were observed in CHS (+) group. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in CHS (+) group (61.9% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of CHS (HR: 2.92, 95% CI: 2.09-4.07, P < 0.001) as an independent predictor of long-term mortality. CONCLUSION: The presence of CHS is associated with increased long-term mortality in outpatients with HFrEF. As an easy parameter to assess from routine laboratory parameters, CHS should be used to evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients with HFrEF.

The association between the configuration of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and right atrial contractile strain.

BACKGROUND: In the descending arm of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), there is notch formation that corresponds to the contractile phase of the atrial strain curve. Theoretically, this notch formation stands for atrial contraction. AIMS: We aim to characterize notch formation on TAPSE, predictors of its existence, and its relationship with the right ventricle and right atrial strain (RAS) parameters. METHODS: Retrospectively selected 240 patients were investigated for the determinants of notch formation on TAPSE and the relationship between RAS and TAPSE. RAS was analyzed using 2D speckle tracking in a dedicated mode for atrial analysis and reported separately for the reservoir, conduit, and contractile phases. RESULTS: 71.7% ( n = 172) of patients had notch formation on TAPSE and 70.4% (n = 169) had a normal value of right atrial contractile strain (RASct). Most patients with notch formation also had preserved RASct (95.9%; P <0.001). In multivariable analysis, RASct (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-1.77; P = 0.020) remained significant with notch formation. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated that a RASct of -19% was a cut-off for the presence of notch formation. ROC area was 0.897 (95% CI 0.844-0.951; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The changes in TAPSE configuration reflect the changes in the atrial contractile phase. The descending arm of TAPSE indicates RASct as to whether it is preserved or not. Notch formation persists if RASct is above -19%. So, an easier, more applicable, and more effortless tool, TAPSE, can be used as an indicator of the atrial contractile phase by its configuration in daily routine.

A randomized trial of flow-mediated dilation to prevent radial artery spasm during transradial approach.

BACKGROUND: Although transradial approach has been increasingly preferred for percutaneous coronary interventions, radial artery spasm (RAS) is still one of the major disadvantages. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is a well-known method for assessing endothelial function through dilation. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of prepuncture flow mediated dilation in preventing RAS during transradial approach. METHODS: The present study prospectively included 222 consecutive patients who underwent transradial coronary intervention. Patients were 1:1 randomized into two groups who underwent prepuncture FMD and who did not (FMD [+] and FMD [-], respectively). RESULTS: In FMD [+] group the incidence of RAS was lower (5.4% vs. 16.2%, P=0.009). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that female sex, more than two catheter usage and transradial approach without prepuncture FMD independently predicted RAS (odds ratio [OR]=4.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8-12.06, P=0.001, OR=5.73, 95% CI: 2.01-16.39, P=0.001, and OR=5.01, 95% CI: 1.74-14.48, P=0.003; respectively). However, access site crossover number was very low in both groups and not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prepuncture FMD can significantly reduce RAS during transradial coronary interventions. Thus, prepuncture FMD can be used as a simple adjunctive method to prevent RAS.

Comparison of left ventricular contractility in pressure and volume overload: a strain rate study in the clinical model of aortic stenosis and regurgitation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the impact of two different loading conditions on myocardial contractility in asymptomatic patients with normal EF by using stain rate imaging (SRI). METHODS: A total of 27 patients with severe aortic regurgitation (mean age 50 ± 11 years) and 25 patients with severe aortic stenosis (mean age 53 ± 15 years) were prospectively recruited. Fifteen healthy subjects (mean age 50 ± 6 years) were enrolled as the control group. For the evaluation myocardial contractility, longitudinal LV function was chosen and, midventricular segment shortening was analyzed for the septum, LV lateral wall from apical four-chamber view and for the anterior, inferior wall from apical two-chamber view. RESULTS: Longitudinal peak systolic strain rate values of each segment derived from analysis of a total of 804 segments were significantly decreased in the patients population (P < 0.001). Global longitudinal peak systolic strain rate was also significantly decreased in aortic stenosis and regurgitation compared to the control group (-1 ± 0.5, -0.9 ± 0.3, and -1.6 ± 0.3, P = 0.001). As far as the comparison between patients with aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation, neither global strain rate nor strain rate for each wall was found to be different. CONCLUSION: We conclude that longitudinal LV function is reduced in both pressure and volume overload, and both of this overload patterns are equally harmful to the ventricle.

Transfemoral aortic valve implantation in the case of pre-existing mitral prosthesis and pure aortic regurgitation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is recommended in patients with severe aortic stenosis who have high surgical risk. However, in the pre-existing mechanical mitral valve prosthesis and natural pure aortic regurgitation, TAVR is relatively contraindicated. In this report, we described one case of TAVR with native aortic regurgitation in the presence of mechanical mitral valve prosthesis. CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old man with a medical history of mitral valve replacement had severe dyspnea and was symptomatic even at rest for 3 mo. His echocardiography showed severe native pure aortic regurgitation. His euroscore was 15. A TAVR procedure with an evolut R was planned. A 34 mm evolut R was placed by transesophageal echocardiography. The mitral prosthesis was functioning normally, and mild-moderate paravalvular leakage was evident by transesophageal echocardiography. The patient recovered without any complication. At 1 mo follow up, the patient was well, and no paravalvular leakage was noted. CONCLUSION: TAVR for pure aortic regurgitation in the presence of prosthetic mitral valve can be a safe procedure.

Mean platelet volume in patients with slow coronary flow and its relationship with clinical presentation.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated mean platelet volume (MPV) in patients with slow coronary flow (SCF) and its possible relationship with clinical presentation. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 50 patients with SCF and otherwise normal coronary arteries and 22 patients (control group) with normal coronary arteries. In the SCF group, there were 26 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), and 24 patients with unstable angina pectoris (USAP). Coronary blood flow was measured using the TIMI frame count. To determine MPV, blood samples with K3 EDTA were processed after one hour of venipuncture. The relationship between MPV and SCF was sought. RESULTS: The mean TIMI frame count was markedly increased in patients with SCF compared to controls (p<0.0001). No significant differences existed between the groups with regard to white blood cell and platelet counts. Patients with SCF had significantly higher MPV values compared to controls (9.4+/-2.3 fl vs 8.1+/-2.0 fl, p=0.014). In subgroup analysis, MPV was significantly increased only in patients presenting with USAP, compared to patients with SAP (p=0.044) and controls (p=0.002). There was a positive correlation between the mean TIMI frame count and MPV in patients with SCF (r=0.32, p=0.01). In multivariate analysis, MPV was the only independent predictor of SCF (p=0.006, odds ratio=1.305, 95% CI=0.985-1.730). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that MPV is increased in patients with SCF, and SCF patients presenting with USAP exhibit significantly increased MPV values, suggesting an altered platelet reactivity and aggregation which may require effective anti-platelet therapy in this patient subgroup.

The advantages of live/real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography during assessments of pulmonary stenosis.

This report sought to compare live/real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) with two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE) and to determine whether there are advantages to using 3D-TEE on patients with pulmonary stenosis (PS). Sixteen consecutive adult patients (50 % male and 50 % female; mean age 33 ± 13.4 years) with PS and indications of TEE were prospectively enrolled in this study. Following this, initial 2D-TEE and 3D-TEE examinations were performed, and 3D-TEE images were analyzed using an off-line Q-lab software system. Finally, the 2D-TEE and 3D-TEE findings were compared. In the present study, 3D-TEE allowed us to obtain the en face views of pulmonary valves (PVs) in all but one patient. While this patient was without a PV due to a previous tetralogy of Fallot operation, we could detect the type of PV in the other 15 (93.7 %) patients by using 3D-TEE. Due to poor image quality, the most stenotic area was not measurable in only one (6.2 %) of the patients. In eight (50 %) of the patients, severity and localization of stenosis were more precisely determined with 3DTEE than with 2D-TEE. The PVs' maximal annulus dimensions were found to be significantly larger when they were measured using 3D modalities. This study provides evidence of the incremental value of using 3D-TEE rather than 2D-TEE during assessments of PS, specifically in cases where special conditions (pregnancy, pulmonary regurgitation, and concomitant atrial septal defects) cause recordings of the transvalvular peak gradient to be inaccurate. Therefore, 3D-TEE should be used as a complementary imaging tool to 2D-TEE during routine echocardiographic examinations.

The Association between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is considered to be a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness is also closely related to cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether SH is associated with higher EAT thickness. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients with SH and 51 healthy control subjects were prospectively enrolled into this trial. Thyroid hormone levels, lipid parameters, body mass index, waist and neck circumference, and EAT thickness measured by echocardiography were recorded in all subjects. RESULTS: Mean EAT thickness was increased in the SH group compared to the control group (6.7±1.4 mm vs. 4.7±1.2 mm, p<0.001). EAT thickness was shown to be correlated with thyroid stimulating hormone level (r=0.303, p=0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that EAT thickness was independently associated with SH {odds ratio (OR): 3.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.92-7.78, p<0.001; OR: 3.80, 95% CI: 2.18-6.62, p<0.001}. CONCLUSION: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is increased in patients with SH compared to control subjects, and this increase in EAT thickness may be associated with the potential cardiovascular adverse effects of SH.

Predictive Value of the No-Reflow Phenomenon and Epicardial Adipose Tissue for Clinical Outcomes After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

INTRODUCTION: The determinants of clinical outcomes in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are still being debated. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the no-reflow phenomenon and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness for clinical outcomes in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for STEMI. METHODS: The present study prospectively included 114 consecutive patients (mean age 54 ± 10 years, 15 women) who underwent successful pPCI. Patients were divided into two groups according to the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon and further subdivided according to the tertile of EAT thickness (Group I <5.1 mm, Group II ≥5.1 mm). We assessed the composite and separate occurrence of major adverse cardiac events. RESULTS: Throughout the 3-year follow up, the number of admissions for heart failure was significantly higher in patients with no-reflow (n=5 [20%] vs. n=1 [1%], p=0.003) and in female patients (n=4 [26%] vs. n=2 [2%], p=0.004). In the subgroup analysis, group I patients with no-reflow showed a higher frequency of admission for heart failure (n=4 [44%] vs. n=1 [6%], p=0.04). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only no-reflow and female sex independently predicted admission for heart failure (OR: 19.3, 95%CI: 1.4-269.7, p=0.03, and OR: 24.9, 95%CI: 2.2-288.8, p=0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: No-reflow and female sex are independent predictors of admission for heart failure in the longterm follow up of patients with STEMI. However, EAT thickness is not associated with clinical outcomes after pPCI.

Admission hyperglycemia predicts inhospital mortality and major adverse cardiac events after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients without diabetes mellitus.

Admission hyperglycemia is associated with high inhospital and long-term adverse events in patients that undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to evaluate whether hyperglycemia predicts inhospital mortality. We prospectively analyzed 503 consecutive patients. The patients were divided into tertiles according to the admission glucose levels. Tertile I: glucose <118 mg/dL (n = 166), tertile II: glucose 118 to 145 mg/dL (n = 168), and tertile III: glucose >145 mg/dL (n = 169). Inhospital mortality was 0 in tertile I, 2 in tertile II, and 9 in tertile III (P < .02). Cardiogenic shock occurred more frequently in tertile III compared to tertiles I and II (10% vs 4.1% and 0.6%, respectively, P = .01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients in tertile III had significantly higher risk of inhospital major adverse cardiac events compared to patients in tertile I (odds ratio: 9.55, P < .02). Admission hyperglycemia predicts inhospital adverse cardiac events in mortality and acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients that underwent primary PCI.

Prognostic value of serum resistin levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Resistin is a novel adipokine that is suggested to be involved in inflammatory conditions and atherosclerosis. AIM: To investigate the prognostic importance of resistin in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. METHODS: Resistin levels were measured in a population of 132 patients with AMI, of whom 72 (54%) had a diagnosis of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and 60 (46%) had non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Thirty-three consecutive subjects who were referred to elective coronary angiography due to chest pain evaluation with normal coronary angiograms served as controls. All patients were followed-up for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). RESULTS: There was a significant increase in serum resistin levels in patients with AMI compared to controls (3.71 ± 4.20 vs. 2.00 ± 1.05, p = 0.001, respectively). However, serum resistin levels were similar in patients with STEMI and NSTEMI. (4.26 ± 5.11 vs. 3.06 ± 2.64, p = 0.49, respectively). The patients with MACE had significantly higher levels of serum resistin levels compared to either the AMI or the control group (6.35 ± 5.47, p = 0.005, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that resistin, left ventricular ejection fraction, and coronary artery bypass graft were independent predictors of MACE in AMI patients (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.22, p = 0.03 and OR = 3.84, 95% CI 1.26-11.71, p = 0.018, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Serum resistin level was increased in patients with AMI and constituted a risk factor for MACE in this group.

The relationship between Gensini score and ST-segment resolution in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes of patients with myocardial infarction are primarily determined by the successful restoration of myocardial reperfusion and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. AIM: To investigate the predictive value of Gensini score on ST-segment resolution (STR) in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: The present study prospectively included 114 consecutive patients (mean age 54 ± 10 years, 15 women) with STEMI who underwent successful pPCI. Sum of ST-segment elevation amount in millimetres was obtained before angioplasty and 60 min after pPCI. ΣSTR < 50% was accepted as a ECG sign of no-reflow phenomenon. Thrombus grading was calculated according to the results of coronary angiography, and Gensini score (GS-pPCI) was calculated after pPCI without incorporating culprit lesion. Patients were divided into two groups according to STR: those with STR(-), and those with STR(+). Patients were also analysed according to the infarct-related artery. RESULTS: GS-pPCI was significantly higher in patients with STR(-) (10.1 ± 11.8 vs. 22 ± 18.6, p = 0.005). GS-pPCI was inversely correlated with STR (r = -0.287, p = 0.002). In subgroup analysis, patients in the STR(-) group with culprit lesion in left anterior descending artery and left circumflex artery also showed higher GS-pPCI (10.9 ± 13.5 vs. 23.5 ± 21.3, p = 0.03 and 9.6 ± 8.7 vs. 24.1 ± 21, p = 0.04, respectively). High thrombus burden was also observed more frequently in patients with STR(-) (68% vs. 43%, p = 0.03). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that GS-pPCI and high thrombus burden independently predicted inadequate STR (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.12, p = 0.001 and OR 3.28, 95% CI1.11-9.72, p = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: GS-pPCI and high thrombus burden play an important role in predicting inadequate STR in patients with STEMI treated with pPCI.

Echocardiography in imaging an extremely rare cause of extrinsic pulmonary stenosis: rapidly progressive primary mediastinal embryonal carcinoma.

We report a case of a young man with a very rare cause of atypical chest pain in whom primary mediastinal embryonal carcinoma causing extrinsic pulmonary stenosis was diagnosed with echocardiography and computed tomography. This patient illustrates an unusual presentation of the very rapid progression of the tumor in as little as 6 months. The patient underwent surgical resection and was successfully treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.