Relation between carotid intima-media thickness, serum paraoxonase levels and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

NTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a significant effect on the development of cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) enzyme levels and severity of OSA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 120 cases were included in the study with 30 cases in each group, as follows: Group 1 (AHI 30/h). Blood samples of the patients were taken to measure serum PON1 activity. Carotid IMT of all patients included in the study was measured by means of echocardiography using vascular probe and results were recorded. RESULTS: With regard to carotid IMT, a statistically significant increase was detected as severity of OSA increased (p < 0.001). A positive relationship was detected between IMT level and total oxygen desaturation time, oxygen desaturation index and SpO2 time < 90 % (p < 0.01). When the groups were compared, a statistically significant decline was observed in serum PON 1 level as severity of OSA increased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study indicate that PON1 and carotid IMT might be used as indicators of vascular damage in patients with OSA. Depending on the severity of OSA, measurement of PON1 enzyme activity in conjunction with carotid IMT may help us in predicting the cardiovascular risk in patients with OSA (Tab. 4, Fig. 2, Ref. 27).

Multiparametric assessment of right ventricular function in heart transplant recipients by echocardiography and relations with pulmonary hemodynamics.

OBJECTIVE: Right ventricular (RV) dilatation and dysfunction are usually present in heart transplant (HTx) patients and worsened with residual pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to determine the ability of different echocardiographic modalities to evaluate RV function in comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and their relations with pulmonary hemodynamics in HTx patients. METHODS: A total of 62 data sets [echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and CMR] were acquired from 35 HTx patients. Comprehensive echocardiography, including two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography, speckle tracking echocardiography, and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography, was performed. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) was obtained invasively from right heart catheterization. The correlations between all echocardiographic parameters and CMR imaging data and the differences between patients with and without residual PH were evaluated. RESULTS: Diastolic and systolic RV volumes and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) by 3D echocardiography correlated strongly with CMR-derived volumes and RVEF (r = .91, r = .79, r = .64; p < .0001 for each, respectively). Among other parameters, RV fractional area change (r = .439; p < .001) and RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFW-LS) (r = -.34; p < .05) correlated moderately with CMR-RVEF, whereas tricuspid annulus S' velocity (r = .29; p < .05) and tricuspid annular systolic plane excursion (r = .27; p < .05) correlated weakly with CMR-RVEF. Additionally, 3D-RVEF and RVFW-LS were significantly decreased in studies with mPAP ≥ 20 mm Hg in comparison to those with mPAP < 20 mm Hg (47.7 ± 3.7 vs. 50.9 ± 5.3, p = .04 and -15.5 ± 3.1 vs. -17.5 ± 3, p = .03, respectively). CONCLUSION: The best method for the evaluation of RV function in HTx recipients is 3D echocardiography. Besides, the subclinical impact of residual PH on RV function can be best determined by RVFW-LS and 3D-RVEF in these patients.

Approach to optimal assessment of right ventricular remodelling in heart transplant recipients: insights from myocardial work index, T1 mapping, and endomyocardial biopsy.

AIMS: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is an important cause of graft failure after heart transplantation (HTx). We sought to investigate relative merits of echocardiographic tools and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with T1 mapping for the assessment of functional adaptation and remodelling of the RV in HTx recipients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-one complete data set of echocardiography, CMR, right heart catheterization, and biopsy were obtained. Myocardial work index (MWI) was quantified by integrating longitudinal strain (LS) with invasively measured pulmonary artery pressure. CMR derived RV volumes, T1 time, and extracellular volume (ECV) were quantified. Endomyocardial biopsy findings were used as the reference standard for myocardial microstructural changes. In HTx recipients who never had a previous allograft rejection, longitudinal function parameters were lower than healthy organ donors, while ejection fraction (EF) (52.0 ± 8.7%) and MWI (403.2 ± 77.2 mmHg%) were preserved. Rejection was characterized by significantly reduced LS, MWI, longer T1 time, and increased ECV that improved after recovery, whereas RV volumes and EF did not change MWI was the strongest determinant of rejection related myocardial damage (area under curve: 0.812, P < 0.0001, 95% CI: 0.69-0.94) with good specificity (77%), albeit modest sensitivity. In contrast, T1 time and ECV were sensitive (84%, both) but not specific to detect subclinical RV damage. CONCLUSION: Subclinical adaptive RV remodelling is characterized by preserved RV EF despite longitudinal function abnormalities, except for MWI. While ultrastructural damage is reflected by MWI, ECV, and T1 time, only MWI has the capability to discriminate functional adaptation from transition to subclinical structural damage.

Longitudinal Strain and Strain Rate for Estimating Left Ventricular Filling Pressure in Heart Transplant Recipients.

Traditional parameters have limited value to estimate left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP) in orthotropic heart transplant (OHT) recipients. We hypothesized that global longitudinal strain (GLS), diastolic, and systolic strain rate (SR) would be depressed in OHT recipients with elevated LVFP and could overcome the limitations of traditional parameters. We studied consecutively OHT patients at the time of endomyocardial biopsies and retrospectively pretransplantation studies conforming to the same protocol. Comprehensive echocardiography with strain measurements was performed. Results were compared with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) obtained from right heart catheterization that was performed just after the echocardiography study. In all, 74 studies were performed in 50 OHT recipients. Mean PWCP was 11.8 ± 4.3 mm Hg (range: 4 to 25 mm Hg). Several parameters, but not left atrial volume index, mitral inflow velocities, annular velocities, and their ratio (E/e'), were different between studies with normal (n = 47) and elevated PCWP (n = 27). Area Under Curve for GLS (0.932*), E/e'SR (0.849*), and systolic SR (0.848*) (*p <0.0001) were more accurate than traditional parameters for predicting PCWP>12 mm Hg. GLS, systolic SR and E/e'SR remained accurate regardless of LV ejection fraction and allograft vasculopathy. Meanwhile, E/e' was accurate to predict PWCP in native failing hearts before transplantation. Changes in GLS and E/e'SR tracked accurately changes in PCWP. In conclusion, traditional indices of diastolic function perform poorly in OHT recipients, whereas GLS and E/e'SR provide reliable means of LVFP, irrespective of ejection fraction and allograft vasculopathy. These parameters also track reasonably well the changes in LVFP.

Risk factors for left atrial appendage thrombus.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common persistent rhythm disorder that has been shown to be associated with a significant increase in stroke risk. Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombi are responsible for most of strokes of cardiac origin. CHA2DS2-VASc is a risk scoring system to identify patients' indications for anticoagulation in nonvalvular AF patients. The aim of our study was to investigate CHA2DS2-VASc score, the other risk factors, echocardiographic data and blood parameters for LAA thrombus.Methods: Two hundred and sixty-four patients who were admitted to our adult cardiology outpatient clinic and who underwent a transesophageal echocardiography procedure between June 2017 and June 2019 included in our study. Patient's demographic data, transthoracic echocardiographic examinations, and laboratory results were recorded retrospectively.Results: LAA thrombus was detected in 39 (14.7%) patients. The rates of coronary artery disease and systolic dysfunction were significantly higher in patients with LAA thrombus (p = .017, p = .016, respectively). When AF subtypes were examined in detail, thrombus rate was significantly higher in persistent AF (51 vs. 25.7%, p = .002). Although the CHA2DS2-VASc score was slightly higher in the thrombus group, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (3.0 ± 1.65 vs. 2.78 ± 1.66).Conclusions: In conclusion, CHA2DS2-VASc score system itself was not informative about LAA thrombus formation although some of its components were related with LAA thrombus formation. According to a multiple regression analysis, the independent determinants of LAA thrombus were the presence of AF and coronary artery disease.

Pulmonary Artery Distensibility is Worsened in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) leads to right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the later stages. Early determination of these conditions is very important. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the correlations of pulmonary artery distensibility, right pulmonary artery fractional shortening (RPA-FS), and pulmonary artery stiffness (PAS) with PH among newly diagnosed OSAS patients. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 34 newly diagnosed OSAS patients and 28 controls. The study subgroups were determined according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). All patients underwent a transthoracic echocardiographic examination. Conventional RV parameters, PAS, and RPA-FS parameters were measured. RESULTS: RPA-FS was significantly lower in the OSAS group (p < 0.001) and positively correlated with tricuspid annular systolic excursion (TAPSE) (p = 0.047) and pulmonary acceleration time (PAT) (p = 0.006), and inversely correlated with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) (p = 0.013), and PAS (p < 0.001). Consistent with this result, PAS was significantly worse in the patients with OSAS compared to the controls (27.1 ± 3.5 to 15.8 ± 2.7, p < 0.001), and inversely correlated with RPA-FS (p < 0.001), PAT (p = 0.001), and TAPSE (p = 0.035). PAS was positively correlated with sPAP (p = 0.001). There were statistically significant differences for both PAS and RPA-FS among the OSAS subgroups with regards to the severity of disease (p < 0.001). The correlation analyses showed a significantly positive correlation between RPA-FS and mean O2 saturation. RPA-FS was also inversely correlated with AHI. Similarly, PAS was positively correlated with AHI and arousal index. CONCLUSIONS: PAS and RPA-FS are worsened in patients with OSAS, and are correlated with PH and severity of OSAS.

T1 Mapping by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Multidimensional Speckle-Tracking Strain by Echocardiography for the Detection of Acute Cellular Rejection in Cardiac Allograft Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that echocardiographic strain imaging, by tracking subtle alterations in myocardial function, and cardiac magnetic resonance T1 mapping, by quantifying tissue properties, are useful and complement each other to detect acute cellular rejection in heart transplant recipients. BACKGROUND: Noninvasive alternatives to endomyocardial biopsy are highly desirable to monitor acute cellular rejection. METHODS: Surveillance endomyocardial biopsies, catheterizations, and echocardiograms performed serially according to institutional protocol since transplantation were retrospectively reviewed. Sixteen-segment global longitudinal strain (GLS) and circumferential strain were measured before, during, and after the first rejection and at 2 time points for patients without rejection using Velocity Vector Imaging for the first part of the study. The second part, with cardiac magnetic resonance added to the protocol, served to validate previously derived strain cutoffs, examine the progression of strain over time, and to determine the accuracy of strain and T1 measurements to define acute cellular rejection. All tests were performed within 48 h. RESULTS: Median time to first rejection (16 grade 1 rejection, 15 grade ≥2 rejection) was 3 months (interquartile range: 3 to 36 months) in 49 patients. GLS and global circumferential strain worsened significantly during grade 1 rejection and ≥2 rejection and were independent predictors of any rejection. In the second part of the study, T1 time ≥1,090 ms, extracellular volume ≥32%, GLS >-14%, and global circumferential strain ≥-24% had 100% sensitivity and 100% negative predictive value to define grade ≥2 rejection with 70%, 63%, 55%, and 35% positive predictive values, respectively. The combination of GLS >-16% and T1 time ≥1,060 ms defined grade 1 rejection with 91% sensitivity and 92% negative predictive value. After successful treatment, T1 times decreased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: T1 mapping and echocardiographic GLS can serve to guide endomyocardial biopsy selectively.

Coronary flow reserve is impaired in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in adult populations. Accumulating data indicate that it is independently associated with a variety of cardiovascular diseases and has prognostic importance in affected cases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate coronary flow reserve (CFR) in patients with OSA and controls. METHODS: Sixty-one patients undergoing an overnight polysomnography were enrolled in this study. Patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >5 were accepted as OSA group (n = 45) and those with an AHI <5 were taken as controls (n = 16). Using Doppler echocardiography at baseline and following dipyridamole infusion, coronary peak flow velocities were obtained. CFR was calculated as the ratio of peak diastolic flow to baseline diastolic flow. A CFR value <2 was accepted as impaired coronary microvascular function. RESULTS: The mean age was 50.8 ± 10.8 years, of which 16 (26.2%) were female. Both groups had similar features with regard to demographic and clinical variables. The mean value of CFR was significantly lower in patients with OSA compared to those controls (2.24 ± 0.46 vs. 2.74 ± 0.62, respectively, P = 0.001). An abnormal CFR value was observed in 12 (26.7%) patients with OSA and in 1 (6.3%) participant in control group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that CFR, an indicator of coronary microvascular function, is significantly impaired in patients with OSA. Coronary microvascular function, an early sign of atherosclerosis, can be evaluated noninvasively in these patients might be used as a predictor of cardiovascular risk.

Three-Dimensional Right Ventricular Strain Versus Volume Quantification in Heart Transplant Recipients in Relation to Pulmonary Artery Pressure.

OBJECTIVES: Residual pulmonary hypertension challenges the right ventricular function and worsens the prognosis in heart transplant recipients. The complex geometry of the right ventricle complicates estimation of its function with conventional transthoracic echocardiography. We evaluated right ventricular function in heart transplant recipients with the use of 3-dimensional echocardiography in relation to systolic pulmonary artery pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed 32 studies in 26 heart transplant patients, with 6 patients having 2 studies at different time points with different pressures and thus included. Right atrial volume, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, peak systolic annular velocity, fractional area change, and 2-dimensional speckle tracking longitudinal strain were obtained by 2-dimensional and tissue Doppler imaging. Three-dimensional right ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and 3-dimensional right ventricular strain were obtained from the 3-dimensional data set by echocardiographers. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was obtained during right heart catheterization. RESULTS: Overall mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 26 ± 7 mm Hg (range, 14-44 mmHg). Three-dimensional end-diastolic (r = 0.75; P < .001) and end-systolic volumes (r = 0.55; P = .001)correlated well with systolic pulmonary artery pressure. Right ventricular ejection fraction and right atrium volume also significantly correlated with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.49 and P = .01 for both). However, right ventricular 2- and 3-dimensional strain, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and tricuspid annular velocity did not. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of pulmonary hemodynamic burden on right ventricular function are better estimated by a 3-dimensional volume evaluation than with 3-dimensional longitudinal strain and other 2-dimensional and tissue Doppler measurements. These results suggest that the peculiar anatomy of the right ventricle necessitates 3-dimensional volume quantification in heart transplant recipients in relation to residual pulmonary hypertension.

Effects of Carvedilol Compared to Nebivolol on Insulin Resistance and Lipid Profile in Patients With Essential Hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND AIM:: Beta-blockers have unfavorable effects on metabolic parameters in hypertensive treatment. New generation beta-blockers with vasodilatory capabilities are superior to traditional beta-blockers, but studies examining their effects on metabolic parameters are still lacking. This study aimed to compare the effects of 2 new generation beta-blockers, carvedilol and nebivolol, on insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profiles in patients with essential hypertension. METHODS:: This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, single-center clinical trial. A total of 80 patients were randomized into 2 groups: the carvedilol group (n = 40, 25 mg of carvedilol daily) and the nebivolol group (n = 40, 5 mg of nebivolol daily). Follow-up was performed for 4 months. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels, and the lipid profile (high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], total cholesterol, triglyceride, apolipoprotein AI, and apolipoprotein B levels) were measured and IR was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index. These variables were compared before and 4 months after treatment. RESULTS:: Blood pressure and heart rate were significantly and similarly reduced in the carvedilol and nebivolol groups after treatment compared to those before treatment (both P < .001). Serum glucose ( P < .001), insulin ( P < .01), HOMA-IR (P < .01), HDL ( P < .001), LDL ( P < .001), total cholesterol ( P < .001), and apolipoprotein B ( P < .05) levels decreased in a similar manner in the carvedilol and nebivolol groups after treatment compared to those before treatment. Serum triglyceride and apolipoprotein AI levels did not change after treatment with both drugs. CONCLUSION:: New generation beta-blockers, carvedilol and nebivolol, efficiently and similarly decrease blood pressure. They have similar favorable effects on glucose, insulin, IR, and the lipid profile.

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

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

Pulmonary Hypertension Improves After Orthotopic Liver Transplant in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary hypertension is a common finding in chronic liver disease patients that has prognostic significance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of pulmonary hypertension in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant. We also evaluated pulmonary artery pressure changes after transplant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of adult patients with chronic liver disease who underwent orthotopic liver transplant at our center between 2004 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical and demographic variables and laboratory data were noted. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiographic examination reports were obtained. Using continuous-wave Doppler examination, systolic pulmonary artery pressure values were calculated. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 30 mm Hg. Among 208 adult patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplant, 203 who had Doppler echocardiographic examination were enrolled. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 42.1 ± 14.1 years (range, 16-67 y), and 143 (70.4%) were men. During preoperative assessment, pulmonary hypertension was identified in 47 patients (23.2%), of whom 10 displayed systolic pulmonary artery pressure > 50 mm Hg. Compared with preoperative values of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (46.8 ± 8.4 mm Hg), a significant reduction in mean values (to 39.3 ± 13.3 mm Hg) was observed postoperatively (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that pulmonary hypertension is a common finding in adult chronic liver disease patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant. A significant improvement occurs in systolic pulmonary artery pressure values following transplant surgery. Regarding the prevalence and prognostic significance of pulmonary hypertension, all patients with chronic liver disease should be evaluated with transthoracic Doppler echocardiography before transplant.

Association between coronary flow reserve and exercise capacity.

INTRODUCTION: Reduced exercise capacity is of clinical importance. Sometimes no corresponding cardiovascular disease can be found to explain this condition. We hypothesized that coronary microvascular dysfunction may have an effect on exercise capacity in patients without apparent cardiovascular disease. METHODS: Fifty patients (33 female, mean age 46.8 ± 12.4 years) without coronary artery or other cardiac disease were enrolled. Coronary microvascular function was evaluated by measurement of coronary flow reserve (CFR) during transthoracic pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography with pharmacological stress. CFR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic to baseline peak diastolic velocities after dipyridamole infusion. Exercise capacity was determined by treadmill exercise testing. Exercise time, metabolic equivalent (MET), and Duke treadmill score (DTS) were recorded and compared with the CFR data. RESULTS: CFR was correlated with exercise time (r=0.376, p=0.007), MET (r=0.435, p=0.002) and DTS (r=0.458, p=0.001). Exercise time, MET, and DTS were lower in patients with impaired CFR (<2) than in those with normal CFR (2) (5.3 ± 1.8 min vs. 8.6 ± 2.7 min, p<0.001; 7.3 ± 3.1 vs. 11.4 ± 2.8, p=0.002; -1.75 (-5.9, 5.0) vs. 7.5 (5.2, 9.41), p<0.001; respectively). CFR was lower in patients with MET7 as compared to patients with MET>7 (2.0 ± 0.5 vs. 2.6 ± 0.6, p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: CFR is associated with exercise capacity. Thus coronary microvascular dysfunction may be a reason for reduced exercise capacity in patients who have no apparent cardiovascular disease.

How do we measure epicardial adipose tissue thickness by transthoracic echocardiography?

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a component of the visceral adiposity located between the heart and pericardium. It is associated with certain diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, coronary artery disease, and hypertension. Therefore, measurement of EAT thickness has recently gained importance. Examination by transthoracic echocardiography for measuring EAT thickness is preferable because of easy availability and low cost. The present review focuses on the method of measuring EAT thickness by transthoracic echocardiography as well as the issues of concern.

The importance of the supratrochlear foramen of the humerus in humans: an anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: The supratrochlear foramen (STF) is an important and relatively common anatomic variation in the lower end of the humerus in humans. Its structure has received increased attention in recent years. Anatomical knowledge of STF is useful for anatomists, anthropologists, orthopedic surgeons, and radiologists. This aperture is of great interest to anthropologists who claim it as one of the points in establishing a relationship between humans and lower animals. The goal of this study was to describe the features of STF of the humerus in the Turkish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All bones were obtained from the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Department of Antrophology, University of Mustafa Kemal, Hatay. A total of 166 dried humeri (83 right side and 83 left side), of which 78 belonged to males and 88 to females, were examined to determine the presence of supratrochlear foramen. Digital vernier calipers were used to measure the maximum width (transverse) and height (vertical) of the STF. RESULTS: Out of 166 bones, the foramen was present in 18 humeri (4 right side and 14 left side), showing the incidence as 10.8% with unpaired humeri. We observed 4 types of shape: oval, round, triangular, and sieve-like. The average diameter of the long (transverse) axis was 5.93±1.68 mm and the short (vertical) axis was 4.06±0.89 mm. Some of the bones showed translucency of the bony septum, found in 17 (20.5%) on both sides of the humeri. CONCLUSIONS: There are few studies about STF in the Turkish population. Knowledge of supratrochlear foramen in the distal humerus in humans is important in diagnostic orthopedics, in intramedullary nailing of the humerus, and in possibly increasing the risk of future low-energy fractures. In addition, STF is a radiolucent area in radiographs and may be misinterpreted as an osteolytic or cystic lesion.

Follow-up of heart transplant recipients with serial echocardiographic coronary flow reserve and dobutamine stress echocardiography to detect cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of reliable noninvasive testing for screening cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is of critical importance. The most widely used modality, dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), has moderate sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of serial coronary flow reserve (CFR) assessment together with DSE for predicting CAV. METHODS: A total of 90 studies were performed prospectively over 5 years in 23 consecutive heart transplant recipients who survived >1 year after transplantation. Assessment of CFR with transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, DSE, coronary angiography, and endomyocardial biopsy was performed annually. Results of CFR assessment and DSE were compared with angiographic findings of CAV. RESULTS: Acute cellular rejections were excluded by endomyocardial biopsies. CAV was detected in 17 of 90 angiograms. Mean CFR was similarly lower in both mild (CAV grade 1) and more severe (CAV grades 2 and 3) vasculopathy, but wall motion score index became higher in parallel with increasing grades of vasculopathy. Any CAV by angiography was detected either simultaneously with or later than CFR impairment, yielding 100% sensitivity for CFR. The combination of CFR and DSE increased the specificity of the latter from 64.3% to 87.2% without compromising sensitivity (77.8%). CONCLUSIONS: CFR is very sensitive for detecting CAV and increases the diagnostic accuracy of DSE, raising the potential for patient management tailored to risk modification and to avoid unnecessary angiographic procedures.

Flow in the left anterior descending coronary artery in patients with migraine headache.

Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder characterized by attacks of severe headache, autonomic and neurologic symptoms. Migraine can affect many systems in the body, yet its effects on cardiovascular system are unclear. We hypothesized that migraine and coronary microvascular angina may be manifestations of a common systemic microvascular dysfunction and clinically associated. Forty patients with migraine and 35 healthy volunteers were included into the study. Using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, coronary flow was visualized in the middle or distal part of the left anterior descending artery. Coronary diastolic peak flow velocities were measured with pulse wave Doppler at baseline and after dipyridamole infusion (0.56 mg/kg/4 min). Coronary flow reserve of <2 was considered normal. In addition, thorough 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examinations were also performed. Fifty-two women and 23 men were included. Coronary flow reserve was significantly lesser in the migraine group than in the control group (1.99 ± 0.3 vs 2.90 ± 0.5, p <0.05). In addition, mitral annular velocities were lower and the ratio of early mitral inflow velocity to early mitral annular velocity (E/E' lateral and E/E' septal) was higher in migraineurs than in the control group (p <0.05 for all), indicating diastolic function abnormalities in the migraine group. In conclusion, these findings suggest that there is an association between coronary microvascular dysfunction and migraine independently of the metabolic state of the patients. A common pathophysiologic pathway of impaired endothelial vasodilatation, vasomotor dysfunction, and increased systemic inflammatory factors may play a role in these 2 clinical conditions and could be the underlying cause of subclinical systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction in migraineurs.