Successful Percutaneous Closure of an Aorto-right Ventricular Fistula After Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement: A Case Report.

Rupture of a sinus of valsalva aneurysm (SVA) and the development of an aorto-right ventricular fistula (ARVF) is a rare condition, associated with high morbidity and mortality rates if left untreated. Opening of the SVA rupture into the right heart chambers may result in various morbidities, such as pulmonary hypertension. We present a case of a patient who developed ARVF following sutureless aortic valve replacement, and was subsequently treated successfully via a percutaneous approach.

Relation of multicenter automatic defibrillator implantation trial implantable cardioverter-defibrillator score with long-term cardiovascular events in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that multicenter automatic defibrillator implantation trial (MADIT) - implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) scores predict replacement requirement and appropriate shock in a mixed population including both primary and secondary prevention and long-term adverse cardiovascular events. METHODS: The study has a retrospective design. Patients who were implanted with ICD in the cardiology clinic of Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine between 2000 and 2013 were included in the study. For this purpose, 1394 patients who were implanted with a device in our clinic were reviewed. Then, those who were implanted with permanent pacemaker (n=1005), cardiac resynchronization treatment (CRT) (n=45) and CRT-ICD (n=198) were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 146 patients (98 males, 67.1%) with a mean age of 61.1 (±14.8) years were recruited. The median follow-up time was 21.5 months (mean 30.6±25.9 months; minimum 4 months, and maximum 120 months). The median MADIT-ICD scores in the patients were 2. MADIT-ICD scores were categorized as low in 15.1%, intermediate in 57.5%, and high score in 27.4% of patients. Accordingly, MADIT-ICD scores (1.29 [1.00-1.68], p=0.050), hemoglobin (0.86 [0.75-0.99], p=0.047), and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) (0.97 [0.94-0.99], p=0.023) were determined as independent predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events in the long-term follow-up of ICD-implanted population. CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed that there was an independent association of long-term adverse cardiovascular events with MADIT-ICD score, hemoglobin, and EF in patients implanted with ICD.

The effect of dialysis type on left atrial functions in patients with end-stage renal failure: A propensity score-matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the widespread use of both hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD), there is no study comparing the effects of these dialysis methods on the left atrial (LA) volume and functions. In this study, we investigated the impact of different dialysis methods on the LA volume and function in the patients exposed to chronic pressure overload and volume overload. METHOD: This study was carried out on the patients who received dialysis treatment at our healthcare center between March, 2015 and January, 2016. Twenty-eight patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) treatment and 24 patients under PD treatment were enrolled into the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the dialysis therapy, and the atrial volumetric and mechanical functions were investigated. RESULTS: As the basal demographical characteristics of patients in the PD and HD groups were significantly different, 44 patients matched on a 1:1 basis were taken for final analysis (22 HD, 22 PD, and the average age of 42.4 ± 4.8; 73% was male). After propensity score matching analysis, it was determined that left atrial volume index (LAVi) was higher in the HD group while peak LA strain and LA contraction strain were higher in the PD group. Additionally, both strain parameters showed a good negative correlation with LAVi. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the left atrial structure and functions were better in the PD group suggesting that PD may be a relatively better option for the preservation and maintenance of the left atrial functions as compared to HD.

The association of the Syntax score II with carotid intima media thickness and epicardial fat tissue.

AIM: Syntax score II (SSII) is a highly predictive scoring system, which is used to improve individualized assessment of patients with complex coronary artery disease and facilitates clinical decision making. Surrogate markers [carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), epicardial fat tissue (EFT)] are also used for risk assessment, but their relation with SSII is not well established. METHOD: We enrolled 543 consecutive patients, who underwent coronary angiography for stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndrome, in the study. SSII was calculated for each patient and the patients were divided into two groups as low SSII group and high SSII group according to their median SSII. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 61.4 years and 75% of the patients were male. The multivariate analysis indicated that only EFT (p: 0,035), CIMT (p:0,04) and Hypertension (HT) (p: 0,014) were independently associated with high SSII. DISCUSSION: EFT and CIMT, the surrogate markers which can be simply and non-invasively determined, are of the independent predictors of high SSII. The inclusion of these parameters in the risk classification may provide additional clinical benefit.

Comparison of the three conventional methods for the postoperative atrial fibrillation prediction.

INTRODUCTION: Although various risk factors have been defined for the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (PAF), these parameters have not been adequately verified and validated. We investigated the atrial fibrillation detection capabilities of echocardiographic parameters in PAF developing and the determination of predictive values for clinical use. METHOD: We enrolled 60 consecutive patients with 234 lesions who underwent CABG surgery. All patients underwent preoperative echocardiographic evaluation. Patients were divided into two groups according to PAF development status. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 67, and 73% were male and PAF occurred in 19 patients. In univariate analysis, left atrial volume index (LAVi), left ventricular global strain (LVGS) and ejection fraction were associated with PAF development. Parameters which were significant in univariate analysis were included in a logistic regression model to determine the independent predictors of PAF. LAVi was found to be an independent predictor of PAF. CONCLUSION: Although several parameters have been defined for PAF development, LAVi is more advantageous than the other conventional methods in clinical decision making.

Aortic valve sclerosis is associated with the extent of coronaryartery disease in stable coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) is characterized by lipid deposition and calcific infiltration on the edge of aortic leaflets without significant restriction of motion. The SYNTAX Score (SS) is an important method for evaluating coronary artery disease (CAD). Many studies showed that there is an important relation between the SS and undesired cardiac outcomes. In our study, we investigated the correlation between the SS and AVS by including both ACS and stable CAD cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 543 patients with CAD who underwent coronary angiography into this cross-sectional study between September 2013 and September 2014. RESULTS: The study population was divided into two groups according to SS values above and below 22. Diabetes mellitus (DM) incidence was greater in the group with high SS values (26.3% vs. 19.2%, P = 0.052.). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and glomerular filtration rate were lower. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels were lower while platelet counts were higher. In multivariate analysis, for the stable coronary artery group AVS existence, platelet count, LVEF value, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were found as independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Our study results demonstrated that AVS is significantly associated with the complexity of CAD, especially in patients with stable CAD. This study provides new information regarding the role of AVS in CAD complexity.

The Importance of Magnesium Values in Patients With STEMI Admitted to the Emergency Department.

AIM: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between initial magnesium (Mg) levels, electrocardiographic no-reflow, and long-term mortality in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) due to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: A total of 111 patients with pPCI participated in the study. Magnesium and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. The sum of ST-segment elevation was measured immediately before and 60 minutes after the restoration of coronary flow. The difference between the 2 measurements was taken as the amount of ST-segment resolution and defined as sum of ST-segment resolution (∑STR). The ∑STR <50% was determined as electrocardiographic sign of no-reflow phenomenon. After the patients were discharged, they were followed up for major adverse cardiac events for up to 51 months after discharge. RESULTS: Forty patients in the no-reflow group and 71 patients in the normal-flow group were included in the study. Magnesium value ≤1.87 mg/dL initially measured had 77% sensitivity and 59% specificity in predicting no-reflow on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In multivariate analyses, Mg (odds ratio [OR]: 0.01, <95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01-0.12; P = .004), hs-CRP (OR: 1.06, <95% CI: 1.00-1.14; P = .05), left anterior descending artery lesion (OR: 6.66, <95% CI: 1.45-3.05; P = .01), and reperfusion time (OR: 1.01, <95% CI: 1.00-1.01; P = .03) were still independent predictors of electrocardiographic no-reflow, and only Mg (OR: 0.08, <95% CI: 0.01-1.03; P = .05) was still an independent predictor of long-term mortality. CONCLUSION: Serum Mg level is an independent predictor of electrocardiographic no-reflow and long-term mortality in patients with STEMI.

Comparison of standard and Lewis ECG in detection of atrioventricular dissociation in patients with wide QRS tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: The atrioventricular (AV) dissociation, which is frequently used in differential diagnosis of wide QRS complex tachycardia (WQCT), is the most specific finding of ventricular tachycardia (VT) with lower sensitivity. Herein, we aimed to show the importance of Lewis lead ECG records to detect 'visible p waves' during WQCT. METHOD: A total of 21 consecutive patients who underwent electrophysiologic study (EPS) were included in the study. During EPS, by using a quadripolar diagnostic catheter directed to the right ventricular apex, a fixed stimulus was given and the ventriculoatrial (VA) Wenkebach point was found, and a VT was simulated by a RV apical stimulus at 300ms. The standard and Lewis lead ECG records were taken during this procedure. RESULT: We detected 'visible p waves' in 7 (33.3%) and 14 (66.7%) patients in the standard and Lewis lead ECG groups, respectively. In terms of the 'visible p waves', there was a statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.022). The sensitivity of standard and Lewis lead ECG in determination of the visible p waves was 33.3% and 66.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Lewis lead ECG can be more informative about AV dissociation than the standard 12 lead ECG. As a result, we could suggest the assessment of the Lewis lead ECG recording in addition to the standard 12 lead ECG in differential diagnosis of VT in patients with WQCT.

Efficacy of coronary fractional flow reserve using contrast medium compared to adenosine.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary fractional flow reserve (FFR) is recommended as the gold standard method in evaluating intermediate coronary stenoses. However, there are significant debates concerning the agents and the timing of the measurement. AIM: To compare the contrast medium induced Pd/Pa ratio (CMR) with the FFR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 28 consecutive patients with 34 intermediate lesions who underwent coronary FFR measurement by intracoronary (i.c.) adenosine. After baseline Pd/Pa was calculated, a single contrast medium (Iomeron) injection of 6 ml (3 ml/s) was performed manually. Within 10 s after the contrast medium injection, the CMR was calculated. Bolus injection of i.c. adenosine was performed to induce maximal hyperemia (from 60 µg to 600 µg), and when it was ≤ 0.80, the intermediate lesion was considered as significant. RESULTS: After bolus i.c. adenosine, 12 lesions of 34 (35.3%) were identified as significant. The CMR value was 0.86 ±0.06 (range: 0.71-0.97). There were no significant differences between FFR and CMR values (p = 0.108). A substantial positive correlation between adenosine and contrast values was detected (0.886 and p < 0.001). Good agreement in Bland-Altman analysis was revealed (mean bias was 0.027, 95% confidence interval 0.038-0.092). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed 90.9% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity for a cut-off value of 0.85 for the CMR compared to FFR (≤ 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that measuring the CMR is a feasible method compared to FFR. The CMR may be used in situations where adenosine cannot be administered.

The Risk of Atrial Fibrillation With Ivabradine Treatment: A Meta-analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis of More Than 40000 Patients.

Recent trials reported that risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increased in patients using ivabradine compared with controls. We performed this meta-analysis to investigate the risk of AF association with ivabradine treatment on the basis of data obtained from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for RCTs that comprised >100 patients. The incidence of AF was assessed. We obtained data from European Medicines Agency (EMA) scientific reports for the RCTs in which the incidence of AF was not reported. We used trial sequential analysis (TSA) to provide information on when we had reached firm evidence of new AF based on a 15% relative risk increase (RRI) in ivabradine treatment. Three RCTs and 1 EMA overall oral safety set (OOSS) pooled analysis (included 5 RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis (N = 40 437). The incidence of AF was 5.34% in patients using ivabradine and 4.56% in placebo. There was significantly higher incidence of AF (24% RRI) in the ivabradine group when compared with placebo before (RR: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.42, P = 0.003, I 1980 = 53%) and after excluding OOSS (RR: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.44, P = 0.008). In the TSA, the cumulative z-curve crossed both the traditional boundary (P = 0.05) and the trial sequential monitoring boundary, indicating firm evidence for ≥15% increase in ivabradine treatment when compared with placebo. Study results indicate that AF is more common in the ivabradine group (24% RRI) than in controls.

Echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular functions in healthy subjects who migrated from the sea level to a moderate altitude.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate right ventricle (RV) functions using echocardiography in healthy subjects who migrated from the sea level to moderate altitude (1890 m). METHODS: The prospective observational in this study population consisted of 33 healthy subjects (23 men; mean age 20.4±3.2 years) who migrated from the sea level to a moderate altitude (Erzurum city centre, 1890 m above sea level) for long-term stay. Subjects underwent echocardiographic evaluation within the first 48 h of exposure to the moderate altitude and at the sixth month of arrival. Conventional echocardiographic parameters such as RV sizes and areas, systolic, and diastolic functional indices [fractional area change (FAC), tricuspid flow velocities, myocardial performance index (MPI), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)] were obtained. Systolic (S) and diastolic (E', A') velocities were acquired from the apical fourchamber view using tissue Doppler imaging. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, student's t-test, Wilcoxon test, and chi-square test were used in this study. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in RV size, FAC, MPI, TAPSE, inferior inspiratory vena cava collapse, tricuspid E velocity, and tricuspid annulus E' velocity. Compared with the baseline, there was a significant increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure (p=0.001); RV end systolic area (p=0.014); right atrial end diastolic area (p=0.021); tricuspid A velocity (p=0.013); tricuspid annulus S and A' velocity (p=0.031 and p=0.006, respectively); and RV free wall S, E', and A' velocity (p=0.007, p<0.001, and p=0.007 respectively) at the sixth month. Also, there was a significant decrease in tricuspid E/A ratio (1.61±0.3 vs. 1.45±0.2, p=0.038) and tricuspid annulus E'/A' ratio (1.52±0.5 vs. 1.23±0.4, p=0.002) at the sixth month. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that right ventricular diastolic function was altered while the systolic function was preserved in healthy subjects who migrated from the sea level to a moderate altitude.

Assessment of Left Atrial Mechanics in Patients with Preexcitation Syndrome Scheduled for Catheter Ablation.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to test the left atrial (LA) mechanics and contraction synchrony by 2D strain imaging, in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, before and after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). METHODS: Study population consisted of 25 patients with WPW scheduled for RFCA and 30 healthy controls. The peak LA strain at the end of the ventricular systole (LAs strain) and the LA strain with LA contraction (LAa Strain) were obtained. To assess LA dyssynchrony, septal versus lateral wall time-to-peak strain measurements were measured. RESULTS: There was no difference between the patients with WPW and control subjects with regard to peak LAs and LAa strain. Patients with WPW demonstrated higher global time-to-peak LAs and LAa strain values compared with the control group. Peak LAs strain and LAa strain values, measured before and after the RF ablation of the accessory pathway, were comparable (34.3 ± 3.92 vs. 34.6 ± 3.2, P = 0.816, 14.7 ± 2.8 vs. 15.3 ± 2.3, P = 0.052, respectively). Global time-to-peak LAs and LAa strain measurements were significantly shorter after the RFCA compared with the values obtained before the RFCA. However, septo-lateral times to peak LA strain differences were found to be comparable in both WPW versus control and pre- versus postablation groups. CONCLUSION: LA mechanical function assessed by 2D strain imaging was comparable between patients with WPW and control subjects. Patients with WPW had more prominent LA dyssynchrony during atrial pump phase as compared with the controls, a condition which could not improve after successful elimination of the accessory pathway by RFCA.

Increased Glycated Hemoglobin Level is Associated With SYNTAX Score II in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

SYNTAX score II (SS II) uses 2 anatomical and 6 clinical variables for the prediction of mortality after coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary intervention. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial glucose (PPG), and SYNTAX Score (SS) and SS II in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease (CAD). We enrolled 215 consecutive diabetic patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent coronary angiography. The SS II was calculated using a nomogram that was based on the findings of a previous study. There was a moderate correlation between HbA1c and SS (r = .396, P < .001), but there was a good correlation between HbA1c and SS II (r = .535, P < .001). There was also a weak correlation between FBG (r = .270, P = .001), PPG (r = .177, P = .027), and SS, but there was a weak-moderate correlation between FBG (r = .341, P < .001), PPG (r = .256, P = .001), and SS II. A better correlation has been detected between HbA1c and SS II compared to the correlation between HbA1c and SS.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: First Applications and Short Term Outcomes in Our Clinic.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the first applications and short term outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in our clinic, which is a new technology for the patients with high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2012, twenty five patients (16 males, 9 females; mean age 74.04±8.86 years) diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, who were at high risk for surgery (EuroSCORE II: 5.58±4.20) and underwent TAVI in our clinic, were evaluated. The demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, anaesthetic management, complications during pre- and post-operative periods and the mortality rate in the first 30 days and six months were recorded. RESULTS: Edwards SAPIEN Valve prostheses were implanted by transfemoral approach (percutaneously in 10 patients and surgically in 15 patients) in all patients. The TAVI procedure was performed under general anaesthesia. The success rate of the TAVI procedure was 100%. Three patients had limited dissection of the femoral artery; however, intervention was not needed due to good distal perfusion rate. Permanent pacemaker was implanted to four patients because of long-term atrioventricular blockage. After the procedure, all patients were transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and all patients were extubated in the ICU. The mean mechanical ventilation duration (minutes) was 166.20±39.32, the mean critical care unit stay (day) was 5.64±2.99 and the mean hospital stay (day) was 11.92±5.54. Acute renal failure was observed in one patient and stroke was observed in two patients on the first postoperative day. The mortality rate in the first 30 days and 6 months was found to be 4% and 16%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a great option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk for SAVR. In our institute, procedural success and short term outcomes for patients underwent TAVI were found to be similar to the other studies in the national and international literature.

Thrombus aspiration in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction: meta-analysis of 16 randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE: The mortality rate is high in some patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) because of ineffective epicardial and myocardial perfusion. The use of thrombus aspiration (TA) might be beneficial in this group but there is contradictory evidence in current trials. Therefore, using PRISMA statement, we performed a meta-analysis that compares PPCI+TA with PPCI alone. METHODS: Sixteen studies in which PPCI (n=5262) versus PPCI+TA (n=5256) were performed, were included in this meta-analysis. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) for epicardial and myocardial perfusion, such as the Thrombolysis In myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow, myocardial blush grade (MBG) and stent thrombosis (ST) resolution (STR), and clinical outcomes, such as all-cause death, recurrent infarction (Re-MI), target vessel revascularization/target lesion revascularization (TVR/TLR), stent thrombosis (ST), and stroke. RESULTS: Postprocedural TIMI-III flow frequency, postprocedural MBG II-III flow frequency, and postprocedural STR were significantly high in TA+PPCI compared with the PPCI alone group. However, neither all-cause mortality [6.6% vs. 7.4%, RR=0.903, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.785-1.038, p=0.149] nor Re-MI (2.3% vs. 2.6%, RR=0.884, 95% CI: 0.693-1.127, p=0.319), TVR/TLR (8.2% vs. 8.0%, RR=1.028, 95% CI: 0.900-1.174, p=0.687), ST (0.93% vs. 0.90%, RR=1.029, 95% CI: 0.668-1.583, p=0.898), and stroke (0.5% vs. 0.5%, RR=1.073, 95% CI: 0.588-1.959, p=0.819) rates were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis is the first updated analysis after publishing the 1-year result of the "Thrombus Aspiration during ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction" trial, and it showed that TA did not reduce the rate of all-cause mortality, Re-MI, TVR/TLR, ST, and stroke.

The safety and efficacy of 12 versus 24 hours of tirofiban infusion in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the 6-month efficacy and safety of postprocedural 12-hour tirofiban administration versus 24-hour tirofiban administration in patients with ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 349 patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI. Following the administration of bolus tirofiban after primary PCI, those receiving a 12-hour tirofiban infusion as the maintenance dose were classified as group 1 (n = 123) while those receiving a 24-hour infusion were classified as group 2 (n = 226). In-hospital and 6-month major adverse cardiac events were recorded. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding in-hospital efficacy (in-hospital death: 4.4% vs 5.7%, P = .600 and stent thrombosis 1.8% vs 1.6%, P = .921) and in-hospital safety (2.6% vs 1.6% for major bleeding and 5.3% vs 4.1% for minor bleeding, P = .562). During the 6-month follow-up period, the incidence of the recurrent revascularization (16.1% vs 15.5%, odds ratio [OR] = 1.05 [0.47-3.67]), the repeated nonfatal acute coronary syndrome and/or stent thrombosis (27% vs 24.4%, P = .598, OR = 1.02 [0.42-2.48]), and the cardiovascular deaths (6.6% vs 6.5%, P = .943, OR = 1.03 [0.43-2.43]) were comparable between group 1 and group 2. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that 12-hour tirofiban administration versus 24-hour tirofiban administration in STEMI who underwent primary PCI was similar with respect to in-hospital efficacy and safety and major adverse cardiac events during 6-month follow-up.

The role of the nonspecific inflammatory markers in determining the anatomic extent of venous thromboembolism.

We aimed to investigate the relationship between the extent of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and nonspecific inflammatory markers such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). We retrospectively enrolled 77 patients with VTE (distal deep vein thrombosis [DVT], n = 19; proximal DVT, n = 32; and pulmonary thromboembolism [PTE], n = 26) and 34 healthy controls. In the performed analysis of variance, the levels of white blood cell, NLR, and hs-CRP were clearly different among the groups (control, distal and proximal DVT, and PTE) (P < .001). Especially, a significant increase from the control group to the DVT and PTE was observed in the analysis made for NLR. In the performed receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, area under curve (AUC) = 0.849 and P < .001 were detected for NLR > 1.84. For this value, the sensitivity and specificity were determined as 88.2% and 67.6%, respectively. The NLR is an inexpensive and a readily available marker that may be effective in determining the extent of VTE, and it is useful for risk stratification in patients with VTE.

Quantitative evaluation of ischemic myocardial scar tissue by unenhanced T1 mapping using 3.0 Tesla MR scanner.

PURPOSE: We aimed to use a noninvasive method for quantifying T1 values of chronic myocardial infarction scar by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and determine its diagnostic performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed cardiac MRI on 29 consecutive patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD) on 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner. An unenhanced T1 mapping technique was used to calculate T1 relaxation time of myocardial scar tissue, and its diagnostic performance was evaluated. Chronic scar tissue was identified by delayed contrast-enhancement (DE) MRI and T2-weighted images. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values were calculated for T1 mapping using DE images as the gold standard. RESULTS: Four hundred and forty-two segments were analyzed in 26 patients. While myocardial chronic scar was demonstrated in 45 segments on DE images, T1 mapping MRI showed a chronic scar area in 54 segments. T1 relaxation time was higher in chronic scar tissue, compared with remote areas (1314±98 ms vs. 1099±90 ms, P < 0.001). Therefore, increased T1 values were shown in areas of myocardium colocalized with areas of DE and normal signal on T2-weighted images. There was a significant correlation between T1 mapping and DE images in evaluation of myocardial wall injury extent (P < 0.05). We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy as 95.5%, 97%, and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study reveal that T1 mapping MRI combined with T2-weighted images might be a feasible imaging modality for detecting chronic myocardial infarction scar tissue.