Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis associated with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction following SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are the latest approved class of oral antidiabetic agents that inhibit renal SGLT-2 receptors and increase urinary glucose excretion in the luminal membrane of the proximal tubule. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a triad of hyperglycemia, ketosis, and a high anion gap with metabolic acidosis. We present the case of 61 years-old men with severe euglycemic DKA (EDKA) complicated ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction following SGLT-2 inhibitor therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Atypical presentation of ketoacidosis without hyperglycemia can delay diagnosis and may result in catastrophic complications. Quick diagnosis, appropriate clinical and biochemical assessment, and effective treatment protocols ensure successful resolution of EDKA.

A novel technique to reach the contralateral iliac artery in Leriche syndrome.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The endovascular approach is the first choice of treatment in high-risk patients suffering from Leriche syndrome. Although many techniques and devices have been developed, there are still difficulties in accessing the true lumen. Herein, we reported a novel technique to increase the support and ease of crossing the lesion. METHOD: We presented a case report of a 45-year-old male patient with Leriche syndrome. The patient refused surgery; therefore, he was scheduled for endovascular treatment. RESULTS: We attempted to cross the right and left common iliac occlusions by intraluminal crossing. The left common iliac artery couldn't be cannulated despite the stiff wires and percutaneous intentional extraluminal revascularization (PIER). Afterward, a cross-over approach was performed from the right side to reach the ostium of the left common iliac artery. To increase the support, a non-absorbable suture was stitched up to the tip of the guiding catheter and kept slightly taut like a lasso. Finally, successful penetration was achieved with the novel assistive technique. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment for Leriche syndrome is a precious alternative to open surgery. Intraluminal crossing, PIER, and re-entry devices are the most preferred techniques. Increasing the technical success of intraluminal crossing and PIER leads to an apparent reduction in cost.

Predictive value of P wave parameters, indices, and a novel electrocardiographic marker for silent cerebral infarction and future cerebrovascular events.

BACKGROUND: Silent cerebral infarction (SCI) is a neuronal injury without a clinically apparent stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Left atrial cardiomyopathy is closely associated with SCI. P wave changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) provide significant information about the development of atrial cardiomyopathy. This study evaluated the role of P wave parameters and indices and a novel ECG parameter in predicting SCI, future cerebrovascular events, and atrial fibrillation/flutter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 272 patients were retrospectively screened and divided into two groups according to SCI. Cerebrovascular events and atrial fibrillation/flutter were defined as the study's outcomes. P wave parameters, indices, and a novel ECG parameter called the P wave ratio (PWR) were calculated from ECGs, and the relationship between SCI and outcomes was investigated. RESULTS: The maximum P wave duration (PWD), P wave dispersion (PWdisp), PWD measured from the D2 lead (PWDD2), P wave peak time measured from the D2 lead (PWPTD2), PWPT measured from the V1 lead (PWPTV1), and P wave terminal force (PWTFV1) were significantly longer in the SCI group. Both partial and advanced inter atrial block (IAB) were significantly high in the SCI group. The novel parameter P wave ratio (PWR) was significantly longer in the SCI group (0.55 ± 0.08 vs. 0.46 ± 0.09; p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, PWdisp (OR: 1.101, p < 0.001), PWPTD2 (OR: 1.095, p = 0.017), and PWR (OR: 1.231, p < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of SCI. Cox regression analysis revealed that the PWR (HR 1.077; 95% CI 1.029-1.128; p = 0.001) was associated with cerebrovascular events and atrial fibrillation/flutter. CONCLUSION: In our study, we observed that PWR could be a valuable parameter for predicting SCI and future cerebrovascular events.

Increased Circulating Copeptin Levels Are Associated with Vaso-Occlusive Crisis and Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Sickle Cell Anemia.

OBJECTIVE: Vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) is a common clinical manifestation of sickle cell anemia (SCA) and is associated with increased proinflammatory mediators. Copeptin is the C-terminal part of the prohormone for provasopressin and seems clinically relevant in various clinical conditions. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction significantly appears in SCA patients due to pulmonary hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the association of copeptin levels in VOC patients and evaluate RV dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty-eight SCA patients in steady state (30.2 ± 0.9 years), 25 SCA patients in VOC (36.8 ± 11.8 years), and 55 healthy individuals (31.9 ± 9.4 years) with HbAA genotype were included. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory data were recorded. ELISA was used for the determination of serum levels of copeptin. RESULTS: VOC patients had significantly higher copeptin level compared both with controls and SCA subjects in steady state (22.6 ± 13.0 vs. 11.3 ± 5.7 pmol/L, 22.6 ± 13.0 vs. 12.4 ± 5.8 pmol/L, p = 0.009 for both). Additionally, the copeptin level was significantly higher in SCA patients with RV dysfunction than those without RV dysfunction (23.2 ± 12.2 vs. 15.3 ± 9.5 pmol/L, p = 0.024). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and copeptin levels were found to be associated with VOC. CONCLUSION: This study showed that copeptin and hs-CRP levels were increased in patients with VOC, and it was found that RV dysfunction was more common in SCA patients with VOC than in the control group. Copeptin can be considered for use as a potential biomarker in predicting VOC crisis in SCA patients and in the early detection of patients with SCA who have the potential to develop RV dysfunction.

A Novel Electrocardiographic Score Predicts the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background: There are many electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). However, the diagnostic power is limited in determining the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and clinical outcomes. Objective: This study investigated the role of a risk-based ECG score in predicting the severity of CAD and clinical outcomes in NSTEMI patients. Methods: One hundred and fifty-two patients were enrolled in the study. Severe CAD was defined as; intermediate (> 22) or high SYNTAX score (> 32), three-vessel disease, and left main coronary artery lesions. A risk-based ECG score was calculated, and the patients were categorized. All patients were followed up, and mortality and repeat revascularizations were evaluated. Results: The severe CAD group had a significantly higher risk-based ECG score than the non-severe CAD group (p = 0.013). The patients with a high risk-based ECG score had more severe CAD (p = 0.013), higher SYNTAX score (p < 0.001), more three-vessel disease (p = 0.003), coronary artery calcification (p = 0.02), and one-year mortality (p = 0.006) than those with medium or low ECG scores. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a 1-point increase in the risk-based ECG score was associated with a 1.573-fold [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.111-2.227, p = 0.011] increase probability of severe CAD. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that the high-risk group had a significantly higher one-year mortality rate than the low-risk and moderate-risk groups (hazard ratio: 2.383, 95% CI: 1.395-4.072, p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that higher ECG scores were associated with a higher risk of severe CAD and worse clinical outcomes in NSTEMI patients.

Could Serum Copeptin Level Be an Indicator of Coronary Artery Disease Severity in Patients with Unstable Angina?

This study aimed to identify the serum copeptin levels in patients diagnosed with unstable angina (UA) and evaluate the relationship between the patients' copeptin levels and angiographic severity.A total of 200 patients who were diagnosed with UA and underwent coronary angiography were included in the study. Clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory data (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and copeptin levels) as well as The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) 1.0 risk score were recorded upon admission. Moreover, the Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score was calculated following coronary angiography.We isolated and defined two subgroups within our study population: group 1 included patients with non-significant coronary artery disease (CAD) (< 50% diameter stenosis, n = 105); group 2 included patients with significant CAD (≥ 50% diameter stenosis, n = 95). The number of cases with a GRACE score higher than 140 was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (P < 0.001). The SYNTAX scores and copeptin levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 (P < 0.001 for both). A positive correlation was observed between the copeptin levels and SYNTAX scores (r = 0.683; P < 0.001), and the cut-off level of copeptin was 18.3 pmol/L (sensitivity of 74.7%, specificity of 83.8%, and area under the curve of 0.795).This study suggests that it may be beneficial to use conventional scoring systems and serum copeptin levels when identifying high-risk UA patients.

Predictors of the paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recurrence following cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation: Assessment of left atrial volume, left atrial volume index, galectin-3 level and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.

BACKGROUND: Cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a treatment option for atrial fibrillation (AF). Left atrial volume (LAV) and left atrial volume index (LAVi) are important parameters for long term success of PVI. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (N/L ratio) are biomarkers to demonstrate the cardiac fibrosis and remodelling. METHODS: 50 patients with symptomatic PAF despite ≥1 antiarrhythmic drug(s), who underwent PVI were enrolled. LAV, LAVi, Gal-3 and N/L ratio were calculated before ablation and after ablation at 6 and 12 months. According to AF recurrence patients were divided into two groups, recurrent AF (n = 14) and non-recurrent AF (n = 36). RESULTS: In both groups (recurrent and non-recurrent), initial and 12 months follow-up LAV values were 41.39 ±â€¯18.13 ml and 53.24 ±â€¯22.11 ml vs 48.85 ±â€¯12.89 ml and 42.08 ±â€¯13.85 (p = 0.037). LAVi were 20.9 ±â€¯8.91 ml/m2 and 26.85 ±â€¯11.28 ml/m2 vs 25.36 ±â€¯6.21 and 21.87 ±â€¯6.66 (p = 0.05) for recurrent and non-recurrent AF groups, respectively. In both groups PVI had no significant effect on serum Gal-3 levels and N/L ratio during 12 months follow-up. The comparison between two groups at the end of 12th month showed Gal-3 values of 6.66 ±â€¯4.09 ng/ml and 6.02 ±â€¯2.95 ng/ml (p = 0.516), N/L ratio values of 2.28 ±â€¯1.07 103/µl and 1.98 ±â€¯0.66 103/µl (p = 0.674). CONCLUSION: LAV and LAVi are useful to predict the remodelling of the left atrium and AF recurrence after cryoballoon-based PVI. However, biomarkers such as Gal-3 and N/L ratio are not associated with AF recurrence.

An unusual image: Pacman heart.

Partial ventricular septal defect (VSD) (Pacman heart) is extremely rare heart defect which may be a complication of myocardial infarction or congenital deformity. In this image, a 65-year-old male patient admitted with headache and blood pressure dysregulation. Incidentally, transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography revealed partial VSD which was ensuingly confirmed in thoracic computed tomography. This is the fourth case in light of current literature. Partial VSDs are clinically silent, which can be diagnosed with echocardiography, computed tomography, or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging modalities.

Ultrasound Accelerated Thrombolysis May Be an Effective and Safe Treatment Modality for Intermediate Risk/Submassive Pulmonary Embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening condition and the fact that 90% of PE originate from lower limb veins highlights the significance of early detection and treatment of deep vein thrombosis. Massive/high risk PE involving circulatory collapse or systemic arterial hypotension is associated with an early mortality rate of approximately 50%, in part from right ventricular (RV) failure. Intermediate risk/submassive PE, on the other hand, is defined as PE-related RV dysfunction, troponin and/or B-type natriuretic peptide elevation despite normal arterial pressure. Without prompt treatment, patients with intermediate risk PE may progress to the massive category with a potentially fatal outcome. In patients with PE and right ventricular dysfunction (RVD), in hospital mortality ranges from 5% to 17%, significantly higher than in patients without RVD.

A guidewire-free approach for percutaneous closure of left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.

A 78-year-old male patient with a history of coronary artery disease (he had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery 4 years ago), heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction, diabetes mellitus, and transient ischemic attack presented to the emergency department with complaints of dyspnea (New York Heart Association Class 4) despite the optimal medical therapy.

An unusual approach for platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome due to isolated pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.

A 27-year-old man presented to the emergency department with complaints of syncope, dyspnea, and fatigue. Physical examination revealed left-sided mild hemiparesis, platypnea, and continuous murmur on right middle lobe lung auscultation.

Predictive Value of the Naples Prognostic Score for Acute Kidney Injury in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

The purpose of this investigation was to investigate whether there was an association between the Naples prognostic score and the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). The study comprised 2901 consecutive STEMI patients who had pPCI. For each patient, the Naples prognostic score was determined. To evaluate the predictive performance of the Naples score (which included either continuous and categorical variables), we developed a Nested model and a nested model combined with the Naples score. The Naples prognostic score was the most significant predictor of AKI occurrence after admission creatinine, age, and contrast volume. The continuous Naples prognostic score model provided the best prediction performance and discriminative ability. The C-index of the Nested and full models with continuous Naples prognostic score were significantly higher than that of the Nested model. The decision curve analysis found that the overall model had a higher full range of probability of clinical net benefit than the baseline model, with a 10% AKI likelihood. The present study found that the Naples prognostic score may be useful to predict the risk of AKI in STEMI patients undergoing pPCI.

Prognostic impact of small pericardial effusion in acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between small pericardial effusion (SPE) and outcomes has not been well studied in patients with heart failure. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and importance of SPE in acute heart failure (AHF). METHODS: A total of 398 hospitalized patients with AHF were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' baseline demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory characteristics were noted. SPE was defined as the presence of a pericardial effusion <10 mm. The primary outcome was one-year mortality. RESULTS: SPE was noted in 54 (13.6%) of the patients. Mortality at one year was greater for patients with a small effusion compared with those without SPE (44.4 vs. 11.4%, respectively; p < 0.001), and the one-year mortality rate for the whole group was 15.8%. Age (HR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.054-1.854, p = 0.024), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide >4800 pg/ml (HR = 1.628, 95% CI 01.102-4.805, p = 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction <30% (HR = 1.878, 95% CI 1.154-4.524, p = 0.001), and presence of SPE (HR = 1.567, 95% CI 1.122-2.991, p = 0.005) were independent predictors of one-year mortality on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of SPE on admission was an independent predictor of one-year mortality in AHF.

Predictive role of the modified Glasgow prognostic score for in-hospital mortality in stable acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: The modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) has been reported to have a prognostic value in various patient populations. However, the prognostic significance of mGPS has not been studied inacute pulmonary embolism (APE). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of mGPS on in-hospital mortality in patients with hemodynamically stableAPE. METHODS: We retrospectively included 258 hemodynamically stableAPE patients. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory data recorded on admission. The mGPS scored as 0, 1, or 2 based on the C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin levels. RESULTS: A total of 258hemodynamically stableAPE patients were included, and 28 (10.9%) died during the hospital stay. Compared with survivors, non-survivors were older, had higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, CRP, creatinine, high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), and mGPS levels, and had higher pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) at study entry. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, NT-proBNP>2350pg/mL (OR: 2.180, 95% CI 1.102-5.213, p<0.001), hs-cTnT>21pg/mL (OR: 1.426, 95% CI 1.151-3.751, p=0.001), CRP>3.1mg/dL (OR: 1.567, 95% CI 1.072-4.429, p=0.001), PESI>139 (OR: 2.745, 95% CI 1.869-6.369, p=0.001), systolic blood pressure<100mmHg (OR: 3.465, 95% CI 1.867-8.934, p<0.001), mGPS=1 (OR: 2.120, 95% CI 1.089-3.754, p=0.011), and mGPS=2 (OR: 3.350, 95% CI 1.457-5.367, p<0.001) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the mGPS, which is a new and easily measurable marker, is a useful predictor in-hospital mortality in hemodynamically stableAPE.

Role of the coronary and non-coronary cardiovascular findings on non-cardiac gated thoracic CT in predicting mortality in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: The potential effects of cardiovascular comorbidities on the clinical outcomes in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remain unclear. Identification of the coronary and non-coronary cardiovascular findings may help to stratify the patients' prognosis. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of the coronary and the non-coronary cardiovascular findings in SARS-CoV-2 patients. METHODS: We studied a total of 594 SARS-CoV-2 patients who were hospitalized and performed a non-cardiac gated thoracic computed tomography. Two blinded radiologists assessed the coronary artery calcification segment involvement score (CACSIS) and non-coronary atherosclerosis cardiovascular findings (NCACVF). The baseline characteristics of the patients and CT findings were evaluated according to survival status. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 8 (4-12.5) days, 44 deaths occurred (7.4%). Compared to survivors, non-survivors had increased CACSIS [27.3% (CACSIS = 0) vs 25% (CACSIS 1-5) vs 47.7% (CACSIS >5), p < 0.001]. Similarly, on NCACVF, non-survivors had much more major findings compared to survivors (29.5% vs. 2.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, age (p = 0.009), creatinine (p < 0.001), hs-cTnI (p = 0.004) and NCACVF (HR 1.789; 95% CI 1.053-3.037; p = 0.031) maintained a significant independent association with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that coronary and non-coronary cardiovascular findings on non-cardiac gated thoracic CT may help to predict mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Electrocardiographic Findings and Anomaly Frequency in Turkish Workers Groups: A Cross-sectional and Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: Although electrocardiography scanning is routinely performed during the employ ment of employees in business sectors and during periodic controls, there is no large-scale study in our country that scans these electrocardiography data. The purpose of this study was to analyze the resting electrocardiography properties and basal clinical characteristics of the worker groups in a wide age range working in different business lines in the heavy industry sector. METHODS: Between April 2016 and January 2020, 9102 consecutive electrocardiographs were obtained during health examinations of working in Istanbul. In this study, 8607 electrocardio graphs suitable for interpretation were included. Electrocardiographs were classified by 2 dif ferent cardiologists as major, minor anomaly, and normal according to the Minnesota code criteria. RESULTS: Average age of the population was 30.47 ± 9.4 and 97% were males. A completely normal ECG was detected in 67.6%. Major electrocardiograph changes were detected in 4.6%, and minor anomalies were detected in 28.3%. Being 50 years older (P < .001) and working in a heavy chemical industry (P=,014) was found to be associated with major anomaly on elec trocardiograph. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, the business line and electrocardio graph were found to be independently associated with major and minor anomalies (P=,022) Conclusion: This study shows the electrocardiography findings of a large sample of Turkish workers from high-risk employment sectors. Electrocardiograph abnormalities were observed more frequently in heavy chemical industry and those who were 50 years and older. This is the first study conducted in Turkey on this subject.

The Relationship between Coronary Artery Calcium Score and Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris.

OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery calcification is a cornerstone marker for coronary atherosclerosis. Therefore, the calculation of the coronary artery calcium score has become a routine method in diagnosing coronary artery disease in recent years. Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio reflects proatherogenic and antiatherogenic balance, and this ratio is associated with coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. This study aimed to investigate the value of monocyte to high-densitylipoprotein cholesterol ratio in predicting coronary atherosclerosis, which coronary artery calcium score determines. METHODS: A total of 276 patients with chest pain who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to coronary artery calcium score [coronary artery calcium score=0 for very low risk (n=121), coronary artery calcium score=1-99 for low risk (n=100), coronary artery calcium score ≥ 100 for moderate-high risk (n=55)]. The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index, and plateletto-lymphocyte ratio were calculated from venous blood samples. RESULTS: Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio values were significantly higher in patients with moderate-high coronary artery calcium score (1.29 ± 0.59 vs 1.41 ± 0.56 vs 1.56 ± 0.58, P =.009). However, there were no differences between the groups in terms of other inflammatory markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio). Age (odds ratio: 1.178; 95% CI: 1.107-1.253; P < .001), dyslipidemia (odds ratio: 14.252; 95% CI: 5.459-37.211; P <.001), smoking (odds ratio: 2.893; 95% CI: 1.317-6.358; P=.008), and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (odds ratio: 2.082 per 1-point increase; 95% CI: 1.016-4.268; P=.045) were independent predictors of coronary artery calcium score in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that high monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio is significantly associated with increased coronary artery calcium score. Monocyte to highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol ratio indicates that it can be applied easily and swiftly in clinics to help predicting the coronary artery disease.

Role of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio in predicting left atrial enlargement in hypertensive patients.

OBJECTIVE: Left atrium enlargement is common in hypertension due to left atrium inflammation. Monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, an inflammation marker that has become very popular in recent years, is associated with many cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio level to predict the Left atrium enlargement in hypertensive patients. METHODS: A total of 216 participants (i.e., 115 hypertensive and 101 control group) were enrolled. Left atrial volumes and left atrial volume indexes were calculated using transthoracic echocardiography. The monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio was calculated as the ratio of monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. RESULTS: The left atrial volumes, left atrial volume indexes, and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the hypertensive group than in the control group (43.3±12.4 versus 31.4±7.9, p<0.001; 22.9±5.8 versus 17.1±3.7, p<0.001; 11.4 [4.2-25.0] versus 8.4 [3.5-18.0], p<0.001, respectively). On the multivariate logistic regression analysis, monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (OR 1.38; 95%CI 1.20-1.57; p<0.001), (OR 1.28; 95%CI 1.16-1.42; p<0.001), age, and sex (female) were the independent predictors for hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The increased monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio level was associated with hypertension and increased left atrial volume indexes. The results of this study supported the presence of inflammation, measured with a readily available and inexpensive marker, in hypertensive patients and revealed the association with left atrial enlargement.

Acute Anterior Myocardial Infarction in a Patient With Dextrocardia and Situs Inversus: An Unusual Coexistence.

Situs inversus totalis is a rare disorder. In addition, acute coronary syndromes, especially ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions, are rarely detected in this group. We demonstrate the electrocardiographic features and discuss the interventional challenges of acute anterior myocardial infarction in a patient with dextrocardia. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.).

Frailty Significantly Associated with a Risk for Mid-term Outcomes in Elderly Chronic Coronary Syndrome Patients: a Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is a condition of elderly characterized by increased vulnerability to stressful events. Frail patients are more likely to have adverse events. The purposes of this study were to define frailty in patients aged ≥ 70 years with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and to evaluate mortality and prognostic significance of frailty in these patients. METHODS: We included 99 patients, ≥ 70 years old (mean age 74±5.3 years), with diagnosis of CCS. They were followed-up for up to 12 months. The frailty score was evaluated according to the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA). All patients were divided as frail or non-frail. The groups were compared for their characteristics and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty patients were classified as frail, and 49 patients as non-frail. The 12-month Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) rate was 69.4% in frail patients and 20% in non-frail patients. Frailty increases the risk for MACE as much as 3.48 times. Two patients died in the non-frail group and 11 patients died in the frail group. Frailty increases the risk for death as much as 6.05 times. When we compared the aforementioned risk factors by multivariate analysis, higher CSHA frailty score was associated with increased MACE and death (relative risk [RR] = 22.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.33-158.19, P=0.001, for MACE; RR = 7.41, 95% CI 1.44-38.03, P=0.016, for death). CONCLUSION: Being a frail elderly CCS patient is associated with worse outcomes. Therefore, frailty score should be evaluated for elderly CCS patients as a prognostic marker.