Predicting coronary artery severity in patients undergoing coronary computed tomographic angiography: Insights from pan-immune inflammation value and atherogenic index of plasma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is pivotal in diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD). We explored the link between CAD severity and two biomarkers, Pan-Immune Inflammation Value (PIV) and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), in stable CAD patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective observational study of 409 CCTA patients with stable angina pectoris. Logistic regression identified predictors of severe CAD, stratified by CAD-RADS score. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves evaluated predictive performance. PIV and AIP were significant predictors of severe CAD (PIV: OR 1.002, 95% CI: 1.000-1.004, p < 0.021; AIP: OR 0.963, 95% CI: 0.934-0.993, p < 0.04). AUC values for predicting severe CAD were 0.563 (p < 0.001) for PIV and 0.625 (p < 0.05) for AIP. Combined with age, AUC improved to 0.662 (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: PIV and AIP were associated with severe CAD, with AIP demonstrating superior predictive capability. Incorporating AIP into risk assessment could enhance CAD prediction, offering a cost-effective and accessible method for identifying individuals at high risk of coronary atherosclerosis.

Relationship Between C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio and Infarct-Related Artery Patency in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

The C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) is a predictive marker of systemic inflammatory state in atherosclerotic coronary disease when compared with the predictive value of these 2 markers separately. We investigated the relationship between CAR and infarct-related artery (IRA) patency in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The study population (n = 1047) was divided into 2 groups according to IRA patency which was assessed by the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade. Nonpatent flow was defined as TIMI grade 0 (no-reflow), 1, and 2 flows, and normal flow was defined as TIMI 3 flow. There was a significant positive correlation between CAR and SYNTAX score (r = 0.312, P < .001) and a negative correlation between CAR and TIMI grade flow (r = -0.210, P < .001). At a cutoff level of 0.693, the CAR predicted TIMI no-reflow with a sensitivity of 65.4% and a specificity of 65.5% (area under the curve: 0.670, 95% CI: 0.62-0.71, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that CAR was an independent predictor of IRA patency (0.003 [0.001-0.029]; P < .001). A higher CAR is a significant and independent predictor of IRA patency in patients with STEMI.

Cardiac involvement in MRI in young population after COVID-19: A single tertiary center experience.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) causes morbidity and mortality in an increasing number of people worldwide. Although it mainly affects the respiratory system, it influences all organs, including the heart. It is associated with a broad spectrum of widespread cardiovascular problems ranging from mild myocardial injury to fulminant myocarditis. We aimed to evaluate the presence and prevalence of cardiac involvement in asymptomatic or symptomatic patients after they recovered from COVID 19 infection. METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive patients with COVID-19 proven by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), under 40 years of age and without any known additional chronic diseases were analyzed retrospectively for cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) results and symptoms. RESULTS: Cardiac involvement was detected in 49 out of 100 patients on CMR imaging. In the cardiac involvement group, the number of patients with chest pain and/or dyspnea was 41 (84%), which was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Twenty-four patients (47%) in the without cardiac involvement group were asymptomatic and this was also statistically significant (p = 0.001). LV ejection fraction was statistically significantly lower in the group with cardiac involvement (61% vs 66%, p = 0.001). LV stroke volume and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were statistically significantly lower in patients with cardiac involvement (p = 0.028 and p = 0.019, respectively). CONCLUSION: Based on single center experience, myocardial involvement is common in symptomatic patients after COVID-19. More studies are needed for long-term side effects and clinical results in these patients.

Assessment of Pulmonary Arterial Hemodynamic and Vascular Changes by Pulmonary Pulse Transit Time in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary arterial hypertension and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a well-known association. Pulmonary pulse transit time (pPTT) is a recent echocardiographic marker that might be used for evaluation of pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) in patients with HIV infection. We aimed to investigate whether pPTT elevated in patients with HIV infection compared to healthy controls and its association with echocardiographic indices of right ventricular functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty HIV (+) patients from infectious disease outpatient clinics and fifty age- and sex-matched HIV (-) healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. pPTT was measured from pulmonary vein flow velocity as the time interval between the R-wave in the electrocardiography and corresponding peak late systolic was then calculated as the mean from two separate pw-Doppler measurements. RESULTS: pPTT, tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricle fractional area change (FAC) were significantly lower in patients with HIV than control patients (177.1 ± 34.9 vs. 215.7 ± 35.7 msn, P < 0.001; 2.33 ± 0.28 vs. 2.19 ± 0.22, P = 0.039; 45 [4.25] vs. 41.1 [4.0], P = 0.032, respectively). pPTT was positively correlated with FAC, TAPSE and cluster of differentiation 4 count (r = 0.210; P = 0.036, r = 0.256; P = 0.041, r = 0.304; P = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that pPTT, TAPSE, and right ventricle FAC levels were lower in patients with HIV infection. pPTT is an important predictor in patients with HIV expected to develop pulmonary vascular pathology.

Assessment of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in patients with psoriasis by speckle tracking echocardiography: A Speckle Tracking Study.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease and is reportedly associated with adverse cardiovascular risks. Left ventricular (LV) function has not been studied comprehensively in psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to study LV mechanics in patients with psoriasis by speckle tracking echocardiography. METHODS: The study population consisted of 40 patients with psoriasis and 35 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Two-dimensional echocardiography images were obtained from LV apical four-chamber (4C), long axis (LAX), and two-chamber (2C) views. Peak longitudinal strain and strain rate were obtained from 4C, LAX, and 2C views. Global strain and strain rate were calculated by averaging data for the three apical views. RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis had significantly lower mean ± standard deviation (SD) 4C (17.1 ± 1.7 vs. 19.2 ± 2.3; P < 0.01), LAX (16.6 ± 1.5 vs. 19.5 ± 2.3; P < 0.01), and 2C (16.5 ± 1.5 vs. 19.4 ± 2.2; P < 0.01) peak longitudinal strain values compared with the control group. Moreover, mean ± SD LV global strain (16.6 ± 1.5 vs. 19.9 ± 2.1; P < 0.01) and strain rate (1.39 ± 0.30 vs. 1.51 ± 0.20; P < 0.01) values were found to be significantly lower in the psoriasis group. In a multiple regression model, global strain was independently associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (ß = 0.29, P = 0.04), duration of disease (ß = 0.35, P < 0.01), ejection fraction (EF) (ß = 0.38, P =0.01), and the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic annular velocity (E/E' ratio) (ß = 0.34, P =0.02). Also, in a multiple regression model, global strain rate was independently associated with duration of disease (ß = 0.36, P < 0.01), EF (ß = 0.32, P = 0.01), and E/E' ratio (ß = 0.35, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Using 2-D strain imaging, we have demonstrated that patients with psoriasis have lower LV functions.

The Investigation of Relationship between Coronary Artery Ectasia, Benign Prostatic Enlargement, and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE). The relation between CAE, BPE, and LUTS has not been studied so far. METHODS: We investigated BPE and LUTS symptoms in 47 men with CAE, 45 men with coronary artery disease (CAD), and 47 male controls with normal coronary arteries. LUTS was evaluated by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). BPE was evaluated with transabdominal ultrasonography. CAD was defined as myocardial infarction and angiographically diagnosed coronary disease. CAE was defined as being without any stenotic lesions with a visual assessment of the coronary arteries showing a luminal dilatation ≥1.5 fold of the adjacent normal coronary segments. RESULTS: Prostate volume was higher in CAE and CAD patients compared with that of the control subjects, respectively (41.0 ± 10.4 vs 33.5 ± 9.4 cm(3); 39.1 ± 10.3 vs 33.5 ± 9.4 cm(3); P = .0001); total IPSS was higher in CAD and CAE patients compared with that of the control subjects (P = .0001). Postmictional residual urine volume was higher in CAE and CAD patients compared with that of the control subjects (P = .002). CONCLUSION: We showed that patients with CAE have higher prostate volume, IPSS, and postmictional residual urine volume compared with those of controls with normal coronary angiograms. This study proposes that BPE, LUTS, and CAE maybe different disorders to a common vascular pathology and endothelial dysfunction. This study showed that BPE and LUTS were frequently seen in CAE at least as much as in CAD. Therefore, LUTS and BPE should be kept in mind for CAE patients in follow-ups.

Relation of fragmented QRS to tissue Doppler-derived parametersin patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

BACKGROUND: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) may pose a risk for cardiovascular diseases due to continuous inflammatory status observed during the course of the disease. Recently, the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) has been recognized as a predictor of myocardial fibrosis. In this study, we aim to investigate the frequency of fQRS and its relation to Doppler-based indices. METHODS: This study consisted of 80 FMF patients and 30 healthy control subjects. fQRS pattern was defined as the presence of additional R waves or RSR', evidenced by notched R or S wave on electrocardiography (ECG). The patient and the control groups underwent conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups regarding age (29 ± 12 vs 29 ± 15). FMF patients exhibited a statistically higher frequency of fQRS (% 56 vs % 13) (p < 0.01). E/Em ratio showed a statistically significant increase in the FMF group with fQRS (p < 0.0001), while the mean Em value was markedly lower (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: FMF patients displayed a statistically significant increase in frequency of fQRS. Doppler-derived diastolic index was statistically significantly impaired in FMF patients with fQRS as compared with the patients without fQRS. In conclusion, fQRS might be a new noninvasive marker for cardiac involvement in FMF patients.

The relationship between coronary collateral circulation and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Our study population consisted of 275 consecutive patients with chronic total occlusion. One hundred and thirty-eight patients with chronic total occlusion were included in the study. They were classified into 2 groups as follows: impaired CCC (group 1: Rentrop grades 0-1) and good CCC (group 2: Rentrop grades 2-3). The NLR was calculated from the complete blood count. RESULTS: The NLR values of the patients with impaired CCC (4.5 ± 0.7) were significantly higher than of those with good CCC (2.7 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression test, NLR (OR 33.36, 95% CI 8.189-135.7, p < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; OR 2.152, 95% CI 1.226-3.777, p = 0.008), estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR 1.167, 95% CI 1.049-1.298, p = 0.004) and systolic blood pressure (OR 1.068, 95% CI 1.009-1.1310, p = 0.025) were independent predictors of impaired CCC. The NLR value >3.55 yielded an area under the curve value of 0.957 (95% CI 0.921-0.992, p < 0.001) and demonstrated a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 90% for the prediction of CCC. A moderate correlation between NLR and hs-CRP was observed (r = 0.443; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that NLR correlates with the impaired development of coronary collaterals.

Effect of remote ischemic postconditioning on left ventricular mechanics.

BACKGROUND: Remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPC) decreases infarct size and prevents left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction. However, there is no study that evaluates the effect of RIPC on LV mechanics assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography. Therefore, we aimed to test the effects of RIPC on LV deformation parameters such as strain, strain rate, rotation, and twist in healthy subjects. METHODS: The study group consisted of 22 healthy subjects. To test the effects of RIPC, 3 cycles of reperfusion followed by ischemia (each lasting 10 or 30 seconds) were applied immediately after 20 minutes of nondominant arm ischemia. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was obtained at baseline and repeated 30 minutes after the completion of these cycles. In TTE images, apical 4-3-2 chamber longitudinal strain (LS)/strain rate, basal and apical circumferential strain/strain rate, and rotational parameters, such as basal rotation, apical rotation, and LV twist, were recorded. RESULTS: Apical 4-3-2 chamber LS and apical circumferential strain/strain rate measurements were comparable before and after RIPC, whereas basal circumferential strain was significantly decreased after RIPC (-23 ± 3.4 vs. -18.9 ± 6.9, P = 0.017). After RIPC, apical rotation was significantly increased (11.6 ± 3.7 vs. 16.7 ± 4.0, P < 0.001) and basal rotation was significantly decreased (-6.1 ± 2.1 vs. -4.7 ± 2.4, P = 0.03).Consequently, net LV twist was significantly increased (17.4 ± 4.5 vs. 21.7 ± 4.7). CONCLUSIONS: We proposed that RIPC affects the rotational mechanics of the heart rather than longitudinal mechanics. These results might give new insights into understanding the favorable effects of the post- conditioning.

Assessment of left ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder, which has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular (CV) risks. Although increased CV risks in psoriasis are well established, there are no data about changes of contraction synchrony in psoriasis. Therefore, we aimed to study the left ventricular (LV) contraction synchrony in patients with psoriasis with narrow QRS and normal ejection fraction. METHODS: Fifty patients with psoriasis and 50 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in the study. LV dyssynchrony was investigated by color-coded tissue Doppler imaging. RESULTS: In the psoriasis group, the mean high-sensitive C-reactive protein values were significantly higher compared with the controls. Peak A velocity, deceleration time, isovolumetric relaxation time, and E/E' values were higher in the psoriasis group; however, E/A ratio and average Em were higher in the control group. LV systolic dyssynchrony parameters [including standard deviation of Ts of the 12 LV segments (Ts-SD-12), maximal difference in Ts between any two of the 12 LV segments, standard deviation of Ts of the six basal LV segments, and maximal difference in Ts between any two of the six basal LV segments] were found to be higher in the psoriasis group. The patients with ventricular dyssynchrony (a Ts-SD-12 >34.4 ms) were higher in the psoriasis group than the control group (34% vs. 6%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with psoriasis with normal ejection fractions and narrow QRS, LV systolic dyssynchrony is an early manifestation of heart involvement and may coexist with diastolic dysfunction.

The development of ventricular fibrillation due to etomidate for anesthetic induction: a very rare side effect, case report / Desenvolvimento de fibrilação ventricular por causa de etomidato para indução anestésica: um efeito colateral muito raro, relato de caso / Desarrollo de fibrilación ventricular debido al etomidato para la inducción anestésica: un efecto colateral muy raro, relato de caso

Background and objectives: Ventricular fibrillation occurring in a patient can result in unexpected complications. Here, our aim is to present a case of ventricular fibrillation occurring immediately after anesthesia induction with etomidate administration. Case report: A fifty-six-year-old female patient with a pre-diagnosis of gallstones was admitted to the operating room for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The induction was performed by etomidate with a bolus dose of 0.3 mg/kg. Severe and fast adduction appeared in the patient's arms immediately after induction. A tachycardia with wide QRS and ventricular rate 188 beat/min was detected on the monitor. The rhythm turned to VF during the preparation of cardioversion. Immediately we performed defibrillation to the patient. Sinus rhythm was obtained. It was decided to postpone the operation due to the patient's unstable condition. Conclusion: In addition to other known side effects of etomidate, very rarely, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation can be also seen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case regarding etomidate causing VF in the literature. .

Justificativa e objetivos: A ocorrência de fibrilação ventricular em um paciente pode resultar em complicações inesperadas. Nosso objetivo é apresentar um caso de fibrilação ventricular que ocorreu após a indução anestésica com administração de etomidato. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo feminino, 56 anos, com pré-diagnóstico de cálculos biliares, foi admitida na sala de cirurgia para colecistectomia laparoscópica. A anestesia foi induzida com a administração de etomidato com uma dose em bolus de 0,3 mg/kg. A paciente apresentou uma grave e rápida adução dos braços logo após a indução. Taquicardia com QRS largo e frequência ventricular de 188 bpm foram detectadas no monitor. O ritmo converteu-se em fibrilação ventricular (FV) durante a preparação para a cardioversão. A paciente foi imediatamente submetida a desfibrilação. O ritmo sinusal foi obtido. Decidimos adiar a cirurgia por causa da condição de instabilidade da paciente. Conclusão: Além dos efeitos secundários conhecidos de etomidato, taquicardia ventricular e fibrilação, embora muito raramente, também podem ser observadas. Até onde sabemos, esse é o primeiro caso na literatura de FV causado por etomidato. .

Justificación y objetivos: La aparición de fibrilación ventricular en un paciente puede originar complicaciones inesperadas. Nuestro objetivo es presentar un caso de fibrilación ventricular que ocurrió después de la inducción anestésica con administración de etomidato. Caso clínico: Paciente del sexo femenino, 56 años, con prediagnóstico de cálculos biliares que entró en quirófano para colecistectomía laparoscópica. La inducción de la anestesia fue realizada con administración de etomidato con una dosis en bolo de 0,3 mg/kg. La paciente presentó una grave y rápida aducción de los brazos inmediatamente después de la inducción. En el monitor se detectó taquicardia con QRS ancho y frecuencia ventricular de 188lpm. El ritmo se convirtió en fibrilación ventricular durante la preparación para la cardioversión. La pacientefue inmediatamente sometida a la desfibrilación. Se logró el ritmo sinusal. Decidimos postergar la cirugía debido a la condición de inestabilidad del paciente. Conclusión: Además de los efectos secundarios conocidos del etomidato también se pueden observar taquicardia ventricular y fibrilación (aunque sea algo muy raro). Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer caso de fibrilación ventricular causado por etomidato en la literatura. .

[The development of ventricular fibrillation due to etomidate for anesthetic induction: a very rare side effect, case report]. / Desenvolvimento de fibrilação ventricular por causa de etomidato para indução anestésica: um efeito colateral muito raro, relato de caso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ventricular fibrillation occurring in a patient can result in unexpected complications. Here, our aim is to present a case of ventricular fibrillation occurring immediately after anesthesia induction with etomidate administration. CASE REPORT: A fifty-six-year-old female patient with a pre-diagnosis of gallstones was admitted to the operating room for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The induction was performed by etomidate with a bolus dose of 0.3mg/kg. Severe and fast adduction appeared in the patient's arms immediately after induction. A tachycardia with wide QRS and ventricular rate 188beat/min was detected on the monitor. The rhythm turned to VF during the preparation of cardioversion. Immediately we performed defibrillation to the patient. Sinus rhythm was obtained. It was decided to postpone the operation due to the patient's unstable condition. CONCLUSION: In addition to other known side effects of etomidate, very rarely, ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation can be also seen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case regarding etomidate causing VF in the literature.

Relation of presence and severity of metabolic syndrome with left atrial mechanics in patients without overt diabetes: a deformation imaging study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate left atrium (LA) function by speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and to show a possible relationship between the severity of MetSyn and LA function and to determine the predictors of low strain in MetSyn patients. METHODS: Our study design was observational and cross-sectional design consisted of 80 MetSyn patients without overt diabetes and 50 controls. The patients were classified into three groups based on the number of MetSyn criteria. The peak LA strain at the end of the ventricular systole (LAs-strain) as well as the LA strain with LA contraction (LAa-strain) was obtained. Correlation analysis performed to assess the association of LA strain parameters with the severity of MetSyn and logistic regression analysis performed to assess the relationship of low LA strain with MetSyn. RESULTS: Both LAs (37.5±8.7 vs. 26.0±10.2, p<0.001) and LAa (19.9±6.3 vs. 13.0±6.4, p<0.001) strain measurements were found to be significantly decreased in patients with MetSyn when compared to the control group. Moreover, both LAs and LAa were found to be significantly decreased with the increasing severity of the MetSyn. A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of MetSyn [OR:0.26 (95% CI 0.06-0.89), p=0.032] and left ventricular ejection fraction [OR:1.14 (95% CI 1.03-1.27), p=0.021] were independent predictors of LAs strain. CONCLUSION: MetSyn is associated with reduced LAs strain and LAa strain representing LA reservoir and pump function, respectively. Furthermore, LA mechanical function decreases even more with the increasing severity of the MetSyn.

Correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio with the presence and severity of metabolic syndrome.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the criteria comprising metabolic syndrome (MS) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a simple and reliable indicator of inflammation. METHOD: Seventy patients with MS and 71 age- and sex-matched control participants were included. Patients were classified into 3 groups based on the number of MS criteria: group 1 (with 3 criteria), group 2 (with 4 criteria), and group 3 (with 5 criteria). The NLR was calculated from complete blood count. RESULTS: Patients with MS had significantly higher NLR compared to the control group. Moreover, the group 3 patients had higher NLR than those in groups 2 and 1 (P = .008 and P = .078, respectively), whereas there was no difference between the patients meeting 3 and 4 MS criteria (P = .320). Besides, NLR increased as the severity of MS increased (r = .586, P < .001). The cutoff level for NLR with optimal sensitivity and specificity was calculated as 1.84. Serum glucose and high-sensitive C-reactive protein level were found to be independent predictors of an NLR value greater than 1.84. CONCLUSION: The present study indicated a significant correlation between the criteria of MS and inflammation on the basis of NLR. Furthermore, there an increase in NLR as the severity of MS increases.

Relation of angiographic thrombus burden with electrocardiographic grade III ischemia in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the association between electrocardiographic (ECG) grade III ischemia and angiographic thrombus burden in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). METHODS: The study population consisted of 307 patients with STEMI. Baseline ECGs of the patients were analyzed for grade III ischemia; angiographic thrombus burden was assessed by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction thrombus classification. RESULTS: A total of 108 (35%) patients had low thrombus burden whereas 199 (65%) patients had high thrombus burden. Grade III ischemia was more prevalent in patients with high thrombus burden (25.1% vs 11.1%, P = .004). Only grade III ischemia (odds ratio: 2.59, 95% confidence interval 1.24-5.39, P = .011) and history of coronary artery disease (CAD) were found to be the independent predictors of high thrombus burden. CONCLUSION: Grade III ischemia on ECG and previous history of CAD were independent predictors of coronary thrombus burden in patients with STEMI who underwent pPCI.