Aortic Arch Calcification Observed on Chest X-Ray May Serve as an Independent Predictor for Recurrent Stroke. / A Calcificação do Arco Aórtico Observada na Radiografia de Tórax Pode Servir Como um Preditor Independente de Acidente Vascular Cerebral Recorrente.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in diagnostic and treatment modalities, there is a need for predictive markers for recurrent strokes. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between aortic arch calcification (AAC) and stroke recurrence in stroke patients during a one-year follow-up. METHODS: All stroke patients who experienced their first event were evaluated for participation in the study. Patients who experienced recurrent strokes during the one-year follow-up were recorded. AAC was assessed by chest radiography. Based on the occurrence of recurrent strokes the patients were divided into two groups. AAC was classified into four categories according to its degree, and the presence of AAC was included in the statistical analysis. The relationship between AAC and recurrent stroke was assessed using a receiver operating characteristic curve. A significance level of <0.05 was deemed acceptable for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients were included in the study (46.8% female, mean age 69±12.3). Recurrent stroke was detected in 49 patients. AAC, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation were more frequent in patients with recurrent stroke. Patients with recurrent stroke had a lower glomerular filtration rate and a higher red cell distribution width (RDW). In multivariate regression analysis, AAC (hazard ratio [HR], 3.544; 95% CI:1.653-7.598, p=0.001) and RDW (HR,1.214; 95% CI:1.053-1.400, p=0.008) were identified as independent predictors of recurrent stroke. CONCLUSION: The presence of AAC (≥ grade 1) and RDW were found to be significantly associated with the development of recurrent stroke within one year. These findings may have prognostic significance in the follow-up of stroke patients.

FUNDAMENTO: Apesar dos avanços nas modalidades de diagnóstico e tratamento, há necessidade de marcadores preditivos para acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) recorrentes. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre calcificação do arco aórtico (CAA) e recorrência de AVC em pacientes com AVC durante o acompanhamento de um ano. MÉTODOS: Todos os pacientes com AVC que sofreram seu primeiro evento foram avaliados para participação no estudo. Foram registrados pacientes que sofreram AVC recorrentes durante o acompanhamento de um ano. A CAA foi avaliada por radiografia de tórax. Com base na ocorrência de AVC recorrente, os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos. A CAA foi classificada em quatro categorias de acordo com o seu grau, e a presença de CAA foi incluída na análise estatística. A relação entre CAA e AVC recorrente foi avaliada por meio de uma curva característica de operação do receptor. Um nível de significância <0,05 foi considerado aceitável para todas as análises estatísticas. RESULTADOS: Um total de 203 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo (46,8% mulheres, média de idade 69±12,3). AVC recorrente foi detectado em 49 pacientes. CAA, hipertensão e fibrilação atrial foram mais frequentes em pacientes com AVC recorrente. Pacientes com AVC recorrente apresentaram menor taxa de filtração glomerular e maior largura de distribuição de glóbulos vermelhos (RDW). Na análise de regressão multivariada, CAA (hazard ratio [HR], 3,544; IC 95%:1,653-7,598, p=0,001) e RDW (HR,1,214; IC 95%:1,053-1,400, p=0,008) foram identificados como preditores independentes de AVC recorrente. CONCLUSÃO: A presença de CAA (≥ grau 1) e RDW foram significativamente associadas ao desenvolvimento de AVC recorrente dentro de um ano. Esses achados podem ter significado prognóstico no acompanhamento de pacientes com AVC.

Aortic Arch Calcification in Predicting Unfavorable Angiographic Outcomes for Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Despite all advances in treatment, no-reflow, large thrombus burden (LTB), and myocardial blush grade (MBG) are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Aortic arch calcification (AAC) is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular events. We aimed to examine the relationship between AAC and unfavorable angiographic outcomes such as no-reflow, MBG, and LTB in STEMI patients undergoing PCI. METHODS: A total of 269 consecutive patients who presented with STEMI and underwent primary PCI were included in the study prospectively. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to AAC degree: Grade 0, Grade 1, and Grade 2/3. Unfavorable angiographic results; They were divided into 2 groups according to whether there was no-reflow, 2 groups as LTB and small TB according to thrombus burden, and 4 groups according to MBG between 0-3. RESULTS: LTB, no-reflow, and MBG 0/1 were significantly higher in the Grade 2/3 AAC group compared to the Grade 0 and Grade 1 groups (all p<0.05). Moreover, Grade2/3 AAC was found to be an independent predictor for LTB, MBG 0/1, and no-reflow (OR = 2.480; 95% CI: 1.398-4.400; p = 0.002, OR = 2.364; 95% CI: 1.296-4.321, p = 0.005, OR= 4.170; 95% CI: 1.671-9.100, p=0.004, respectively). Patients were then classified according to thrombus burden, MBG, and no-reflow status. Grade 2/3 AAC was significantly higher than Grade 0/1 AAC in the LTB, MBG 0/1, and no-reflow groups (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: AAC can be used as a reliable indicator in predicting no-reflow, MBG 0/1, and LTB in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI.

Clinical characteristics of atrial fibrillation in nonagenarian population and relationship with mortality.

BACKGROUND: There is a considerable amount of literature available on well-known risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF); however, available data specifically focused on the ninth decade are scarce. The main objective of this study was to assess the demographic and clinical characteristics of AF and sinus rhythm in a nonagenarian population. METHODS: All individuals aged >90 years who were admitted to the Cardiology outpatient clinic between April 2018 and January 2019 were enrolled in the study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients were recorded. All deaths that occurred during the two-year follow-up period were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 112 nonagenarian individuals were included in the study. Of these patients, 50 (44.6%) had AF. The groups showed similarities in demographic and clinical characteristics. During a mean follow-up period of 596±44 days, 39 patients (78%) in the AF group and 35 patients (56.5%) in the sinus group died. Patients with AF showed a lower overall survival distribution than those with sinus rhythm (P=0.005, log-rank test χ2=7.734). AF was associated with an increased risk of mortality (P=0.002, hazard ratio [HR] =2.104, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.326-3.339) in multivariate Cox regression analysis, while waist circumference and total cholesterol (P=0.003, HR=0.969, 95% CI=0.949-0.989 and P=0.046, HR=0.993, 95% CI=0.986-1.000, respectively) showed a decreased risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Atrial fibrillation is very common in individuals over the age of 90 years (44.6%). Well-known risk factors do not appear to be effective in this age group, and AF is associated with a 2.1-fold increase in the risk of mortality.

The Prognostic Value of the Triglyceride-Glucose Index in Forecasting Ten-Year Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Non-Diabetic Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) over a ten-year period in non-diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We included 375 consecutive non-diabetic patients presenting with acute MI who underwent primary PCI. The TyG index was calculated and patients were divided based on a cut-off value of ≥ 8.84 into high and low TyG index groups. The incidence of MACE, including all-cause mortality, target vessel revascularization, reinfarction, and rehospitalization for heart failure, was assessed over 10 years. RESULTS: Over the next 10 years, patients who underwent PCI for acute MI experienced a significantly higher incidence of MACE in the group with a high TyG index (≥ 8.84) (P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis revealed that the TyG index independently predicted MACE in these patients [odds ratio = 1.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22-2.21; P = 0.002]. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the TyG index effectively predicted MACE in patients with acute MI following PCI, with an area under the curve of 0.562 (95% CI: 0.503-0.621; P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: This study established a correlation between high TyG index levels and an elevated risk of MACE in non-diabetic patients with acute MI. The findings suggest that the TyG index could be a reliable indicator of clinical outcomes for non-diabetic acute MI patients undergoing PCI.

Intraoperative Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a rare condition associated with transient akinesia of apical segments and hyperkinesia of basal segments of the heart. Although several mechanisms have been proposed to cause direct and indirect myocardial damage owing to catecholamine excess, the underlying pathophysiology remains unknown. An 18-year-old female was referred to our otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic for a septorhinoplasty. Apart from the fear of surgery, the patient had no other health issues. After the administration of local anesthesia (lidocaine and epinephrine mix), tachycardia storms occurred and soon ended with cardiac collapse. Further evaluation revealed TTC. TTC should be considered, especially in cases of treatment-resistant hemodynamic problems after cardiac resuscitation, and nurses can play a crucial role during the preanesthetic period in helping the patient cope with the stress factors related to the upcoming surgery.

Evaluation of the relationship between para-aortic adipose tissue and ascending aortic diameter using a new method.

BACKGROUND: Para-aortic adipose tissue (PAT) is the local adipose tissue that externally surrounds the aorta. It contributes significantly to aortic atherosclerosis and enlargement. Studies conducted with computed tomography and magnetic resonance have shown that individuals with aortic aneurysm had more PAT than healthy individuals. In this study, we measured PAT using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The aim of this study is to investigate the possible relationship of TTE measured PAT with ascending aortic width. METHODS: PAT was defined as the hypoechoic space in front of ascending aortic 2 cm above the sinotubular junction at the end of the systole. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of dilatation in the ascending aorta using Roman's classification (aortic size index, ASI). ASI of less than 21 was considered no aortic dilation and an ASI of 21 mm/m2 or greater was considered to have aortic dilation. RESULTS: A total of 321 unselected patients were divided into the ascending aortic dilatation (AAD) group (n = 96) and the normal ascending aorta diameter group (n = 225 patients). PAT was significantly higher in the AAD group compared with the non-ADD group (0.9 (0.48) vs. 0.7 (0.91) mm, p < 0.0001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PAT (OR: 3.005, 95%CI (1.445-6.251)) were significantly associated with AAD. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study which evaluated PAT measured by TTE. We found a significant association between PAT measured by TTE and ascending aorta width.

A new and simple parameter for diagnosis pulmonary edema: Expiratory air humidity.

PURPOSE: Acute pulmonary edema is characterized by increased levels of fluid in the interstitial and alveolar space of the lung and requires emergency treatment. In acute pulmonary edema, the amount of fluid in the intra-alveolar, interstitial space, and pleural space vary considerably and this fluid will evaporate in different amounts compared to the physiological fluid. The aim of this study was to compare the humidity rates of expiratory air measured before and after pulmonary edema induced by α-naphthylthiourea (ANTU) in rats. METHODS: The study included twenty healthy adult rats divided equally into a healthy control group and a pulmonary edema group. Pulmonary edema was induced by administering ANTU intraperitoneally in the rats in the study group. Humidity, temperature, lung weight, pleural effusion, and histopathological changes in the respiratory system due to pulmonary edema were examined in the ANTU group. Control measurments were taken before administration of ANTU and again 4 h after administration of ANTU when lung damage was considred to be at maximum levels. RESULTS: Mean expiratory air humidity was 71.22±3.59% before ANTU and 56.28±3.94% after administration of ANTU. The mean humidity difference of -14.94±5.96% was considered statistically different (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Humidity rate in expiratory air was significantly lower in rats with acute pulmonary edema compared to healthy rats. This result supports the hypothesis that humidity in expiratory air can be considered an important parameter in patients during clinical are follow-up for pulmonary edema.

The diagnostic value of 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography for identifying subclinical ventricular dysfunction in subjects with early repolarization pattern.

INTRODUCTION: Early repolarization pattern (ERP) can exist a silent substrate for arrhytmic events in accordance with the previous studies which have shown there has been evidence of morphological changes in left ventricle (LV) in ERP subjects. Despite structural changes in ERP subjects, it has not exactly known whether a change in LV functional parameters occur in ERP. The aim of our study was to investigate LV functional parameters in ERP athletes evaluated by 2D- speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). METHOD: In this study, athletes with ERP (n = 50) and athletes without ERP (n = 50) were recruited between April 2018 and September 2018. For each case, 2D- TTE and 2D- STE evaluation were performed by the same cardiologist. RESULTS: Left ventricle mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) (P < .001) and GLS at all apical chamber views (P < .001), longitudinal peak systolic strain rate (SRS) at A3C (P: .011), early diastolic strain rate (SRE) at A3C (P < .001) and late diastolic strain rate (SRA) at A3C (P: .034) in the ERP athletes were significantly lower than those in the athletes without ERP. LV basal segment circumferential SRS (P: .002) and SRE (P: .006) were significantly lower in ERP athletes compared to athletes without ERP. LV mechanical dispersion was significantly higher in ERP athletes compared to athletes without ERP (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests ERP can be more associated with impaired LV longitudinal function than circumferential function. In addition, both LV inferolateral region and basal segment can be more affected functionally in ERP athletes.

Aortic arch calcification: a novel parameter for prediction of masked hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Masked hypertension is directly related to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality but remains underdiagnosed in clinical practice. The aim of the study was to search the role of aortic arch calcification (AAC) in the diagnosis of masked hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among the patients who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in our clinic, those with office blood pressure (OBP) <140/90 mmHg were included in the study population. According to OBP, they were divided into two groups as normal (<130/85 mmHg) and high normal (130-139/85-89 mmHg) OBP groups. Subjects were also investigated for the presence of masked hypertension with ABPM and searched in masked hypertension and control groups. Masked hypertension was defined as in the latest 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension guideline and was diagnosed as the daytime BP ≥ 135/85 mmHg and nighttime BP ≥ 120/70 mmHg. AAC was evaluated on direct X-ray telecardiography. Diagnosis of masked hypertension was searched depending on the presence of AAC and OBP measurements as well. A total of 216 volunteers were involved in the study [mean age 45.2 ± 12.2 years; female gender 120 (55.5%)]. One hundred ten volunteers (50.9%) had masked hypertension according to the ABPM. AAC was significantly more common in the masked hypertension group (44.5% vs. 26.4%) (P = 0.005). AAC had a positive predictive value of 79% in those with high normal OBP in the diagnosis of masked hypertension, and also AAC had a negative predictive value of 74% in those with normal OBP. CONCLUSION: AAC can be used as a reliable diagnostic tool to exclude and predict masked hypertension during office examination.

Could aortic arch calcification help in detection of hypertensive retinopathy?

OBJECTIVE: Hypertension-induced end-organ damage is one of the important determinants of morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension. All types of hypertension-induced end-organ damages start with vascular damage. Vascular calcification is a marker of vascular damage and aortic arch calcification (AAC) is one of the easily identifiable types of vascular calcification. We hypothesized that AAC predicts retinopathy in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Consecutive hypertensive patients without diabetes mellitus were included. Chest radiography in the posterior-anterior was used to assess the presence of AAC. All patients underwent ophthalmologic examination for retinopathy. RESULTS: We included 495 hypertensive patients in this study. Of these, 306 (62%) had hypertensive retinopathy. Patients with hypertensive retinopathy had significantly higher prevalence of AAC as compared to the patients without hypertensive retinopathy (88% vs. 22%, P < 0.001). We found a strong and positive correlation between hypertensive retinopathy and AAC grades (r = 639, P < 0.001). Receiver operator characteristics curve analysis yielded a strong predictive ability of AAC for the presence of hypertensive retinopathy [area under curve = 0.814, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.775-0.853, P < 0.0001]. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, presence of AAC [odds ratio (OR) 13.128; CI: 7.894-21.832] and serum glucose levels (OR 1.020; CI: 1.003-1.037) were strongly and independently associated with hypertensive retinopathy. CONCLUSION: Presence of AAC on chest radiograph is strongly and independently associated with retinopathy in nondiabetic hypertensive patients. This simple, inexpensive and widely available tool may help in early detection of retinopathy in patients with hypertension.

Aortic Arch Calcification on Routine Chest Radiography is Strongly and Independently Associated with Non-Dipper Blood Pressure Pattern / A Calcificação no Arco Aórtico na Radiografia de Tórax de Rotina está Forte e Independentemente Associada ao Padrão Não-Dipper de Pressão Arterial

Abstract Background: Non-dipper blood pressure (NDBP) is one of the important causes of hypertension-related target organ damage and future cardiovascular events. Currently, there is no practical tool to predict NDBP pattern. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aortic arch calcification (AAC) on chest radiography and NDBP pattern. Methods: All patients referred for ambulatory BP monitoring test were approached for the study participation. NDBP was defined as the reduction of ≤10% in nighttime systolic BP as compared to the daytime values. AAC was evaluated with chest radiography and inter-observer agreement was analyzed by using kappa statistics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association of AAC and NDBP pattern. A 2-tailed p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 406 patients (median age: 51.3) were included. Of these, 261(64%) had NDBP pattern. Overall, the prevalence of AAC was 230 (57%). Non-dipper group had significantly higher prevalence of AAC (70% vs. 33%, p < 0.0001) as compared to the dipper group. Presence of AAC was a strong and independent predictor of NDBP pattern (OR 3.919, 95%CI 2.39 to 6.42) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Presence of AAC on plain chest radiography is strongly and independently associated with the presence of NDBP pattern.

Resumo Fundamento: A pressão arterial não-dipper é uma das causas mais importantes de lesão de órgão-alvo da hipertensão e de eventos cardiovasculares futuros. Atualmente, não há uma ferramenta prática para prever o padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a relação entre a calcificação no arco aórtico detectada no raio de tórax e o padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial. Métodos: Todos os pacientes encaminhados para monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial foram abordados para participação no estudo. A pressão arterial não-dipper foi definida como a redução de ≤10% da pressão arterial sistólica noturna quando comparada com os valores diários. A calcificação no arco aórtico foi avaliada através de radiografia do tórax e a concordância interobservador foi analisada utilizando a estatística kappa. Análises de regressão logística uni e multivariada foram realizadas para avaliar a associação entre a calcificação no AA e o padrão PADV. Valores de p bicaudais < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Ao todo, 406 pacientes (idade mediana: 51,3) foram incluídos. Desses, 261(64%) apresentavam padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial. De modo geral, a prevalência de calcificação no arco aórtico foi de 230 (57%). O grupo não-dipper apresentou prevalência significativamente maior de calcificação no arco aórtico (70% vs. 33%, p < 0,0001) em relação ao grupo dipper. A presença de calcificação no arco aórtico foi um preditor forte e independente de padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial (OR = 3,919; IC: 95% 2,39-6,42) em análise multivariada. Conclusões: A presença de calcificação no arco aórtico em raio-x de tórax simples está forte e independentemente associada à presença de padrão não-dipper de pressão arterial.

Aortic Arch Calcification on Routine Chest Radiography is Strongly and Independently Associated with Non-Dipper Blood Pressure Pattern.

BACKGROUND: Non-dipper blood pressure (NDBP) is one of the important causes of hypertension-related target organ damage and future cardiovascular events. Currently, there is no practical tool to predict NDBP pattern. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aortic arch calcification (AAC) on chest radiography and NDBP pattern. METHODS: All patients referred for ambulatory BP monitoring test were approached for the study participation. NDBP was defined as the reduction of ≤10% in nighttime systolic BP as compared to the daytime values. AAC was evaluated with chest radiography and inter-observer agreement was analyzed by using kappa statistics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association of AAC and NDBP pattern. A 2-tailed p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 406 patients (median age: 51.3) were included. Of these, 261(64%) had NDBP pattern. Overall, the prevalence of AAC was 230 (57%). Non-dipper group had significantly higher prevalence of AAC (70% vs. 33%, p < 0.0001) as compared to the dipper group. Presence of AAC was a strong and independent predictor of NDBP pattern (OR 3.919, 95%CI 2.39 to 6.42) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of AAC on plain chest radiography is strongly and independently associated with the presence of NDBP pattern.

Relationship between ST-Segment Shifts in Lead aVR and Coronary Complexity in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: ST-segment shifts in lead aVR are associated with increased coronary atherosclerosis. However, there is insufficient data about the relationship between ST-segment shifts in lead aVR and coronary complexity. The aim of this study was to investigate this relationship. METHODS: This prospective, observational study included 236 patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent coronary angiography. Electrocardiograms on presentation were reviewed in terms of ST-segment shifts in lead aVR. Inter-observer agreement was analyzed using kappa statistics for the presence of aVR lead ST segment shifts. The patients were divided into two groups according to their Sx scores (≤ 22 and > 22). RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 62.19 ± 12 years. Eighty-seven patients (37%) had complex coronary artery disease as defined by intermediate-high Sx scores, and 130 patients (55%) had ST-segment shifts in lead aVR. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, ST-segment elevation or depression ≥ 1 mm were independently associated with intermediate-high Sx scores. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute coronary syndrome, the presence of ST-segment elevation or depression ≥ 1 mm in lead aVR may indicate coronary complexity.

A strong and reliable indicator for early postoperative major cardiac events after elective orthopedic surgery: Aortic arch calcification.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular events after orthopedic surgery may result in mortality. Therefore, predictors of early cardiovascular events after elective orthopedic surgery are required. AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between aortic arch calcification and 30-day major adverse cardiac events following elective orthopedic surgery. METHODS: Patients who had undergone orthopedic surgery were screened. Preoperative detailed anamnesis was taken. Echocardiography and standard chest x-ray were performed.Patients were followed in terms of perioperative 30-days major cardiac events and were classified into two groups according to development of perioperative major adverse cardiac events.Aortic arch calcification was evaluated by two cardiologists, blinded to study findings and was graded as 0 to 3 on chest x-ray. RESULTS: A total of 1060 patients were approached for the study participation. Of these 714 were included in the study (mean age: 70.43, 65% female). Cardiovascular events occurred in 33 patients. As compared to the patients without cardiac events, the prevalence of aortic arch calcification, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and smoking were higher in patients with cardiac events. In addition, Lee index, left ventricular end-systolic, end-diastolic and left atrial diameter were significantly higher, GFR values were significantly lower in the group with cardiac events.Multivariate regression analysis showed that smoking (OR 5.031, 95% CI 1.602 to 15.794), presence of hypertension (OR 5.133, 95% CI 1.297 to 20.308) and aortic arch calcification (OR 6.920, 95% CI 3.890 to 12.310) are independent predictors of major cardiac events within 30-day of elective orthopedic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of aortic arch calcification is associated with development of major cardiac events within 30-days after elective orthopedic surgery.

Development of Pacemaker Lead Thrombosis in a Patient with Atrial Fibrillation during Apixaban Treatment.

Apixaban was introduced in clinical use for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation as an alternative to warfarin. There is a dearth of information regarding apixaban use in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation with intracardiac foreign bodies such as pacemaker leads. In this report, we describe a 72-year-old female patient with a complaint of weakness in both legs of a few days' duration. She was detected to have a thrombus over the pacemaker lead and inside the left atrial appendage during apixaban treatment. After the discontinuation of apixaban and the commencement of warfarin, the thrombus was resolved. Our case is the first report to show that apixaban treatment (5 mg, twice daily) may not prevent the development of pacemaker lead thrombosis in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Relationship between Aortic Arch Calcification, Detected by Chest X-Ray, and Renal Resistive Index in Patients with Hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Aortic arch calcification (AAC) is a surrogate marker for arterial stiffness and hypertension-related vascular damage. Renal resistive index (RRI), a renal Doppler ultrasonography parameter, is used to assess renal hemodynamics. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between RRI and AAC in patients with hypertension. METHODS: Patients with hypertension underwent a chest X-ray and re nal Doppler ultrasonography. They were divided into two groups according to RRI (group 1: RRI ≥0.70; group 2: RRI < 0.70). Two examiners, blinded to the findings of RRI, reviewed the AAC in these patients. The kappa value was detected to be 0.781 and a p value < 0.001 was considered significant. RESULTS: The study included 289 hypertensive patients (mean age 63.87 ± 11.38 years). In 53.6% (n = 155) of the study subjects, RRI was observed to be ≥0.70. Patients with RRI ≥70 were older and had more prevalent AAC as well as left ventricular hypertrophy. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to test whether presence of AAC significantly predicted RRI. The results of the regression analysis indicated that presence of AAC significantly predicted RRI (ß = 0.053; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A strong and independent relationship was found between AAC on chest X-ray and RRI in patients with hypertension.

Pregbalin induced recurrent syncopal attacks with prolong QT interval.

Long QT syndrome may lead to fatal dysrhythmia. Prolongation of QT interval due to pregabalin has been shown in rats and no data is available in humans. We report a 80-year-old female patient using pregabalin. She was presented to emergency room with syncope attacks. Her admission electrocardiography demonstrated prolonged QT interval. After excluding the possible causes of the long QT syndrome, we attributed prolonged QT interval to pregabalin therapy. After discontinuation of pregabalin QT interval returned to normal range and patient experienced no further syncope attacks. It is first time for documentation of prolonged QT due to pregabalin in humans.

Newly developed left ventricular apical thrombus under dabigatran treatment.

: Left ventricular (LV) thrombi are mostly formed in the aneurysmal or akinetic segment of the LV apex. Thromboembolism to the brain is usually fatal. There is not enough information available regarding the use of these new oral anticoagulant agents in LV thrombi. In this case, we present a 56-year-old male patient who was given dabigatran (150 mg, twice a day) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after experiencing anterior myocardial infarction. During the use of dabigatran, thrombus formation, which was not present earlier, was observed in the LV apical aneurysm. The dabigatran treatment discontinued and warfarin was initiated and, in the follow-ups, the thrombus was observed to shrink, and complete resolution was seen 6 weeks after treatment with warfarin. The patient did not experience any thromboembolic event. Our case is the first report showing that the treatment of dabigatran 150 mg may not prevent LV thrombus development.