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1.
Eur J Clin Invest ; 54(6): e14193, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38481088

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on patients with chronic lung disease (CLD) presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We aimed to analyse baseline characteristics, treatment and outcome of those patients enrolled in the Swiss nationwide prospective AMIS Plus registry. METHODS: All AMI patients enrolled between January 2002 and December 2021 with data on CLD, as defined in the Charlson Comorbidity Index, were included. The primary endpoints were in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), defined as all-cause death, reinfarction and cerebrovascular events. Baseline characteristics, in-hospital treatments and outcomes were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 53,680 AMI patients enrolled during this time, 5.8% had CLD. Compared with patients without CLD, CLD patients presented more frequently with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and type 2 MI (12.8% vs. 6.5%, p < 0.001). With respect to treatment, CLD patients were less likely to receive P2Y12 inhibitors (p < 0.001) and less likely to undergo percutaneous coronary interventions (68.7% vs. 82.5%; p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality declined in AMI patients with CLD over time (from 12% in 2002 to 7.3% in 2021). Multivariable regression analysis showed that CLD was an independent predictor for MACCE (adjusted OR was 1.28 [95% CI 1.07-1.52], p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Patients with CLD and AMI were less likely to receive evidence-based pharmacologic treatments, coronary revascularization and had a higher incidence of MACCE during their hospital stay compared to those without CLD. Over 20 years, in-hospital mortality was significantly reduced in AMI patients, especially in those with CLD.


Subject(s)
Hospital Mortality , Myocardial Infarction , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , Registries , Humans , Female , Male , Aged , Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology , Myocardial Infarction/therapy , Middle Aged , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/statistics & numerical data , Chronic Disease , Switzerland/epidemiology , Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction/therapy , Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology , Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction/mortality , Purinergic P2Y Receptor Antagonists/therapeutic use , Aged, 80 and over , Lung Diseases/epidemiology , Cerebrovascular Disorders/epidemiology , Cerebrovascular Disorders/therapy , Recurrence , Treatment Outcome , Cause of Death
2.
Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med ; 28(1): 117, 2020 Dec 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33317595

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Multiple trauma in mountain environments may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared to urban environments. OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence based guidance to assist rescuers in multiple trauma management in mountain environments. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: All articles published on or before September 30th 2019, in all languages, were included. Articles were searched with predefined search terms. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and hand searching of relevant studies from the reference list of included articles. CHARTING METHODS: Evidence was searched according to clinically relevant topics and PICO questions. RESULTS: Two-hundred forty-seven articles met the inclusion criteria. Recommendations were developed and graded according to the evidence-grading system of the American College of Chest Physicians. The manuscript was initially written and discussed by the coauthors. Then it was presented to ICAR MedCom in draft and again in final form for discussion and internal peer review. Finally, in a face-to-face discussion within ICAR MedCom consensus was reached on October 11th 2019, at the ICAR fall meeting in Zakopane, Poland. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple trauma management in mountain environments can be demanding. Safety of the rescuers and the victim has priority. A crABCDE approach, with haemorrhage control first, is central, followed by basic first aid, splinting, immobilisation, analgesia, and insulation. Time for on-site medical treatment must be balanced against the need for rapid transfer to a trauma centre and should be as short as possible. Reduced on-scene times may be achieved with helicopter rescue. Advanced diagnostics (e.g. ultrasound) may be used and treatment continued during transport.


Subject(s)
Emergency Medicine , Evidence-Based Medicine , Mountaineering/injuries , Multiple Trauma/therapy , Rescue Work , Advisory Committees , Emergency Medical Services , Humans , Internationality
3.
Neth Heart J ; 22(3): 115-21, 2014 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24338787

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Heart failure (HF) management is complicated by difficulties in clinical assessment. Biomarkers may help guide HF management, but the correspondence between clinical evaluation and biomarker serum levels has hardly been studied. We investigated the correlation between biomarkers and clinical signs and symptoms, the influence of patient characteristics and comorbidities on New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and the effect of using biomarkers on clinical evaluation. METHODS AND RESULTS: This post-hoc analysis comprised 622 patients (77 ± 8 years, 76 % NYHA class ≥3, 80 % LVEF ≤45 %) participating in TIME-CHF, randomising patients to either NT-proBNP-guided or symptom-guided therapy. Biomarker measurements and clinical evaluation were performed at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. NT-proBNP, GDF-15, hs-TnT and to a lesser extent hs-CRP and cystatin-C were weakly correlated to NYHA, oedema, jugular vein distension and orthopnoea (ρ-range: 0.12-0.33; p < 0.01). NT-proBNP correlated more strongly to NYHA class in the NT-proBNP-guided group compared with the symptom-guided group. NYHA class was significantly influenced by age, body mass index, anaemia, and the presence of two or more comorbidities. CONCLUSION: In HF, biomarkers correlate only weakly with clinical signs and symptoms. NYHA classification is influenced by several comorbidities and patient characteristics. Clinical judgement seems to be influenced by a clinician's awareness of NT-proBNP concentrations.

4.
Praxis (Bern 1994) ; 98(19): 1059-66, 2009 Sep 23.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19774513

ABSTRACT

Tests for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) rely on two main diagnostic principles, that is direct visualisation of coronary anatomy or detection of stress-induced myocardial ischaemia. Whether a given test is useful for the patient's management critically depends on the clinical context, that is pre-test probability for significant CAD. Not every test is suitable for every patient. Non-invasive tests have the highest diagnostic yield in patients with chest pain and intermediate pre-test probability. In these patients, tests typically confirm the presence of CAD or make it highly unlikely. In patients with low or high pre-test probability, non-invasive tests provide hardly any added diagnostic information. However, in patients with high pre-test probability of CAD, non-invasive tests are helpful for risk stratification. In asymptomatic patients, there is no established indication for any tests apart from calculation of a global cardiovascular risk based on traditional risk factors and initiation of primary preventive measures if appropriate.


Subject(s)
Angina Pectoris/diagnosis , Coronary Disease/diagnosis , Coronary Stenosis/diagnosis , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Coronary Angiography , Echocardiography , Electrocardiography , Exercise Test , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Myocardial Ischemia/diagnosis , Myocardial Ischemia/physiopathology , Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/diagnosis
5.
Praxis (Bern 1994) ; 98(19): 1067-74, 2009 Sep 23.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19774514

ABSTRACT

The principle of exercise stress test and myocardial perfusions scintigraphy (MPS) is based on the detection of exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia by ECG and non-invasive assessment of myocardial perfusion respectively, MPS being the more sensitive method. The exercise stress test is the method of choice in patients with a normal resting ECG and good exercise tolerance, whereas MPS is a suitable test for patients with abnormal resting ECG and/or exercise intolerance. Stressors for MPS included exercise, pharmacological stress, or a combination. Both exercise stress test and MPS are suitable for the evaluation of patients with chest pain and intermediate pre-test probability of significant coronary artery disease. For patients with high pre-test probability, both tests are helpful for risk stratification. Neither test makes sense for the evaluation of patients with chest pain and low pre-test probability of significant coronary artery disease or unselected asymptomatic patients.


Subject(s)
Coronary Disease/diagnosis , Electrocardiography , Exercise Test , Myocardial Ischemia/diagnosis , Radionuclide Imaging , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Chest Pain/etiology , Diagnosis, Differential , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Risk Factors
6.
Praxis (Bern 1994) ; 98(19): 1075-81, 2009 Sep 23.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19774515

ABSTRACT

The diagnostic principle of stress echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease is based on the visualisation of ischaemia-induced wall motion abnormalities. From a logistic point of view, stress echocardiography is the easiest test given that it can be performed at bedside. Both stress echocardiography and stress CMR also permit direct visualisation of myocardial perfusion at rest and during pharmacological stress (typically adenosine) using contrast administration (microbubbles for stress echocardiography, gadolinium for stress CMR). These novel methods for the visualisation of myocardial perfusion seem to provide information similar to that obtained using myocardial perfusion imaging but these techniques (particularly myocardial perfusion echocardiography) are not broadly established in daily practice yet. Similar to other non-invasive tests stress echocardiography and stress CMR have the highest diagnostic yield in patients with intermediate probability of significant coronary artery disease.


Subject(s)
Coronary Disease/diagnosis , Echocardiography, Stress , Electrocardiography , Image Enhancement , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cardiotonic Agents , Contrast Media , Dobutamine , Exercise Test , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Referral and Consultation , Risk Factors
7.
Praxis (Bern 1994) ; 98(19): 1083-90, 2009 Sep 23.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19774516

ABSTRACT

Invasive coronary angiography and computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography directly visualise coronary anatomy but do not provide information about the presence of inducible myocardial ischaemia. Due to its excellent negative predictive value CT coronary angiography is a suitable test to exclude significant coronary artery disease. However, given its high rate of false positive results particularly in the presence of significant coronary calcification CT coronary angiography only rarely is a real alternative to invasive coronary angiography in clinical practice. The coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a surrogate for the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and a possible marker of biological age but does not provide any anatomical or pathophysiological information. In asymptomatic patients a CACS of zero is associated with a very low likelihood of a significant coronary stenosis and a good prognosis. However, this is not the case in symptomatic patients, and thus, CACS does not play a significant role in the diagnostic work-up in symptomatic patients in daily routine.


Subject(s)
Coronary Angiography , Coronary Disease/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Calcinosis/diagnostic imaging , Coronary Stenosis/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Myocardial Contraction/physiology , Myocardial Ischemia/diagnostic imaging , Oxygen Consumption/physiology , Prognosis , Sensitivity and Specificity
8.
J Intern Med ; 265(5): 604-15, 2009 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19226375

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-terminal-pro-endothelin-1 (CT-proET-1) to predict a severely impaired peak oxygen consumption (peak VO(2), < 14 mL kg(-1) min(-1)) in patients referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. METHODS: Peak VO(2), BNP and CT-proET-1 were assessed in 141 consecutive patients referred for cardiopulmonary exercise testing. RESULTS: B-type natriuretic peptide [median (interquartile range) 48 (38-319) vs. 33 (15-86) pg mL(-1); P = 0.002] and CT-proET-1 [87 (76-95) vs. 60 (52-74) pmol L(-1); P < 0.001] were higher in patients with a peak VO(2) < 14 mL kg(-1) min(-1) (n = 30) than in those with a peak VO(2) > or = 14 mL kg(-1) min(-1) (n = 111). CT-pro-ET-1 had a higher area under the receiver-operator-characteristics curve (AUC) to predict a peak VO(2) < 14 mL kg(-1) min(-1) than BNP (0.79 vs. 0.68; P = 0.04). The optimal BNP cut-off of 37.2 pg mL(-1) had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 56%. The optimal CT-proET-1 cut-off of 74.4 pmol L(-1) had a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 76%. A five-item score composed of body mass index, diabetes, forced expiratory volume within the first second, alveolo-arterial oxygen pressure difference, and BNP had an AUC of 0.88 to predict a peak VO(2) < 14 mL kg(-1) min(-1). Adding CT-proET-1 to the score resulted in an AUC of 0.92. CONCLUSIONS: C-terminal-pro-endothelin-1 is superior to BNP for the prediction of a peak VO(2) < 14 mL kg(-1) min(-1) in patients referred for CPET. A score incorporating body mass index, diabetes status, spirometry, blood gases, BNP and CT-proET-1 improves the prediction of a peak VO(2) < 14 mL kg(-1) min(-1) based on single biomarkers.


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism , Endothelin-1/blood , Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood , Oxygen Consumption , Peptide Fragments/blood , Protein Precursors/blood , Aged , Area Under Curve , Biomarkers/blood , Body Mass Index , Cardiovascular Diseases/blood , Cross-Sectional Studies , Diabetes Complications/blood , Exercise Test , Female , Forced Expiratory Volume , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Oxygen/blood , Risk Assessment , Sensitivity and Specificity
9.
Int J Sports Med ; 29(8): 658-63, 2008 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18516766

ABSTRACT

Maximal exercise capacity expressed as metabolic equivalents (METs) is rarely directly measured (measured METs; mMETs) but estimated from maximal workload (estimated METs; eMETs). We assessed the accuracy of predicting mMETs by eMETs in asymptomatic subjects. Thirty-four healthy volunteers without cardiovascular risk factors (controls) and 90 patients with at least one risk factor underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing using individualized treadmill ramp protocols. The equation of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) was employed to calculate eMETs. Despite a close correlation between eMETs and mMETs (patients: r = 0.82, controls: r = 0.88; p < 0.001 for both), eMETs were higher than mMETs in both patients [11.7 (8.9 - 13.4) vs. 8.2 (7.0 - 10.6) METs; p < 0.001] and controls [17.0 (16.2 - 18.2) vs. 15.6 (14.2 - 17.0) METs; p < 0.001]. The absolute [2.5 (1.6 - 3.7) vs. 1.3 (0.9 - 2.1) METs; p < 0.001] and the relative [28 (19 - 47) vs. 9 (6 - 14) %; p < 0.001] difference between eMETs and mMETs was higher in patients. In patients, ratio limits of agreement of 1.33 (*/ divided by 1.40) between eMETs and mMETs were obtained, whereas the ratio limits of agreement were 1.09 (*/ divided by 1.13) in controls. The ACSM equation is associated with a significant overestimation of mMETs in young and fit subjects, which is markedly more pronounced in older and less fit subjects with cardiovascular risk factors.


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases/physiopathology , Energy Metabolism , Exercise Test , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Oxygen Consumption/physiology , Reference Values , Risk Factors , Statistics, Nonparametric
10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18280775

ABSTRACT

In the present work, the multivariate kinetic complexation of a new synthesized ligand, 1-(2''-hydroxyl cyclohexyl)-3'-[aminopropyl]-4-[3'-aminopropyl]piperazine (Pizda) and Cu(2+) in 50% ethanol-water solution is investigated using the UV-vis stopped-flow technique and state-of-the-art multi-wavelength numerical analysis. Model-based least squares fitting analysis or hard modeling is a specific part of chemometrics which is based on mathematical relationships for describing the measurements. Some recent developments include the incorporation of the effects of non-ideal experimental conditions into the fitting algorithm so it can substantially simplify experimental procedures. In this study no buffers are required because pH changes are taken into computations. Some 21 multi-wavelength kinetic measurements, taken at various initial concentrations of [H(+)] were analyzed globally, i.e. simultaneously applying an all inclusive reaction mechanism and a common set of species spectra. Using numerical analysis, the pH of the experimental solutions was allowed to vary as a consequence of the proceeding reactions. This enabled the complete kinetic analysis of the formation and dissociation of Cu(Pizda)(n+). Here protonation equilibria have been directly incorporated into the rate law, so thus variable pH values have been allowed during each measurement. Using the independently estimated stability constants (from spectrophotometric and potentiometric measurements) for the Cu(Pizda)(n+) complexes, a total of six rate constants and one protonation constant could be elucidated. The results of the analysis include the concentration distribution and spectra of all chemical species involved in the reaction. A low standard deviation and residual profiles obtained validate the results.


Subject(s)
Copper/chemistry , Cyclohexanols/chemistry , Models, Chemical , Piperazines/chemistry , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Kinetics , Piperazine , Protons , Spectrophotometry
11.
Br J Cancer ; 98(2): 300-8, 2008 Jan 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18182992

ABSTRACT

Twenty-one adult patients were randomised to receive ghrelin on days 1 and 8 and placebo on days 4 and 11 or vice versa, given intravenously over a 60-min period before lunch: 10 received 2 microg kg(-1) (lower-dose) ghrelin; 11 received 8 microg kg(-1) (upper-dose) ghrelin. Active and total ghrelin, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels were monitored at baseline (4-5 days before day 1), during treatment days, and at end of study (day 17/18). Drug-related adverse events (assessed by NCI-CTC-toxicity criteria and cardiac examination) did not differ between ghrelin and placebo. No grade 3/4 toxicity or stimulation of tumour growth was observed. The peak increase of GH, a biological marker of ghrelin action, was 25 ng ml(-1) with lower-dose and 42 ng ml(-1) with upper-dose ghrelin. Morning fasting total ghrelin levels were higher (P<0.05) for upper-dose patients at end of study (3580 pg ml(-1)) than at baseline (990 pg ml(-1)). Insulin-like growth factor 1 levels did not change. At day 8, 81% of patients preferred ghrelin to placebo as against 63% at the end of study. Nutritional intake and eating-related symptoms, measured to explore preliminary efficacy, did not differ between ghrelin and placebo. Ghrelin is well tolerated and safe in patients with advanced cancer. For safety, tolerance, and patients' preference for treatment, no difference was observed between the lower- and upper-dose group.


Subject(s)
Anorexia/drug therapy , Cachexia/drug therapy , Ghrelin/administration & dosage , Ghrelin/pharmacokinetics , Neoplasms/complications , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Algorithms , Anorexia/etiology , Cachexia/etiology , Cross-Over Studies , Double-Blind Method , Female , Ghrelin/adverse effects , Humans , Infusions, Intravenous , Male , Middle Aged , Placebos
12.
Praxis (Bern 1994) ; 96(29-30): 1121-9, 2007 Jul 18.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17691447

ABSTRACT

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an established biomarker for the differentiation of acute dyspnoea in the emergency department. However, evidence for BNP testing in outpatients is less strong. BNP is not a global test to detect cardiac abnormalities and is only helpful in a few clearly defined clinical settings. Similarly to its use in emergency department patients, BNP is useful in outpatients presenting with dyspnoea to estimate the likelihood of heart failure as the cause of dyspnoea. However, BNP does not provide any reliable information on the underlying cardiac pathology, and in virtually all cases additional examinations are required (primarily echocardiography). In addition, BNP is helpful for risk stratification in patients with heart failure, coronary artery disease and pulmonary artery hypertension.


Subject(s)
Cardiovascular Diseases/diagnosis , Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood , Peptide Fragments/blood , Adult , Aged , Ambulatory Care , Cardiovascular Diseases/blood , Coronary Disease/blood , Coronary Disease/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Dyspnea/etiology , Female , Heart Failure/blood , Heart Failure/diagnosis , Humans , Hypertension/blood , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests , Prognosis , Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/blood , Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/diagnosis
13.
Eur J Clin Invest ; 37(1): 18-25, 2007 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17181563

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The level of the inactive N-terminal fragment of pro-brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a prognostic marker in patients with acute and chronic coronary artery disease (CAD). It might also be valuable for non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The NT-proBNP was measured in 781 consecutive patients with normal left ventricular function referred for coronary angiography owing to symptoms or signs of CAD. The diagnostic value of NT-proBNP was assessed for predicting CAD at angiography. RESULTS: Elevated NT-proBNP levels were associated with the extent of CAD and with the female sex (P < 0.001). The ability of NT-proBNP to predict significant coronary disease at angiography was assessed separately for men using a cut-off point of 85 pg mL(-1), positive likelihood ratio 2.2 (95% CI, 1.7-3.0), negative likelihood ratio 0.53 (95% CI 0.45-0.63) and area under the receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve 0.72: for women, it was assessed using a cut-off point of 165 pg mL(-1), positive likelihood ratio 2.4 (95% CI, 1.7-3.4), negative likelihood ratio 0.55 (95% CI, 0.44-0.70) and area under ROC curve 0.71. In multiple logistic-regression analysis, NT-proBNP added significant independent predictive power to other clinical variables in models predicting CAD (odds ratio 2.76, 95% CI, 1.76-4.32, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The NT-proBNP is a marker of non-obstructive CAD and of significant coronary stenosis. In conjunction with other clinical information, measurement of NT-proBNP with the use of sex-specific reference ranges may improve the non-invasive prediction of CAD.


Subject(s)
Coronary Stenosis/diagnosis , Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood , Peptide Fragments/blood , Aged , Biomarkers/blood , Coronary Angiography/methods , Exercise Test/standards , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Predictive Value of Tests
14.
Clin Res Cardiol ; 95(5): 295-300, 2006 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16598399

ABSTRACT

We report on a 40-year-old woman referred for evaluation of a cardiac murmur and dyspnea on exertion. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed incomplete right bundle branch block, and echocardiography revealed a large atrial septal defect (ASD, ostium secundum type) with dilated right-sided heart chambers. At cardiac catheterization, a large left-to-right shunt (78% of the pulmonary blood flow) was found, and surprisingly, the additional diagnosis of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) was established. After ASD closure and left coronary artery ligation with implantation of a vein graft to the left anterior descending artery, she had an uneventful 18-years follow-up. We discuss the interaction of the two associated conditions, and based on the herein reported unusual combination, we highlight typical features of non-invasive examinations including auscultation, ECG, and echocardiography in adult patients with ALCAPA.


Subject(s)
Coronary Vessel Anomalies/complications , Coronary Vessel Anomalies/diagnosis , Echocardiography/methods , Electrocardiography/methods , Heart Septal Defects, Atrial/complications , Heart Septal Defects, Atrial/diagnosis , Pulmonary Artery/abnormalities , Adult , Female , Humans , Rare Diseases/diagnosis
15.
Z Kardiol ; 94(12): 829-35, 2005 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16382385

ABSTRACT

We report on a 22- year-old woman with postpartum dissection of the left anterior descending artery and the intermediate branch. The patient was treated with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), clopidogrel, and betablocker only. Coronary angiography performed 20 months later revealed complete resolution of the dissection sites. The patient's cardiovascular risk factors included mild smoking and high total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, which showed a marked fall after pregnancy without pharmacological cholesterol-modifying therapy raising the question whether pregnancy-related hypercholesterolemia contributed to the pathogenesis of pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (P-SCAD). In a systematic review of the literature, 16 women [median age 34 (31-36.5) years] with P-SCAD and angiographic follow-up were identified. The majority (69%) of P-SCAD cases occurred postpartum [median time after delivery: 13 (7-21) days]. In 10/16 (63%) patients medical treatment including betablocker and antiplatelet therapy was given leading to complete resolution of the dissection in 5 of them (31% of all patients) at follow-up, whereas in the other 5 patients the dissections were persisting or even progressive. Of the medically treated patients, 80% were free of symptoms suggestive for ischemia at follow-up. In 5/16 patients percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed as first-line therapy. Three patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, which was performed primarily in one patient, and secondarily in two patients with persisting dissections and ongoing ischemic symptoms after previous medical treatment or PCI without stenting, respectively. In conclusion, medical treatment including ASA, clopidogrel and betablocker therapy results in an excellent clinical and angiographic result in approximately one third of patients with P-SCAD.


Subject(s)
Aortic Dissection/diagnosis , Aortic Dissection/therapy , Coronary Aneurysm/diagnosis , Coronary Aneurysm/therapy , Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/diagnosis , Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/therapy , Adult , Female , Humans , Postpartum Period , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Practice Patterns, Physicians' , Pregnancy , Prognosis
16.
Ultraschall Med ; 25(4): 296-8, 2004 Aug.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15300505

ABSTRACT

Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is the most common anomaly of the aortic arch. We present the successful use of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the diagnosis of ARSA. A 65-year-old woman was admitted because of dyspnoea and inspiratory stridor. Bronchoscopy revealed a subglottic tracheal stenosis. To exclude an underlying malignancy, endoscopy was performed showing an oesophageal impression, which subsequently was identified as ARSA by EUS. Computed tomography excluded neoplasm and confirmed the diagnosis of ARSA. After laser resection of subglottic tissue the stridor resolved and could therefore not be attributed to the co-existence of ARSA. In most cases the ARSA crosses between the oesophagus and the spine from the descending aortic arch to the right and may seldom cause dysphagia due to oesophageal compression. Diagnosis is usually based upon computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, whereas angiography is only rarely needed. Endoscopic ultrasonography offers a convenient alternative diagnostic tool and can be performed even as a bedside examination. The diagnosis can be easily assessed in all patients referred for EUS of the upper gastrointestinal tract for any reason. Especially in patients undergoing invasive procedures in the upper thorax or neck, knowledge of an abnormal course of the great vessels is important. Arteria lusoria is often found by chance. EUS is a simple and excellent tool for assessing the diagnosis and usually does not require confirmation through other investigation methods.


Subject(s)
Endosonography/methods , Subclavian Artery/abnormalities , Subclavian Artery/diagnostic imaging , Aged , Female , Humans , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
17.
Infection ; 31(3): 181-3, 2003 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12789478

ABSTRACT

Serious infections caused by Rhodotorula spp. are rare and usually occur in immunocompromised people, especially in patients with tumors and long-time use of indwelling central venous catheters. We report a case of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa homograft endocarditis in an otherwise healthy man, which was successfully treated by surgery in combination with amphotericin B and subsequently intraconazole.


Subject(s)
Endocarditis, Bacterial/diagnosis , Endocarditis, Bacterial/therapy , Heart Valve Prosthesis/adverse effects , Mycoses/diagnosis , Rhodotorula/isolation & purification , Transplantation, Homologous/adverse effects , Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use , Aortic Valve , Combined Modality Therapy , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mycoses/therapy , Reoperation , Rhodotorula/drug effects , Risk Assessment , Transplantation, Homologous/methods , Treatment Outcome
18.
Z Kardiol ; 92(2): 182-7, 2003 Feb.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12596080

ABSTRACT

We report about a 49 year old woman with repeated chest pain at rest. During hyperventilation significant ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V5 appeared. Bicycle stress test did not provoke any ECG changes. Coronary angiography showed a significant stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Successful balloon angioplasty followed by stent implantation was performed. After an uneventful course of twelve months, hyperventilation could provoke neither chest pain nor ECG changes again without any antispastic medical treatment. Impact of fixed atherosclerotic lesions for the occurrence of coronary vasospasm, usefulness of hyperventilation as a non-invasive provocation test and therapy are discussed.


Subject(s)
Angina Pectoris, Variant/therapy , Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary , Coronary Vasospasm/therapy , Stents , Angina Pectoris, Variant/diagnosis , Angina Pectoris, Variant/etiology , Coronary Angiography , Coronary Vasospasm/diagnosis , Diagnosis, Differential , Electrocardiography , Exercise Test , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Hyperventilation/complications , Hyperventilation/physiopathology , Middle Aged
19.
Z Kardiol ; 91(11): 951-5, 2002 Nov.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12442199

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of an acute coronary syndrome. This report describes a previously healthy woman without cardiovascular risk factors who presented with an acute anterior non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed an isolated longitudinal dissection in the middle part of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) with normal flow of the contrast media. The patient was treated conservatively with heparin, aspirin, clopidogrel, and beta-receptor blocker. Stress exercise test was normal at discharge. After an event-free follow-up of three and a half months coronary angiography showed a completely normal LAD. Literature about epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous coronary artery dissection is reviewed.


Subject(s)
Aortic Dissection/complications , Coronary Aneurysm/complications , Myocardial Infarction/etiology , Adrenergic beta-Antagonists/therapeutic use , Adult , Aortic Dissection/diagnostic imaging , Aortic Dissection/drug therapy , Anticoagulants/therapeutic use , Coronary Aneurysm/diagnostic imaging , Coronary Aneurysm/drug therapy , Coronary Angiography , Drug Therapy, Combination , Electrocardiography , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Myocardial Infarction/diagnostic imaging , Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy
20.
Am J Hematol ; 66(2): 92-8, 2001 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11421305

ABSTRACT

The effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on response to measles, mumps, and rubella revaccination in children and adolescents with hemophilia was evaluated. Antibody levels of measles, mumps, and rubella were assayed at baseline and two annual examinations in 207 HIV-positive and 126 HIV-negative hemophiliacs participating in the Hemophilia Growth and Development Study (HGDS). Response to revaccination was analyzed for participants whose antibody levels were below the cut-off at the start of a year-long observation period. Among HIV-positive participants, antibody levels were below cut-off in 52 subjects for measles, in 71 for mumps, and in 96 for rubella. Among HIV-negative participants, antibody levels were low in 23 subjects for measles, in 23 for mumps, and in 31 for rubella. For measles and mumps antigens, revaccination was associated with a significant increase in redraw antibody levels for HIV-negative participants. Although there was an increase in the mean measles titers for revaccinated HIV-positive participants, it was not significant. Revaccination was associated with an increase in rubella antibodies in HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants. Revaccination with measles and mumps was associated with an increase in antibody levels in HIV-negative participants but not in HIV-positive participants. Both HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants responded to rubella revaccination with an increase in antibody levels.


Subject(s)
Antibodies/blood , HIV Seropositivity/immunology , Hemophilia A/therapy , Immunotherapy, Active , Viral Vaccines/immunology , Adolescent , Anti-HIV Agents/administration & dosage , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/cytology , Child , Cohort Studies , HIV Seronegativity/immunology , Humans , Lymphocyte Count , Measles Vaccine/administration & dosage , Measles Vaccine/immunology , Mumps Vaccine/administration & dosage , Mumps Vaccine/immunology , Rubella Vaccine/administration & dosage , Rubella Vaccine/immunology , Statistics, Nonparametric , Viral Load , Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage
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