Receptor for advanced glycation end products polymorphisms in coronary artery ectasia.

BACKGROUND: Although the implication of receptor of advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) has been reported in coronary artery disease, its roles in coronary artery ectasia (CAE) have remained undetermined. Furthermore, the effect of RAGE polymorfisms were not well-defined in scope of soluble RAGE (sRAGE) levels. Thus, we aimed to investigate the influence of the functional polymorphisms of RAGE -374T > A (rs1800624) and G82S (rs2070600) in CAE development. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in 2 groups selected of 2452 patients who underwent elective coronary angiography (CAG) for evaluation after positive noninvasive heart tests. Group-I included 98 patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease and CAE, and Group-II (control) included 100 patients with normal coronary arteries. SNPs were genotyped by real-time PCR using Taqman® genotyping assay. Serum sRAGE and soluble lectin-like oxidized receptor-1 (sOLR1) were assayed by ELISA and serum lipids were measured enzymatically. RESULTS: The frequencies of the RAGE -374A allele and -374AA genotype were significantly higher in CAE patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). sRAGE levels were not different between study groups, while sOLR1 levels were elevated in CAE (p = 0.004). In controls without systemic disease, -374A allele was associated with low sRAGE levels (p < 0.05), but this association was not significant in controls with HT. Similarly, sRAGE levels of CAE patients with both HT and T2DM were higher than those no systemic disease (p = 0.02). The -374A allele was also associated with younger patient age and higher platelet count in the CAE group in both total and subgroup analyses. In the correlation analyses, the -374A allele was also negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with Plt in all of these CAE groups. In the total CAE group, sRAGE levels also showed a positive correlation with age and a negative correlation with HDL-cholesterol levels. On the other hand, a negative correlation was observed between sRAGE and Plt in the total, hypertensive and no systemic disease control subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the -374A allele (p < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (p < 0.05), and high sOLR1 level (p < 0.05) are risk factors for CAE. ROC curve analysis shows that RAGE -374A allele has AUC of 0.713 (sensitivity: 83.7 %, specificity: 59.0 %), which is higher than HLD (sensitivity: 59.2 %, specificity: 69.0 %), HT (sensitivity: 62.4 %, specificity: 61.1 %) and high sOLR1 level (≥0.67 ng/ml)) (sensitivity: 59.8 %, specificity: 58.5 %). CONCLUSION: Beside the demonstration of the relationship between -374A allele and increased risk of CAE for the first time, our results indicate that antihypertensive and antidiabetic treatment in CAE patients causes an increase in sRAGE levels. The lack of an association between the expected -374A allele and low sRAGE levels in total CAE group was attributed to the high proportion of hypertensive patients and hence to antihypertensive treatment. Moreover, the RAGE -374A allele is associated with younger age at CAE and higher Plt, suggesting that -374A may also be associated with platelet activation, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of CAE. However, our data need to be confirmed in a large study for definitive conclusions.

Unusual effects of PCSK9 E670G (rs505151) variation in patients with in-stent restenosis: Variable effects on restenosis risk according to concomitant chronic conditions.

Recent reports showing that neo-atherosclerosis formation in stented coronary artery is characterized by the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages within the neointima has strengthened the possibility that elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol may be a risk factor for in-stent restenosis (ISR). Protein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-9 (PCSK9) protein plays an important role in cholesterol metabolism by degrading of LDL receptors. The gain-of-function E670G (rs505151) mutation of the PCSK9 gene is a well-known genetic risk factor for hypercholesterolemia. This study evaluated for the first time the association of the E670G variation with the serum lipids, PCSK9 levels and concomitant diseases on the ISR risk. The study included 109 ISR, and 82 Non-ISR patients, based on the results of coronary angiography. Genotypes were determined using the real-time PCR and serum PCSK9 levels were measured by ELISA technique. The rare G allele of PCSK9 E670G (p < 0.05), hyperlipidemia (HL) (p < 0.001), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (p < 0.01) were associated with increased risk for ISR. In hyperlipidemic conditions, the E670G-G allele was associated with hypercholesterolemia and a higher risk of ISR (p < 0.001), while the E670G-AA genotype has been associated with a high prevalence of T2DM and hypertension. In addition, diabetic ISRs had higher serum PCSK9 levels (p < 0.05) and the E670G-AA genotype was associated with increased levels of diabetes markers. Our results indicated that the unusual effects of both G allele and AA genotype of the PCSK9 E670G variation may be involved in the risk of ISR in association with concomitant metabolic diseases.

This study evaluated the association of the Protein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin-9 (PCSK9) E670G mutation with the serum lipids, PCSK9 levels and concomitant diseases on the in-stent restenosis (ISR) risk. The E670G-G allele, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were found risk factors for ISR. In hyperlipidemic conditions, the E670G-G allele was associated with hypercholesterolemia and a higher risk of ISR, while the E670G-AA genotype has been associated with a high prevalence of T2DM and hypertension. Our results indicated that the unusual effects of both genotypes of the E670G that may be involved in the ISR risk in association with concomitant diseases.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients With Isolated Side Branch Coronary Artery Disease.

The data with respect to stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) are mainly confined to main vessel disease. However, there is a lack of information and long-term outcomes regarding isolated side branch disease. This study aimed to evaluate long-term major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in patients with isolated side branch coronary artery disease (CAD). A total of 437 patients with isolated side branch SCAD were included. After a median follow-up of 38 months, the overall MACCE and all-cause mortality rates were 14.6% and 5.9%, respectively. Among angiographic features, 68.2% of patients had diagonal artery and 82.2% had ostial lesions. In 28.8% of patients, the vessel diameter was ≥2.75 mm. According to the American College of Cardiology lesion classification, 84.2% of patients had either class B or C lesions. Age, ostial lesions, glycated hemoglobin A1c, and neutrophil levels were independent predictors of MACCE. On the other hand, side branch location, vessel diameter, and lesion complexity did not affect outcomes. Clinical risk factors seem to have a greater impact on MACCE rather than lesion morphology. Therefore, the treatment of clinical risk factors is of paramount importance in these patients.

Differences Between Morbid Obesity With Metabolic Syndrome and Overweight Turkish Adult Participants in Multiple Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors.

Obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are public health problems and are increasing globally. We assessed the differences in lipid profiles through lipid testing, thrombotic and inflammatory parameters, and oxidative stress indexes between overweight and obese patients with MetS in a Turkish adult population. We included 100 obese (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m2) patients with MetS (66 women, 34 men, mean age 54.0 ± 10.1 years) and 15 overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m2) individuals (11 women, 4 men, mean age 50.2 ± 14.5 years) as controls. The group with MetS had significantly higher levels of glycaemia, uric acid, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homocysteine, fibrinogen, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, small dense LDL, oxidized LDL, apolipoprotein B (Apo B), lipoprotein (a), small and intermediate high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, oxidative stress index, and significantly lower levels of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), Apo A, and large HDL particles. In conclusion, obesity with MetS increase atherogenic dyslipidemia and thrombotic, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. Furthermore, obesity with MetS decreases protective mechanisms of atherosclerosis. We should at least try to prevent overweight individuals from becoming obese with MetS.

Changes in pentraxin 3 and oxidative parameters during coronary bypass grafting and factors affecting postoperative atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: The performance of coronary bypass grafting (CBG) induces a type of subclinical systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The present study was performed to examine the changes in pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and oxidative parameters during cross-clamping in patients undergoing CBG. We also examined factors affecting the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). METHOD: This study involved 40 patients who underwent elective on-pump CBG (33 men, 7 women; mean age, 60.8 ± 8.0 years). Blood specimens were drawn before anaesthesia and after aortic cross-clamping. POAF was detected by analysing the rhythm records of telemetry units for 96 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean PTX3 concentration prior to surgery was 176.3 ± 148.4 pg/mL. After cross-clamping, it increased to 947.7 ± 377.2 pg/mL. The increase was statistically significant. Twelve patients had POAF. The leucocyte count and change in the oxidative stress index were significantly higher in patients without than with POAF. Although the increase in PTX3 was higher in patients without POAF, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The PTX3 concentration significantly increases during CBG. A significant change in the oxidative stress index and a more intense increase in the PTX3 concentration were seen in patients without POAF.

Effects of ECE-1b rs213045 and rs2038089 polymorphisms on the development of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) promotes the progression and induction of sclerotic renal changes in end-stage kidney disease. Membrane-bound endothelin-converting enzyme 1 (ECE-1) is involved in the production of ET-1. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of ECE-1b rs213045 and rs2038089 polymorphisms, which have been shown to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and nephropathy, on the development of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: Our study included 38 patients with CI-AKI (CI-AKI[+]) and 55 patients without CI-AKI (CI-AKI[-]) who had coronary syndrome. The ECE-1b polymorphisms rs213045 and rs2038089 were assessed using real-time PCR. Serum ET-1 levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The distributions of ECE-1b rs213045 and rs2038089 polymorphisms were similar between the two groups. Additionally, the serum ET-1 level did not different between the groups and was not associated with the ECE-1b polymorphisms. Peri-procedural low systolic blood pressure (SBP) was identified as a risk factor for CI-AKI development. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that ECE-1b rs213045 and rs2038089 polymorphisms are not associated with CI-AKI development and that peri-procedural low SBP is a risk factor for CI-AKI. However, variations in ECE-1b rs2038089 may contribute to the development of CI-AKI.

The association of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and TIMI frame count in primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: This study was sought to evaluate the relationship between admission neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and estimated coronary flow by the TIMI frame count (TFC) method in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). METHODS: TFC of 262 consecutive STEMI patients were evaluated after PPCI. Admission NLR were calculated and TFC was determined after PPCI. According to admission NLR value, patients were divided in to two groups. NLR levels higher than 3.5 were defined "higher NLR" whereas lower than 3.5 were accepted as "lower NLR". RESULTS: TFC was significantly higher in patients with higher NLR (56.6±41.1 vs. 37.9±36.1, P<0.001). No-reflow phenomenon was more frequent in higher NLR group compared to lower NLR group (10.1% vs. 5.2%, P=0.001). In multivariate linear regression analysis admission NLR was an independent predictor of high TIMI frame count (B=2.24 95 % CI (1.17-3.31), P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that admission NLR predicts coronary blood flow in means of TFC.

Is there a gender gap in secondary prevention of coronary artery disease in Turkey?

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that women receive fewer preventive recommendations regarding pharmacological treatment, lifestyle modifications, and cardiac rehabilitation compared with men who have a similar risk profile. This study was an investigation of the impact of gender on cardiovascular risk profile and secondary prevention measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) in the Turkish population. METHODS: Statistical analyses were based on the European Action on Secondary and Primary Prevention through Intervention to Reduce Events (EUROASPIRE)-IV cross-sectional survey data obtained from 17 centers in Turkey. Male and female patients, aged 18 to 80 years, who were hospitalized for a first or recurrent coronary event (coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention, acute myocardial infarction, or acute myocardial ischemia) were eligible. RESULTS: A total of 88 (19.7%) females and 358 males (80.3%) were included. At the time of the index event, the females were significantly older (p=0.003) and had received less formal education (p<0.001). Non-smoking status (p<0.001) and higher levels of depression and anxiety (both p<0.001) were more common in the female patients. At the time of the interview, conducted between 6 and 36 months after the index event, central obesity (p<0.001) and obesity (p=0.004) were significantly more common in females. LDL-C, HDL-C or HbA1c levels did not differ significantly between genders. The fasting blood glucose level was significantly higher (p=0.003) and hypertension was more common in females (p=0.001). There was no significant difference in an increase in physical activity or weight loss after the index event between genders, and there was no significant difference between genders regarding continuity of antiplatelet, statin, beta blocker or ACEi/ARB II receptor blocker usage (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Achievement of ideal body weight, fasting blood glucose and blood pressure targets was lower in women despite similar reported medication use. This highlights the importance of the implementation of lifestyle measures and adherence to medications in women.

[EUROASPIRE-IV: European Society of Cardiology study of lifestyle, risk factors, and treatment approaches in patients with coronary artery disease: Data from Turkey]. / EUROASPIRE-IV: Avrupa Kardiyoloji Dernegi'nin koroner arter hastalarinda yasam tarzi, risk faktörleri ve tedavi yaklasimi üzerine çalismasi: Türkiye verileri.

OBJECTIVE: Data from EUROASPIRE-IV Turkey report investigating risk factors and adherence to guidelines in patients hospitalized for coronary artery disease are presented and results are compared with those of EUROASPIRE-III Turkey and EUROASPIRE-IV Europe. METHODS: Study was performed in 24 European countries, including Turkey (17 centers). Patients (18-80 years old) hospitalized for coronary (index) event during preceding 3 years were identified from hospital records and interviewed ≥6 months later. Patient information regarding index event was acquired from hospital records. Anamnesis was obtained during the interview, and physical examination and laboratory analyses were performed. RESULTS: Median age at the index coronary event was 58.8 years, and it was significantly decreased compared with last EUROASPIRE-III study (60.5 years), which was conducted at the same centers 6 years earlier (p=0.017). Of all patients, 19.3% were under 50 years of age and mean age was lower than that of EUROASPIRE-IV Europe (62.5 years). Comparing EUROASPIRE-IV Turkey with EUROASPIRE-III Turkey, rate of smokers increased to 25.5% from 23.1% (p=0.499), obesity increased to 40.7% from 35.5% (p=0.211), total cholesterol level increased to 49.6% from 48.3% (p=0.767), and diabetes rate increased to 39.7% from 33.6% (p=0.139), however none of the differences reached a level of statistical significance. Only 11.7% of the smokers quit after coronary event. Rates for these factors were lower in EUROASPIRE-IV Europe (16% for smoking, 37.6% for obesity, and 26.8% for diabetes). CONCLUSION: EUROASPIRE-IV Turkey data revealed that secondary prevention was unsatisfactory and had progressed unfavorably compared with last EUROASPIRE study, some risk factors were more uncontrolled than overall European average, and coronary artery events at young age remain an important problem.

Relationship between myocardial performance index and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the relationship between myocardial performance index (MPI) and severity of coronary artery disease, as assessed by the Gensini score (GS), in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). METHODS: Ninety patients with an initial diagnosis of NSTEMI were enrolled in our study. They were divided into tertiles according to the GS: low GS < 19; mid GS > 19 and ≤ 96; and high GS > 96. RESULTS: The low-, mid- and high-GS groups included 24, 38 and 28 patients, respectively. Clinical features such as gender distribution; body mass index (BMI); prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia; and smoking status were similar in the three groups. MPI and isovolumic relaxation time were significantly higher in the high-GS group than in the low- and mid-GS groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). Furthermore, the high-GS group had a significantly lower ejection fraction and ejection time (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). MPI was positively correlated with the GS (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and multivariate regression analysis showed that MPI was an independent predictor of the GS (ß = 0.358, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NSTEMI who fall within the high-risk group may be identified by means of a simple MPI measurement.

Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome.

We assessed the relation between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on admission and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). A total of 488 patients with NSTE-ACS who underwent urgent coronary angiography were enrolled. Levels of PLR and creatinine were measured before angiography and at 72 hours after angiography. Patients were divided into 2 groups, namely, the CIN group, 80 patients (16.3%; age 65.3 ± 12.5years; 66.7% men) and the non-CIN group, 408 patients (83.7%; age 61.2 ± 12.3 years; 72.5% men). Patients in the CIN group had significantly higher PLR than those in the non-CIN group (152.9 ± 99.6 vs 120.4 ± 66.1, P < .001). In logistic regression analysis, PLR (odds ratio [OR] 1.004, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001-1.007, P = .02), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.02-2.98, P = .03), and ST-segment depression on admission electrocardiogram (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.00-2.81, P = .04) were independent predictors of CIN. The PLR was an independent predictor of CIN after angiography in patients with NSTE-ACS.

Four-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormal left ventricular (LV) deformational mechanics have been demonstrated in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography, but there is not enough information about the four-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (4DSTE) in these patients. The objective of the study was to identify and quantify the left ventricular contractility in patients with HCM using 4DSTE. METHODS: Thirty patients [age, 54.6 ± 12.1 years; 12 (40%) women] with diagnosis of nonobstructive HCM and 20 healthy controls [age, 47.42 ± 11.43 years; 8 (40%) women] underwent 4DSTE measurement of longitudinal, radial, circumferential, and area strains. RESULTS: Patients with HCM showed lower longitudinal (-13.5% vs. -20.3%, P < 0.001) and radial (33.4% vs. 43.6%, P < 0.001) strain, but higher circumferential (-22.7% vs. -15.9%, P < 0.001) and area (-30.7% vs. -22.1%, P < 0.001) strain than control subjects. Peak LV twist showed significantly higher values in patients with HCM (13.7 ± 5.3 vs. 11.3 ± 4.8, P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HCM have reduced longitudinal and radial strain but increased circumferential and area strain on 4DSTE. These results are found appropriate with previous 2DSTE studies. Thus, 4DSTE is useful to determine LV deformational mechanics.

Admission hyperglycemia is associated with failed reperfusion following fibrinolytic therapy in patients with STEMI: results of a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia on admission is associated with increased mortality rates in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who are treated with either fibrinolytic therapy (FT) or primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, data regarding the relationship between hyperglycemia and the success of FT are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of admission blood glucose for the prediction of failed reperfusion following FT. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a retrospective study of 304 STEMI patients who received FT and whose admission glucose levels were recorded. The main outcome measure was ST segment resolution≥50%. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) blood glucose level in the entire study group was 112 (95-153). In 92 (30.2%) patients, FT was unsuccessful and rescue PCI was performed. Admission glucose (126 [99-192] vs. 110 [94-144] mg/dL, p<0.001), time from symptom onset to FT (180 [120-270] vs. 150 [120-180] min, p=0.009), and maximum ST elevation amplitude (3 [2-7] vs. 3 [2-6] mm, p=0.05) were higher in the failed reperfusion group than in the reperfusion group. Admission hyperglycemia was an independent predictive factor for failed reperfusion (hazard ratio 4.79 [1.80-12.76], p=0.002), along with time from symptom onset to fibrinolysis and anterior wall myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with STEMI who undergo FT, admission hyperglycemia is an independent predictor of the failure of fibrinolysis.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients at High Risk for Nephropathy After Contrast Exposure.

Contrast medium-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is associated with morbidity and mortality, but the long-term outcomes of patients who do not develop CI-AKI remain unknown. We assessed clinical end points during long-term follow-up in patients at high risk for nephropathy who did not develop CI-AKI. Patients (n = 135) with impaired renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate: 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) were divided into 2 groups according to contrast media (CM) exposure. The primary end point of this study was a composite outcome measure of death or renal failure requiring dialysis. Multivariate analyses identified CM exposure to be independently associated with major adverse long-term outcomes (hazard ratio: 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-6.52; P = .018). Even when CM exposure does not cause CI-AKI in patients with impaired renal function, in the long term, primary end points occur more frequently in patients exposed to CM than in those with no CM exposure.

Beneficial effects of rosuvastatin treatment in patients with metabolic syndrome.

We determined the effect of 6-month rosuvastatin treatment on blood lipids, oxidative parameters, apolipoproteins, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Healthy individuals (men aged >40 years and postmenopausal women) with a body mass index ≥ 30 (n = 100) who fulfilled the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III diagnostic criteria for MetS were included. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels decreased (P < .0001). The change in LDL 1 to 3 subgroups was significant (P = .0007, P < .0001, and P = .006, respectively). Changes in LDL 4 to 7 subgroups were not significant. There was a beneficial effect on oxidized LDL, fibrinogen, homocysteine, and HbA1c. Rosuvastatin significantly increased high-density lipoprotein levels (P = .0003). The oxidant/antioxidant status and subclinical inflammatory state were also beneficially changed. Rosuvastatin had a significant beneficial effect on atherogenic dyslipidemia as well as on oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in patients with MetS.

Factors predicting long-term mortality in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the factors affecting long-term all-cause mortality in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHOD: We retrospectively examined 31 patients (22 males and 9 females) diagnosed with HCM from 1999 to 2013. All subjects had sinus rhythm at the time of evaluation. Four patients had history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). In addition to echocardiographic examination plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and gene polymorphism were determined. The variables that were found to be significant in mortality were then included in multivariate analysis. RESULTS: At the final follow-up examination, 12 patients had died, including 2 due to congestive heart failure and 10 due to sudden cardiac death. Patients with PAF had significantly higher mortality (P = 0.008). Moreover, left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter (P = 0.04), LV systolic diameter (P = 0.001), LV mass index (P = 0.01), and left atrium diameter (P = 0.003) were found to be significantly correlated with mortality. However, no significant correlation was noted between mortality and age, type of HCM (familial/nonfamilial and obstructive/nonobstructive), ACE gene polymorphism, and plasma ACE level. In the multivariate analysis, left atrial (LA) diameter was still significantly associated with mortality. The LA diameter with a cutoff value of 4.1 cm predicted 13-year mortality with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 78%. CONCLUSION: Instead of the ACE genotype and activity, echocardiographic evaluation findings such as LV systolic and diastolic diameters, LV mass index, and particularly LA dimension may predict long-term mortality in patients with HCM. PAF has also significant importance in the long-term mortality in patients with HCM.

Relationship between increased serum resistin level and severity of coronary artery disease.

Resistin, which is derived from the gene of RSTN, belongs to a family of cysteine-rich secretory proteins called resistin-like molecules (RELMs). Increased serum resistin levels are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and the risk of cardiovascular death. Patients (n = 214) with an initial diagnosis of stable angina pectoris, unstable angina pectoris, and myocardial infarction without ST-segment elevation and referred to catheter laboratory for coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. We aimed to investigate the relationship between increased serum resistin level and CAD. The severity of CAD was calculated by the Gensini scoring system. In conclusion, we established a significant correlation between serum resistin levels and CAD (P = .010). Also, serum resistin levels correlated with the Gensini score that represents the severity of CAD angiographically (P = .010).

Atypical chest x-ray calcification in an idiopathic constrictive pericarditis case.

Constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon cause of heart failure. It is a clinical entity caused by thickening, fibrosis, and/or calcification of the pericardium. We present a 50-year-old female patient who was admitted to our institution with a 6-month history of progressive dyspnea on exertion, abdominal swelling, and lower extremity edema. Her chest X-ray revealed an oblique linear calcification in the cardiac silhouette. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed biatrial enlargement. Left ventricular size and systolic function were normal. Cardiac computed tomography revealed the pericardial thickening (>5 mm) and heavy calcification in left atrioventricular groove. Simultaneous right and left heart catheterization showed elevation and equalization of right-sided and left-sided diastolic filling pressures, with characteristic dip, and plateau. Pericardiectomy was performed which revealed a thick, fibrous, calcified, and densely adherent pericardium constricting the heart. The postoperative period was uneventful and was in NYHA functional class I after 3 months.

Epicardial cysts: report of two rare cases.

Epicardial cysts originating directly from the epicardium are seen very rarely. Complete surgical excision is recommended when these cysts are detected. If cysts compress surrounding vital structures, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) should also be considered. We report herein 2 cases of multiloculated epicardial cysts, both of which were successfully excised, 1 with CPB.