Use of phase-contrast MRI to measure aortic stiffness in young-onset hypertension: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Young-onset hypertension is defined as hypertension diagnosed before the age of 40 years. Aortic pulse wave velocity is an indication of aortic stiffness. MRI assessment has been well verified compared to invasive pressure recordings for evaluating aortic pulse wave velocity. In this study, we aimed to determine whether aortic stiffness played a role in the aetiology of young-onset hypertension by calculating pulse wave velocity using MRI. METHODS: We enrolled 20 patients diagnosed with young-onset hypertension and 20 volunteers without hypertension. Aortic pulse wave velocity was measured by cardiac MRI and protocol for the pulse wave velocity measurement involved the use of a 1.5 T scanner to acquire velocity-encoded, phase-contrast transverse aortic cine images. Sagittal oblique images used to measure the distance (ΔX) between the ascending aorta and descending aorta for the calculation of pulse wave velocity. The aortic flow versus time curves of ascending aorta and descending aorta were automatically obtained from the phase-contrast MRI images. Using these curves, the temporal shift (ΔT) was measured by Segment Medviso. FINDINGS: The mean pulse wave velocity was 8.72 (SD 2.34) m/second (range: 7-12.8 m/second) for the patient group and 5.96 (standard deviation 1.86) m/second (range: 4.8-7.1 m/second) for the control group. The pulse wave velocity values were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Aortic stiffness may play a role in the aetiology of young-onset hypertension and serve as a non-invasive and reliable screening tool when measured by MRI.

Epicardial Fat Tissue Thickness and Omentin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract Background: Although electrical and structural remodeling has been recognized to be important in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation, the mechanisms underlying remodeling process are unknown. There has been increasing interest in the involvement of inflammatory molecules and adipokines released from the epicardial fat tissue in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Objectives: In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of atrial fibrillation with increased epicardial adipose tissue, inflammatory molecules released from this tissue and omentin. Methods: Thirty-six patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of permanent AF at the cardiology outpatient clinic 33 individuals without atrial fibrillation (controls) were included in the study. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness of patients was measured by echocardiography. Serum omentin, IL 6, IL 1 beta, TNF alpha and CRP levels were measured. Man-Whitney U test was performed for comparisons and significance was established at 5% (p<0.05). Results: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was significantly greater in the patient group (6mm [4-5.5]) than controls (4mm [3-5.5]) (p <0.001). No significant difference was found in the concentrations of omentin or inflammatory molecules between the groups. Conclusion: No relationship was found between atrial fibrillation and serum levels or omentin or inflammatory markers. A relationship between epicardial adipose tissue thickness measured by echocardiography and atrial fibrillation was determined.

The Relationships Between Chocolate Consumption and Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVE: Dietary recommendations, in addition to medications, have recently become important in the treatment of heart failure. Our study aimed to show the positive effects of both milk chocolate and dark chocolate on heart failure through endothelial functions. METHODS: Twenty patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction were included in the study. In this randomized, crossover study, some of the patients consumed milk chocolate and some consumed dark chocolate. We recorded the patients' 6-minute walking tests, flow- mediated dilatation values, plasma catechin, epicatechin, and N-terminal pro-brain natri- uretic peptide values before and after chocolate consumption. After 2 weeks, their chocolate consumption was changed. The same parameters were measured again. RESULTS: A significant decrease was observed in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide values after consumption of both milk chocolate (356 ± 54.2 and 310 ± 72.1 pg/mL; P = .007) and dark chocolate (341 ± 57 and 301 ± 60.1 pg/mL;P=.028). Flow-mediated dilation values increased after dark chocolate consumption (8.9 ± 3% and 14 ± 4.5%; P = .019). CONCLUSION: Chocolate consumption acutely decreases N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic pep- tide values in heart failure. Dark chocolate consumption also seems to improve endothelial functions by increasing flow-mediated dilation values.

Evaluation of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction according to heart rate turbulence and variability in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

Background/aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by neurodegeneration or demyelination; the relapsing­remitting phase of MS is characterized by acute exacerbation of disease activity. The most commonly used noninvasive approach to assess autonomic function is the determination of heart rate turbulence (HRT) and heart rate variability (HRV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction using HRT and HRV parameters determined via 24-h Holter ECG monitoring in patients with relapsing­remitting MS without known heart disease. Materials and methods: The study included 26 patients diagnosed with relapsing­remitting MS and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. HRT and HRV parameters were analyzed via 24-h Holter ECG monitoring. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were reevaluated to identify any demyelinating lesions in the brain stem. Results: The HRV parameters of SDNNI (mean of the standard deviations of all normal sinus RR intervals in all 5-min segments), rMSSD (root­mean­square successive difference), and sNN50 (percentage of successive normal sinus RR intervals >50 ms) were significantly lower in the MS group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed that the patients with MS had reduced HRV; this was demonstrated by dysfunction with regard to parasympathetic and sympathetic parameters in HRV analysis.

Evaluation of the CT imaging findings in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension due to chronic thromboembolism.

PURPOSE: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is the only pulmonary hypertension that can be treated surgically. Multidedector computerized tomography angiography (MDCTA) is considered as an important tool. In this study, the important CT findings of CTEPH and the vascular MDCTA findings of CTEPH were classified as central, peripheral, central and peripheral. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between these groups with parenchymal and hemodynamic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MDCTA examinations of 26 patients who had been diagnosed with CTEPH were retrospectively reviewed. Vascular, cardiac and parenchymal findings were examined in MDCTA. Patients were divided into three groups as peripheral, central and peripheral and central chronic thromboembolism. The relationship between these groups with demographic, vascular, parenchymal and hemodynamic findings was investigated. RESULTS: The most common vascular finding was the wall filling defects attached to the lobar and/or segmental arterial walls, while the parenchymal finding was the fibrotic shrinkage. There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups compared to parenchymal findings which are mosaic pattern, brochiectasis, fibrotic changes and atelectasis, pulmonary artery diameter, right atrial diameter and RV/LV ratio. Age and sex were not different in patients between the three groups. CONCLUSION: The results of the this study confirm the important role of MDCTA in the evaluation of vascular, cardiac and parenchymal findings in the patients with CTEPH and identifying patients that would most benefit from surgical treatment by visualization of the segmental and subsegmental branches of the pulmonary arteries.

Effects of clipping endoscopic thoracal sympathectomy at Th4 on cardiopulmonary functions, quality of life and psychosocial functions.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluated the cardiopulmonary and psychosocial effects of endoscopic thoracal sympathectomy (ETS) by clipping procedure at the level of Th4 and effects of ETS on quality of life of patients with hyperhidrosis. METHODS: We performed a prospective study in 52 patients complaining of local sweating who applied to our clinic. Cardiac maximal treadmill stress test (CMTST), pulmonary function tests, Beck anxiety-depression inventory, Liebowitz social anxiety scale and SF-36 quality of life questionnaires were administered at preoperative period and postoperative 6th month. RESULTS: In the pulmonary function test, we found a minimal decrease in FEV1, and FEV1/FVC. There were no significant change in 'resting pulse rate', 'resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures' during CMTST between before and after operation. There was a significant difference in peak heart rate before CMTST, post-exercise diastolic blood pressure, and age-predictive maximal heart rate between before and after clipping procedure. In the SF-36 questionnaire, all parameters were improved. In the Beck depression-anxiety inventory and the Liebowitz social anxiety scale significant improvement was achieved in all parameters. CONCLUSION: ETS by clipping procedure at the Th4 level is advised to be a safe and effective method for management of hyperhidrosis patients.

The Usefulness of Admission Plasma NT-pro BNP Level to Predict Left Ventricular Aneurysm Formation after Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction / Utilidade do Nível de NT-Pro-BNP no Plasma à Internação em Predizer a Formação de Aneurisma do Ventrículo Esquerdo após Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Elevação do Segmento ST

Abstract Background: Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is an important complication of acute myocardial infarction. In this study, we investigated the role of N- Terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide level to predict the LVA development after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: We prospectively enrolled 1519 consecutive patients with STEMI. Patients were divided into two groups according to LVA development within the six months after index myocardial infarction. Patients with or without LVAs were examined to determine if a significant relationship existed between the baseline N- Terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide values and clinical characteristics. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: LVA was detected in 157 patients (10.3%). The baseline N- Terminal pro- B type natriuretic peptide level was significantly higher in patients who developed LVA after acute MI (523.5 ± 231.1 pg/mL vs. 192.3 ± 176.6 pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.001). Independent predictors of LVA formation after acute myocardial infarction was age > 65 y, smoking, Killip class > 2, previous coronary artery bypass graft, post-myocardial infarction heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, failure of reperfusion, no-reflow phenomenon, peak troponin I and CK-MB and NT-pro BNP > 400 pg/mL at admission. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that plasma N- Terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide level at admission among other variables provides valuable predictive information regarding the development of LVA after acute STEMI.

Resumo Fundamento: O aneurisma do ventrículo esquerdo (AVE) é uma importante complicação do infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM). Objetivo: Investigar o papel da porção N-terminal do pró-hormônio do peptídeo natriurético do tipo B (NT-proBNP) para predizer o desenvolvimento de AVE após infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCST). Métodos: Incluímos prospectivamente 1519 pacientes consecutivos com IAMCST. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o desenvolvimento de AVE nos seis meses após o infarto do miocárdio. Os pacientes com ou sem AVE foram examinados para determinar se existia uma relação significativa entre os valores basais do NT-proBNP e as características clínicas. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: O AVE foi detectado em 157 pacientes (10,3%). O nível basal do NT-proBNP foi significativamente maior em pacientes que desenvolveram AVE após IAM (523,5 ± 231,1 pg/mL vs. 192,3 ± 176,6 pg/mL, respectivamente, p < 0,001). Os preditores independentes da formação de AVE após IAM foram idade > 65 anos, tabagismo, classe Killip > 2, cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica anterior, insuficiência cardíaca pós-infarto do miocárdio, fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo < 50%, falha de reperfusão, fenômeno de no-reflow, pico de troponina I e CK-MB e NT-proBNP > 400 pg/mL na internação. Conclusões: Nossos achados indicam que o nível plasmático do fragmento N-terminal do peptídeo natriurético tipo B na admissão, entre outras variáveis, fornece informações preditivas valiosas sobre o desenvolvimento de AVE após o IAMCST agudo.

The Usefulness of Admission Plasma NT-pro BNP Level to Predict Left Ventricular Aneurysm Formation after Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is an important complication of acute myocardial infarction. In this study, we investigated the role of N- Terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide level to predict the LVA development after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 1519 consecutive patients with STEMI. Patients were divided into two groups according to LVA development within the six months after index myocardial infarction. Patients with or without LVAs were examined to determine if a significant relationship existed between the baseline N- Terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide values and clinical characteristics. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: LVA was detected in 157 patients (10.3%). The baseline N- Terminal pro- B type natriuretic peptide level was significantly higher in patients who developed LVA after acute MI (523.5 ± 231.1 pg/mL vs. 192.3 ± 176.6 pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.001). Independent predictors of LVA formation after acute myocardial infarction was age > 65 y, smoking, Killip class > 2, previous coronary artery bypass graft, post-myocardial infarction heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, failure of reperfusion, no-reflow phenomenon, peak troponin I and CK-MB and NT-pro BNP > 400 pg/mL at admission. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that plasma N- Terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide level at admission among other variables provides valuable predictive information regarding the development of LVA after acute STEMI.

Role of aortic stiffness and inflammation in the etiology of young-onset hypertension

Background/aim: Young-onset hypertension is a form of condition diagnosed in patients aged below 40. Cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 and also MCP-1 may play a role in the development of arterial hypertension. Aortic stiffness can be detected by measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV). We aimed to explore the relationship between inflammation and aortic stiffness and investigate their roles in the etiology of young-onset hypertension. Materials and methods: We enrolled 16 patients diagnosed with young-onset hypertension and 16 volunteers without hypertension. The plasma levels of MCP-1 and IL-6 were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassay, respectively. Carotid-femoral PWV was measured using an arteriograph device. Results: Compared with those in normotensive controls, the plasma levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 and the PWV values were significantly higher in patients with young-onset hypertension (P < 0.001). PWV values were also positively correlated with the levels of MCP-1 and IL-6. However, no statistically significant difference was noted in intima-media thickness between the two groups (P = 0.224). Conclusion: In this study, increased PWVs and the levels of inflammation markers were associated with aortic stiffness and inflammation in patients with young-onset hypertension, suggesting they have a role in the etiology of hypertension.

A Rare Non-penetrant Abdominal Wall Injury Caused by High-pressure Water: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: High-pressure water jet injuries are an uncommon cause of trauma. Highpressure water injuries are usually seen at the extremities and less often in the thorax and abdominal areas. A review of the literature reveals a few case reports describing intraabdominal injuries due to penetrating trauma. In this paper, we present the radiological findings of a rare case of abdominal wall injury without penetration of peritoneum caused by high-pressure water jet due to the Coanda effect. The Coanda effect is the tendency of a fluid jet to stay attached to a curved. In our case, the peritoneum also functions as flat and curved surface, causing non-penetrant abdominal wall injury. CASE REPORT: A 28-year-old male working at a hydroelectric terminal presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and a two-centimeter cutaneous gap in the left lower quadrant of the abdomen caused by high-pressure water. The CT findings revealed a small entrance to left lower quadrant of the abdominal wall and extensive subcutaneous injury. There was no internal injury. The cutaneous gap was managed by primary surgical closure. Subcutaneous emphysema was diminished on the follow up physical examination. The patient was recovered without sequelae. CONCLUSION: The water jet can cause a wide subcutaneous injury by following the peritoneum even though there is a small entrance. Therefore radiological imaging can help to determine their severity and planning treatment.

Relation between lymphocyte to monocyte ratio and short-term mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between inflammation and mortality after acute pulmonary embolism (APE) has previously been investigated with different variables (platelet/lymphocyte ratio, etc). OBJECTIVES: We investigated the predictive value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) for mortality in first 30 days after APE. METHODS: The study population included 264 APE patients of which 230 patients were survivors, 34 patients were non-survivors. RESULTS: LMR was significantly lower in non-survivors after APE (P < .001). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was higher in non-survivors after APE (P < .001). Platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) had no significance between both groups (P: .241). Simplified pulmonary embolism severity index and LMR were independent predictors of mortality in patients with APE (P: .008 and P: .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: LMR as a novel marker of inflammation seemed to be an independent predictor of short-term mortality in patients with APE.

Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and AIDS are known to cause cardiovascular diseases such as premature coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. Recently, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio has been shown as a novel marker of ventricular repolarization. We aimed to evaluate the ventricular repolarization using Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Totally 48 patients with HIV and 60 control subjects were enrolled to the study. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio and Tp-e/QTc ratio were significantly higher in patients with HIV than control subjects (all p<0.01). In correlation analysis, there were positive correlation between Tp-e interval and disease duration (r=0.298, p=0.048). and inverse correlation between Tp-e interval and CD4 count(r=-0.303, p=0.036). Our study showed that Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were increased in patients with HIV than control subjects.

Assessment of the atrial electromechanical properties of patients with human immunodeficiency virus.

The relationship between atrial fibrillation and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was evaluated. Electro-echocardiographic methods can be used to predict the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we aimed to investigate the atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) parameters of HIV (+) patients. Forty-two HIV (+) patients and 40 HIV (-) healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled in this study. The electromechanical properties of the subjects' atria were evaluated with tissue Doppler imaging. The left-AEMD, right-AEMD and inter-AEMD were increased in the HIV (+) patients relative to the controls (p=0.003, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). The CD4 count was inversely correlated with the inter-AEMD (r=-0.428, p<0.001). The CD4 count was an independent predictor of the inter-AEMD (ß=0.523, p=0.007). Our study demonstrated that both the inter- and intra-atrial electromechanical delays were prolonged in the patients with HIV. This non-invasive and simple technique may provide significant contributions to the assessment of the risk of atrial arrhythmia in patients with HIV.

Association between serum adropin level and burden of coronary artery disease in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies revealed the relationship between stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and serum adropin level, but this relationship has not been investigated in patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The present study is an analysis of the relationship between adropin and severity of CAD assessed based on SYNTAX score in patients with NSTEMI. METHODS: A total of 109 participants, 80 patients with NSTEMI and 29 healthy individuals, were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients with NSTEMI were divided to 2 groups: high SYNTAX score (≥32) (35 patients) and low SYNTAX score (<32) (45 patients). Adropin level was measured from blood serum samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. RESULTS: Patients with NSTEMI and high SYNTAX score had significantly lower serum adropin level (2357.30 pg/mL±821.58) compared to NSTEMI patients with low SYNTAX score (3077.00 pg/mL±912.86) and control group (3688.00±956.65). Adropin cut-off value for predicting high SYNTAX score on receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was determined to be 2759 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 57%. Adropin was an independent predictor for high SYNTAX score (odds ratio=0.999; 95% confidence interval: 0.998-1.000; p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Adropin could be an alternative blood sample value for predicting severity of CAD.

Zolmitriptan-induced acute myocardial infarction.

Triptans are an established treatment for acute migraine attacks. By activating 5HT1B/1D receptors they lead to vasoconstriction of the cerebral blood vessels which are dilated during migraine attacks. Moreover, they reduce secretion of vasoactive peptides and conduction of pain stimuli over the cerebral cortex. In up to 7% of cases of treatment with triptans, thoracic pain occurs, although this is mostly transient, mild and without lasting ischemia. We present the case of a 45 year-old woman with a history of migraine with visual aura since the age of 20. She had no history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking or any other risk factors for cardiovascular events before she was admitted to our emergency room with typical chest pain. An electrocardiogram revealed anterior myocardial infarction following her monthly dose of oral zolmitriptan. Catherization revealed a normal coronary arterial system. The laboratory indices for cardiac risk were within normal ranges. The patient was advised to avoid triptans permanently on being discharged.