ECG body surface mapping in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and optimal metabolic compensation.

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) events compared with women without GDM. The aim of the present study was to evaluate 200 parameters of the heart electric field in 35 women with GDM under optimal glycemic compensation compared to 32 healthy pregnant women. All examinations were performed in the 36th week of gestation. The parameters in ECG body surface mapping (BSM) were registered by the diagnostic system Cardiag 112.2. The absolute values of maximum and minimum in depolarization and repolarization isopotential, isointegral and isoarea maps were not significantly different between the groups. These findings correspond to the result of heart rate variability examination. However BSM revealed the significant prolongation of QRS complex (p=0.05), shortening of ventricular myocardial activation time (ICHVAT) (p=0.01), prolongation of mean QT duration (p=0.01) and increase of QT interval dispersion (p=0.01) in women with GDM. Duration of QRS and ICHVAT significantly correlated with interventricular septum and posterior wall thickness in GDM group, QTd interval correlated significantly with HbA1C level. We conclude that despite of optimal metabolic control several significant abnormalities detected by ECG BSM are still present in patients with GDM.

Plasma adrenomedullin and subclinical cardiorenal syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether plasma adrenomedullin is involved in the previously reported significant inverse correlation between left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure (peak velocity of early transmitral flow/peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion ratio [E/E' ]) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, mild-to-moderate renal function impairment and LV relaxation impairment (E'≤7.1 cm/s). METHODS: Plasma adrenomedullin concentration, E/E' and eGFR were assessed in 82 patients with type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: Plasma adrenomedullin concentration was positively correlated with eGFR in patients with or without LV relaxation impairment, and inversely correlated with E/E' in patients with LV relaxation impairment. Multivariate linear regression analysis supported a role for plasma adrenomedullin in the association between E/E' and eGFR. CONCLUSION: These results support the hypothesis that adrenomedullin modulates the interaction between the heart and kidneys in early subclinical cardiorenal syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The association between left ventricular diastolic function and a mild-to-moderate decrease in glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This prospective study evaluated the relationship between echocardiography parameters of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function and mild-to-moderate renal function impairment in 82 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mean age of the patients was 61.1 years. A significant correlation was found between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the ratio of peak velocity of early transmitral flow (E) to peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion (E'). Cluster analysis revealed two subgroups of patients with different E' values but comparable eGFRs. The correlation between eGFR and E/E' was significant in 38 patients with E' ≤ 7.1 cm/s, but not significant in 44 patients with E' > 7.1 cm/s. The results suggest that the deterioration of LV relaxation (E') represents the underlying condition for the association between mild-to-moderate renal function impairment and the non-invasive parameter of LV end-diastolic pressure (E/E'), in patients with type 2 diabetes without any previous cardiovascular event and with well-controlled blood pressure.

[Modified Latarjet procedure for recurrent shoulder dislocation in elderly patients]. / Modifikovaná Latarjetova operace pri recidivujících luxacích ramena u starsích pacientu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this prospective study was to report on an open approach to a bony defect of the glenoid associated with anterior shoulder instability, using a modified Latarjet procedure, in elderly patients. MATERIAL: From 2003 to 2005, 11 patients older than 50 years underwent an open Latarjet procedure performed by two senior surgeons. The mean age of the patients was 65 years (range, 51 to 79 years). All of them were available for follow-up examination. There were seven women and four men. The study inclusion criteria were a bony defect of the anterior glenoid confirmed by a CT scan, age over 50 years, and three or more previous dislocations.The mean pre-operative forward elevation was 121.2 degrees+/-16.6 degrees (range, 40 degrees-180 degrees) and external rotation was 43.3 degrees+/-13.1 degrees (range, 5 degrees-80 degrees). The mean number of dis- locations before surgery was 4.8 (range, 3-8). METHODS: The Latarjet operation makes use of a large coracoid bone graft to extend the glenoid articular surface by means of a lengthened bone platform, and a sling effect of the conjoined tendon passing through the subscapularis muscle. The Constant-Murley score was used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: Shoulder stability and function were restored in all 11 patients at a minimum follow-up of 4 years (range, 49-69 months). There was no recurrence of instability. The range of motion was minimally reduced; the mean loss of elevation was 18.8 degrees and the mean loss of external rotation was 4.0 degrees. The mean Constant-Murley score increased from 56.4+/-13.3 points preoperatively to 81.8+/-11.3 points post-operatively (p<0.05). No significant post-operative complications were observed. DISCUSSION: It is necessary to differentiate between the Latarjet procedure and its modification popularised by Helfet as the Bristow or the Bristow-Latarjet operation. The Bristow procedure transfers only the tip of the coracoid, along with the attached con- joined tendon, to the anterior side of the neck. This procedure does not treat the bony defect and provides a mere soft-tis- sue constraint. Only a few reports of the original Latarjet procedure can be found in the international literature. CONCLUSIONS: The open Latarjet reconstruction can successfully restore shoulder stability in joints with a significant bony defect of the glenoid even in elderly patients. It is effective in situations in which soft-tissue reconstruction is not a reasonable option.

The impact of early diastolic myocardial relaxation on the other parameters of diastolic function and association of tissue Doppler parameters of diastolic function with diabetes compensation and duration in type 2 diabetic patients.

This study assessed the impact of tissue Doppler derived myocardial early diastolic relaxation velocity (E(m)) on the other parameters of diastolic function (preload dependent transmitral early diastolic velocity [E], tissue Doppler derived myocardial late diastolic velocity [A(m)], preload dependent transmitral late diastolic velocity [A]) and evaluated the correlation of these parameters with selected clinical variables in type 2 diabetic patients. Using tissue Doppler echocardiography, 82 type 2 diabetic patients were evaluated, divided into two equal groups of E(m) < 7.5 cm/s or > or = 7.5 cm/s. Patients with E(m) < 7.5 cm/s had significantly lower E/A and E(m)/A(m), and higher E/E(m) values. Multilinear regression showed a negative correlation between E(m) and glycated haemoglobin (Hb(A1c)) and duration of diabetes, a negative correlation of E(m)/A(m) with age, duration of diabetes and Hb(A1c), and a positive correlation of E/E(m) with age, duration of diabetes and use of diuretics. The E/A ratio only correlated negatively with age. It is concluded that E(m) is a reliable parameter of diastolic function, and that the tissue Doppler parameters of diastolic function are associated with diabetes compensation and diabetes duration.

Circulating serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 and metalloproteinase-9 are not associated with echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function in asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients.

Serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3 and MMP9 were evaluated in 82 asymptomatic type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without cardiovascular complications and in 41 non-diabetic control subjects. In the asymptomatic diabetic patients, the correlations of these concentrations with diabetes duration, selected biochemical parameters such as glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)), and echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function were also assessed. Pulsed and tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed in the two groups. Mean ± SD age was 61 ± 6 years for the asymptomatic diabetic patients and 61 ± 5 years for controls. Mean ± SD concentrations of MMP3 and MMP9 were significantly higher in the asymptomatic diabetic patients (67.5 ± 10.4 and 77.8 ± 28.8 µg/l, respectively) than in controls (47.2 ± 6.1 and 51.1 ± 13.7 µg/l, respectively). In the asymptomatic diabetic patients, MMP3 correlated only with albuminuria (r = 0.341) and MMP9 only with HbA(1c) (r = 0.262); neither MMP was correlated with echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function. Thus, in asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients without cardiovascular complications, serum MMP3 and MMP9 were elevated, MMP9 was associated with HbA(1c) and MMP3 was associated with albuminuria, however, MMP3 and MMP9 were not associated with echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function.

[Accurate placement of bone tunnels in reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament - a contribution of computer-assisted navigation]. / Presnost cílení kostních kanálu pri plastice predního zkrízeného vazu - prínos pocítacové navigace.

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most frequent injuries to the knee joint in the young. ACL repair is a major orthopedic procedure most often performed in the younger adult population. Early stabilization of the knee joint by ACL reconstruction also decreases the risk of injury to other important structures. At ACL reconstruction, the biggest problem is usually the exact placement of drilled tunnels. This significantly affects the outcome of surgery, i. e., range of motion, knee joint stability, reaction of the synovium in the knee, pain, impingement and potential graft failure with lesion development. However, 70 % of ACL reconstructions are carried out by orthopedic surgeons whose experience is limited to less than 20 ACL repair procedures in a year! Arthroscopy does not allow the surgeon to gain a complete 3D view of important anatomical structures, particularly in the anteroposterior direction. Computer-assisted navigation systems should aid in minimizing these problems. First reports on the use of computer-assisted navigation in ACL reconstruction, which have already been published in the international literature, have provided clear evidence that more exact bone tunnel placement can be achieved with navigation than with the use of conventional techniques. In addition, kinematic navigation enables us to measure anteroposterior and rotational knee stability, isometry, impingement and the angles of bone tunnel placement. It permits a choice from various types of graft. Last but not least, kinematic navigation provides a tool for recording surgery outcomes without a necessity to use further examination methods. Its drawbacks, namely, the learning curve, additional fixation of navigation probes to the femur and tibia and slightly longer operative time, should be considered in the context of presumed long-term benefits for the patient.

Transoesophageal echocardiography in patients with stroke and low risk of embolic etiology.

Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is currently the gold standard in the diagnosis of cardiac sources of embolization and the frequently discussed question is whether all patients with suspected embolic stroke should be screened by TEE. Based on the results of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), we determined the significance of TEE in patients with ischemic stroke with low risk of embolic etiology. We made a retrospective evaluation of TEE examination in the period from 1(st) January 2000 to 31(st) December 2003 in patients with ischemic stroke and sinus rhythm and normal left ventricular function. TEE examination was done in 159 patients. A quarter of the patients had pathological findings in the heart: left atrial thrombus in nine (5.7%), spontaneous echocontrast in left atrium in 14 (8.8%), patent foramen ovale in 16 (10%) and other findings in seven (4.4%) patients. The finding of the thrombus or echocontrast in the left atrium correlated with the size of the left atrium and it was proved in the patients with left atrium of size above 39 mm. On the contrary, patent foramen ovale was found in younger patients (70 vs. 59 years). Our results have shown that TEE is of low relevance to patients with a normal transthoracic echocardiogram.

[Benefits of the computer navigation for reconstruction of the anterior crutiate ligament of the knee joint]. / Prínos pocítacové navigace pro rekonstrukci predního zkrízeného vazu kolenního kloubu.

AIM: The aim of this work is a radiological assessment of accuracy of the osseous channels location in initial reconstructions of the anterior crutiate ligament (PZV) conducted using a navigation system. METHODOLOGY: Following arthroscopic preparation of the joint space and registration of the essential data, conducting wires for channels in tibia and femur are navigated using the navigation system. The lig. patellae graft is then pulled-through and fixed using interference screws. The channels location was assessed using radiological methods according to Bernard-Hertel and Harner. RESULTS: A correct emergence of the femoral channel was found in 13 (87%) and of the tibial channel in 14 (93%) cases. The optimum graft location with respect to the both osseous channels was detected in 12 knee joints (80%). CONCLUSIONS: Exact location of the osseous channels is a principal prerequisite for a good result of the anterior crutiate ligament reconstruction. In case of standard procedures, this may be possible only in case the operating surgeon conducts a large number of reconstructions every year. In daily practice, however, 70% of reconstructions are conducted by less experienced orthopaedic surgeons. Our initial results indicate that the navigation system could become an effective tool for the surgeons who do not have the opportunity for conducting the above procedures too often.

[A dissecting aortic aneurysm in a female patient with Turner syndrome]. / Disekující aneuryzma aorty u nemocné s Turnerovým syndromem.

Female phenotype, sexual infantilism, small stature and stigmatization are typical for patients with Turner's syndrome (TS). The most frequent cardiovascular manifestations in these patients are a bicuspidal aortal valve and coarctation of the aorta. In 5% patients dilatation of the aorta is found which can develop into a dissecting aneurysm. In the submitted case-history the authors describe a 34-year-old patient where the diagnosis of TS was proved only in adult age at the time when a dissecting aneurysm of the aorta was detected. The submitted case-history supports the recommendation of regular echocardiographic check-up examinations of patients with TS.

[Esophageal echocardiography in patients with cerebrovascular stroke and atrial fibrillation]. / Jícnová echokardiografie u nemocných s cévní mozkovou príhodou a fibrilací síní.

Atrial fibrillation is an important risk factor of embolization into the CNS. Thus affected patients should receive permanent anticoagulant therapy. Oesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can help our decision in patients with relative contraindications of anticoagulant therapy. TEE was performed in 52 patients with atrial fibrillation and cerebrovascular attack (CMP) with an ischaemic aetiology. Transthoracic echocardiography did not reveal the source of embolization. In 10% patients a thrombus was found in the appendage of the left atrium, in another 9% patients a spontaneous echocontrast was found in the left atrium (prethrombotic condition) and in 5% patients an open foramen ovale. The results indicate the highly probable etiology of embolization in patients with cerebrovascular attacks and atrial fibrillation. This supports the recommendation of absolute indication of anticoagulant treatment in patients with cerebrovascular attacks and atrial fibrillation.