Impact of arterial stiffness on echocardiographic myocardial work indices in patients with isolated bicuspid aortic valve.

OBJECTIVE: Data related to the existence of left ventricular (LV) abnormalities in normal functional bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is scarce. In addition, the impact of afterload and the involved mechanisms are unclear. In this work, we study the relationship between LV function assessed with myocardial work index (MWI) and arterial stiffness in a cohort of normal functioning BAV patients. METHODS: In this study, we included a total of 38 consecutive patients with isolated BAV and 44 age- and gender-matched control subjects with tricuspid aortic valve. All participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography to assess conventional parameters and global longitudinal strain (GLS). In addition, MWI was measured by the noninvasive LV pressure-strain cycle method. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and wave reflection were evaluated by applanation tonometry. RESULTS: The mean aortic PWV was significantly higher in BAV patients (6.4 ± 0.80, 7.02 ± 0.1.2, p = .01, respectively). LV-MWI related parameters such as global work efficiency (GWE) (96.261.69 and 97.051.27, p = .02) and global wasted work (GWW) (78.232.1 and 61.824.4, p = .01) were found significantly different between the BAV and control groups. However, global working index and global constructive working were not different between groups (1969 ± 259 and 2014 ± 278, p = .45; 2299 ± 290 and 2359 ± 345, p = .39, respectively). Multivariable ordinary least squares regression analysis revealed that BAV (ß = 8.4; 95% CI: 1.5-15.3; p = .04) and PVW (ß = 5.6; 95% CI: 0.7-10.5; p = .01) were significant predictors of GWV. CONCLUSION: GWW is increased and GWE is decreased in patients with BAV compared with controls, and these changes are related to arterial stiffness. The relationship between aortic PWV and GWW may help to explain the exact mechanism of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with isolated BAV.

The effects of catheter ablation of outflow tract premature ventricular complexes on atrial electromechanical delay.

BACKGROUND: Consistent data from several studies have shown that catheter ablation of frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) results in substantial improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular diastolic function, and left atrial volume and mechanics. However, the effects of catheter ablation of PVCs on atrial electromechanical properties have not been documented yet. AIMS: In the present study, we investigated the short-term effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of outflow tract PVCs on atrial electromechanical delay (EMD). METHODS: A total of 71 subjects with idiopathic outflow tract PVCs who underwent RFCA were included. Interatrial and intra-atrial EMDs were measured by tissue Doppler imaging before and 3 months after catheter ablation. RESULTS: The study population was divided into normal ejection fraction (EF) and low-EF subgroups according to their LVEF. In all study groups, substantial improvement was found in lateral electromechanical coupling time (PA), septal PA, right ventricular PA, interatrial EMD, left-sided intra-atrial EMD, and right-sided intra-atrial EMD. No treatment heterogeneity was observed when comparing low-EF and normal-EF subgroups with respect to atrial EMDs (interatrial EMD, interaction p = .29; left-sided intra-atrial EMD, interaction p = .13; right-sided intra-atrial EMD, interaction p = .88). CONCLUSION: RFCA of outflow tract PVC has a favorable early effect on intra- and inter-atrial EMDs irrespective of preprocedural LVEF.

Serum Endocan Levels Predict Drug-Eluting Stent Restenosis in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM-1 or endocan) is an immunoinflammatory marker strongly associated with inflammation, vascular endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. We explored the relationship between serum endocan concentrations and coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR). METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with ISR and 50 control subjects were included in this study. Clinical data and angiographic characteristics were collected. Serum endocan concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: All included patients were divided into four quartiles based on their concentrations of endocan: quartile 1 (0.62-1.31 ng/mL), quartile 2 (1.33-1.74 ng/mL), quartile 3 (1.75-2.77 ng/mL) and quartile 4 (2.78-4.24 ng/mL). The rates of ISR were 16%, 24%, 68%, and 92%, respectively. The patients in quartile 4 had significantly higher rates of ISR than the other groups (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that endocan concentration [odds ratio = 8.65, 95% confidence interval 3.56-20.94; p < 0.001] was an independent predictor of ISR. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to explore the relationship between endocan and ISR. Using a cutoff value of 1.625 ng/mL, endocan predicted ISR with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 78%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that plasma endocan levels may be a novel biomarker of endothelial dysfunction in patients with ISR.

Severe mitral regurgitation is associated with increased copeptin levels in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The objective of this study was to assess the potential role of mitral regurgitation (MR) in the release of copeptin in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: The study included 63 patients of whom 33 had functional mild MR (Group 1) and 30 had functional severe MR (Group 2). The functional class of both groups was New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III. Blood samples for the determination of plasma copeptin and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were obtained on the same day with the echo-cardiographic examination. Standard echocardiographic studies were performed. RESULTS: Copeptin and BNP levels showed a substantial agreement in the whole study group (Kappa level: 0.607, p < 0.0001). Also, copeptin and BNP showed a strong correlation and were both increased and significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain and left ventricular ejection fraction values were similar in both groups. The study population were divided into two subgroups on the basis of copeptin median level (6.4 ng/mL), and the prevalence of severe MR was significantly higher in the above-median-copeptin subgroup. A linear regression analysis showed that the presence of severe MR was the only independent predictor of high circulating plasma copeptin level (OR 7.5, 95% CI 2.8-12.1; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Severe MR is an independent predictor of elevated plasma copeptin level in HFREF irrespective of systolic function.

Relation of Plasma Fibrinogen Level With the Presence, Severity, and Complexity of Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Relation of plasma fibrinogen levels with extent, severity, and complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) has not been adequately investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether plasma fibrinogen level is associated with coronary complexity, severity, and extent assessed by SYNTAX (Synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery) score (SS). METHODS: We enrolled 134 consecutive patients with SAP who underwent coronary angiography. Baseline serum fibrinogen levels were measured, and SS was calculated from the study population. The patients were classified into 3 groups by tertiles of SS (SS, control group = 0; intermediate group < 22; and high group ≥ 22). RESULTS: Plasma fibrinogen levels demonstrated a stepwise increase from control group to high SS group. There was a strong correlation between fibrinogen and the SS ( r = .535, P < .001). Area under the receivers operating characteristic curve of fibrinogen was 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.82; < .001) for predicting a high SS. Fibrinogen value higher than 411 mg/dL has a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 64% in prediction of high SS. In multivariate analyses, plasma fibrinogen was observed to be an independent predictor for high SS in patients with stable CAD (odds ratio [OR] 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Plasma fibrinogen is a readily measurable systemic inflammatory marker and is independently associated coronary severity and complexity in patients with CAD.

Single-center experience with percutaneous mitral valve repair using the MitraClip in a high-risk series in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is the second most common heart valve disease in Europe. Without intervention, prognosis of severe symptomatic MR is poor. Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with MitraClip is a promising mitral regurgitation treatment technique in select, high-surgical-risk patients. The present objective was to describe the experience of a single center with MitraClip use in a high-risk series in Turkey. METHODS: Between May 2013 and September 2014, 28 high-surgical-risk patients with MR of at least grade 3+ and mean EuroSCORE of 26% underwent MitraClip implantation at our institution. In-hospital and follow-up safety and efficacy results are presented. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 58 years, and 75% were male. Grade 3 or 4 MR was present in all patients, and was primarily the result of restrictive functional mitral regurgitation (in 89% of cases). Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 27% and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification was III or IV in 89% of the population. Acute procedural success was 89%, with 47% of patients receiving a single clip, 39% receiving 2 clips, and 14% receiving 3 clips. One periprocedural death occurred, and 2 deaths occurred during follow-up (mean: 13.9 months). After 1 year, more than 75% of patients had MR severity of ≤2+ and NYHA classification of I or II, but no significant change in left ventricular volume or systolic function. Significant improvement in 6-minute walk test and quality of life was also observed. CONCLUSION: Initial experience with the MitraClip system showed promising results in patients considered high-surgical-risk, particularly in those with end-stage heart failure.

Association between the Gensini Score and Carotid Artery Stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the extent of coronary artery disease assessed by the Gensini score and/or the SYNTAX score and the significant carotid stenosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 225 patients who had carotid doppler ultrasonography prior to CABG were included retrospectively. Significant coronary artery disease was assumed as a lumen diameter stenosis of ≥50% in any of the major epicardial coronary arteries. The severity of carotid stenosis was determined by B-mode and duplex ultrasonography. Clinically significant carotid stenosis was defined as peak systolic velocity greater than 125 cm/s. RESULTS: The mean value of SYNTAX score and Gensini score was highest in patients allocated to significant carotid stenosis (22.98±7.32, p<0.001 and 77.40±32.35, p<0.001, respectively). The other risk factors for significant carotid stenosis were found to be male gender (p=0.029), carotid bruit (p<0.001), diabetes (p=0.021), left main disease (p=0.002), 3-vessel disease (p=0.008), chronic total coronary occlusion (p=0.001), and coronary artery calcification (p=0.001) in univariate analysis. However, only the Gensini score (odds ratio[OR]=1.030, p=0.004), carotid bruit (OR=0.068, p<0.001), and male gender (OR=0.190, p=0.003) were the independent predictors. The Gensini score cut off value predicting significant carotid stenosis was 50.5 with 77% sensitivity (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The Gensini score may be used to identify patients at high risk for significant carotid stenosis prior to CABG.

Multiple periannular defects after an inadequate mitral valve repair procedure and unsuccessful redo valve surgery with pericardial patches in an elderly patient.

The fastest growing demographic group in Europe and America is the elderly, and significant mitral regurgitation is very prevalent in this population. At present, with mitral valve surgery in elderly individuals gaining greater acceptance worldwide, the question whether to repair or replace the valve remains controversial. Recent studies have demonstrated the safety, feasibility, and durability of repair over replacement in elderly patients. Herein, we report the case of an elderly patient who underwent surgical re-interventions on the mitral valve following an unsuccessful mitral valve repair procedure.

Left atrial remodeling in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system: an advanced echocardiography study.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to determine changes in left atrial (LA) function with two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) and real-time full-volume three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) after percutaneous mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system. Furthermore, we investigated whether baseline and/or changes in LA function after MitraClip repair had any impact on prognosis. METHODS: A total of 25 consecutive patients (age: 57±12 years, 76% male) with moderate-to-severe or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) were included. Patients underwent 2DSTE and RT3DE before the clip implantation and after the 12-month follow-up. Prognostic data were also recorded via the use of telephone calls and follow-up visits for 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the LA reservoir strain (LA-Res) (7.66±4.3% vs 11.15±7.5%, P<.001) and LA contraction strain (LA-Pump) (4.64±4.3% vs 7.63±5.8%, P=.001) improved significantly after MitraClip repair; significant improvements were also seen in three-dimensional (3D) minimum LA volume index (LAV min) and maximum LA volume index (LAV max). On the other hand, conventional LA indices did not change. In total, eleven major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were observed at the 1-year follow-up. In univariate analyses, the preprocedural echocardiographic parameters that were associated with the MACE within 1 year after MitraClip repair were 3D-LAV min and LA-Res. Furthermore, these indices significantly correlated with improved functional parameters and MR reduction. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a successful MitraClip procedure can reverse the process of LA remodeling within 12 months, and this can be detected by 2DSTE and RT3DE. Also, patients with preprocedural lower LA-Res and higher 3D-LAV min had the worst prognoses at the 1-year follow-up.

Comparison of Right Ventricle Systolic Function between Long-Term Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid User and Nonuser Bodybuilder Athletes: A Study of Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) effects of long-term use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are not clearly known. The aim of this study was to assess RV systolic functions by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) in AAS user and nonuser bodybuilders. METHODS: A total of 33 competitive male bodybuilders (15 AAS users, 18 AAS nonusers) were assessed. To assess RV systolic functions, all participants underwent standard two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, and 2DSTE. RESULTS: Interventricular septal thickness, left ventricle posterior wall thickness, relative wall thickness, and left ventricle mass index were significantly higher in AAS users than nonusers. While standard diastolic parameters were not statistically different between the groups, tissue Doppler parameters including RV E' and E'/A' were lower in AAS users than nonusers (10.1 ± 2.0 vs. 12.7 ± 2.1; P = 0.001, 1.1 ± 0.1 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4; P = 0.009, respectively). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, RV fractional area change, and RV S' were in normal ranges. However, RV S' was found to be lower in users than nonusers (12.2 ± 2.2 vs. 14.6 ± 2.8, P = 0.011). RV free wall longitudinal strain and strain rate were decreased in AAS users in comparison with nonusers (-20.2 ± 3.1 vs. -23.3 ± 3.5; P = 0.012, -3.2 ± 0.1 vs. -3.4 ± 0.1; P = 0.022, respectively). In addition, there were good correlations between 2DSTE parameters and RV S', E', and E'/A'. CONCLUSION: Despite normal standard systolic echo parameters, peak systolic RV free wall strain and strain rate were reduced in AAS user bodybuilders in comparison with nonusers. Strain and strain rate by 2DSTE may be useful for early determination of subclinical RV dysfunction in AAS user bodybuilders.

The bronchial obstruction as a complication of endovascular repair of aortic pseudoaneurysm in Behçet's disease.

Behçet's disease (BD) is an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organs. Aortic pseudoaneurysm is the most catastrophic lesion in BD. This lesion type is considered as a complicated and challenging pathology by surgeons because of the technical operative difficulties and frequent recurrence. So, the endovascular repair of inflammatory aortic pseudoaneurysm has been used as an alternative to open surgical repair. It is particularly important in patients who are high-risk surgical candidates because of comorbidities. In this report, we present a case and treatment of bronchial obstruction, which caused progressive dyspnea after endovascular repair of aortic rupture, in patient with known history of BD.

Platelet/lymphocyte ratio was associated with impaired myocardial perfusion and both in-hospital and long-term adverse outcome in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been shown to be an inflammatory and thrombotic biomarker for coronary heart disease, but its prognostic value in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been fully investigated. AIM: To investigate the relationship between PLR and no-reflow, along with the in-hospital and long-term outcomes in patients with STEMI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present study, we included 304 consecutive patients suffering from STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI). Patients were stratified according to PLR tertiles based on the blood samples obtained in the emergency room upon admission. No-reflow after p-PCI was defined as a coronary thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade ≤ 2 after vessel recanalization, or TIMI flow grade 3 together with a final myocardial blush grade (MBG) < 2. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 24 months (range: 22-26 months). The number of patients characterized with no-reflow was counted to depict increments throughout successive PLR tertiles (14% vs. 20% vs. 45%, p < 0.001). In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events and death increased as the PLR increased (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Long-term MACE and death also increased as the PLR increased (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that PLR remained an independent predictor for both in-hospital (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01; p = 0.002) and major long-term (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01; p < 0.001) adverse cardiac events. CONCLUSIONS: Platelet/lymphocyte ratio on admission is a strong and independent predictor of both the no-reflow phenomenon and long-term prognosis following p-PCI in patients with STEMI.