Usability of myocardial work parameters in demonstrating myocardial involvement in INOCA patients.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial work (MW) is a novel echocardiographic modality, which has been shown to have diagnostic and prognostic values in patients with cardiovascular diseases, patients with obstructive coronary artery disease, in particular. However, only a handful of studies have examined the MW analysis in ischemia with nonobstructive coronary artery (INOCA) disease. This study, therefore, aimed to detect the early left ventricular involvement in INOCA patients diagnosed by an invasive coronary angiography performing the MW analysis. METHODS: This study included a total of 119 patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease diagnosed by invasive coronary angiography, who were checked for prior ischemia tests performing myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. Out of these 119 patients, 49 patients developed ischemia (i.e., ischemic group) diagnosed using cardiac single-photon emission computed tomography, whereas 70 patients did not (i.e., nonischemic group). The subjects were divided into three groups based on the global MW tertiles. The groups were compared in terms of the conventional, longitudinal strain, and MW findings by conducting echocardiographic examinations. RESULTS: The study subjects were divided into three groups based on the global constrictive work (GCW) value. The three groups were not statistically different in terms of the mean age of the patients (53.0 ± 12 vs. 52.4 ± 13.3 vs. 52.1 ± 12.3; p = 0.96). Furthermore, the three groups were not statistically different regarding the gender, height, weight, and laboratory parameters of the patients except albumin. There was no statistically difference among the tertiles of GCW groups in the measurements of cardiac chambers, LA diameter, interventricular septum, E wave, and A wave. Also, there was no statistical difference in tissue Doppler recordings. The parameters associated with MW were examined, three groups were not statistically different in terms of the global waste work (GWW) (116 ± 92, 122 ± 73, 135 ± 62, p = 0.52, respectively). In contrast, the three groups were different regarding the Global work index (GWI) (1716 ± 300, 1999 ± 130, 2253 ± 195, p < 0.001, respectively), GCW (1888 ± 206, 2298 ± 75, 2614 ± 155, p < 0.001, respectively), and Global work efficiency parameters (92.8 ± 3.6, 94.4 ± 3.2, 95.1 ± 1.8 p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the MW parameters GCW and GWI may have been used for predicting INOCA in patients.

Comparison of Medical Treatments According to the Characteristics of Idiopathic Premature Ventricular Contractions: Beta-blockers or Calcium Channel Blockers?

Objective: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a common arrhythmic condition. The first approach in patients with symptomatic and frequent PVC is medical treatment, primarily beta-blockers (BB) or calcium channel blockers (CCB), but it is still unclear which of the two should be chosen. This study investigated which drug treatment would be beneficial according to patient and electrocardiography (ECG) characteristics in patients with idiopathic PVC. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 156 patients with PVC who came to the cardiology outpatient clinic. Seventy-one patients were responsive to BB, and 85 were responsive to CCB. Their demographic and ECG characteristics were compared. Results: The male ratio was higher (p<0.001), and the left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in BB responders than in CCB responders (p<0.001). Although the mean heart rate was higher in BB responders (p<0.001), the initial PVC burden was lower in BB responders than in CCB responders (p<0.001). The PVC QRS duration was longer in BB responders than in CCB responders (p<0.001). Similarly, the coupling interval variability was higher in BB responders (p=0.006). Conclusions: The evaluation of clinical and ECG parameters in patients with frequent idiopathic PVCs may determine whether BBs or CCBs should be chosen as initial treatment. Further prospective studies are needed to verify our findings and establish their clinical applicability.

Prognostic Value of 3 Nutritional Screening Tools to Predict 30-Day Outcome in Patients Undergoing Carotid Artery Stenting.

The effect of malnutrition on outcomes after carotid artery stenting (CAS) is not well known. This study reports the relationship between malnutrition and post-procedure 30-day major adverse events (MAEs). A total of 978 patients hospitalized for CAS were enrolled in the study. Controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, the nutritional risk index (NRI), and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) were calculated. MAEs (myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack and mortality) were compared. According to the CONUT score, NRI, and PNI, 9.4%, 41%, and 11.4% patients were moderately or severely malnourished, respectively; 74.8% were at least mildly malnourished by at least 1 score. Forty-seven patients (4.8%) had a post-procedure 30-day MAE. Continuous classifications of the indexes were independently associated with higher MAE. CONUT showed the highest predictive ability, whereas NRI had the lowest (C-index: CONUT, 0.701; NRI, 0.681; PNI, 0.688). According to categorical classification of indexes, only CONUT and PNI showed predictive ability for MAE. Malnutrition assessment could identify patients with CAS at elevated risk for MAE. CONUT, NRI, and PNI continuous scores were independent prognostic factors for the post-procedure 30-day MAE. According to our study, CONUT showed the highest predictive ability.

Subacute lower extremity arterial thrombosis; early outcomes of catheter directed thrombolysis with alteplase and importance of malnutrition assessed by CONUT score.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to report early outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) with alteplase in patients with subacute limb ischemia and to assess whether there is a link between malnutrition (determined by Controlling Nutritional Status [CONUT] score) and response to thrombolysis and bleeding. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted between 2007 and 2020 with 118 patients with Rutherford class 3 (34.7%), class 4 (40.7%), and class 5 (24.6%) symptoms owing to infraaortic subacute thrombotic occlusion who were treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis. RESULTS: Immediate technical success (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] grade 2/3) was achieved in 56%, overall technical success after all adjunctive procedures was seen in 83.9%. Clinical success was obtained in 74.5% within 30 days. Major bleeding occurred in 11.8%. When we excluded access site hematomas, the rate of major bleeding was 5.1%. In-hospital mortality rate was 5.1%, and the amputation rate within 30 days was 12.7%. Any-degree malnutrition was detected in 48.3% according to CONUT score (≥2). Any-degree malnutrition was associated with failed thrombolysis and bleeding. The CONUT score predicted insufficient lytic response even after adjustment for confounding factors; however, serum C-reactive protein or neutrophil/lenfosit ratio did not. Other predictors of immediate technical failure after thrombolysis were symptom duration, Rutherford class 4/5 symptoms, and worsened distal runoff. CONCLUSION: In patients with subacute limb ischemia, CDT combined with adjunctive interventions was effective in many patients at the expense of a substantial risk of bleeding and death. Malnutrition was associated with insufficient lytic response and bleeding. Physicians should be aware of malnutrition and consider the nutritional status of patients with limb ischemia when selecting appropriate treatment.

Endovascular treatment of upper extremity ischemia due to radiation-induced arteritis.

Symptomatic occlusion of the peripheral arteries due to radiation-induced arteritis (RIA) is an extremely rare condition. Patients generally present with the symptoms of ischemic claudication months or years after radiotherapy. Treatment options for symptomatic patients include surgical or endovascular interventions. Although success rate of percutaneous angioplasty in RIA is lower than in atherosclerotic disease, there are several case reports in the literature to demonstrate successful percutaneous angioplasty for RIA. In this report, we presented a case with right upper extremity occlusion due to RIA treated by percutaneous angioplasty successfully.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in-hospital cardiac arrest due to acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation on survival and neurological outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest patients. METHODS: Between January 2018 and December 2020, a total of 22 patients (17 males, 5 females; mean age: 52.8±9.0 years; range, 32 to 70 years) treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for in-hospital cardiac arrest after acute coronary syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as those weaned (n=13) and non-weaned (n=9) from the veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Demographic data of the patients, heart rhythms at the beginning of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the angiographic and interventional results, survival and neurological outcomes of the patients before and after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of comorbidity and baseline laboratory test values. The underlying rhythm was ventricular fibrillation in 92% of the patients in the weaned group and there was no cardiac rhythm in 67% of the patients in the non-weaned group (p=0.125). The recovery in the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly evident in the weaned group (36.5±12.7% vs. 21.1±7.4%, respectively; p=0.004). The overall wean rate from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was 59.1%; however, the discharge rate from hospital of survivors without any neurological sequelae was 36.4%. CONCLUSION: In-hospital cardiac arrest is a critical emergency situation requiring instantly life-saving interventions through conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If it fails, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be initiated, regardless the underlying etiology or rhythm disturbances. An effective conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation is mandatory to prevent brain and body hypoperfusion.

Alteration of serum biomarkers in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with and without atrial fibrillation.

Aim: We sought to determine the relationship between presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and serum biomarkers, including native thiol (antioxidant), disulphide/native thiol ratio, Hs-CRP and high-sensitivity Troponin-I (Hs-TnI) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Materials & methods: We enrolled consecutive 121 HCM outpatients without AF and 40 HCM outpatients with AF. A 12-lead electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography and 24/48-h ambulatory rhythm monitoring were performed for all patients. Fasting venous blood samples were taken from all study patients to measure serum thiol-disulphide homeostasis, Hs-CRP and Hs-TnI. Results: Serum-native thiol was lower and disulphide/native thiol ratio was more oxidized in HCM patients with AF (p < 0.001). Also, HCM patients with AF had higher Hs-TnI and Hs-CRP than no-AF HCM patients. Disulphide/native thiol ratio, serum-native thiol, age, NYHA functional class≥III, and advanced diastolic dysfunction were independently associated with the presence of AF in HCM. Conclusion: In addition to clinical and echocardiographic findings, oxidative stress is also associated with AF in HCM patients.

Multilayer longitudinal strain can help predict the development of no-reflow in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation.

No-reflow (NR) is one of the major complications of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). We aim to assess the value of multilayer longitudinal strain parameter to predict NR in patients with NSTEMI and preserved ejection fraction. 230 consecutive patients who were admitted to the emergency department and diagnosed with NSTEMI were prospectively included in this study. Echocardiography was performed 1 h before angiography. Specific analysis for endocardial, mid-myocardial and epicardial layers were performed by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) for multilayer longitudinal strain. NR was described as flow grade of ≤ TIMI 2 when mechanical occlusions like dissection, intimal tear, arterial spasm and thromboembolism during angiography were excluded. 49 of 168 patients admitted to the study had NR. No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding age and gender. Multilayer longitudinal strain imaging (endocard, midmyocard and epicard) revealed lower strain values particularly in endocardial layer in patients with NR (GLS-endocard: - 14.14 ± 1.39/- 17.41 ± 2.34, p < 0.001; GLS-midmyocard: - 14.81 ± 1.40/17.81 ± 2.22, p < 0.001; GLS-epicard: - 16.14 ± 1.38/18.22 ± 2.00, p < 0.001). GLS-endocard, GLS-midmyocard, GLS-epicard and ST depression were found to be statistically significant independents parameters respectively to predict NR phenomenon (GLS-endocard: OR: 2.193, p < 0.001; GLS-midmyocard: OR: 1.510, p: 0.016; GLS-epicard: OR: 1.372, p: 0.035; ST depression: OR: 3.694, p: 0.014). We revealed that left ventricular strain study with speckle tracking echocardiography predicts NR formation. This noninvasive method may be useful for detecting NR formation in patients with NSTEMI.

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.

Evaluation of torsion and twist mechanics of the left ventricle in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Myocardial involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has great importance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the rotation and twisting mechanics of the left ventricle (LV) in patients with SLE. METHODS: Forty-three patients fulfilled at least four of the American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE and 30 individuals as controls were included in the study. SLE disease activity was assessed using the SELENA-SLEDAI score. Echocardiography was performed for all subjects. The patients fulfilled at least four of the American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE were enrolled in the study. SLE disease activity was assessed using the SELENA-SLEDAI score. Echocardiography was performed for all individuals.Comparisons between groups were made using independent samples t-test with the standard statistical software (SPSS, version 15.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Each image was digitally stored for offline analysis. Measurement of global strain assessed by 17-segment model and rotational parameters were performed. LV ejection fraction was calculated by the biplane Simpson's method. Comparisons between groups were made using the independent samples t-test with the standard statistical software. A p value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The values of mean global longitudinal strain, basal global circumferential strain (GCS), mean basal radial strain, and apical GCS were significantly lower in SLE patients. The difference between basal rotation, apical rotation, twist of the LV, and torsion of the LV in the SLE patients and controls were not significant (8.8±5.5 vs. 10.6±5.8, p=0.183;-4.7±3.0 vs. -4.8±3.2, p=0.947; 11.7±6.4 vs. 13.2±6.4, p=0.366; and 1.8±0.8 vs. 1.9±2.3, p=0.725, respectively). Although there was not any significant relationship between SELENA-SLEDAI score and myocardial strain analyses of the LV, the basal rotation and the torsion of the LV were lower in patients with SLE having a SLEDAI score of ≥17 (p=0.024 for basal rotation and p=0.032 for torsion). CONCLUSION: The number of segmental and global strain analyses were decreased in SLE patients with globally normal LVEF. The twist and torsion mechanics of the LV were preserved according to the control group, and the left ventricular torsion and basal rotation were found to be significantly decreased in those with an activity score of ≥17.

Evaluation of the P Wave Axis in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION: P wave axis is one of the most practical clinical tool for evaluation of cardiovascular disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate the P wave axis in electrocardiogram (ECG), left atrial function and association between the disease activity score in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Standard 12-lead surface ECGs were recorded by at a paper speed of 25 m/s and an amplifier gain of 10 mm/mV. The heart rate (HR), the duration of PR, QRS, QTd (dispersion), the axis of P wave were measured by ECG machine automatically. RESULTS: The P wave axis was significantly increased in patients with SLE (49 ± 20 vs. 40 ± 18, P = 0.037) and the disease activity score was found positively correlated with P wave axis (r: 0.382, P = 0.011). The LA volume and the peak systolic strain of the left atrium (LA) were statistically different between the groups (P = 0.024 and P = 0.000). The parameters of the diastolic function; E/A and E/e' were better in the control group than the patients with SLE (1.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.3 ± 0.3, P = 0.041 and 6.6 ± 2.8 vs. 5.4 ± 1.4, P = 0.036, respectively). CONCLUSION: P wave axis was found significantly increased in patients with SLE and positively correlated with SELENA-SLEDAI score. As the risk score increases in patients with SLE, P wave axis changes which may predict the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

The relationship between rheumatoid factor levels and coronary artery lesion complexity and severity in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: The relation between serum rheumatoid factor levels and the extent, severity, and complexity of coronary artery disease has not been adequately studied. AIM: Therefore, we assessed the relationship between the severity of coronary artery disease assessed by SYNTAX score and serum rheumatoid factor levels in patients with stable coronary artery disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 268 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography. Patients with acute coronary syndrome and chronic immune disorders were excluded. Baseline serum rheumatoid factor levels were measured and the SYNTAX score was calculated from the study population. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 was defined as low SYNTAX score < 22, and group 2 was defined as intermediate and high SYNTAX score > 22. Serum rheumatoid factor levels were significantly higher in the intermediate and high-SYNTAX score group than in the low-SYNTAX score group (16.4 ±9 IU/mlvs. 11.36 ±5 IU/ml, p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant correlation between rheumatoid factor and CRP levels with the SYNTAX score r = 0.411; p < 0.001 and r = 0.275; p < 0.001, respectively. On multivariate linear regression analysis, rheumatoid factor (ß = 0.101, p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for intermediate and high SYNTAX score in patients with stable coronary artery disease. In receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, optimal cut-off value of rheumatoid factor to predict high SYNTAX score was found to be 10.5 IU/ml, with 69% sensitivity and 61% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The rheumatoid factor level was independently associated with the extent, complexity, and severity of coronary artery disease assessed by SYNTAX score in patients with stable coronary artery diseases.

The Effect of Chronic Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use on Tp-E Interval, Tp-E/Qt Ratio, and Tp-E/Qtc Ratio in Male Bodybuilders.

BACKGROUND: The chronic consumption of androgenic anabolic steroids has shown to cause atrial arrhythmias. Several studies have suggested that the interval from the peak to the end of the electrocardiographic T wave (Tp-e) may correspond to the transmural dispersion of repolarization and that increased Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio are associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to evaluate repolarization dispersion measured from the 12-lead surface electrocardiogram (including Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/cQT ratio) in bodybuilders who are using anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). METHODS: We selected a population of 33 competitive bodybuilders, including 15 actively using AAS for ≥ 2 years (users) and 18 who had never used AAS (nonusers), all men. RESULTS: QT, cQT, QTd, cQTd, JT, and cJT were significantly increased in AAS users bodybulders compared to the nonusers (all P < 0.001). Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/cQT ratio were also significantly higher in AAS user group compared to the nonuser group (all P < 0.001). QRS duration was not different between the groups. There were negative correlation between E(m) and Tp-e, Tp-e/QT ratio, Tp-e/cQT ration (r = -0.657, P < 0.01; r = -0.607, P = 0.02; r = -0.583, P = 0.02; respectively).There were also negative correlation between S(m) and Tp-e, Tp-e/QT ratio, Tp-e/cQT ration (r = -0.681, P < 0.01; r = -0.549, P = 0.03; r = -0.544, P = 0.023; respectively). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we have presented a strong evidence suggesting that Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio, and Tp-e/QTc ratio were increased in AAS users, which suggest that there might be a link between AAS use and ventricular arrthymias and sudden death.

Relation of epicardial fat thickness to the severity of heart failure in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess whether epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is associated with the severity of heart failure in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICMP). METHODS: The study group was composed of 93 patients with NICMP and38 age- and sex-matched healty individuals as the control group. The EFT was identified during end-systole at the point on the free wall of the right ventricle. RESULTS: Patients with NICMP had significantly lower mean EFT than those in the control group (4.1 ± 0.8 vs. 6.1 ± 1.8 mm, P < 0.001). EFT was thinnest in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III or IV (3.5 ± 0.5, P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between EFT, left ventricle EF (r = 0.540 P < 0.001), and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (r = -0.695, P < 0.001) values in patients with NICMP. In addition, when EFT was corrected for BMI, EFT/BMI was lower in patients with NYHA functional class III-IV than patients with NYHA class I-II and control group (0.13 ± 0.01, 0.16 ± 0.02, 0.23 ± 0.04, respectively; P < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between EFT/BMI, left ventricle EF (r = 0.489, P < 0.001), and BNP (r = -0.549, P < 0.001) in patients with NICMP. In multivariate regression analysis, EFT (P = 0.009), BNP (P = 0.039), and left atrium volume index (P = 0.039) were independently associated with impaired functional status. CONCLUSION: Echocardiographic EFT is an inexpensive, simple, and readily available marker that may be used to asses the severity of chronic heart failure in patients with NICMP.

Relationship of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio with the presence, severity, and extent of coronary atherosclerosis detected by coronary computed tomography angiography.

We evaluated whether the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with the presence, severity, and extent of coronary atherosclerotic plaques detected by computed tomography angiography (CTA). We studied 238 patients who underwent dual-source 64-slice CTA for the assessment of coronary artery disease. Coronary arteries were evaluated on 16-segment basis and critical plaque was described as luminal narrowing >50%. In regression analysis, being in the third NLR tertile increased the risk of coronary atherosclerosis (odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-4.43; P = .023). When the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed, being in the third NLR tertile increased the risk of critical luminal stenosis (OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.19-5.69; P = .017). Although plaque morphology was not associated with NLR, the extent of coronary atherosclerosis was increased with higher NLR tertiles (P = .001). Our results suggest that a higher NLR may be a useful additional measure to assess cardiovascular risk in clinical practice.

Long-term anabolic androgenic steroid use is associated with increased atrial electromechanical delay in male bodybuilders.

We investigated the effect of long-term supraphysiologic doses of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) on atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) in male bodybuilders. We clearly demonstrated that long-term consumption of supraphysiologic doses of AAS is associated with higher values of inter- and intra-AEMD in healthy young bodybuilders.

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is related to the severity of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess whether NLR levels are associated with echocardiographic parameters, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, or B- type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DESIGN: Eighty-seven patients with idiopathic DCM were included prospectively from 2009 to 2014. Patients with acute decompensated heart failure and conditions that alter the total or differential white blood cell counts were excluded. Blood samples were collected before echocardiographic investigation on admission. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation between neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and NYHA functional class (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), BNP levels (r = 0.61, p < 0.001) and various echocardiographic parameters. NLR was significantly higher in patients in NYHA functional class III or IV (n = 39) than among those categorized as NYHA class I or II (n = 48), (3.3 ± 1.0 vs 2.1 ± 0.6; p < 0.001). The NLR cutoff value predicting severe chronic HF was 2.25 with 82% sensitivity and 65% specificity (p < 0.001). On multivariate linear regression analysis NLR (p = 0.025), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (p = 0.041) and left atrial volume index (LAVI) (p = 0.001) were found to be independent positive predictors of BNP levels. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio is associated with the severity of chronic heart failure in patients with idiopathic DCM.