Evaluation of Coronary Flow Level with Mots-C in Patients with STEMI Undergoing Primary PCI. / Avaliação do Nível de Fluxo Coronário com MOTS-C em Pacientes com IAMCSST Submetidos à ICP Primária.

BACKGROUND: The protective effects of mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-C) on cardiovascular diseases have been shown in numerous studies. However, there is little documentation of the relationship between MOTS-C and coronary blood flow in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the role of MOTS-C, which is known to have cytoprotective properties in the pathogenesis of the no-reflow phenomenon, by comparing the coronary flow rate and MOTS-C levels in patients with STEMI submitted to primary PCI. METHODS: 52 patients with STEMI and 42 patients without stenosis >50% in the coronary arteries were included in the study. The STEMI group was divided into two groups according to post-PCI TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) flow grade:(i) No-reflow: grade 0, 1, and 2 and (ii) grade 3(angiographic success). A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: MOTS-C levels were significantly lower in the STEMI group compared to the control group (91.9 ± 8.9 pg/mL vs. 171.8±12.5 pg/mL, p<0.001). In addition, the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis indicated that serum MOTS-C levels had a diagnostic value in predicting no-reflow (Area Under the ROC curve [AUC]:0.95, 95% CI:0.856-0.993, p<0.001). A MOTS-C ≥84.15 pg/mL measured at admission was shown to have 95.3% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity in predicting no-reflow. CONCLUSION: MOTS-C is a strong and independent predictor of no-reflow and in-hospital MACE in patients with STEMI. It was also noted that low MOTS-C levels may be an important prognostic marker of and may have a role in the pathogenesis of STEMI.

FUNDAMENTOS: Os efeitos protetores da fase de leitura aberta mitocondrial do 12S rRNA-c (MOTS-C) em doenças cardiovasculares foram demonstrados em vários estudos. Entretanto, há pouca documentação da relação entre MOTS-C e fluxo sanguíneo coronariano no infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST). OBJETIVO: Nosso objetivo foi investigar o papel do MOTS-C, que é conhecido por ter propriedades citoprotetoras na patogênese do fenômeno de no-reflow, comparando a taxa de fluxo coronariano e os níveis de MOTS-C em pacientes com IAMCSST submetidos à ICP primária. MÉTODOS: 52 pacientes com IAMCSST e 42 pacientes sem estenose >50% nas artérias coronárias foram incluídos no estudo. O grupo IAMCSST foi dividido em dois grupos de acordo com o grau de fluxo TIMI (do inglês Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) pós-ICP: (i) No-reflow: graus 0, 1 e 2 e (ii) grau 3 (sucesso angiográfico). Um valor de p <0,05 foi considerado significante. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de MOTS-C foram significativamente menores no grupo IAMCSST em comparação ao grupo controle (91,9 ± 8,9 pg/mL vs. 171,8±12,5 pg/mL, p<0,001). Além disso, a análise da curva Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) indicou que os níveis séricos de MOTS-C tinham um valor diagnóstico na previsão de no-reflow (Área sob a curva ROC [AUC]: 0,95, IC95%: 0,856-0,993, p < 0,001). Um valor de MOTS-C ≥84,15 pg/mL medido na hospitalização mostrou ter sensibilidade de 95,3% e especificidade de 88,9% na previsão de no-reflow. CONCLUSÃO: MOTS-C é um preditor forte e independente de no-reflow e eventos cardiovasculares adversos maiores (ECAM) intra-hospitalar em pacientes com IAMCSST. Também foi observado que baixos níveis de MOTS-C podem ser um importante marcador prognóstico e podem ter um papel na patogênese do IAMCSST.

The CHA2DS2-VASc risk score predicts successful endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES: Acute ischemic stroke is a common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Percutaneous endovascular intervention is an important treatment method in ischemic stroke. Endovascular procedure success is associated with the clinical outcome of the patients. The CHA2DS2-VASC score is an important score used to determine the risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between procedure success and CHA2DS2-VASC score in patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular intervention with acute ischemic stroke were included in the study. The admission CHA2DS2-VASc scores of the patients were recorded. After the procedure, the relationship between the TICI score and the CHA2DS2-VASc score was evaluated. RESULTS: CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly higher in the group that resulted in unsuccessful endovascular intervention (2.78 ± 1.44, 5.02 ± 1.77 p < .001). Receiver-operating characteristics analysis revealed the cutoff value of CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥3 as a predictor of unsuccessful intervention with 76,6% sensitivity and 83,3% specificity, positive predictive value 50%, negative predictive value 84,6% (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.827,95% CI: 0.739-0.895, p < .001). In the multivariate analysis; atrial fibrillation ([ß] = 4.201; [CI]: 1.251-14.103, p = .020), CHA2DS2-VASc score ([ß] = 0.053; [CI]: 0.004-0.750, p = .030) were found independent predictors for unsuccessful intervention treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we showed that the CHA2DS2-VASc score is associated with the success of endovascular intervention in patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent percutaneous endovascular treatment.

The CHA2DS2-VASc Risk Score Predicts Total Occlusion in Infarct-Related Arteries in Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Early detection of total coronary artery occlusion (TO) in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients may be beneficial since invasive treatments are initiated more rapidly in appropriate patients. Previous studies have shown that the CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, previous stroke, vascular disease, age between 65 and 74 years, female gender) score is associated with thrombus burden in acute coronary syndromes. We investigated the association between the CHA2DS2-VASc risk score and TO in patients with NSTEMI who underwent coronary angiography. TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) flow 0 was defined as TO and TIMI flow 1-3 was defined as non-total occlusion (non-TO). The NSTEMI patients (n = 400) included were separated into two groups: those with (n = 138) and without (n = 262) TO. We observed that the CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher in the TO group (3.86 ± 2.32 vs 2.15 ± 1.79, P <.001). The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score (P = .002) and the CHA2DS2-VASc score (P < .001) were also found to be significant independent predictors for total occlusion in multiple regression analysis. A CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥3 had 68.1% sensitivity and 64.0% specificity (area under the curve (AUC): 0.657, 95% CI: 0.585-0.725, P < .001) for predicting TO. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was an effective tool that predicted TO in patients with NSTEMI.

Effect of ukrain on ischemia/reperfusion-induced kidney injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of ukrain on an experimental kidney injury model induced by ischemia and reperfusion (IR) in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally and randomly separated into three groups as follows: group-1: controls (C; only laparotomy); group 2: renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR; occlusion of the renal artery for 30 min and 2 h of reperfusion); and group 3: ukrain treatment and IR applied group (U + IR; occlusion of the renal artery for 30 min and 2 h of reperfusion; ukrain was intraperitoneally administered 1 h before the IR process). RESULTS: Serum total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were measured. The oxidative stress index was determined by calculating the TOS/TAS ratio. TAS serum levels significantly increased, and TOS serum levels also prominently decreased in U + IR group, when compared with the IR group (P < 0.001). Mean NGAL level was remarkably higher in IR group, when compared with the U + IR group (P < 0.001). Caspase-3 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level increased in IR and decreased in U + IR group (P < 0.001). Bcl-xL serum and mRNA expression levels increased in the U + IR group (P < 0.001). In addition, serum iNOS and mRNA expression levels increased in IR group and decreased in U + IR group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Data established from the present study suggest that ukrain may exhibit protective effect against IR-induced kidney injury and that antioxidant activity primarily modulates this effect.

Assessment of the left ventricular systolic function in cardiac syndrome X using speckle tracking echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic strain by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3-DE) for the early detection of myocardial dysfunction in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX). METHODS: We compared 34 patients with CSX (18 females, mean age 47.9±10.0 years) with 41 healthy persons as a control group (23 females, mean age 50.6±9.9 years). Inclusion criteria for CSX were typical angina, a positive exercise ECG stress test, and angiographically documented normal coronary arteries. Exclusion criteria for both groups were hypertension, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, inflammatory diseases, myocarditis, vasculitis, arthropathies, Tietze's syndrome, gastrointestinal diseases, aortic diseases, hormone replacement therapy, arrhythmias, liver diseases, and alcohol use. All subjects underwent two-dimensional STE and 3-DE to assess resting LV function. STE measures were taken from the basal septum, mid-septum, apical septum, apex, apicolateral, mid-lateral, basal lateral, anteroseptal, anterior, anterolateral, inferolateral, inferior, and inferoseptal walls. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test were used to statistically analyze data. RESULTS: LV echo ejection fraction (EF) and systolic wave peak velocity were similar for both groups. Regional mean longitudinal strain (-17.7±2.5% vs. -19.8±1.8%; p<0.0001) was significantly lower in patients with CSX than in healthy control patients. However, regional mean circumferential strain values (-22.0±1.6% vs. -22.2±2.3%; p=0.78) did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Significant impairment of LV longitudinal myocardial systolic function was detected with STE in patients with CSX, although normal 3-D EF and tissue Doppler imaging systolic parameters were observed. Arteriosclerosis of small coronary arteries and microvascular dysfunction may affect myocardial longitudinal strain.

Enteric duplication cyst located at the posterior tongue: a rare case report and review of the literature.

The lingual localization of an enteric duplication is extremely rare but may present with respiratory and feeding problems that require emergency intervention. A 7-month-old boy was brought to our clinic with feeding difficulties and tongue swelling. Physical examination showed a cystic lesion located near the left side of the tongue base that caused tongue protrusion to the contralateral side. During surgery, a 3-cm diameter opaque thick-walled cyst was found to be very closely adherent to the base of tongue, which was excised in its entirety. Following surgery, the patient fed during the early postoperative period and no complications were observed other than hypersalivation. On histological examination, a cystic lesion lined with intestinal mucosa and goblet cells was found. We present the rare case of a duplication cyst of the posterior tongue, with a literature review.

Ivabradine Improves Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy / Ivabradina Melhora a Variabilidade da Frequência Cardíaca em Pacientes com Cardiomiopatia Dilatada Não Isquêmica

Background: Ivabradine is a novel specific heart rate (HR)-lowering agent that improves event-free survival in patients with heart failure (HF). Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effect of ivabradine on time domain indices of heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with HF. Methods: Forty-eight patients with compensated HF of nonischemic origin were included. Ivabradine treatment was initiated according to the latest HF guidelines. For HRV analysis, 24-h Holter recording was obtained from each patient before and after 8 weeks of treatment with ivabradine. Results: The mean RR interval, standard deviation of all normal to normal RR intervals (SDNN), the standard deviation of 5-min mean RR intervals (SDANN), the mean of the standard deviation of all normal-to-normal RR intervals for all 5-min segments (SDNN index), the percentage of successive normal RR intervals exceeding 50 ms (pNN50), and the square root of the mean of the squares of the differences between successive normal to normal RR intervals (RMSSD) were low at baseline before treatment with ivabradine. After 8 weeks of treatment with ivabradine, the mean HR (83.6 ± 8.0 and 64.6 ± 5.8, p < 0.0001), mean RR interval (713 ± 74 and 943 ± 101 ms, p < 0.0001), SDNN (56.2 ± 15.7 and 87.9 ± 19.4 ms, p < 0.0001), SDANN (49.5 ± 14.7 and 76.4 ± 19.5 ms, p < 0.0001), SDNN index (24.7 ± 8.8 and 38.3 ± 13.1 ms, p < 0.0001), pNN50 (2.4 ± 1.6 and 3.2 ± 2.2 %, p < 0.0001), and RMSSD (13.5 ± 4.6 and 17.8 ± 5.4 ms, p < 0.0001) substantially improved, which sustained during both when awake and while asleep. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that treatment with ivabradine improves HRV in nonischemic patients with HF. .

Fundamento: A ivabradina é um novo agente redutor específico da frequência cardíaca (FC) que melhora a sobrevida livre de eventos de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da ivabradina nos índices temporais da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) em pacientes com IC. Métodos: Quarenta e oito pacientes com IC compensada de etiologia não-isquêmica foram incluídos no estudo. O tratamento com ivabradina foi iniciado de acordo com as recomendações mais recentes para a IC. O Holter de 24 horas foi utilizado para analisar os índices da VFC em cada paciente antes e após 8 semanas de tratamento com ivabradina. Resultados: Todos os índices da VFC, o intervalo RR médio, o desvio padrão de todos os intervalos RR normais (DPNN), o desvio padrão de intervalos RR médios de 5 minutos (DPNNM), a média do desvio padrão de todos os intervalos RR normais para todos os segmentos de 5 minutos (índice DPNN), porcentagem de intervalos RR normais sucessivos superiores a 50 milissegundos (pNN50), e a raiz quadrada da média dos quadrados das diferenças entre intervalos RR sucessivos (RMQQD) apresentaram redução no ínicio do estudo, antes do tratamento com ivabradina. Após 8 semanas de tratamento com ivabradina, as médias das FC (83,6 ± 8,0 e 64,6 ± 5,8, p < 0,0001) e todos os índices da VFC, médias dos intervalos RR (713 ± 74 e 943 ± 101 ms, p < 0,0001), DPNN (56,2 ± 15,7 e 87,9 ± 19,4 ms, p < 0,0001), DPNNM (49,5 ± 14,7 e 76,4 ± 19,5 ms, p < 0,0001), índice DPNN (24,7 ± 8,8 e 38,3 ± 13,1 ms, p < 0,0001), pNN50 (2,4 ± 1,6 e 3,2 ± 2,2%, p < 0,0001) e RMQQD (13,5 ± 4,6 e 17,8 ± 5,4 ms , p < 0,0001), foram substancialmente melhorados, e permaneceram nestas ...

Ivabradine improves heart rate variability in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Ivabradine is a novel specific heart rate (HR)-lowering agent that improves event-free survival in patients with heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effect of ivabradine on time domain indices of heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with HF. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with compensated HF of nonischemic origin were included. Ivabradine treatment was initiated according to the latest HF guidelines. For HRV analysis, 24-h Holter recording was obtained from each patient before and after 8 weeks of treatment with ivabradine. RESULTS: The mean RR interval, standard deviation of all normal to normal RR intervals (SDNN), the standard deviation of 5-min mean RR intervals (SDANN), the mean of the standard deviation of all normal-to-normal RR intervals for all 5-min segments (SDNN index), the percentage of successive normal RR intervals exceeding 50 ms (pNN50), and the square root of the mean of the squares of the differences between successive normal to normal RR intervals (RMSSD) were low at baseline before treatment with ivabradine. After 8 weeks of treatment with ivabradine, the mean HR (83.6 ± 8.0 and 64.6 ± 5.8, p < 0.0001), mean RR interval (713 ± 74 and 943 ± 101 ms, p < 0.0001), SDNN (56.2 ± 15.7 and 87.9 ± 19.4 ms, p < 0.0001), SDANN (49.5 ± 14.7 and 76.4 ± 19.5 ms, p < 0.0001), SDNN index (24.7 ± 8.8 and 38.3 ± 13.1 ms, p < 0.0001), pNN50 (2.4 ± 1.6 and 3.2 ± 2.2 %, p < 0.0001), and RMSSD (13.5 ± 4.6 and 17.8 ± 5.4 ms, p < 0.0001) substantially improved, which sustained during both when awake and while asleep. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that treatment with ivabradine improves HRV in nonischemic patients with HF.

Frequency of hematological findings associated with severe plasma vitamin B12 deficiency in infants and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the hematological status of severe vitamin B12 deficiency in infants and adolescents. METHODS: This study involved 95 infants and 117 adolescents with severe plasma vitamin B12 deficiency (< 120 pg/ mL) and normal plasma folate and ferritin. Infants were aged between one and 24 months. Adolescents were aged between 11 and 17 years. RESULTS: Macrocytic anemia was associated with nine (9.5%) out of 95 infants with severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Neutropenia was found in 16 (16.8%) out of 95 infants with severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Thrombocytopenia was not found in 95 infants with severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Macrocytic anemia was found in two (1.7%) out of 117 adolescents with a severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Neutropenia was associated in one (0.8%) out of 117 adolescents with severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Thrombocytopenia was not found in 117 adolescents with severe vitamin B12 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Low clinical or hematological findings for B12 deficiency in infants and adolescents living in regions at risk, such as those with low consumption of meat and other animal products warrant the measurement of vitamin B12 level.

Responsiveness to parenteral iron therapy in children with oral iron-refractory iron-deficiency anemia.

UNLABELLED: Intravenous (IV) ferric iron (Fe)-carbohydrate complexes are used for treating Fe deficiency in children with iron-refractory iron-deficiency anemia (IRIDA). An optimal treatment has yet to be determined. There are relatively little publications on the responsiveness to IV iron therapy in children with IRIDA. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This study analyzed responses to IV iron sucrose therapy given to 11 children, ranging in age from 2 to 13 years (mean 4.8 years), with iron-deficiency anemia who were unresponsive to oral iron therapy. RESULTS: The hemoglobin and ferritin values (mean) of the 11 children with IRIDA were 7.7 g/dL and 4.8 ng/mL at diagnosis. Both hemoglobin and ferritin levels increased to 9.5 g/dL, and 24 ng/mL, respectively, at 6 weeks after the first therapy. Although the level of hemoglobin was steady at 6 months after the first, and 6 weeks after the second therapy, the ferritin levels continued to increase up to 30 ng/mL and 47 ng/mL at 6 months after the first and 6 weeks after the second therapy, respectively. CONCLUSION: We recommend that IRIDA should be considered in patients presenting with iron-deficiency anemia of unknown cause that is unresponsive to oral iron therapy. Our results suggest that IV iron therapy should be administered only once in cases of IRIDA. Continued administration of IV iron would be of no benefit to increase hemoglobin levels. On the contrary, ferritin levels may continue to increase resulting in untoward effects of hyperferritinemia.

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase levels and their response to exercise in patients with slow coronary flow.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in the aetiopathogenesis of slow coronary flow (SCF) even if there is no obstructive epicardial lesion. Reduced plasma levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are an important indicator of endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to determine plasma levels of eNOS and their relationship with exercise in patients with SCF. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with SCF in at least one coronary artery and 17 healthy individuals were included in this study. The TIMI frame count method was used to determine SCF. Plasma levels of eNOS before and after effort were determined in the patient and control groups. RESULTS: Basal eNOS levels in the patient group were lower than in the control group (p = 0.040), and plasma eNOS levels after exercise decreased more significantly in the patient group compared to the control group (p = 0.002). Median decreases of eNOS in response to exercise were higher in the SCF group than in the control group (p < 0.001), and the decrease observed in the control group was not statistically significant (p = 0.35). There were significantly negative correlations between TIMI frame count and plasma levels of eNOS at baseline and after exercise (r = -0.51, p = 0.015, r = -0.58, p = 0.005, respectively). Moreover, there was also a positive correlation between the rate-pressure product and plasma levels of eNOS after exercise in patients with SCF (r = 0.494, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate an important pathophysiological relationship between the severity of SCF in which endothelial dysfunction plays a role in its pathogenesis and the level of circulating plasma levels of eNOS.

[Assessment of left ventricular volume and functions by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography in patients with compensated and decompensated heart failure]. / Kompanse ve dekompanse kalp yetersizligi olan hastalarin sol ventrikül hacim ve islevlerinin gerçek zamanli üçboyutlu ekokardiyografi ile degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate congestive heart failure (HF) patients with real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) to investigate why some of them present with acute decompensation despite having two-dimensional echocardiographic (2DE) parameters with compensated HF patients. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of 36 patients with decompensated HF (24 males, 12 females; mean age 65.8±10.4 years) and 30 patients with compensated HF (21 males, 9 females; mean age 63.2±11.5 years).The levels of pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), serum electrolytes, renal function tests and complete blood counts were determined. All patients underwent 2DE and 3DE evaluations. RESULTS: Heart rate and blood urea nitrogen levels were higher in patients with decompensated HF than those with compensated HF (95.8±21.4 vs. 81.2±14.9, p=0.002; 28.3±15.7 mg/dl vs. 18±6.8 mg/dl, p=0.001, respectively). Pro-BNP levels and NYHA class were significantly higher in patients with decompensated heart failure [4925 pg/ml (2199-8711) vs. 330 pg/ml (197-756), p<0.0001 and 2.3±0.6 vs. 1.2±0.4, p<0.0001, respectively]. Although 2DE parameters were similar between groups, left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in patients with decompensated HF while end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes by 3DE were significantly higher in the same group (26.3±3.8% vs. 30.3±4.0%; 205.6±55.5 ml vs. 145.0±33.7 ml; 178.4±55.6 ml vs. 115.7±32.5 ml, all p<0.0001, respectively). However, systolic volume was higher in patients with compensated HF (52.0±15.5 ml vs. 62±12 ml, p=0.005). CONCLUSION: We think that 3DE provides more reliable information about left ventricular volume and functions in the evaluation of patients with HF.

Assessment of atrial conduction time by tissue Doppler echocardiography and P-wave dispersion in smokers.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cigarette smoking and atrial rhythm disorders with the use of noninvasive methods. METHODS: The study population consisted of 50 healthy volunteer smokers and 40 healthy volunteer non-smokers who had normal echocardiographic parameters and similar sex and age profiles. P-wave dispersion (PWD) was calculated from the 12-lead surface ECG. Left ventricle (LV) end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters, LV ejection fraction, and interatrial and intraatrial electromechanical delay were measured by tissue Doppler imaging and conventional echocardiography. RESULTS: Isovolumetric relaxation time and deceleration time were significantly higher (91.5 ± 11 vs. 82.35 ± 8.6, p < 0.0001; 215.7 ± 37.1 vs. 175.3 ± 17.7, p < 0.0001, respectively), and HDL cholesterol was significantly lower in smokers (39.34 ± 7.5 vs.44.3 ± 8.07, p = 0.003). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to Sm and Em values, Am value, and E/A and E/Em ratios. However, the Em/Am ratio was significantly lower in smokers (1.28 ± 0.21 vs. 1.44 ± 0.33, p < 0.006). Inter- and intraatrial electromechanical delay were significantly higher in smokers when compared with non-smokers (51.11 ± 1.54 vs. 27.30 ± 3.36, p < 0.0001, and 30.63 ± 3.2 vs. 12.24 ± 3.26, p < 0.0001, respectively). The amount of smoking was strongly correlated with interatrial electromechanical delay (r = 0.567, p < 0.0001), and a significant correlation was detected between PWD and interatrial electromechanical delay (r = 0.653, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the relationship between inter- and intraatrial electromechanical delay and PWD. These parameters may be useful predictive markers for the development of AF in the asymptomatic period before cardiac rhythm disturbances occur. This finding may indicate that smokers have an increased risk of developing atrial rhythm disturbances.

Left atrial volume and function in patients with Behcet's disease assessed by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.

AIMS: Behçet's disease (BD), a multisystemic inflammatory disorder, has been associated with a number of cardiovascular dysfunctions, including endomyocardial fibrosis of the right heart, atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The incidence and nature of cardiac involvement in BD are not yet clearly documented. Our aim was to evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and functions using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in Behcet's patients without any cardiac symptom. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 40 BD (16 females, 24 males and mean age of 33±7 years) and 30 healthy (11 females, 19 males and mean age of 35±6 years) subjects. All the patients' demographic parameters such as age, gender, and duration of BD were recorded. All the individuals underwent comprehensive 2D echocardiography examination, and RT3DE was performed to assess LA volumes and mechanical functions. LA maximum volume (Vmax) and before atrial contraction volume (Vpre A), LA active stroke volume and total stroke volumes (TSV), total emptying and active emptying fractions and expansion index were significantly higher in Behcet's disease patients when compared with the controls (P<0.0001 for all). LA passive emptying fraction was significantly lower in the patients with BD than in the controls (41±7 vs. 44±5, P=0.039). There were positive correlations between TSV and high-sensitive C-reactive protein level (r=0.413, P=0.008), TSV, and disease duration (r=0.417, P<0.007). CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that LA mechanical functions and volumes are impaired in BD. These results may be an early form of subclinical cardiac involvement in patients with BD who have no clinical evidence for cardiovascular disease.

Assessment of atrial electromechanical delay and influential factors in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE: The interaction between moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiac arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation (AF), is well known. We aimed to determine whether atrial electromechanical parameters assessed by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) would be affected in moderate-to-severe OSA, and detect the influential factors of atrial electromechanical parameters in these patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Interatrial and intra-atrial electromechanical delay was measured by TDI in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA (n = 64) and control subjects (n = 39). P-wave dispersion (PWD) was calculated on the 12-lead ECG. Interatrial and intra-atrial electromechanical delay was significantly higher in the OSA group when compared with the controls (52.26 ± 12.9 vs 29.61 ± 11.26, P < 0.0001 and 18.90 ± 8.13 vs 8.71 ± 5.46, P < 0.0001; respectively). PWD was higher in the OSA group (46.09 ± 13.40 ms vs 34.10 ± 10.75 ms, P < 0.0001). Interatrial electromechanical delay had a positive correlation with PWD (r = 0.490, P < 0.0001), left atrial (LA) diameter (r = 0.383, P = 0.002), LA volume index (r = 0.354, P = 0.004), and apnea-hypopnea index (r = 0.365, P = 0.003). In addition, interatrial electromechanical delay was negatively correlated with the magnitude of the lowest oxygen saturation percentage (r = -0.498, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that interatrial and intra-atrial electromechanical delay and PWD were prolonged in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA. LA dilatation, hypoxemia, and the severity of the disease may contribute a prolongation in interatrial electromechanical delay via atrial structural and electrical alterations, which may predict the risk of future AF development in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA.

Uric acid level and its association with carotid intima-media thickness in patients with cardiac syndrome X.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate serum uric acid level and its relationship with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with cardiac syndrome X (CSX). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with CSX (28 females/22 males, 51.0 ± 10.9 years) and 40 controls (27 females/13 males, 53.0 ± 10.2 years) were included in the study. All subjects underwent a noninvasive stress test and conventional coronary angiography. Serum uric acid levels were measured and B mode ultrasonography was performed to assess CIMT in all subjects. RESULTS: Serum uric acid levels were higher in patients with CSX than in the control subjects (5.1 ± 1.8 vs. 3.9 ± 1.3 mg/dl; p = 0.002). The CIMT was higher in patients with CSX than in the control subjects (0.75 ± 0.18 vs. 0.63 ± 0.09 mm; p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between serum uric acid values and CIMT measurements in patients with CSX (r = 0.666, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum uric acid levels were higher in patients with CSX and elevated serum uric acid levels were associated with carotid atherosclerosis, thereby indicating that elevated serum uric acid levels might contribute to the development of subclinical atherosclerosis in CSX patients.