Frontal Plane QRS-T Angle as a Marker of Cardiac Iron Overload in Patients with Beta Thalassemia Major.

Introduction: Cardiomyopathy due to myocardial iron deposition is the leading cause of death in transfusion- dependent beta-thalassemia major (ß-TM) patients. Although cardiac T2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for the early detection of cardiac iron level before the onset of symptoms associated with iron overload, this expensive method is not widely available in many hospitals. Frontal QRS-T angle is a novel marker of myocardial repolarization and is associated with adverse cardiac outcomes. We aimed to investigate the relationship between cardiac iron load and f(QRS-T) angle in patients with ß-TM. Methods: The study included 95 ß-TM patients. Cardiac T2* values under 20 were considered to indicate cardiac iron overload. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of cardiac involvement. Laboratory and electrocardiography parameters, including frontal plane QRS-T angle, were compared between the two groups. Results: Cardiac involvement was detected in 33 (34%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that frontal QRS-T angle independently predicted cardiac involvement (p < 0.001). An f(QRS-T) angle of ≥ 24.5° had a sensitivity of 78.8% and a specificity of 79% in detecting the presence of cardiac involvement. In addition, a negative correlation was found between cardiac T2* MRI value and f(QRS-T) angle. Conclusions: A widening f(QRS-T) angle could be considered a surrogate marker of MRI T2* to detect cardiac iron overload. Therefore, calculating the f(QRS-T) angle in thalassemia patients is an inexpensive and simple method for detecting the presence of cardiac involvement, especially when cardiac T2* values cannot be determined or monitored.

Supraventricular arrhythmia in mitral valve prolapse : Predictive value of P-wave dispersion and atrial conduction time.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of supraventricular arrhythmia (SVA) is high in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP). The purpose of our study was to determine the role of parameters showing atrial conduction heterogeneity such as P­wave dispersion (PWD) and atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) in predicting the development of SVA in MVP patients. METHODS: A total of 76 patients with MVP (56 female, 20 male) were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of SVA: 36 patients were allocated to the non-SVA group and 40 patients to the SVA group. Heart rate variability (HRV), PWD, and AEMD values were determined and compared. RESULTS: The PWD was found to be higher in the SVA group. Interatrial EMD was 32.00 ms (25.00-35.00) in patients with SVA while it was 18.00 ms in patients without SVA (11.00-23.75); the intra-atrial EMD was 17.0 ms (10.00-20.00) in patients with SVA whereas it was 10.00 ms (4.00-14.00) in patients without SVA. Lower HRV was found in the SVA group. CONCLUSION: In the SVA group, PWD and AEMD were increased while HRV values were decreased. Noninvasive parameters may help predict the presence and incidence of SVA during the follow-up of this group of patients.

Increased Intima-Media Thickness of the Ascending Aorta May Predict Neurological Complications Associated with TAVI.

OBJECTIVES: Neurological complications associated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are important due to its morbidity and mortality risks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of the features of the aortic valve and ascending aorta to predict the neurological complications associated with TAVI. METHODS: The patients for whom the heart team decided to perform TAVI were included in the study. In order to assess possible neurological complications, cerebral diffusionweighted magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was performed pre- and post-operatively. The diameter of the patients' aortic root and ascending aorta, aortic valve scores, intima media thickness of the ascending aorta were measured from their transesophageal echocardiography records. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients constituted the study population. 31 patients were found to develop a new lesion (MR+) detected on MRI after TAVI, while 76 patients did not have any new lesions (MR-). The groups did not have any significant differences in their aortic valve features and scores. However, AA-IMT was found to be higher in the MR+ group (1.8mm [1.6-2.3] vs 1.4mm [1.2-1.8] interquartile range). The multivariate logistic regression analysis conducted to detect new lesions revealed that AA-IMT led to a significantly increased risk. CONCLUSION: The features of the ascending are more important than the demographic characteristics of patients and features of the native valve in predicting new lesions on MRI scans and thus neurological events after TAVI.

Echocardiographic reference ranges for normal cardiac Doppler data in healthy Turkish population: ECHO-DOP-TR Trial.

AIM: Doppler echocardiography has become the standard imaging modality for diastolic function and provides pathophysiological insight into systolic and diastolic heart failure. In this study, we aimed to obtain normal echocardiographic Doppler parameters of healthy Turkish population. METHODS: Among 31 collaborating institutions from all regions of Turkey, 1154 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Predefined protocols were used for all participants during echocardiographic examination and The American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging recommendations were used for echocardiographic Doppler measurements. RESULTS: A total of 967 healthy participants were enrolled in this study after applying exclusion criteria. Echocardiographic examination was obtained from all subjects following predefined protocols. Mitral E wave velocity and E/A ratio were higher in females and decreased progressively in advancing ages. E wave deceleration time and A wave velocity were increased with aging. Assessment of tissue Doppler velocities showed that left ventricular lateral e', septal e', and septal s' were higher in younger subjects and in females. E/e' ratio was increased progressively with advancing decades. Right ventricular e' and s' were decreased but a' was increased with increasing age. Septal e' lower than 8 cm/s was 1.9% in the fifth decade and 13.7% in ages older than 50 years. The E/e' ratio greater than 15 (and also 13) was not found. CONCLUSION: This study, for the first time, provides echocardiographic reference ranges for normal cardiac Doppler data in healthy Turkish population which will be useful in routine clinical practice as well as in future clinical trials.

Is Elevated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio a Predictor of Stroke in Patients with Intermediate Carotid Artery Stenosis?

OBJECTIVE: An increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with poor clinical prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate if there was a correlation between NLR and the risk of stroke in patients with intermediate carotid artery stenosis. METHODS: A total of 254 patients with a 50%-70% stenosis in the carotid artery, 115 of whom were symptomatic and 139 of whom were asymptomatic, were included in the study. Patients with a history of ischemic cerebrovascular event with or without sequelae, transient ischemic attack, and amaurosis fugax in the last 1-6 months were included in the symptomatic group of the study. The symptomatic and asymptomatic groups were compared in terms of total neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and NLR. RESULTS: The total white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count, and NLR were found to be higher and the lymphocyte count was found to be lower in the symptomatic patients than those in the asymptomatic patients (symptomatic/asymptomatic, respectively, WBC [10(3)/mm(3)]: 9.0/8.2, neutrophil count [10(3)/mm(3)]: 6.1/5.0, NLR: 3.08/2.2, lymphocyte count [10(3)/mm(3)]: 1.9/2.2) (P < .001). The cutoff value for NLR was found to be 2.6 or higher. In the multivariate regression analysis, an NLR value of 2.6 or higher was shown to be an independent variable for carotid artery stenosis to become symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: NLR is increased in symptomatic intermediate carotid artery stenosis. An increased NLR value is an independent variable for carotid artery plaques to become symptomatic.

Short and Long-Term Effect of Carotid Artery Stenting on Arterial Blood Pressure Measured through Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the short and long-term effects of carotid artery stenting (CAS) procedure on blood pressure (BP) through ambulatory BP monitoring. METHODS: One hundred fifty three patients who underwent CAS for primary or secondary protection from December 2010 to September 2013 were enrolled to our study. The BP levels of total of 123 patients were monitored for 1 year. Thereafter, the pre-procedure levels of BP were compared with BP levels at the 24-hour and the first year intervals after the procedure. RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic BP levels at the 24-hour and the first year intervals after CAS were significantly lower than the pre-procedure BP levels. The mean 24-hour systolic BP was 113 ± 13 mmHg and diastolic BP was 63 ± 8 mmHg, both of which were significantly lower (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively), while the pre-procedure mean systolic BP was 133 ± 10 mmHg and the mean diastolic BP was 75 ± 9 mmHg. Moreover, the mean first-year systolic BP was 125 ± 10 mmHg with a decline of 8 ± 8 mmHg and mean diastolic BP was 71 ± 8 mmHg with a decline of 4 ± 7 mmHg, both of which were again significantly lower compared to the pre-procedure levels (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggested that systolic and diastolic BP levels diminished after CAS. Additionally, BP reduction continued even 1 year after the CAS.

Assessment of Left Atrial Function in Patients with Celiac Disease.

BACKGROUND: There is some evidence suggesting increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with celiac disease (CD). Impaired left atrial function plays a significant role in the development of AF. This study aimed at assessing the electrical and mechanical functions of the left atrium in patients with CD. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with biopsy-proven, antibody-positive CD and 52 age-matched healthy controls were included in this prospective study. P-wave dispersion (PWD) was measured to assess the electrical functions of the left atrium through the use of surface electrocardiography. A tissue Doppler echocardiography was performed to determine the atrial conduction and electromechanical delay (EMD) time. To evaluate the mechanical functions of the left atrium, maximum, minimum, and presystolic atrial volumes were estimated to calculate the contractile, conduit, and reservoir functions. RESULTS: In terms of transthoracic echocardiographic parameters, CD and control subjects were not significantly different. However, as compared to controls, patients with CD had significantly increased PWD (median 52 ms [interquartile range 46-58 ms] vs. 38 [36-40], P < 0.001). Also, significantly higher interatrial (49 ms [32-60] vs. 26 ms [22-28], P < 0.001), intra-left atrial (26 ms [17-44] vs. 14 ms [12-18], P < 0.001), and intra-right atrial (15 ms [8-22] vs. 10 ms [8-14], P < 0.001) EMD was found among CD subjects than controls. Despite an increase in the left atrial volume in patients with CD, conduit and reservoir functions were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Although atrial mechanical functions are preserved in patients with CD, a slower electrical conduction was found, suggesting an increased risk of AF in this group of patients.

Is Acute Carotid Artery Stent Thrombosis an Avoidable Complication?

The most serious complication of carotid artery stenting (CAS) is acute carotid artery stent thrombosis (ACAST). ACAST is a very rare complication, but it may lead to dramatic and catastrophic consequences. The most important cause is inadequate or ineffective antiaggregant therapy. It is very important to identify, before CAS, those patients who might be candidates for ACAST and to start antiplatelet therapy for them. Testing patients who are candidates for CAS for acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel resistance may prevent this complication.

Effects of Carotid Stenting on Nocturnal Nondipping Phenomenon.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that nondipper blood pressure (BP) pattern is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. The aim of this study is to observe whether carotid artery stent (CAS) procedure returns nondipper BP pattern to dipper pattern in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Ambulatory BP monitorization (ABPM) was performed in 152 hypertensive patients who underwent CAS procedure 1 day before, and 1 day and 1 year after the procedure. BP monitorization of patients was classified as dipper and nondipper. BP parameters 1 year after CAS procedure were compared with preprocedure parameters. RESULTS: According to baseline ambulatory BP follow-ups, a total of 152 hypertensive patients with 122 (80%) nondippers and 30 (20%) dippers were enrolled in this study. According to ABPM results 1 year after CAS procedure, 78 patients (64%) who had nondipper pattern at first transformed into dipper pattern and 44 patients (36%) remained to be nondippers. Moreover, 1 year after CAS procedure, 18 patients (60%) who had dipper pattern at first transformed into nondipper pattern and 12 patients (40%) remained as dippers. When BP follow-up values at 1 year after CAS procedure were compared with BP readings before the procedure, 78 patients (51%) who were nondipper before the procedure transformed into dipper pattern (P ≤ .01), whereas 44 patients (29%) with nondipper pattern remained to be nondippers (P = .01). Twelve patients (7.9%) who had dipper pattern remained to have dipper pattern (P = .768). Eighteen patients who had dipper pattern (12%) transformed into nondipper pattern after the procedure (P < .01). The total number of nondipper pattern patients before CAS procedure was 80.3% (122 patients), whereas this percentage dropped to 40.8% (62 patients) after the CAS procedure (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: During 1-year follow-up after CAS procedure, nondipper BP pattern transforms into dipper pattern. This result might be attributed to the contributory effect of CAS procedure to long-term cardiovascular protection.

Assessment of morphology of patent foramen ovale with transesophageal echocardiography in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is greater in patients who have had a stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) than that in the general population. However, it is not well defined, which PFO would cause stroke or TIA. In this trial, we aimed to evaluate whether there was a difference regarding morphologic features of PFO in patients who were symptomatic (cryptogenic stroke or history of TIA) or asymptomatic according to the neurologic findings. METHODS: Symptomatic patients with PFO and cryptogenic stroke or TIA and asymptomatic patients with PFO who were symptomatic in terms of neurologic findings as well as patients without any neurologic symptoms in whom PFO was diagnosed incidentally by transesophageal echocardiography were enrolled to this retrospective study on the condition that they were aged younger than 55 years. Not only the clinical and demographic characteristics of 2 groups were compared but also their morphological features were assessed. The morphologic features of PFO that were assessed included the length and height of tunnel, atrial septal excursion distance, thickness of septum primum, and thickness of septum secundum. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-six patients, 64 of whom were symptomatic, were enrolled to this study. The height of PFO (median, 3.0 [interquartile range, 2.0-3.8]mm versus 2.0 [2.0-2.0]mm, P < .001), thickness of septum secundum (5.0 [5.0-7.0] versus 3.0 [2.0-3.0], P < .001), and septal excursion distance (7.0 [6.0-10.5] versus 4.0 [4.0-5.0], P < .001) were found to be greater in the symptomatic group than those in the asymptomatic group. There was no significant difference regarding the length of tunnel and thickness of septum primum. The ratio of length to height of PFO tunnel was less in the symptomatic group (3.0 [3.0-3.23] versus 5.0 [4.0-6.25], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings appear to indicate that a higher PFO tunnel, relatively greater interatrial septal mobility, thicker septum pellucidum, and the presence of an atrial septal aneurysm may help identifying the subjects at the age of or younger than 55 years with PFO who are at greater risk for cryptogenic stroke or TIA.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage that electrocardiographically mimics acute coronary syndrome: a case report.

Electrocardiography alterations and cardiac enzyme elevation have been reported in patients with cerebrovascular events in various articles. This case reports a case of syncope with an electrocardiography of atrioventricular complete block and extensive ST segment elevation. However, it was finally diagnosed as subarachnoid hemorrhage. To the best of our knowledge, this patient is the first case of subarachnoid hemorrhage mimicking ST elevation myocardial infarction with atrioventricular complete block.

A rare combination of vascular anomalies: Hypoplastic aortic arch, coarctation of the aorta and poststenotic aneurysm.

Coarctation of the aorta is the fifth most common congenital cardiac anomaly encountered in adults. It is important for prognosis to diagnose and treat this anomaly early. An aneurysm might develop due to tunica media abnormalities in patients with coarctation of the aorta. We hereby present an adult case with a very rare combination of vascular anomalies including ascending aorta aneurysm, hypoplastic aortic arch, coarctation of the aorta and poststenotic aneurysm.

Successful percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome in a patient with haemophilia B.

Haemophilia is a congenital coagulation defect brought about by the deficiency or lack of coagulation factor IX. The prevalence of coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is lower among haemophiliacs than in the normal population. However, with the administration of factor concentrate, average life expectancy can now extend to as long as 70 years in patients with haemophilia, and this in turn is leading to an increase in the prevalence of cardiac diseases among this population. Data regarding a treatment protocol for ACS and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with congenital coagulation defects is limited. We report a 41-year-old male patient with haemophilia B who presented with a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, and on whom PCI was performed following monitoring of factor IX levels. The patient had no cardiovascular risk factor except smoking.

Corrected balloon occlusive diameter to determine device size during percutaneous atrial septal defect closure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to investigate the impact of corrected balloon occlusive diameter (cBOD) on successful performance of percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. METHODS: The trial comprised 86 patients (60 female, 26 male; mean age 36.5±14.3) on whom percutaneous ASD closure was performed. Patients were evaluated using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Relation of the defect to surrounding tissues and size of rims was also investigated. Balloon sizing was performed intraoperatively on all patients. Size of device was ascertained according to both durability of rims and whether or not they formed significant indentation, both of which determine cBOD. RESULTS: The ASD closure device was successfully implanted in 84 (97.5%) patients. Mean maximum defect size was 17.4±5.9 mm, and mean color flow diameter was 16.8±5.4 mm. Mean maximum defect size at the moment of loss of shunt flow was 18.4±5.9 mm with TEE, and 18.8±6.1 mm with fluoroscopy. Mean size of Amplatzer occluder device was 20.0±6.5 mm. Device embolization was observed in 2 patients. However, no death occurred during or after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous secundum ASD closure is a safe and effective treatment modality in experienced centers. Utilizing corrected balloon occlusive diameter may be of benefit in deciding the size of ASD occluder device.

Two-year results of carotid artery stenting.

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of carotid artery stenting (CAS) for primary and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke has been demonstrated. The aim of our study was the clinical and radiological evaluation of the reliability of the CAS procedure over a two-year follow-up period. STUDY DESIGN: This study included 120 patients (mean age, 68 (48-86) years) admitted to our hospital between December 2010 and March 2013 for whom CAS was decided in the neurology, cardiovascular surgery and cardiology council. Symptomatic cases with more than 50% stenosis by angiography and asymptomatic patients with stenosis of more than 70% were included in the study. 80% of the asymptomatic patients were those detected during the screening before the coronary bypass surgery. RESULTS: The success rate of the procedure was found as 97.5%. No mortality or myocardial infarction was observed in any of the patients in whom CAS was applied successfully. In 1 symptomatic patient (0.8%), ischemic cerebrovascular event with sequelae was observed 24 hours after the procedure. In total, transient ischemic attack was observed in 2 patients (1.7%) 6 and 11 months after the procedure. Asymptomatic restenosis was detected in 3 patients (2.5% of the total, with 2 in the asymptomatic and 1 in the symptomatic group). Symptomatic restenosis was not observed. None of the patients experienced hyperperfusion syndrome. CONCLUSION: We believe the CAS procedure can be performed safely in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with low complication and high success rates.

[Delayed cardiac asystole after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty]. / Perkütan mitral balon valvuloplasti sonrasi geç asistoli.

Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) is the preferred treatment in mitral stenosis patients with appropriate valve anatomy, but it may cause arrhythmic complications rarely. In the literature, the mortality rate associated with PMBV has been reported as 1%, and a small number of patients developed atrioventricular block during the process. In this report, we describe a 53-year-old female patient with severe rheumatic mitral stenosis who developed Mobitz type 2 atrioventricular block and asystole after a successful PMBV operation. Sinus rhythm was achieved with atropine in this patient. It was thought that the arrhythmia resulted from calcified plaques on the mitral valve or from conduction system damage due to high balloon pressure during the process. For the recognition and treatment of possible arrhythmic complications, it is important to monitor patients in the intensive care unit for at least 24 hours after PMBV.

[Rapidly improving acute myocarditis after a scorpion sting]. / Akrep sokmasi ile iliskili hizla iyilesen akut miyokardit.

Scorpion stings are usually benign, but especially cardiovascular death has been reported due to complications. Local reactions at the site of the sting as well as organ dysfunction may be due to the effects of a systemic toxin. As a result of the toxic effects of the scorpion toxin on the cardiovascular system, hypertension, arrhythmia, myocarditis, acute heart failure, and pulmonary edema may occur. In this report, we present a 49-year-old male patient who was admitted to our hospital with acute pulmonary edema and respiratory distress following scorpion sting at the wrist. In this case, detection of diffuse left ventricular systolic dysfunction on presentation, immediate improvement with medical treatment, and increased troponin levels in the absence of critical stenosis on coronary angiography suggest the diagnosis of acute myocarditis associated with scorpion bite.

Valvular heart disease: plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with pure rheumatic mitral stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Our study is designed to evaluate the plasma BNP levels in patients with pure MS and its possible correlation with clinical and echocardiographic parameters of the disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 29 patients (27 women, 2 men, mean age 43.4 +/- 11.8 y) with pure mitral valve stenosis in sinus rhythm and 24 age- and gender-matched healthy voluteers (17 women, 7 men, mean age 42 +/- 13 y). Plasma BNP levels were significantly higher in the mitral stenosis group compared to controls (91.1 +/- 69.6 pg/ml vs. 14.4 +/- 9.2 pg/ml, P < 0.0001). In univariate analysis, plasma BNP levels correlated positively with left ventricular end-systolic diameter (r = 0.439, P = 0.041), left atrial diameter (r = 0.772, P < 0.001), peak diastolic transmitral gradient (r = 0.621, P = 0.003), mean diastolic transmitral gradient (r = 0.751, P < 0.001), peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.467, P = 0.044), functional capacity (r = 0.819, P < 0.001) and negatively with left ventricular ejection fraction (r = -0.482, P = 0.020) and planimetric mitral valve area (r = -0.494, P = 0.006). No significant correlation existed between age, end-diastolic diameter and right ventricular diameter (r = 0.185, P = 0.337; r = 0.227, P = 0.309; r = 0.319, P = 0.092; respectively). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve identified a BNP value of 32 pg/ml as the best cut-off for the identification of patients with mitral stenosis with a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 75%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we found elevated plasma BNP levels in patients with pure MS in sinus rhythm. Plasma BNP levels correlated with disease severity and this can have potential clinical implications, for example in patients undergoing percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty or in patients with poor echocardiographic windows.

Usefulness of the systemic immune-inflammation index in predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence after direct current cardioversion.

Background: We aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between the systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful direct current cardioversion (DCCV). Methods: The study included 99 patients with persistent AF who underwent successful cardioversion between 2015 and 2020. Results: In multiple regression analyses, the SII index was found to be a better independent predictor of AF recurrence after successful DCCV (p < 0.001). The cut-off value of SII (563) was associated with 96.9% sensitivity and 55.2% specificity to predict AF recurrence after DCCV. Conclusion: As a simple biomarker, SII index is an independent parameter for predicting AF recurrence after successful DCCV in patients with persistent AF. Also, SII levels can predict AF recurrence better than neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.