The Predictive Value of R Wave Peak Time to Detect Thrombus Burden in St-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Medical Center.

UNASSIGNED: Background: Patients with higher thrombus burden have higher procedural complications and more long-term adverse cardiac events. Detecting patients with high thrombus burden (HTB) before coronary intervention could help avoid procedural complications. Objective: The research aimed to analyze the R wave peak time (RWPT) on the electrocardiogram to predict thrombus burden before coronary angiography in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Materials and Methods: A total of 159 patients with STEMI were included in the study conducted at a tertiary medical center. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus scale was applied to assess the thrombus burden. TIMI thrombus grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 were accepted as low; 4 and 5 had HTB. RWPT was measured from the beginning of the QRS complex to the R-peak from the leads pointing to the infarct-related artery. Results: Patients were divided into two groups according to their angiographically defined thrombus burden as low and high. The low thrombus burden group (LTB) comprised fifty-four patients, whereas the HTB group comprised 105 patients. In the LTB group, RWPT was 47.96 ± 9.17 ms, and in the HTB group was 53.58 ± 8.92 ms; it was significantly longer (p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a cut-off value of preprocedural RWPT of > 46.5 ms predicted the occurrence of HTB with a sensitivity and specificity of 87.62% and 51.85%, respectively (AUC 0.682, 95% CI 0.590-0.774, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study evaluated the relationship between the RWPT and thrombus burden in STEMI patients. Based on the results, RWPT is an independent predictor of HTB.

Prognostic Nutritional Index as a Novel Predictor of In-Stent Restenosis: A Retrospective Study.

Background and Objectives: In-stent restenosis (ISR) is a major problem in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is a nutritional status score used in the literature to determine the prognosis of coronary artery disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of preprocedural PNI values on the risk of ISR in patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 809 patients. Stent restenosis was evaluated in the follow-up coronary angiography of the patients due to stable angina pectoris or acute coronary syndrome. The patients were divided into two groups based on those with (n = 236) and without (n = 573) in-stent restenosis, and their nutritional status was compared with PNI. The PNI values before the first angiography of the patients were calculated. Results: The mean PNI score was significantly lower in patients with ISR than in those without ISR (49.5 vs. 52.3, p < 0.001). Concerning the results of the Cox regression hazard model for predictors of ISR, PNI was significantly associated with the development of ISR (HR = 0.932, 95% CI: 0.909-0.956, p < 0.001). In addition, stent type, stent length, and diabetes mellitus were associated with the development of ISR. Conclusions: A low PNI value indicates poor nutritional status, which is thought to accelerate inflammation processes and cause atherosclerosis and ISR.

A Novel Score to Predict One-Year Mortality after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, Naples Prognostic Score.

Background and Objectives: Aortic stenosis (AS) is a widespread valvular disease in developed countries, primarily among the elderly. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a viable alternative to aortic valve surgery for patients with severe AS who are deemed a high surgical risk or for whom the AS is found to be inoperable. Predicting outcomes after TAVR is essential. The Naples Prognostic Score (NPS) is a new scoring method that evaluates nutritional status and inflammation. Our study is aims to examine the relationship between the NPS and outcomes for patients receiving TAVR. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 370 patients who underwent TAVR across three tertiary medical centres from March 2019 to March 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on their NPS, namely, low (0, 1, and 2) and high (3 and 4). Our study is primarily aimed to determine the one-year mortality rate. Results: Within one year, the mortality rate for the entire group was 8.6%. Nonetheless, the low-NPS group had a rate of 5.0%, whereas the high-NPS group had a rate of 13%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.06. Conclusions: Our results show that NPS is an independent predictor of one-year mortality in patients undergoing TAVR.

Antiplatelet Effect of Sequential Administration of Cilostazol in Patients with Acetylsalycilic Acid Resistance.

BACKGROUND: Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) resistance in patients with coronary artery disease is an important medical problem that can affect treatment decision-making and outcomes. Cilostazol has been investigated to determine its effectiveness in patients with acetylsalicylic acid resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiplatelet efficacy of sequential administration of CLZ in patients with ASA resistance. METHODS: A total of 180 patients were enrolled in our study. Patients with stable coronary artery disease were first given orally ASA 100 for 10 days, followed by collagen/epinephrine induced closure time (CTCEPI) measurements. Those who were found to be resistant to orally 100 mg of ASA were given orally 300 mg of ASA for an additional 10 days after which we repeated CTCEPI measurements. Those patients with resistance to orally 300 mg ASA were then given CLZ at a daily dose of orally 200 mg for 10 days followed by a final CTCEPI measurement. RESULTS: The rate of resistance to 100 mg ASA was 81/180 (45%) compared to a rate of 35/81 (43.2%) with 300 mg ASA. Of the 35 patients found to be resistant to 300 mg ASA, 22 (62.9%) also failed to respond to CLZ treatment. Overall, sequential administration of 300 mg ASA and 200 mg CLZ resulted in a reduction in the number of non-responders from 45% to 12.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Initiation of CLZ could be of benefit in some patients with ASA-resistance for whom an effective anti-aggregant effect is of clinical importance.

Predictive Value of Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow.

BACKGROUND: Increased microvascular resistance due to chronic inflammation is assumed to be one of the mechanisms associated with coronary slow flow (CSF). Previous studies have shown that the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are markers of inflammation for various diseases. In this study we aimed to evaluate the relationship between CSF and PLR-NLR. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with CSF and 50 patients with normal coronary flow were enrolled into this study. The study subjects underwent medical examination and testing, after which their platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios and NLR values were calculated. An independent observer measured the coronary flow rate by Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Frame Count (TFC) method. The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and NLR values were compared between the groups and correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between mean TFC with PLR and NLR. RESULTS: Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and NLR values were significantly higher in patients with CSF (p < 0.001). There was a positive significant correlation between TFC with NLR and PLR (Spearman's Rho: 0.59, p < 0.001 and Spearman's Rho: 0.30, p = 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that NLR is the one independent predictor for CSF. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated an association between CSF and PLR-NLR. Although the exact mechanism could not be explained, our findings support the possible role of inflammation in CSF physiopathology.

An Unusual Case of Loffler Endomyocarditis after Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Induced by Deep Neck Infection.

UNLABELLED: In this case, we herein have described a 72-year-old female patient with deep neck infection induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome with Loffler endocarditis characterized by right atrial thrombus and right ventricular fibrothrombotic obliteration within two months. KEY WORDS: Cardiac thrombi; Hypereosinophilic syndrome; Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Adropin: a new marker for predicting late saphenous vein graft disease after coronary artery bypass grafting.

PURPOSE: Saphenous vein graft disease (SVGD), defined as an occlusion of 50% or more of the SVG excluding distal anastomotic occlusion, is an important predictor of morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Late graft occlusion is a serious complication that often limits the use of the saphenous vein as a coronary bypass graft. Late graft occlusion is particularly common in old, degenerated venous grafts with advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Adropin has been implicated in the homeostatic control of metabolism. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether serum adropin levels are associated with late SVGD following CABG. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with SVGD involving at least one graft (occluded group; 14 females, 24 males) and 42 patients with a patent saphenous vein graft (patent group; 15 females, 27 males) were enrolled in this study. Venous blood samples were taken from all of the participants to measure plasma adropin levels using an enzyme-linked immunsorbent assay kit. RESULTS: The mean adropin level was significantly lower in the occluded group than in the patent group (3.2 ± 0.71 vs. 4.9 ± 1.51 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the adropin level was the independent predictor of late saphenous vein graft occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Adropin levels are lower in patients with late saphenous vein graft occlusion and these reduced adropin levels, together with other factors, may lead to saphenous vein graft occlusion. Larger and prospective studies are needed to determine if adropin plays a role in the pathogenesis of SVGD.

Acetylsalicylic Acid resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, prediabetes & non-diabetic coronary artery disease.

UNLABELLED: Objective : Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial role of antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) at atherosclerotic vascular disease. Antiaggregant effect of ASA is not uniform in all patients. Purpose of the present study is to evaluate the prevalence of ASA resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), pre-diabetes and non-diabetic coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Effect of ASA was assessed using the platelet function analyzer (PFA-100) system. Resistance to ASA was defined as a normal collagen/epinephrine induced closure time after one week of ASA therapy. Patients with non-diabetic CAD, pre-diabetes and T2DM were compared. RESULTS: ASA resistance was found in 26 (37.1%), 6 (17.6%) and 41 (26.5%) patients in the groups, respectively (p=0.154). ASA resistance was found to be significantly higher in men, smokers and insulin users, besides this it was found to be significantly lower in beta blocker (BB) users, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) users with univariate analysis. However insulin usage was found to be the single effective parameter on ASA resistance in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: There was no difference with regard to ASA resistance between groups. While ASA resistance was higher in men, smokers and insulin users, it was lower in patients using BBs and ACEIs.

The Prognostic Value of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Evaluating Rehospitalization and One-Year Mortality in Patients With Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is frequently observed in patients with heart failure, and malnutrition causes poor prognosis in these patients. Various calculation tools are used to assess malnutrition, with the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) being one that is frequently used. In our study, we aimed to investigate the value of GNRI in assessing one-year mortality and rehospitalization in patients with heart failure. METHOD: A total of 196 patients aged 60 years and older were included in this retrospective study. A GNRI ≤ 98 was defined as malnutrition. Patients were divided into two groups: GNRI ≤ 98 (malnutrition) and GNRI > 98 (non-malnutrition). Rehospitalization due to heart failure and mortality were compared between both groups in the one-year follow-up. RESULTS: The duration of hospitalization was significantly lower in the malnourished group compared to the non-malnutrition group (11.5 ± 7.5 days vs. 20.9 ± 16.3 days). All-cause mortality was significantly higher in the malnutrition group (30.8% vs. 18.1, p = 0.045). Risk factors were evaluated to predict all-cause death by Cox regression analysis, and GNRI (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.968; 95%CI: 0.942-0.995; p = 0.018) was associated with all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: GNRI, which is used as an indicator of malnutrition, is associated with all-cause mortality at one-year follow-up. Higher mortality was observed in the group with low GNRI, but it was observed that this group was hospitalized for less time due to heart failure.

Is eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography Really Safe for Contrast Nephropathy?

The aim of the present study was to define the risk factors associated with contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients who underwent coronary artery angiography (CAG). In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent CAG between March 2014 and January 2022 were evaluated. A total of 2923 eligible patients were included in the study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictive factors. CI-AKI developed in 77 (2.6%) of 2923 patients. In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were found to be independent factors associated with CI-AKI. In the subgroup analysis of patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, eGFR remained a predictor of CI-AKI (Odds ratio (OR): .89, 95% CI: .84-.93; that is, a lower eGFR remains a risk factor for CI-AKI). In the receiving operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, the area under the curve of the eGFR was .826. Using the ROC curve based on Youden's index, the eGFR cut-off was found to be 70 mL/min/1.73 m2 for patients with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. eGFR is also an important risk factor in patients with eGFR 60-70 mL/min/1.73 m2.

The predictive value of QRS duration in response to levosimendan therapy in patients with decompensated heart failure.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the role of QRS duration on the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in predicting response to levosimendan therapy in patients with acute systolic heart failure. METHODS: Patients with an ejection fraction (EF) lower than 35% who required intravenous inotropic support despite optimal heart failure therapy were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to QRS durations on ECG. Group 1 (n=16) included patients with a QRS duration equal to or shorter than 120 ms and group 2 (n=14) included patients with a QRS duration longer than 120 ms. New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, plasma BNP levels and echocardiographic measurements were compared within and between groups before and after the infusion. RESULTS: In both groups statistically significant improvement was observed in NYHA class, plasma BNP levels and left ventricular end-systolic diameter after the levosimendan infusion compared to baseline (P < 0.025). In addition, in group 1 patients, left atrial diameter, left atrial volume, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular EF, mitral E velocity, mitral annular Aa and Sa parameters improved after the infusion compared to the baseline values (P < 0.025). Comparison of both groups revealed improvement of NYHA class, an increase of left ventricular EF and a signficant decrease of LVESV after levosimendan in group 1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: QRS duration on ECG may be used as a practical bedside indicator in estimating short-term response to levosimendan therapy.

Left ventricular noncompaction associated with a sinoatrial node artery originating from the posterolateral branch of the right coronary artery.

Noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium (NVM) is a rare unclassified cardiomyopathy which is characterized by multiple prominent trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses. This cardiomyopathy can be isolated or in combination with other congenital cardiac disorders, including coronary artery abnormalities. A 56-year-old female patient presented to the cardiology department with complaints of exertional dyspnoea and chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed left ventricular dilatation with diffuse hypokinesis. Multiple prominent trabeculations with deep inter-trabecular recesses were observed at the left ventricular apex. Also, coronary angiography demonstrated a sinoatrial node artery originating from the posterolateral branch of the right coronary artery.

[A case of asymptomatic Brugada syndrome with type 1 ECG pattern and cardiac arrest: an evaluation of the prognostic value of electrophysiologic study]. / Asemptomatik, tip 1 EKG bulgulari olan ve ani kalp durmasi gelisen Brugada sendromlu bir olgu: Elektrofizyolojik çalismanin prognoz belirleme üzerine etkisinin irdelenmesi.

Brugada syndrome is characterized by ST-segment elevation in the leads V1-3 of electrocardiography (ECG) in the absence of a structural heart disease. A 26-year old male patient was admitted with sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was successful and he was referred to the reanimation unit due to unconsciousness. A year before, he was diagnosed as having Brugada syndrome with type 1 ECG pattern at another center, at which time electrophysiologic study (EPS) was not performed due to lack of symptoms and a family history of sudden cardiac death. In addition, family screening revealed two asymptomatic brothers having Brugada syndrome with type 1 ECG pattern. Medical follow-up was recommended to one of them. The other sibling underwent EPS at a different center where ventricular fibrillation was induced. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was recommended, but the patient refused. A further analysis of the family made at our center showed type 2 ECG changes in the father and in one of the cousins. Due to the development of persistent brain injury and an expected survival of less than a year, an ICD was not considered in the patient. The prognostic value of EPS is still controversial in asymptomatic patients with type 1 Brugada syndrome, without a family history of sudden cardiac death.

The Predictive Value of R Wave Peak Time to Detect Thrombus Burden in St-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Medical Center

Abstract Background: Patients with higher thrombus burden have higher procedural complications and more long-term adverse cardiac events. Detecting patients with high thrombus burden (HTB) before coronary intervention could help avoid procedural complications. Objective: The research aimed to analyze the R wave peak time (RWPT) on the electrocardiogram to predict thrombus burden before coronary angiography in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Materials and Methods: A total of 159 patients with STEMI were included in the study conducted at a tertiary medical center. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus scale was applied to assess the thrombus burden. TIMI thrombus grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 were accepted as low; 4 and 5 had HTB. RWPT was measured from the beginning of the QRS complex to the R-peak from the leads pointing to the infarct-related artery. Results: Patients were divided into two groups according to their angiographically defined thrombus burden as low and high. The low thrombus burden group (LTB) comprised fifty-four patients, whereas the HTB group comprised 105 patients. In the LTB group, RWPT was 47.96 ± 9.17 ms, and in the HTB group was 53.58 ± 8.92 ms; it was significantly longer (p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a cut-off value of preprocedural RWPT of > 46.5 ms predicted the occurrence of HTB with a sensitivity and specificity of 87.62% and 51.85%, respectively (AUC 0.682, 95% CI 0.590-0.774, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study evaluated the relationship between the RWPT and thrombus burden in STEMI patients. Based on the results, RWPT is an independent predictor of HTB.

A Practical Method for No-Reflow Treatment.

No-reflow is an undesirable result of percutaneous coronary interventions. Vasoactive drug administration at the distal part of the coronary artery is suggested as a therapeutic option for no-reflow treatment. Here, we represent two cases of successful no-reflow management with previously used monorail balloon at the same procedure as a hand-made distal infusion catheter.

Relationship between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and the presence and severity of coronary artery ectasia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), an easily available inflammatory marker, and coronary artery ectasia (CAE). METHODS: After applying the exclusion criteria, the retrospective study population consisted of 330 patients, including 110 patients with isolated CAE, 110 with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), and 110 with normal coronary artery angiograms (NCA). The severity of isolated CAE was determined according to the Markis classification. SPSS 22.0 statistical package program was used for data analysis. RESULTS: PLR was significantly higher in patients with isolated CAE than in those with NCA and obstructive CAD [123 (113-156), 100 (86-138), and 110 (102-141), respectively]. Logistic regression analysis showed that PLR and C-reactive protein level were significantly correlated with the severity of isolated CAE. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this study showed for the first time that PLR was significantly associated with CAE.

Association between platelet to lymphocyte ratio and saphenous vein graft disease in patients with stable angina pectoris.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation of platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in saphenous vein graft disease (SVGD) in patients with stable angina pectoris after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS: A total of 455 patients were included in the study. There were 210 patients with SVGD and 245 patients without SVGD. The effects of different variables on SVGD were computed in logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The platelet count, lymphocyte count, PLR, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), Na, and ALT were significantly associated with SVGD. In multivariate regression analysis, HDL and PLR were found to be significantly associated with SVGD. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing the significant association of PLR with SVGD. This study suggests that PLR can be used as a marker of SVGD because it is an easily available and inexpensive test.

The relation between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index in acute pulmonary embolism.

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the value of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for predicting disease severity based on simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI), as well as in-hospital mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our hospital's electronic patient database was searched for the patients with ICD-9 code I26, and eligible 646 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that PLR, pulmonary artery systolic pressure, right ventricular dysfunction, D-dimer level, and white blood cell, lymphocyte, platelet and neutrophil counts were significantly correlated with a high sPESI score in patients with APE. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature showing that a high PLR is independently associated with a high risk of mortality in patients with APE.

Relation Between Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio With Presence and Severity of Isolated Coronary Artery Ectasia.

The aim of this study was to investigate an easily available inflammatory and oxidative stress marker and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) in patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE). The study population included 405 patients of which 135 patients had isolated CAE, 135 patients had obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), and 135 patients had normal coronary angiograms (NCAs). The severity of isolated CAE was determined according to the Markis classification. The MHR was significantly greater in patients with isolated CAE than those with obstructive CAD and NCAs: 14.8 (11.6 to 19.8), 11.4 (9.6 to 13.5), 9.8 (7.5 to 11.9), respectively. Linear regression analyses showed that MHR and C-reactive protein were significantly related with the severity of isolated CAE. In conclusion, the MHR is significantly greater in patients with CAE compared to controls with obstructive CAD and NCAs, and MHR is associated with the severity of CAE.

Long-Term Survival Following Cardiac Arrest Without Implantable Defibrillator Protection in a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Patient.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the optimal therapy in patients with HCM, both for primary or secondary prevention of sudden death. Left ventricular systolic function in HCM is usually normal. However, in few patients, HCM has been reported to progress to a state that is characterized by left ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction, resembling dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Although arrhythmias are common in HCM, advanced or complete atrioventricular block (AV) is very rare. This case report describes a HCM patient who progressed to DCM with advanced AV block and survived 31 years following cardiac arrest without ICD protection.