Ventricular and atrial functions assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography in patients with human immunodeficiency virus.

PURPOSE: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically changed the clinical manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated cardiomyopathy from severe left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction to a pattern of subclinical cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) LV, right ventricular (RV), and biatrial functions in HIV-infected patients under different ART combinations. METHODS: We consecutively included 128 HIV-infected patients (mean age 44.2 ± 10.1 years, 110 males) and 100 controls (mean age 42.1 ± 9.4 years, 83 males). Ventricular and atrial functions were assessed by both conventional and STE. RESULTS: Although there was not any significant difference in conventional echocardiographic variables, HIV-infected patients had significantly lower LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), RV GLS, left atrial (LA) reservoir and conduit strain, and right atrial conduit strain. HIV patients receiving integrase strand transfer inhibitors and protease inhibitors (PI) had significantly lower LV GLS and LA conduit strain, while patients receiving non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and PI had significantly lower RV GLS than controls. CD4 count at the time of echocardiography was strongly correlated with LV GLS (r = .619, P < .001) and RV GLS (r = .606, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Biventricular and atrial functions are subclinically impaired in HIV-infected patients. ART regimen may also affect myocardial functions.

The evaluation of right ventricle dyssynchrony by speckle tracking echocardiography in systemic sclerosis patients.

PURPOSE: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with right ventricle (RV) remodeling and dysfunction. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate RV dyssynchrony (RV-Dys) in SSc patients using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). METHODS: Fifty-five SSc patients with functional class I-II and 45 healthy controls were consecutively included and underwent 2D-STE. RV-Dys was defined as the standard deviation of time to peak strain of mid and basal segments of RV free wall and interventricular septum. SSc group was further classified according to the presence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Patients with tricuspid regurgitant velocity >2.8 m/s with additional echocardiographic PAH signs were defined as SSc PAH (+). RESULTS: SSc patients had lower RV longitudinal strain (RV-LS) (-17.6 ± 4.6% vs. -20.8 ± 2.8%, p < 0.001) and greater RV-Dys (49.9 ± 25.4 ms vs 24.3 ± 11.8 ms, p = 0.006) than controls despite no significant difference in conventional echocardiographic variables regarding RV function. Although SSc PAH(+) patients had lower RV-LS and higher RV-Dys than SSc PAH(-) patients, the differences were not statistically significant. The only independent predictor of RV-Dys was RV-LS (ß:-0.324 [-3.89- -0.45]; p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: SSc patients had not only reduced RV-LS but also impaired RV synchronicity even as conventional echocardiographic variables were preserved.

The effect of cardiac rehabilitation on blood pressure, and on left atrial and ventricular functions in hypertensive patients.

PURPOSE: Hypertension is associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, impaired LV relaxation, and left atrial (LA) enlargement. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves clinical outcomes in a broad spectrum of cardiac disease. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of CR on blood pressure (BP), and on LA and LV functions in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Thirty consecutive hypertensive patients who would undergo CR program, and 38 hypertensive patients who refused to undergo CR program were included. All patients underwent ambulatory BP monitoring and transthoracic echocardiography, which were repeated after completion of the CR program, or 12 weeks later in the control group. LA and LV functions were assessed by both speckle tracking and 3-dimensional echocardiography. N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were assessed before and after CR. RESULTS: Although initial ambulatory BP values and NT-proBNP levels were similar between the groups, daily, day-time, and night-time BP and NT-proBNP were significantly lower in the CR group after rehabilitation. LA reservoir strain and LV global longitudinal strain of the CR group significantly increased after CR while no significant increase was observed in controls. CONCLUSION: CR improves LA and LV strain while lowering BP and should be encouraged in routine management of hypertensive patients.

Short and Long Term Mortality Predictors in Octogenarians with Acute Coronary Syndromes.

PURPOSE: Octogenarians with acute coronary syndromes have higher mortality and morbidity due to higher prevalence of comorbidities and frailty. The aim of this study was to explore the predictors of short and long term mortality in octogenarians with ACS. METHODS: Ninety-eight consecutive octogenarians presenting with acute coronary syndrome (mean age:84±3 years, 56 male) were included. All patients underwent coronary angiography and were given optimal medical treatment. The primary end point was cardiovascular mortality in hospital and at one year. RESULTS: Fifteen patients died during hospitalization and 20 patients died after discharge within the first year. ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and hypotension were significantly more prevalent in the in-hospital mortality group while atrial fibrillation and hyponatremia were more prevalent in the long-term mortality group. All deceased patients had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction and glomerular filtration rate. Cox analysis revealed ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, hypotension and left ventricular ejection fraction as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality while hyponatremia, atrial fibrillation and renal dysfunction as independent predictors of long term mortality. CONCLUSION: It would be reasonable to pay further attention to octogenarians with acute coronary syndrome if they are presenting with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, and have hypotension, impaired left ventricular function, hyponatremia, atrial fibrillation or renal dysfunction, which are associated with increased mortality.

Subacute aortic prosthetic mechanical valve thrombosis complicated with acute coronary syndrome.

A prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT), which is a potentially fatal complication, refers to the presence of non-infective thrombotic material on a prosthetic valve apparatus, interfering with its function. Possible complications of a PVT include transient neurologic embolic events, cardiac arrest due to a stuck valve prosthesis, and cardio-embolic myocardial infarction (MI). The choice of treatments, including a redo surgery, a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and a fibrinolysis with PVT or MI dosages, depends on the patient's clinical and hemodynamic status and thrombotic burden involving the prosthetic valve and surrounding tissues. An early postoperative mechanical valve thrombosis is associated with increased risks due to the need for unforeseen early redo surgery complications and excessive bleeding risk in case of thrombolytic therapy usage. Here, we present a fifty-seven-year old female patient who was admitted to the emergency department with the complaint of acute chest pain seven days after an aortic prosthetic mechanical valve implantation. The clinical presentation was consistent with ST segment elevated MI and echocardiography revealed a large mass on the recently implanted prosthetic aortic valve. Valvular thrombotic complications after heart valve replacement operations are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Efficient and urgent treatment is necessary. Considering the clinical status of the patient, we preferred fibrinolytic therapy rather than PCI or surgery. The aim of this case report was to show the efficiency and safety of low-dose slow-infusion fibrinolytic therapy in PVT complicated with acute coronary syndrome.

Left atrial volume changes are an early marker of end-organ damage in essential hypertension: A multidisciplinary approach to an old problem.

PURPOSE: Left atrial (LA) volume has been shown to be a predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between LA phasic volumes and hypertensive end-organ damage (EOD), by using real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) in patients with essential hypertension (HT). METHODS: The study included 95 essential hypertensive patients (60 ± 10 years, 37 males). The patients were divided into three according to the presence of EOD, namely microalbuminuria and retinal vascular changes detected by direct ophthalmoscopy. The first group had no EOD. The second group (EOD+ group) had either microalbuminuria or retinal vascular changes while the third group (EOD++ group) had both renal and retinal damage. RESULTS: The three groups did not differ with regard to age, sex, or metabolic profile. In RT3DE measurements, there were significant differences in LA phasic volumes (LA maximal volume index, LA minimal volume index, LA pre-atrial contraction volume index, LA total stroke volume index, and LA active stroke volume index, P < .001) among the groups. Moreover, patients with more extended EOD had significantly worse LA reservoir and conduit functions. In the logistic regression analysis, the LA active stroke volume index was an independent predictor of EOD (82% sensitivity and 92% specificity, area under the curve = 0.96, P < .001). CONCLUSION: RT3DE measured LA phasic volumes and mechanical functions are associated with hypertensive EOD, which might serve as a surrogate endpoint for determining cardiovascular mortality and morbidity rates in patients with essential HT.

Assessment of left atrium and diastolic dysfunction in patients with hypertensive retinopathy: A real-time three-dimensional echocardiography-based study.

The fundoscopic examination of hypertensive patients, which is established hypertension-related target organ damage (TOD), tends to be underutilized in clinical practice. We sought to investigate the relationship between retinal alterations and left atrium (LA) volumes by means of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). Our population consisted of 88 consecutive essential hypertensive patients (age 59.2 ± 1.2 years, 35 males). All subjects underwent a fundoscopy examination and were distributed into four groups according to the Keith-Wagener-Barker (KWB) classification. The four groups (KWB grades 0-3: including 26, 20, 26, and 16 patients, respectively) did not differ with regard to age, gender, or metabolic profile. There were no significant differences between groups with regard to parameters reflecting LV systolic function and diastolic dysfunction (DD) in two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE). Nevertheless, patients in the higher KWB category had higher values of LA volumes (LA maximal volume index, LA minimal volume index, preatrial contraction volume index, LA total stroke volume index, LA active stroke volume index, p < 0.001) regarding RT3DE. There is also a significant relationship between LA active stroke volume index (ASVI) and duration of hypertension (HT) (r: 0.68, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, ASVI was independent predictors of LV DD in patients with arterial hypertension (HT). Patients with arterial HT were found to have increased LA volumes and impaired diastolic functions. Assessment of the arterial HT patient by using RT3DE atrial volume analysis may facilitate early recognition of TOD, which is such a crucial determinant of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Correction of cortriatriatum sinister with classical Raghib's complex using an extracardiac conduit.

We present a 32-year-old patient with cortriatriatum sinister with Raghib's complex (a left persistent superior vena cava draining into the left atrium with an absent coronary sinus and an atrial septal defect [ASD]) who underwent successful surgical correction with excision of the cortriatriatum, closure of the ASD, and establishing the drainage of the persistent left superior vena cava to the right atrium via interposition of an extracardiac 13-mm ringed polytetrafluoroethylene conduit.

The 2013 ACC/AHA 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk index is better than SCORE and QRisk II in rheumatoid arthritis: is it enough?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of the new American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk algorithm in detecting high cardiovascular (CV) risk, RA patients identified by carotid ultrasonography (US) were compared with Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) and QRisk II algorithms. METHODS: SCORE, QRisk II, 2013 ACC/AHA 10-year ASCVD risk and EULAR recommended modified versions were calculated in 216 RA patients. In sonographic evaluation, carotid intima-media thickness >0.90 mm and/or carotid plaques were used as the gold standard test for subclinical atherosclerosis and high CV risk (US+). RESULTS: Eleven (5.1%), 15 (6.9%) and 44 (20.4%) patients were defined as having high CV risk according to SCORE, QRisk II and ACC/AHA 10-year ASCVD risk, respectively. Fifty-two (24.1%) patients were US + and of those, 8 (15.4%), 7 (13.5%) and 23 (44.2%) patients were classified as high CV risk according to SCORE, QRisk II and ACC/AHA 10-year ASCVD risk, respectively. The ACC/AHA 10-year ASCVD risk index better identified US + patients than SCORE and QRisk II (P < 0.0001). With EULAR modification, reclassification from moderate to high risk occurred only in two, five and seven patients according to SCORE, QRisk II and ACC/AHA 10-year ASCVD risk, respectively. CONCLUSION: The 2013 ACC/AHA 10-year ASCVD risk estimator was better than the SCORE and QRisk II indices in RA, but still failed to identify 55% of high risk patients. Furthermore adjustment of threshold and EULAR modification did not work well.

Effect of acute sleep deprivation on left atrial mechanics assessed by three-dimensional echocardiography.

BACKGROUND: Although sleep deprivation (SD) affects cardiovascular system in many ways, physio-pathological changes in cardiac chamber volume and function have not been described well. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of SD on left atrial (LA) and ventricular function with three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy individuals (12 females, mean age 33.25 ± 8.18) were evaluated. Echocardiographic examination was performed once after a night of regular sleep and a night of sleep debt. Beside conventional parameters, 3D phasic volumes and function were measured using a commercially available 3D echocardiography system and offline analysis software. RESULTS: Mean sleep duration of the study group was 8.15 ± 2.19 h in the day of regular sleep and 2.56 ± 2.25 h in the day of sleep deprivation. There was a significant prolongation in deceleration time (180.83 ± 15.34 vs. 166.44 ± 26.12; p = 0.044) and increase in E/e' (6.95 ± 1.26 vs. 6.38 ± 0.85; p = 0.005). Among 3D measurements, the difference in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), LA EF, LA reservoir function and LA active EF were not significant. Mean LA passive EF of the individuals was significantly lower after night shift (24.10 ± 7.66 vs. 31.49 ± 7.75; p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Acute SD is associated with a reduction in LA passive emptying function in healthy adults. 3D-derived indices were sufficient to show subclinical diastolic dysfunction according to impairment in passive phase of LA ejection. Prospective large-scale studies are needed to enlighten this issue.

Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: A Two-dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) may develop after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of the study was to explore the relationship between preoperative left atrial function and atrial fibrosis and POAF after CABG. METHODS: Forty-eight consecutive patients undergoing CABG (mean age: 61.6±8.9 years, 39 male) were included. All patients were in sinus rhythm during surgery. Patients were followed by continuous electrocardiography monitoring and daily electrocardiogram. Left atrial function was assessed by both conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography. Atrial fibrosis was determined by samples taken from right atrium. RESULTS: Postoperative atrial fibrillation was detected in 13 patients. Female sex and number of bypassed vessels were significantly higher and cardiopulmonary bypass time was significantly longer in patients with POAF. Left atrial volume index (LAVI) was significantly higher while left atrial reservoir strain was significantly lower in POAF patients. The percentage of patients with severe fibrosis was higher in the POAF group. Regression analysis revealed fibrosis and LAVI as independent predictors of POAF. Left atrial volume index ≥36mL/m(2) predicted POAF with a sensitivity of 84.6% and specificity of 68.6% in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Patients who developed POAF after CABG had more fibrosis, increased LAVI and lower left atrial reservoir strain. Preoperative echocardiography might be helpful in discriminating these patients.

Predictive role of left atrial and ventricular mechanical function in postoperative atrial fibrillation: a two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the role of left-sided mechanical parameters in postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Ninety patients with coronary artery disease and normal left ventricular (LV) function in sinus rhythm were enrolled in the study. Preoperative LV and left atrial (LA) mechanics were evaluated by two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), including strain and rotation parameters, and volume indices. Patients were monitored in order to detect POAF during the postoperative period. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 90 patients (25.6%) developed POAF. Age (p<0.001) and preoperative beta blocker usage (p=0.001) were the clinical parameters associated with POAF. Left atrial maximum volume index (LAV[max]i) increased, and peak left atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) was impaired in POAF patients (p=0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Left ventricular twist (LVtw) and left ventricular peak untwisting velocity (UntwV) were augmented in POAF patients (p=0.013, p=0.009, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels above 70 pg/ml and predicted POAF with a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 78% (area under curve: 0.758, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.631-0.894, p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.1, CI 1.01-1.20, p=0.034), preoperative beta blocker usage (OR 8.84, CI 1.36-57.28, p=0.022), NT-proBNP (values >70 pg/ml, OR 22.377, CI 3.286-152.381, p<0.001), PALS (OR 0.86, CI 0.75-0.98, p=0.023), and UntwV (OR 1.02, CI 1.00-1.04, p=0.029) were the independent predictors of POAF. CONCLUSION: The combination of 2D STE, clinical, and biochemical parameters may help predict POAF.

A Case of Iatrogenic Chordal Rupture after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Procedure Requiring a Second Valve.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a therapeutic option for high-risk aortic stenosis. Malposition of the prosthesis and severe residual aortic regurgitation are known complications of the procedure, which might require a second valve implantation. Although the implantation of a second valve seems to be an effective method, very few data are available describing this technique. Herein is reported a case of iatrogenic chordal rupture in a TAVI procedure which required a second valve implantation due to dislodgment of the first prosthesis.

Early Detection of Bi-ventricular and Atrial Mechanical Dysfunction Using Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Sarcoidosis.

PURPOSE: Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease with unknown etiology involving several organs. Myocardial involvement, pericarditis, severe rhythm abnormalities, and heart valve disease due to papillary muscle dysfunction are some of the cardiac manifestations. Conventional echocardiographic methods remain insufficient for the determination of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with sarcoidosis. In our study, we investigated the impact of sarcoidosis on bi-ventricular and atrial functions using two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). METHODS: Forty patients with sarcoidosis and 20 age and sex-matched controls were recruited into study. All subjects underwent a transthoracic echocardiography for the evaluation of ventricular and atrial functions with 2D STE. RESULTS: Left ventricular (LV) dimensions, LV ejection fraction, and right ventricular (RV) systolic velocity were similar between the two groups. Left atrial (LA) diameter was significantly higher in sarcoidosis patients than controls. Eighteen (45%) patients in the sarcoidosis group and 1 (5%) patient in the control group had LV diastolic dysfunction. LV global longitudinal, radial, circumferential strain, twist, untwists, and RV global longitudinal strain values were significantly lower in sarcoidosis patients compared to controls. LA and RA reservoir functions were also significantly lower in sarcoidosis patients than controls. CONCLUSION: Although impaired LV diastolic function was detected using conventional parameters, only novel advanced echocardiographic modalities demonstrated impaired bi-ventricular and atrial mechanical functions in patients with sarcoidosis.

Effect of acute sleep deprivation on heart rate recovery in healthy young adults.

BACKGROUND: Sleep deprivation (SD) is known to be associated with increased incidence of adverse cardiovascular events, but underlying pathophysiological mechanism has not been clearly demonstrated. Autonomic nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function, and impairment in this system is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of acute SD on autonomic regulation of cardiac function by determining heart rate recovery (HRR). METHODS: Twenty-one healthy security officers and nine nurses (mean age 33.25 ± 8.18) were evaluated. Treadmill exercise test was applied once after a night with regular sleep and once after a night shift in hospital. The HRR was calculated as the reduction in heart rate from peak exercise to the 30th second (HRR30), 1st minute (HRR1), 2nd minute (HRR2), 3rd minute (HRR3), and 5th minute (HRR5). The change in blood pressure (BP) measurements was also determined. RESULTS: Exercise capacity of individuals with SD was significantly lower (10.96 ± 1.01 vs. 11.71 ± 1.30 metabolic equivalent task (MET)s; p = 0.002), and peak systolic BP was significantly higher (173.8 ± 16.3 vs. 166.2 ± 9.9; p = 0.019). There was a signicant difference in HRR30 (12.74 ± 6.19 vs. 17.66 ± 5.46; p = 0.003) and HRR1 (31 ± 6.49 vs. 36.10 ± 7.78; p = 0.004). The ratio of these indices to peak HR was also significantly lower with SD (HRR%30 8.04 ± 4.26 vs. 10.19 ± 3.21; p = 0.025 and HRR%1: 18.66 ± 4.43 vs. 20.98 ± 4.72; p = 0.013). The difference in other indices of HRR was not significant. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that SD blunts cardiovascular autonomic response, and consequences of this relation might be more pronounced in subjects who are exposed to sleeplessness regularly or in subjects with baseline cardiovascular disease.

Giant Purulent Pericarditis with Cardiac Tamponade Due to Streptococcus intermedius Rapidly Progressing to Constriction.

Purulent pericardial effusion, although rare, is a life-threatening condition usually produced by the extension of a nearby bacterial infection locus or by blood dissemination in the immune-suppressed subjects or in the course of cardiothoracic surgery. Because clinical features of purulent pericardial effusion are often nonspecific, it can cause delay in diagnosis. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for timely diagnosis and management. Herein, we describe a case of giant purulent pericardial effusion due to Streptococcus intermedius with the history of bronchiectasis and pneumonia, which was successfully treated with pericardiocentesis via parasternal approach, appropriate antibiotics, and pericardiectomy.

Two-dimensional strain and strain rate imaging of the left atrium and left ventricle in adult patients with atrial septal defects before and after the later stage of percutaneous device closure.

AIM: Atrial septal defect (ASD) causes chronic volume overload of the right heart. The potential adverse effects of this long-standing volume overload to left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) and their response to ASD closure has been poorly studied. METHODS: We studied 20 ASD patients before the procedure, at the 24-hour and 1 month following the percutaneous closure. Twenty age-matched controls served as the control group. The analysis for atrial deformation was performed on the lateral wall, mid segment of the LA from apical four-chamber view. Peak longitudinal strain (S) and strain rate (SR) during LA reservoir, passive emptying, atrial contraction phases and LV global longitudinal systolic S and SR were measured. RESULTS: Peak S and SR at LA reservoir, conduit and late contraction phases in ASD patients were similar to controls. All of these parameters increased immediately after the closure of the defect. Similarly, SLV and SRLV in ASD patients were not significantly different from the controls and significantly increased after the closure. But LA S, SR and LV S, SR results decreased in 1 month after the closure. SLV in ASD patients was significantly correlated with echocardiographic findings and the invasively measured defect size. CONCLUSION: LA and LV S and SR are not significantly affected in ASD patients. However, correction of the long-standing volume overload by percutaneous closure causes an early increase in LA and LV longitudinal deformation that correlates with the magnitude of the atrial septal defect. But this increase decreased in 1 month after closure.

Evaluation of cardiac function by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in ulcerative colitis patients.

PURPOSE: Although ulcerative colitis (UC) shows obvious similarities with other autoimmune diseases, cardiac consequences have not adequately introduced. The aim of our study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) function in UC patients by using novel echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: Forty-five UC patients (mean age 37, 18 female) and 90 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (mean age 40, 38 female) included in the study. The mean disease activity score according to partial Mayo score was 2.16 ± 2.13. Mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR) measurements were significantly lower (-21.16 ± 2.71 vs. -23.36 ± 3.34; p < 0.001 and -1.33 ± 0.24 vs. -1.43 ± 0.24; p = 0.037, respectively), whereas global circumferential (-22.67 ± 3.66 vs. -23.37 ± 3.99; p = 0.140) and global radial strain (43.07 ± 8.58 vs. 44.12 ± 9.32; p = 0.545) measurements of the LV were similar in patients with UC compared with controls. The correlation coefficient (r) between GLS and partial Mayo score was -0.578 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that systolic cardiac deformation values are impaired in UC patients. Reduced GLS and GLSR might be an early indicator of cardiac involvement in this population.

The value of plasma D-dimer level on admission in predicting no-reflow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention and long-term prognosis in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

D-dimer is a final product of fibrin degradation and gives an indirect estimation of the thrombotic burden. We aimed to investigate the value of plasma D-dimer levels on admission in predicting no-reflow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) and long-term prognosis in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We retrospectively involved 569 patients treated with p-PCI for acute STEMIs. We prospectively followed up the patients for a median duration of 38 months. Angiographic no-reflow was defined as postprocedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade <3 or TIMI 3 with a myocardial blush grade <2. Electrocardiographic no-reflow was defined as ST-segment resolution <70%. The primary clinical end points were mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The incidences of angiographic and electrocardiographic no-reflow were 31 and 39% respectively. At multivariable analysis, D-dimer was found to be an independent predictor of both angiographic (p < 0.001), and electrocardiographic (p < 0.001) no-reflow. Both mortality (from Q1 to Q4, 5.7, 6.4, 11.3 and 34.1%, respectively, p < 0.001) and MACE (from Q1 to Q4, 17.9, 29.3, 36.9 and 52.2%, respectively, p < 0.001) rates at long-term follow-up were highest in patients with admission D-dimer levels in the highest quartile (Q4), compared to the rates in other quartiles. However, Cox proportional hazard model revealed that high D-dimer on admission (Q4) was not an independent predictor of mortality or MACE. In contrast, electrocardiographic no-reflow was independently predictive of both mortality [Hazard ratio (HR) 2.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-8.58, p = 0.041] and MACE [HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.32-4.71, p = 0.042]. In conclusion, plasma D-dimer level on admission independently predicts no-reflow after p-PCI. However, D-dimer has no independent prognostic value in patients with STEMI.

Acute proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion with de Winter sign.

Prompt recognition of electrocardiographic signs of acute coronary occlusion is essential for timely restoration of flow. ST-segment elevation or new onset left bundle-branch block are the most common electrocardiographic changes seen in acute phase of coronary occlusion. However, some patients may present with atypical electrocardiographic signs, and early diagnosis of these patients may constitute a clinical challenge. Here, we report a 41-year-old man presenting with an atypical electrocardiographic manifestation despite angiographically confirmed acute thrombotic occlusion of proximal left anterior descending artery.