Severe obesity impairs systolic and diastolic heart function - the significance of pulsed tissue Doppler, strain, and strain rate parameters.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the impact of morbid obesity on systolic and diastolic heart function in severely obese, but otherwise healthy subjects and age-matched controls. METHODS: Overall, 27 obese patients: 19 female (F) and 8 male (M) mean age 37 ± 9, mean body mass index (BMI) 46 ± 6 and 27 control subjects: mean age 36 ± 10, mean BMI 23 ± 3 were examined by transthoracic echocardiography, including tissue Doppler echocardiographic (TDE) assessment and speckle tracking echocardiography to measure left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain (S) and strain rate (SR) during systolic and early diastolic phase. RESULTS: Obese patients presented with enlargement of both ventricles and the left atrium, and thicker left ventricular wall. Although left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) as well as amplitude of tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was similar, the amplitude of mitral annulus plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and ventricular systolic and early diastolic velocities measured by TDE were significantly lower for both ventricles in the obese group. (RV S' 13 ± 3 cm/sec vs. 15 ± 2 cm/sec, P = 0.0057; LV S' lat 8.5 ± 1.6 cm/sec vs. 12.1 ± 2.8, P < 0.0001, E' lat: 12.4 ± 2.9 vs. 16.4 ± 3.5 cm/sec for left ventricular and E' 12 ± 3 cm/sec vs. 18 ± 4 for right ventricular velocities, P < 0.0001). Among the deformation parameters, systolic and diastolic circumferential and systolic radial strain and SR were decreased in the obese subjects, whereas longitudinal strain did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: TDE parameters documented reduced systolic and diastolic function of both ventricles in obese patients. 2-dimensional speckle tracking analysis revealed that circumferential and radial but not longitudinal strain and SR were impaired in the obese group.

The prevalence and the prognostic value of microvolt T-wave alternans in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (nVT) may have ominous implications for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The microvolt T-wave alternans (TWA) has been proposed as a noninvasive tool-identifying patients at risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF). The aim of the study was to determine the significance of TWA in predicting nVT episodes and compare how other electrocardiographic parameters can predict the occurrence of nVT. METHODS: The study group consisted of 88 patients with HCM. TWA was assessed during exercise test using the CH2000 system. All patients underwent Holter monitoring (HM) within 2-4 weeks before TWA test (preexercise HM1) and immediately after (postexercise HM2). During HM, we analyzed: arrhythmias, QT intervals, the presence of late ventricular potentials (LP), heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence. RESULTS: Depending on TWA results, the patients were divided into two groups: TWA+; 46 patients (52.3%) with positive/indeterminate results, and TWA-; 42 patients (47.7%) with negative results. The nVT episodes were more frequent among TWA(+) both in HM1 and HM2. The presence of TWA increases the risk of postexercise nVT over twenty times (OR = 21.03). Moreover, in HM1, QTc and LP, and in HM2, again QTc and N-terminal precursor of brain natriuretic peptide proved to be significant predictors of nVT. The addition of TWA to the models did not improve the arrhythmia risk assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Repolarization abnormality plays an important role in generating nVT in patients with HCM, but TWA does not specifically predict the risk of arrhythmic end point.

Elevated resistin opposed to adiponectin or angiogenin plasma levels as a strong, independent predictive factor for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease over 1-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Adipokines such as adiponectin and resistin, as well as angiogenin, may be associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. The relationship between their levels and prognosis in high risk patients is, however, still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of these adipokines in patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease (MCAD). MATERIAL/METHODS: The study group comprised 107 MCAD patients (74% males, mean age 63 ± 8 years). Adiponectin, resistin and angiogenin plasma levels were measured at admission and after 1-year follow-up. Primary end point (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events--MACCE) was defined as cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization for angina or heart failure over a 1-year period. RESULTS: After 1-year follow-up, 9 (8%) patients died, all from cardiovascular causes. Primary end point was experienced by 32% of patients. Surgical treatment (CABG) was received by 51% of patients, while 49% were treated medically alone. Total cholesterol concentration levels ≥ 173 mg/dl were associated with a 7-fold increase (OR 7.3; 95% CI, 1.6-33.0); LDL ≥ 93.5 mg/dl with a 16-fold increase (OR 16.3; 95% CI, 2.8-93.8), and resistin ≥ 17.265 ng/ml with a 13-fold increase in MACCE risk (OR 13.5; 95% CI, 2.3-80.3). In multivariate analysis, a medical treatment strategy (p = 0.001), a higher CCS class (p = 0.004), resistin levels (p = 0.003) and a higher Gensini score (p = 0.03) were independent predictors of MACCE. CONCLUSIONS: In stable patients with MCAD, elevated plasma resistin (as opposed to adiponectin or angiogenin) is a strong, independent predictive factor for the occurrence of MACCE over 1-year follow-up.

[Heart valves after 22 years - good long-term function of aortic homograft, advanced impairment in function of atrioventricular valves]. / Zastawki serca po 22 latach - prawidlowy obraz homograftu aortalnego, zaawansowane wady ujsc przedsionkowo-komorowych.

We report a case of a 61-year-old female patient with a history of aortic valve replacement, who was admitted to our hospital with symptoms and signs of decompensated heart failure (NYHA class III). Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed mitral valve and tricuspid valve regurgitation (III grade) with normal function of aortic valve homograft implanted 22 years ago. The patient underwent cardiosurgical mitral valve replacement and tricuspid valve annuloplasty with very good result. An aortic valve homograft may be the best alternative to a mechanical valves for a young female patients.

[Simultaneous subacute thrombosis in bare metal stents implanted into right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery without coexistence of resistance to antiplatelet therapy]. / Równoczesna podostra zakrzepica w stentach metalowych implantowanych do prawej tetnicy wiencowej i galezi miedzykomorowej przedniej bez wspólistniejacej opornosci na leki antyagregacyjne.

In-stent thrombosis is a rare but devastating complication of coronary stent implantation, occurring in 0.5% to 1.9% of patients with bare metal stents (BMS). The most frequent clinical manifestation of stent thrombosis is ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 30 day mortality is 50%. In-stent thrombosis can present as acute (within 24 h), subacute (within 30 days), late or very late after stent placement. We describe a case of a patient presented with STEMI due to subacute stent thrombosis, which occurred simultaneously in BMS, 3 days after implantation. The patient was successfully treated with balloon coronary angioplasty and discharged from a hospital in good condition.

Quality of life in high-risk patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease treated either medically or with coronary artery bypass graft surgery - 12-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis, usually leads to significant short-term improvement. Mid- and long-term results are not always as satisfactory. That is why improvement of quality of life should be the leading qualification criterion for invasive procedures, which sometimes carry a risk of complications. AIM: To determine the quality of life in patients with stable, multivessel coronary artery disease (MCAD), treated surgically or medically. METHODS: The study group comprised 107 patients (pts; 80 males) suffering from MCAD, assigned to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (55 pts) or to medical treatment alone (52 pts). The mean Gensini score in the whole group was 90 (66-132). To evaluate quality of life we used a Short Form-36 (SF-36) health status survey by the International Quality of Life Assessment Project. RESULTS: During a 12-month follow-up 9 pts died (6 pts in the medically treated group and 3 in the CABG group), all for cardiovascular reasons. Patients treated conservatively were more often hospitalised due to angina symptoms (20 vs. 5, p = 0.003). Analysis of SF-36 showed that pts treated surgically had better improvement of quality of life in comparison with medically treated patients. Significant differences were found for physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, mental health and mental component summary. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that there is a significant difference in health-related quality of life 12 months after CABG surgery and medical treatment alone in high-risk patients with MCAD. Surgical treatment decreases the number of adverse events, better attenuates of anginal and heart failure symptoms, and improves the quality of life, especially the mental component. Our results should encouraged selecting patients with advanced atherosclerosis for revascularisation procedures, even if there is a very high peri-procedural risk.

Impact of intracoronary injection of mononuclear bone marrow cells in acute myocardial infarction on left ventricular perfusion and function: a 6-month follow-up gated 99mTc-MIBI single-photon emission computed tomography study.

PURPOSE: We investigated the impact of intracoronary injection of autologous mononuclear bone marrow cells (BMC) in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) on left ventricular volumes, global and regional systolic function and myocardial perfusion. METHODS: The study included 39 patients with first anterior STEMI treated successfully with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. They were randomly assigned to the treatment group or the control group in a 2:1 ratio. The patients underwent baseline gated single-photon emission computed tomography (G-SPECT) 3-10 days after STEMI with quantitative and qualitative analysis of left ventricular perfusion and systolic function. On the following day, patients from the BMC treatment group were subjected to bone marrow aspiration, mononuclear BMC isolation and intracoronary injection. No placebo procedure was performed in the control group. G-SPECT was repeated 6 months after STEMI. RESULTS: Baseline and follow-up G-SPECT studies were available for 36 patients. At 6 months in the BMC group we observed a significantly enhanced improvement in the mean extent of the perfusion defect, the left ventricular perfusion score index, the infarct area perfusion score and the infarct area wall motion score index compared to the control group (p = 0.01-0.04). However, the changes in left ventricular volume, ejection fraction and the left ventricular wall motion score index as well as the relative changes in the infarct area wall motion score index did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: Intracoronary injection of autologous mononuclear BMC in patients with STEMI improves myocardial perfusion at 6 months. The benefit in infarct area systolic function is less pronounced and there is no apparent improvement of global left ventricular systolic function.

Acute coronary syndrome or steal phenomenon - a case of right coronary to right ventricle fistula.

We report a case of 53-year-old male admitted to the hospital with severe chest pain and elevation of troponin I levels, who was transferred to our department for a coronary angiography. Contrast injection into the right coronary artery (RCA) demonstrated no evidence of coronary artery disease. However, a double outlet coronary artery fistula which drained into the right ventricle was visualised. With standard 2-dimensional echocardiographic imaging abnormal flow was detected in the inflow part of the right ventricular free wall. Three-dimensional colour Doppler imaging clearly demonstrated the presence of double outlet RCA - right ventricle coronary fistula with sufficient quality.

M-mode speckle tracking--a novel echocardiographic approach to assess left ventricular torsional deformation.

BACKGROUND: Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) requires special image processing for complex assessment of left ventricular (LV) function, including strain and rotation. AIM: To evaluate a novel M-mode STE technique as a readily applicable approach, providing potential insights into LV deformation. METHODS: Fifty one patients (mean age 52 +/- 14 years, 24 women) with normal or impaired LV function (mean LVEF 51 +/- 16%, range between 14% and 66%) were studied. Left ventricular rotation at mitral valve and apical level was measured using dedicated conventional STE software. Grey-scale short axis digital loops at mitral valve level were also used to obtain M-mode STE images, presenting the movement of LV wall speckles along the cursor, with the LV cavity left out. Then, the distance of peak systolic shift (PSS) was measured for one selected speckle. RESULTS: Mean rotation at mitral valve level was 7.4 +/- 3.1 degrees , apical rotation was 7.6 +/- 6.4 degrees and LV torsion was 14.9 +/- 7.1 degrees . Measurement of PSS with a novel M-mode STE approach was feasible in all patients, producing a mean value of 7 +/- 2 mm. Subsequently, two subsets with PSS of less than 7 mm and PSS equal to or above 7 mm showed a significant difference between mean LV torsion of 10.7 degrees and 17.0 degrees , respectively (p = 0.002). In the ROC analysis, PSS cut-off value of less than or equal to 7 mm yielded a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 61% to predict LV torsion < 10.7 degrees (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: M-mode STE appears to be a feasible approach to detect movement of speckles and to measure PSS within the LV inferior and septal wall in short axis view images. PSS cut-off value of less than 7 mm indicates significantly lower LV torsion. Further studies are required to assess the potential role of M-mode STE in cardiac imaging.

Intracoronary administration of stem cells in patients with acute myocardial infarction - angiographic follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Even up-to-date reperfusion therapy using primary percutaneous intervention (PCI) in acute myocardial infarction does not result in improvement of the left ventricular (LV) function in all patients. Cellular myoblasty, a novel method using mononuclear bone marrow cells (BMC), can be applied in the infarcted myocardium area to stimulate regeneration and to limit the organ damage. However, the impact of intracoronary BMC administration on the effect of PCI is not clear. AIM: To assess angiographic outcomes in patients with anterior myocardial infarction and LV dysfunction, undergoing intracoronary BMC administration after a successful primary PCI. METHODS: The study group consisted of 40 patients (mean age 56.2 years) with LV ejection fraction below 40%, in whom 20 ml of BMC were administered to the infarct-related artery (IRA) distally to the occlusion. The control group comprised 25 age- and sex-matched patients with similar values of LV ejection fraction undergoing bare metal stenting of IRA without BMC administration. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed 6 months later to assess IRA patency. RESULTS: The reference diameter of the stented artery decreased in the study group from 3.22 +/- 0.28 mm to 3.16 +/- 0.18 mm (p < 0.05) and in the control group from 3.22 +/- 0.31 mm to 3.15 +/- 0.28 mm (p < 0.082); also in the area of the implanted stent the diameter decreased from 3.57 +/- 0.21 mm to 2.96 +/- 0.79 mm in the study group vs. 3.48 +/- 0.22 mm to 3.01 +/- 0.35 mm in the control group. For lumen diameter measured 10 mm distally to the stent, the diameter loss was similar in both groups. In 6 patients from the BMC treated group and in 3 patients from the control group there was asymptomatic lumen reduction > 70% (NS). CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that BMC administration into IRA is safe. The degree of lumen loss in the stent area was larger in the BMC group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in the lumen change distally to the stent; the artery diameter loss in both groups was similar, and the improvement in LV ejection fraction was greater in the BMC-treated group.

Interleukin-1b and interleukin-1 receptor inhibitor gene cluster polymorphisms in patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1b (IL-1b) plays a role in atherosclerosis. The results of several studies on the association between polymorphism of the IL-1b gene cluster and the course of coronary atherosclerosis have been inconclusive. AIM: To investigate retrospectively whether the patients with the most common variants of polymorphism of the IL-1b gene cluster differ with respect to localisation and extent of coronary atherosclerosis to a degree which may influence the treatment strategy. METHODS: Ninety-two consecutive out-patients (age 39-83, male sex 74%) with coronary artery disease confirmed by angiography were included. In this group, 23 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and 69 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) of whom in 16 repeated treatment was performed. The polymorphisms of the IL-1b gene - transition C/T at -511 and -31 position - as well as of the IL-1 receptor antagonist gene (IL-1RN) - an 86-base pair variable-number tandem repeat in intron 2 - were determined by PCR. Out of the 54 theoretically possible combinations of polymorphisms, 17 were found in the studied group. The three most common combinations of polymorphisms were selected. The fraction of patients treated by means of primary or elective percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI, ePCI) and by means of CABG were compared between the subgroups with one of the 3 most common combinations of polymorphisms. RESULTS: The most frequent combinations of polymorphisms were - Variant A: -31 C/T, -511C/T, RN 1/1 - 32.6%; Variant B: -31T/T, -511C/C, RN 1/1 - 27.1%; Variant C: -31C/T, -11C/T, RN 1/2 - 10.8%. The remaining patients (29.5%) represented 14 variants present in very small subgroups consisting only of 1, 2 or 3 persons. Statistical analysis showed that patients with the second most common variant of studied polymorphisms (variant B) were significantly more frequently treated with CABG in comparison to the two other variants. Also, repeated PCI was most frequent in this subgroup. CONCLUSION: The data presented here suggest that carriers of the two relatively frequent variants of the IL-1b gene at -31 and -511 position, i.e. -31TT and -511CC, are at a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease requiring surgical treatment or two-stage percutaneous angioplasty.

The effects of intracoronary autologous mononuclear bone marrow cell transplantation on cardiac arrhythmia and heart rate variability.

BACKGROUND: The results of stem cell therapy after myocardial infarction (MI) have been conflicting. The effects of this therapy on ventricular arrhythmias and autonomic control of heart rate have not yet been established. AIM: To assess the effects of bone marrow cell (BMC) transplantation on the occurrence of arrhythmias and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in short-term observation after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: Sixty patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI, were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 - 36 patients selected for active treatment (autologous BMC, intracoronary injection mean 7 days after STEMI), and Group 2 - 24 control patients not treated with BMC transplantation. In all patients the infarct-related artery was the left anterior descending, and the left ventricular ejection fraction was < 40%. Two Holter sessions were performed: at baseline (HM1), on average 6 days after MI, and another one (HM2), 1 month after BMC implantation. From these recordings the frequency of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT) episodes and the parameters of HRV were calculated. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable with regard to demographic data, the presence of risk factors and electrocardiographic parameters. In HM2 examination the frequency of nsVT tended to be higher in Group 1 (25 vs. 12.5%, NS). The HRV analysis showed lower HF and significant SDNN increase in the BMC group. In controls all the HRV parameters increased. The increase in HF was significantly lower in the BMC group than in controls (22.4 vs. 89.2 ms(2), p $lt 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: 1. During the first month after the intracoronary injection of BMC, non-significant increase of nsVT was observed. 2. The lack of significant increase in HF power after BMC infusion may be a sign of depressed parasympathetic tone.

Is Hsp27 a marker of myocardial ischaemia?

BACKGROUND: Heat shock protein (Hsp) 27 expression in cardiomyocytes increases in response to ischaemia. The extracellular release of Hsp27 from cardiomyocytes is proportional to its intracellular levels. AIM: To assess the influence of significant coronary artery disease (CAD), which by definition results in chronic myocardial ischaemia, on blood serum levels of Hsp27. METHODS: Blood serum levels of Hsp27 in 62 patients with at least 50% lumen diameter narrowing in at least one main epicardial coronary artery on angiography and in 21 controls with normal coronaries were measured. RESULTS: Patients with CAD tended to have higher serum level of Hsp27 than controls [0.463 (0.158-0.809) vs. 0.184 (0.099-0.337) ng/ml, p = 0.084]. Serum Hsp27 level in patients with CAD affecting more than a single vessel was significantly increased [0.529 (0.192-1.004) ng/ml] compared with controls (p = 0.035) and with one artery narrowed [0.276 (0.087-0.549) ng/ml, p = 0.041]. No correlation between Hsp27 serum levels and severity of coronary narrowings assessed by Gensini score was found (r = 0.21, p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Serum level of Hsp27 seems to be a potential marker of myocardial ischaemia caused by advanced 2- or 3-vessel CAD.

Application of neural networks for the analysis of intravascular ultrasound and histological aortic wall appearance-an in vitro tissue characterization study.

The role of tissue characterization by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging of the aortic wall has not been well established. The artificial neural networks (ANNs) are a promising tool for image classification. The aim of the study was to assess the texture correlation between matching IVUS and histologic images of the aortic wall. The computer-based discrimination of pathology within the data sets was also evaluated. In vitro IVUS images and histologic sections from 36 aortic segments were compared using texture parameters that produced the best correlation or the highest discriminative value. The images were classified as normal or abnormal with variable degrees of pathology. Tissue characterization was performed by a nearest neighbor classifier, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and the ANN-based approach. Good agreement was observed between IVUS and the histologic reference with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.89, r = 0.76 and r = 0.71 for the three most successful texture parameters. The ANN-based approach was the most effective in discriminant analysis, with a correct classification rate of 87.5% for histologic images and 79.2% for IVUS data. The study shows that ANNs are a potentially effective tool for assessment of IVUS aortic images.

Gated 99mTc-MIBI single-photon emission computed tomography for the evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction: comparison with three-dimensional echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: Parameters of left ventricular systolic function directly influence the management of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Quantitative gated single-photon emission computed tomography (QGS; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA) allows the computation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from myocardial perfusion imaging studies which are frequently performed on patients with suspected CAD. Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is considered to be the echocardiographic "gold standard" for the quantification of LVEF. We sought to compare QGS with 3D echocardiography in the evaluation of EF in patients with suspected CAD. METHODS: Ninety-one consecutive patients with suspected CAD, scheduled for coronary angiography, underwent rest electrocardiographic-gated technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile SPECT (G-SPECT) with measurement of LVEF by QGS and transthoracic 3D echocardiography with off-line measurement of LVEF (Tomtec 4D LV Analysis 1.1). The diagnosis of CAD was based on coronary angiography, performed on every patient. RESULTS: Nine patients were excluded from the analysis owing to unsuitability for 3D echocardiography (8 patients) or G-SPECT (1 patient). In the remaining group of 82 patients, 71 (87%) had significant CAD, 34 (42%) had a history of myocardial infarction, and 50 (61%) had perfusion defects at rest G-SPECT images. The mean LVEF measured by QGS and 3D echocardiography was 53+/-13% and 53+/-10%, respectively. The mean difference in LVEF between 3D echocardiography and QGS was 0.1+/-6.0% (P=0.87), and the correlation between the values obtained by both methods was high (r=0.88, P<0.001). The largest discrepancies were observed in patients with small ventricular volumes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing diagnostic work-up for CAD, the measurement of LVEF by QGS algorithm provides high correlation and satisfactory agreement with the results of reference ultrasound method--3D echocardiography.

Selected mutations in the myosin binding protein C gene in the Polish population of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the gene of myosin binding protein C (MYBPC3) are currently considered the most frequent cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). AIM: To assess the frequency of selected mutations in MYBPC3 in the Polish population of HCM patients. METHODS: One hundred eighteen patients with HCM and 118 healthy, age and sex-matched controls were screened for the presence of 14 mutations of MYBPC3 using real time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Five different mutations were found in six patients in the HCM group whereas no mutations were present in the control group. In three cases the mutations were missense (Arg502Gln, Cys566Arg, Asn755Lys) and in three cases terminal (Gln425ter, Gln1061ter in two unrelated probands). CONCLUSION: Mutations in MYBPC3 should be considered a frequent cause of HCM in Poland.

Novel atherogenesis markers for identification of patients with a multivessel coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced coronary artery disease (CAD) have an unfovourable prognosis. Therefore, early identification of this high-risk group is important. AIM: To asses the utility of clinical, electrographic and echocardiographic parameters, supported by novel atherogenesis markers, to identify patients with triple vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: The study group comprised 37 patients (29 males, mean age 64+/-8 years) suffering from multivessel CAD and a control group of 16 patients (8 males, mean age 60+/-10 years), in whom - despite typical stenocardial symptoms, positive exercise stress test and segmental contractility disturbances - coronary angiography did not reveal any haemodynamically significant CAD. Apart from coronary angiography, each patient had additionally an entire test panel performed assessing both the disease severity and the presence of other systemic dysfunction. Mean Gensini score in the study group was 91.9+/-43.8, including proximal Gensini score 52.6+/-45.6 and distal one 39.4+/-29.7. RESULTS: Patients with triple vessel disease had a long history of angina (mean 84 months), of whom 30 (81%) experienced at least Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI). ECG changes typical for ischaemia were observed more often than in the control group. Also in patients with triple vessel disease echocardiography showed more escalated segmental contractility disorders, and left ventricular ejection fraction in this group was significantly lower than in the control group (44 vs. 55%, p <0.001). There were significant differences between CAD patients and control groups with respect to serum levels of: adiponectin (10.5+/-4.2 vs. 17.6+/-3 microg/ml, p=0.001), resistin (13.7+/-6.1 vs. 7.2+/-2.4 ng/ml, p=0.007), TNF-alpha (4.2+/-2.9 vs. 2.1+/-1.1 pg/ml, p=0.02) and IL-8 (18.4+/-4.1 vs. 12.2+/-4.1 pg/ml, p=0.008). Significant differences were also noted in lipid profile (total cholesterol: 201+/-47.1 vs. 183+/-18 mg/dl, NS; HDL cholesterol: 45+/-8.5 vs. 54+/-11 mg/dl, p=0.005; LDL cholesterol: 126.1+/-46.9 vs. 102+/-29 mg/dl, p=0.004), NT-proBNP [516 (174-1426) vs. 187 (39-573) pg/ml, p=0.02] and fasting blood glucose levels (97+/-14 vs. 94+/-11 mg/dl, p=0.03). Significantly lower serum adiponectin levels were observed in men and tobacco smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Medical history, supported by interpretation of selected, routine imaging studies and novel biochemical markers, such as adiponectin, resistin, TNF-alpha, IL-8 or NT-proBNP, seem to be the key factors when assessing the risk of presence of advanced coronary artery atherosclerosis.

Heart rate turbulence in patients with chronic heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate turbulence (HRT) has been shown to predict the prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI), but its prognostic value in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) has not yet been well established. AIM: To evaluate HRT in patients with CHF and assess the prognostic significance of HRT in this group. METHODS: The study group consisted of 82 patients with CHF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35%. All the patients underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring (HM). The heart rate variability (HRV) and HRT parameters were assessed using HRT view software. Two HRT parameters - turbulence slope (TS) and turbulence onset (TO), were calculated. We analysed the clinical course and survival during a two-year follow-up (mean 25+/-9 months). RESULTS: The patients were divided into three groups according to the HRT parameters. Group 1 (23 patients) with both normal TO and TS (TO <0%, TS >2.5 m/s), group 2 (30 patients) with abnormal TO or TS, group 3 (29 patients) with abnormal TO and TS (TO >0% and TS <2.5 m/s). Patients from group 1 was significantly younger. There were no differences between patients in aetiology, treatment and the frequency of ventricular premature beats. Significant correlations between HRV and HRT parameters were observed. The correlation was the strongest between TS and SDNN and LF. During the follow-up 9 patients died and 15 were hospitalised for non-fatal infarction or worsening of CHF. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, it was shown that TS <2.5 ms/RR interval, and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) significantly increased the risk of a serious cardiac events in CHF patients. CONCLUSION: HRT parameters are often abnormal in patients with CHF. An abnormal turbulence slope (TS) and VT episodes are significantly associated with increased risk of cardiac complications in CHF.

[Implantation of the Figulla Occlutech device in a patient with an ostium secundum atrial septal defect]. / Implantacja zapinki Occlutech Figulla u chorej z ubytkiem w przegrodzie miedzyprzedsionkowej typu wtórnego.

A case of a 50 year old female with a secundum atrial septal defect is described. The patient underwent successful implantation of a new occluder - Figulla Occlutech device. Differences in the types of occluders used for this purpose are discussed.

Heart-type fatty acid binding protein--a reliable marker of myocardial necrosis in a heterogeneous group of patients with acute coronary syndrome without persistent ST elevation.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most serious challenges of contemporary cardiology. Among biochemical markers, heart-type specific fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP) has a high potential as a marker for the early diagnosis of acute MI. The h-FABP is released early to the bloodstream and may be useful for both rapid confirmation and exclusion of infarction. As opposed to patients with ST segment elevation MI (STEMI), patients with unstable angina (UA)/non-ST segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) present a heterogeneous group in which the confirmation of MI often meets diagnostic difficulties. A rapid, qualitative immunoenzymatic 'point of care' type test, revealing h-FABP in blood, has recently been made available (CardioDetect med). AIM: To evaluate diagnostic value of early measurements of h-FABP and other markers of necrosis (cTnT, CK-MB, CK-MB mass) in a group of 100 patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) without persistent ST segment elevation (NSTE ACS). METHODS: We studied 100 consecutive patients (34 women, 66 men; mean age 61.6 years) with strong suspicion of NSTE ACS and chest pain lasting <24 h before admission. During admission and after 3 and 6 hours patients had measured a panel of conventional biomarkers as well as quantitative measurements of h-FABP (on admission and 3 hours later) using CardioDetect med. The ultimate diagnosis of infarction (NSTEMI) was confirmed in case of a second (6 h after admission) positive quantitative result of cardiac troponin. Non-ST segment elevation MI was finally diagnosed in 56 patients. RESULTS: The comparison of diagnostic utility of all analysed biomarkers of necrosis revealed that h-FABP was superior to other parameters, when measured on admission, and was characterised by 94.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 93.4% negative predictive value and 97% accuracy. Other biomarkers had on admission lower sensitivity - 70.1% for CK-MB mass, 66.7% for CK-MB, 64.9% for cTnT, whereas their specificity was 97.6% for CK-MB mass, 93% for CK-MB and 100% for cTnT. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative h-FABP test (CardioDetect med) showed excellent sensitivity, higher than measurements of CK-MB mass, CK-MB, and cTnT on hospital admission, and high specificity in the patient group with NSTE ACS. The h-FABP seems to be an excellent biochemical cardiac marker for diagnosing NSTEMI, especially in its early phase, allowing exclusion of myocardial necrosis.