Bülent Behlül Altunkeser

Does the Myocardial Performance Index Affect Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Patients With Mitral Stenosis? A Tissue Doppler Imaging Study

Background: The relation between systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and mitral stenosis (MS) has been poorly understood. Although the mitral valve area (MVA) is an important factor affecting the PAP, there is a wide spectrum of the PAP in patients with MS despite a similar MVA. So, we analyzed whether the left and right ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) correlated with the PAP. Methods: Two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiography was performed in 46 patients with MS. The left atrial diameter, mean mitral gradient, and MVA were measured. The PAP was derived from the tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity. The ejection time (ET), isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), and contraction time (ICT) were measured on annulus of interventricular septum, lateral, inferior and anterior wall of left ventricle, and right ventricle free wall from apical two‐ and four‐chamber views in patients with MS and 40 age‐matched healthy patients by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). Then the MPI was calculated as (IRT + ICT)/ET for both left and right ventricle. The correlation of PAP with MVA, mean mitral gradient, left atrial diameter, and left and right ventricular MPI was evaluated. Results: MVA and PAP were measured as 1.57 ± 0.39 cm2 (0.8–2.5 cm2) and 42 ± 16 mmHg , respectively. It was determined that the MPI increased in patients with MS (0.59 ± 0.1 vs 0.48 ± 0.07, P < 0.001) . It was also demonstrated that the MVA, left atrial diameter, mean diastolic gradient, and left ventricular MPI were correlated with PAP (r =–0.39 [P = 0.007], r = 0.43 [P = 0.003], r = 0.58 [P < 0.001] , and r = 0.65 [P < 0.001] , respectively). In multivariate analysis, although the PAP correlated with mean diastolic gradient and MPI ( r = 0.39 [P = 0.013] , and r = 0.48 [P < 0.001] ), it did not correlate with left atrial diameter and MVA. The PAP also correlated with right ventricular MPI (r = 0.63 [P < 0.001]) . Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the left ventricular MPI obtained by TDI is an important marker of PAP, and right ventricular MPI correlates with the PAP in patients with MS. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 20, April 2003)

The role of inflammation markers in triggering acute coronary events

Studies have shown disparate results in relation to the role of plasma concentrations of inflammation markers such as fibrinogen, cytokines, and cell adhesion molecules in acute coronary syndromes. The differentiation of primary versus secondary alterations of these markers in response to acute coronary syndromes is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of soluble cell adhesion molecules and some inflammatory markers on coronary plaque instability. The prospective study consisted of 15 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP), 16 with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), and 16 who had undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Blood samples were obtained from the SAP group on admission, from the UAP group at the early stage of pain onset within 6 h of pain, and again after 12 h of pain. Samples from the PTCA group were collected before, 2, 14 h after the procedure. Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), endothelial selectin, interleukin-1Β (IL-1Β) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CRP serum levels gradually increased although IL-2 gradually decreased in patients with UAP and PTCA. In addition, VCAM-1 levels were sharply decreased after the PTCA procedure. However, this value returned back to the preprocedure levels 14 h after PTCA. Both CRP and IL-2 are directly involved in the triggering mechanisms of acute coronary events.

A case report of an unusual complication of Amanita phalloides poisoning: Development of cardiogenic shock and its successful treatment with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation

Amanita phalloides is responsible for the majority of the fatalities caused by mushroom poisoning. It causes damage in liver, kidneys and rarely pancreas, causing encephalopathic coma, disseminated intravascular coagulation, hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock. However, its effect on cardiac functions has not been established yet. In this case report, we aimed to present a female patient poisoned by A. phalloides mushroom complicated with multi-organ failure and cardiogenic shock due to advanced left ventricular systolic dysfunction. This case report was the first to show a successful treatment of cardiogenic shock due to mushroom poisoning with intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, whereas she did not respond to other therapies.

Atorvastatin given prior to electrical cardioversion does not affect the recurrence of atrial fibrillation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who are on antiarrhythmic therapy.

Objective: In this study, our aim was to evaluate the effect of a higher dose of atorvastatin on the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) after electrical cardioversion (EC) in addition to antiarrhythmic therapy. Subjects and Methods: 48 patients with persistent AF were included in this study. The patients were randomized to an atorvastatin 40-mg treatment group and a control group. Atorvastatin was started 3 weeks before EC and was continued for 2 months after EC. EC was performed using biphasic shocks after 3 weeks of treatment with the orally administered anticoagulant warfarin. Lipid and inflammatory parameters (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, white blood cell count and fibrinogen level) were evaluated at the baseline and before EC. The endpoint of this study was electrocardiographically confirmed recurrence of AF of >10 min. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics and lipid and inflammatory marker levels between the treatment and control groups. Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly decreased in patients taking atorvastatin for 2 months compared with baseline values (174 ± 31 vs. 129 ± 25 mg/dl, p = 0.001, and 112 ± 23 vs. 62 ± 20 mg/dl, p = 0.001, respectively), while no significant change occurred in control patients (168 ± 26 vs. 182 ± 29 mg/dl, p = 0.07, and 99 ± 18 vs. 108 ± 26 mg/dl, p = 0.1, respectively). At the end of the 2-month follow-up period, 9 patients (20.5%) experienced AF recurrence, and there was no significant difference in AF recurrence rate between the treatment and control groups (26 vs. 13%; p = 0.2). Conclusion: Atorvastatin therapy prior to EC does not prevent the recurrence of arrhythmia in patients with persistent AF who are receiving antiarrhythmic therapy.

Effect of left bundle branch block on systolic and diastolic function of left ventricle in heart failure

This study was designed to examine the effect of left bundle branch block (LBBB) on systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV) in patients with heart failure and in normal subjects. Thirty-six patients with heart failure and LBBB (group I), 36 patients with heart failure with normal conduction (group II), and 41 subjects with isolated LBBB (group III) were compared. Coronary angiography was performed and LV end diastolic pressure was calculated. Echocardiography was performed on all patients. LV ejection fraction and mean rate of circum ferential shortening were calculated. The following Doppler parameters were evaluated: peak rapid filling velocity (E wave), peak atrial filling velocity (A wave), E- and A-wave integrals, E- wave acceleration time and deceleration time (EDT) and rates (EAR and EDR), the E/A ratio and its integral, and diastolic flow time (DT). The ejection time, isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), and preejection period were measured using the aortic and mitral flow. LV end diastolic pressure was calculated as 28 ±4 mm Hg, 22 ±5 mm Hg, and 15 ±3 mm Hg in groups I, II, and III, respectively. Although the systolic function parameters in group III patients were different, the diastolic function parameters of group II were found to be quite similar to those of group III patients. Comparison of group I patients with group II patients showed that there was a similarity between LV systolic function parameters while the diastolic function parameters were different (E/A, p = 0.004; EAR, p<0.001; EDR, p<0.001; EDT, p<0.001; IRT, p = 0.024; DT, p=0.03). In conclusion, this study evaluating the effects of LBBB in normal subjects (isolated LBBB) and patients with heart failure showed that LBBB causes diastolic function impairment in normal subjects similar to those of patients with heart failure, and also increases impairment of diastolic function in patients with heart failure.

A recurrent right atrial thrombus: a suggestive sign for Behçet's disease? A case report

Abstract A 29-year-old woman with Behçets disease was admitted to our cardiology department with a history of cough, dyspnea, and palpitation. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed a right atrial mass. She was operated on to remove the mass, which was shown by histopathological examination to be a thrombus. Three months later, echocardiography was repeated and recurrent right atrial thrombus was observed. Warfarin was given to the patient. One month later, the mass was not observed on echocardiographic examination. We report recurrent right atrial thrombus in a patient with Behçets disease.

Importance of Left Anterior Hemiblock Development in Inferior Wall Acute Myocardial Infarction

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and angiographic importance of left anterior hemiblock (LAHB) during acute inferior myocardial infarction (AIMI) by comparing patient groups with and without LAHB after AIMI. One hundred seventy-two patients (141 men and 31 women) between 28 and 84 years of age (mean 55 ± 10 years) with AIMI were included in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to electrocardiogram (ECG) criteria: group I comprised 25 patients in whom ECG pattern characteristic of LAHB developed, group II comprised 147 patients without this pattern. According to the electrocardiogram, patients were placed in group I if the mean QRS axis was deviated to the left <30° in the frontal plane with the following pattern: increased S- wave voltage and decreased R-wave voltage in leads II, the appearance of a deep S-wave in lead II, and a terminal positive R-wave in lead aVR. Coronary angiography was performed within 2 weeks. A coronary stenosis was considered if the vessel diameter was narrowed by > 50%. The dominant coronary artery was classified as right or left or balanced. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was calculated from left ventriculography. The mean age of the patients in group I was significantly higher (58 vs 54 years, p = 0.007), while the risk factors were similar in both groups. Left anterior descending (LAD) and multi vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) were found to be significantly higher in group I compared with group II (80% vs 38%, p = 0.0001; 84% vs 52%, p = 0.001, respectively). The mean LVEF was found to be lower in group I (51% vs 56%, p = 0.04). Peak creatine phosphokinase MB (CKMB) values were not different (216 vs 162 IU/L, p = 0.09). The frequency of left dominant or balanced coronary artery was determined to be higher in group I (44% vs 17%, p = 0.018). LAHB development during AIMI can be an indicator of LAD lesions, multivessel coronary artery disease, and impaired left ventricular systolic function.

The relation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and coronary chronic total occlusions.

BackgroundNeutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of systemic inflammation that correlates with cardiac events. This study assessed the association between NLR and the presence of chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO).MethodsThe study population included 225 patients, a control group (n = 75), a coronary artery disease group (n = 75), and a CTO group (n = 75). NLR was compared in the three groups.ResultsNLR levels were significantly higher in the CTO than in the other two groups (p < 0.001). Bivariate correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between NLR and SYNTAX Score, and multivariate logistic regression analysis found that NLR was an independent predictor of CTO. ROC analysis showed that an NLR cut-off of 2.09 could distinguish between patients with and without CTO (AUC = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.68–0.81), with a specificity of 69.3% and a sensitivity of 61%.ConclusionNLR may be useful as a marker of CTO.

Assessment of atrial electromechanical delay and P-wave dispersion in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES Diabetes mellitus is an independent and strong risk factor for development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Electrophysiologic and electromechanical abnormalities are associated with a higher risk of AF. In this study we aimed to determine the correlation of atrial conduction abnormalities between the surface electrocardiographic and tissue Doppler echocardiographic measurements in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS A total of 88 consecutive T2DM patients and 49 age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers were included in the present study. Baseline characteristics were recorded and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography, and 12-lead surface electrocardiography were performed for all study participants. Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) intervals were measured. RESULTS Maximum P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion (Pd) were significantly higher in patients with T2DM (105.7±10.2ms vs. 102.2±7.5ms, p=0.02; 40.6±7.6ms vs. 33.6±5.9ms, p<0.001, respectively). Interatrial, intraatrial, and intraleft atrial EMD were significantly higher in the T2DM patients when compared with the controls (16.5±7.8ms vs.11.2±4.4ms, p<0.001; 9.0±7.3ms vs. 6.0±3.8ms, p=0.002, and 7.4±5.2ms vs. 5.1±3.2ms, p=0.002 respectively). Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between interatrial EMD and Pd (r=0.429, p<0.001) and left atrial volume (r=0.428, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In this study, there was significant EMD and Pd in patients with T2DM as compared with healthy volunteers. Additionally, interatrial EMD was correlated with Pd and left atrial volume index.

Fragmented QRS in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract Introduction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease with a variety of clinical features. Cardiac involvement is present in more than half of the patients with SLE. Fragmentation of QRS (fQRS) is presumed marker of cardiovascular risk and has not been previously evaluated in SLE. Methods. A total of 56 women previously diagnosed with SLE were recruited. In addition, a control group consisting of 51 healthy people was formed. QRS complexes were also evaluated in terms of fragmentations. All patients with SLE and control subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiographic examination. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were also obtained. Results. Frequency of fQRS was higher in patients with SLE (41% vs. 21%, p = 0.03). Left ventricular posterior wall thickness and mass index were higher in the patients with SLE. CRP levels and age were significantly higher, and disease duration was significantly longer in the fQRS(+) group (p = 0.02, 0.01, and 0.006, respectively). Conclusion. A careful cardiovascular evaluation and follow-up is essential to continuously improve survival in SLE. For this purpose, fQRS may be used for the early detection in patients with SLE.