Murat Akkoyun

Evaluation of Atrial Electromechanical Delay and Diastolic Functions in Patients with Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a well‐known cause of atrial fibrillation (AF) which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) is a significant predictor of AF. The aim of this study was to assess the atrial EMD and diastolic functions in subclinical and overt hyperthyroidism by using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI).

The Effect of Antithyroid Treatment on Atrial Conduction Times in Patients with Subclinical Hyperthyroidism

Background: Prolonged atrial conduction time measured by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) has been associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation. We aimed to evaluate the effect of subclinical hyperthyroidism (SH) and antithyroid treatment on atrial conduction time. Methods: A total of 30 patients with SH (26 females; mean age 34.8 ± 8.5 years) and 30 age‐ and gender‐matched controls were included. Using TDI, atrial conduction time was measured from the lateral mitral annulus, septal mitral annulus, and lateral tricuspid annulus. Intra‐ and interatrial conduction delay were calculated. TDI and thyroid hormone levels were studied at the time of enrollment and after achievement of euthyroid state with propylthiouracil treatment. Patients were followed for 14 ± 3 weeks. Results: Atrial conduction time at the lateral and septal mitral annulus were significantly higher in patients with SH compared to controls. Both inter‐, right, and left intraatrial electromechanical delay were prolonged in patients with SH compared to control subjects (21.3 ± 6.1 vs. 13.9 ± 4.3, P < 0.001 and 4.2 ± 3.5 vs. 2.3 ± 1.9, P = 0.014 and 17.1 ± 6.0 vs. 11.6 ± 3.8, P < 0.001, respectively). After achievement of euthyroid state, inter‐ and left intraatrial electromechanical delay were significantly decreased compared to baseline values and approximated to the values of the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: SH is associated with prolonged atrial conduction time. After achievement of euthyroid state, decrement in atrial conduction time may reveal how the antithyroid treatment may prevent the development of atrial fibrillation in these patients.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in a healthy adolescent following consumption of caffeinated “energy drinks”

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare and uncommon case of sudden cardiac death and acute coronary syndrome. Herein, we present a 13-year-old boy with chest pain who was diagnosed with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction associated with SCAD, possibly caused by the consumption of an energy drink, which has not been reported previously in the pediatric age group. On coronary angiography, the left anterior descending artery showed extensive dissection from the distal part of the vessel. Based on the morphology of the vessel with a dissection and TIMI flow grade III, it was decided to manage this patient conservatively with close follow-up. The aim of this report is to highlight the risks associated with the consumption of caffeinated energy drinks in children.

Evaluation of atrial electromechanical delay and its relationship to inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The aims of this study were to evaluate atrial electromechanical delay, inflammation, and oxidative stress parameters, along with to investigate clinical and laboratory characteristics affecting atrial electromechanical delay in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Effect of hemoglobin variability on mortality and some cardiovascular parameters in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background and objectives: Most hemodialysis patients show hemoglobin fluctuations between low-normal and high levels. This hemoglobin variability may cause left ventricle hypertrophy and may increase mortality as well. Recently, many studies were designed to evaluate the effect of hemoglobin variability on mortality but results were conflicting. We aimed to investigate the effect of hemoglobin variability on mortality and some cardiovascular parameters in hemodialysis population. Design, setting, participants and measurements: Hundred and seventy-five prevalent hemodialysis patients classified into three hemoglobin variability groups according to their hemoglobin levels throughout 24 month observation period: Low-Normal, Low-High, Normal-High. Groups were compared in terms of laboratory, demographical data and mortality rates, initial and the end of 24 month echocardiographic data. Initial and last echocardiographic data were compared within groups in terms of left ventricle mass index increase. Results: Mortality rates and cardiovascular risk factors such as coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus and hypertension that may affect mortality were same between three groups. There was no significant difference between three groups in terms of echocardiographic and laboratory parameters. Only Low-High group showed significant increase on left ventricle mass index when initial and last echocardiographic parameters were compared. Conclusions: Consistent with previous studies, we found that most of the patients exhibited hemoglobin variability and our study is consistent with some of the studies that did not find any relationship between hemoglobin variability and mortality. Firstly, in this study based on objective data, it was shown that hemoglobin variability has adverse effect on left ventricle geometry independent from anemia.

Angiographic characteristics of coronary artery fistulas.

OBJECTIVES Coronary artery fistula (CAF) in adults is a rare form of coronary artery anomaly. It is often diagnosed incidentally during coronary angiography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and angiographic characteristics of adult patients with CAF. STUDY DESIGN We retrospectively reviewed the database of 70,850 patients who had undergone coronary angiography in five different invasive cardiology centers in the southeastern region of Turkey. Among them, 56 patients had CAF (39 males, 17 females, mean age: 63.7±10.4 years). Demographic data, clinical evaluation and cardiac catheterization reports were reviewed from the medical records. RESULTS A total of 58 fistulas were detected in 56 patients; two patients (3.6%) had bilateral fistulas originating from both the left and right coronary artery. In our angiographic series, CAF prevalence was 0.08%. Dyspnea on exertion and/or angina pectoris was the most common symptom (69%). Fifteen patients (26.8%) had concomitant obstructive coronary artery disease. Coronary artery fistulas originated mainly from the left anterior descending artery (n=30, 51.7%). Others originated from the right coronary artery (n=15, 25.9%), circumflex artery (n=6, 10.3%), and right sinus of Valsalva (n=3, 5.2%). In four patients (n=4, 7.1%), multiple micro fistula were draining into the left ventricle. CONCLUSION In our angiographic series, the prevalence of CAF was 0.08%, and the most common site of origin was the left anterior descending artery.

İskemik semptomlara neden olan kas bandı

Miyokardiyal kas bandi basitce epikardiyal koroner arterin intramural seyir gosteren kisminin sistol sirasinda daralmasidir. Kas bandi iyi seyirli olmasina ragmen, akut koroner sendrom, aritmi ve ani kadiyak olum gibi semptomlara neden olabilir. Bu yazida sol on inen arterin orta kismindaki kas bandi ile iliskili tipik efor anginasi olan bir hastayi sunduk.