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Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the characteristics of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and adult cardiology practice patterns for PH in our country.Methods: We evaluated preliminary survey data of 1501 patients with PH (females, 69%; age, 44.8±5.45) from 20 adult cardiology centers (AdCCs).Results: The average experience of AdCCs in diagnosing and treating patients with PH was 8.5±3.7 years. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was the most frequent group (69%) followed by group 4 PH (19%), group 3 PH (8%), and combined pre- and post-capillary PH (4%). PAH associated with congenital heart disease (APAH-CHD) was the most frequent subgroup (47%) of PAH. Most of the patients' functional class (FC) at the time of diagnosis was III. The right heart catheterization (RHC) rate was 11.9±11.6 per month. Most frequently used vasoreactivity agent was intravenous adenosine (60%). All patients under targeted treatments were periodically for FC, six-minute walking test, and echo measures at 3-month intervals. AdCCs repeated RHC in case of clinical worsening (CW). The annual rate of hospitalization was 14.9±19.5. In-hospital use of intravenous iloprost reported from 16 AdCCs in CWs. Bosentan and ambrisentan, as monotreatment or combination treatment (CT), were noted in 845 and 28 patients, respectively, and inhaled iloprost, subcutaneous treprostinil, and intravenous epoprostenol were noted in 283, 30, and four patients, respectively. Bosentan was the first agent used for CT in all AdCCs and iloprost was the second. Routine use of antiaggregant, anticoagulant, and pneumococcal and influenza prophylaxis were restricted in only two AdCCs.Conclusion: Our nationwide data illustrate the current status of PH regarding clinical characteristics and practice patterns. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the characteristics of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and adult cardiology practice patterns for PH in our country.Methods: We evaluated preliminary survey data of 1501 patients with PH (females, 69%; age, 44.8±5.45) from 20 adult cardiology centers (AdCCs).Results: The average experience of AdCCs in diagnosing and treating patients with PH was 8.5±3.7 years. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was the most frequent group (69%) followed by group 4 PH (19%), group 3 PH (8%), and combined pre- and post-capillary PH (4%). PAH associated with congenital heart disease (APAH-CHD) was the most frequent subgroup (47%) of PAH. Most of the patients' functional class (FC) at the time of diagnosis was III. The right heart catheterization (RHC) rate was 11.9±11.6 per month. Most frequently used vasoreactivity agent was intravenous adenosine (60%). All patients under targeted treatments were periodically for FC, six-minute walking test, and echo measures at 3-month intervals. AdCCs repeated RHC in case of clinical worsening (CW). The annual rate of hospitalization was 14.9±19.5. In-hospital use of intravenous iloprost reported from 16 AdCCs in CWs. Bosentan and ambrisentan, as monotreatment or combination treatment (CT), were noted in 845 and 28 patients, respectively, and inhaled iloprost, subcutaneous treprostinil, and intravenous epoprostenol were noted in 283, 30, and four patients, respectively. Bosentan was the first agent used for CT in all AdCCs and iloprost was the second. Routine use of antiaggregant, anticoagulant, and pneumococcal and influenza prophylaxis were restricted in only two AdCCs.Conclusion: Our nationwide data illustrate the current status of PH regarding clinical characteristics and practice patterns.

The aim of present study is to evaluate left ventricular (LV) functions using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) after iron therapy in patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We consecutively enrolled 92 patients with IDA who needed iron therapy and 82 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers in our study. Their clinical, laboratory, conventional two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), and STE examinations were performed to all patients before and after iron therapy. Echocardiographic measurements were compared with healthy controls. The hemoglobin level increased after iron therapy (7.2±2.9 vs. 12.1±2.0, p

Paradoxical embolization through the patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the major cause of most cryptogenic stroke cases. However, the presence of PFO may simply be an incidental finding in these patients, and endothelial dysfunction may be the underlying reason of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to compare the endothelial function of cryptogenic stroke patients according to the presence of PFO. Sixty consecutive patients with cryptogenic stroke referred for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and 39 consecutive nonstroke patients referred for TEE examination because of suspected PFO were included in the study. Endothelial functions were assessed by brachial artery ultrasonography. PFO was diagnosed by the presence of right-to-left passage of contrast bubbles during TEE. Stroke and nonstroke patients were further subdivided into two groups according to the presence of PFO. Stroke patients had significantly lower flow-mediated dilation (FMD) values than nonstroke patients (8.36 ± 4.38 % vs. 12.57 ± 4.90 %, p

The evaluation of syncope in severe aortic stenosis usually requires intense work-up. Mechanical obstruction should not always be implicated as the underlying cause of syncope. Syncope at rest may be rarely associated with ventricular arrhythmias. We present a patient with severe aortic stenosis who experienced syncopal events due to torsade de pointes.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension is one of the most debilitating and fatal complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a risk factor for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), for which the treatment of choice is pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). Hereby, we share our clinical experience of PEA for CTEPH in SLE and APS patients. Patients and Methods: Data were collected prospectively for consecutive patients with APS and SLE who underwent PEA over a 5-year period [2011-2015]. Results: We identified 17 patients (5 male, 12 female) with APS and SLE [5% of all pulmonary endarterectomies]. Mean age was 35 (range= 7 to 57). The preoperative diagnosis was APS in 8, SLE in 6, and concomitant SLE and APS in 3. Median NYHA score was III (II to IV). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of the patients fell immediately from 45.5±18.7 mmHg to 30.7±21.2 mmHg right after surgery, and 35.9±19.4 mmHg on discharge. One (5.9%) patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and died on postoperative day 10. Mean follow-up duration was 31 months, with no additional mortality. Conclusion: Patients with SLE and/or APS should be screened for CTEPH, since they are more susceptible to intravascular thrombosis. PEA should be the treatment of choice for these patients, with its low morbidity and high success rates.

Background: Recurrent symptomatic pulmonary hypertension is uncommon after primary pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). We reviewed our experience with patients undergoing repeat PEA to determine the risk factors for recurrent disease, and the outcome of reoperative PEA. Methods: Between 2011 and 2016, two of 332 (0.6%) patients, one man and one woman (mean age 30 years) underwent reoperative PEA at our institution. The patients were evaluated before PEA and at 3 months, 1 year, 2 years afterward by NYHA class, right heart hemodynamic, spirometry, and 6-minute walking test. Results: Of two reoperated patients: although one had Systemic lupus erythematosus, both patients had suboptimal anticoagulation management. The mean interval to reoperation was 26 months. The preoperative New York Heart Association class distribution showed two patients in class III. All patients underwent bilateral PEA using hypothermic circulatory arrest. Operative mortality was 0% with reoperation. All had a greater reduction in the postoperative PAP (mean 72 mm Hg vs 34 mm Hg) and PVR (650 vs 217 dynes/s/cm −5 ). After a median follow-up of 24 months, two patients showed marked improvements in their clinical status. Conclusions: Reoperative PTE can be performed safely. Vigilant anticoagulant management would prevent the need for reoperative PTEs.

Background Our aim was to determine the prevalence of coronary artery − pulmonary artery collaterals in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) by retrospectively evaluating coronary angiograms of eligible consecutive patients who had undergone pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). We also aimed to evaluate predictors and potential clinical associates of these collaterals. Methods Coronary angiograms of 83 consecutive CTEPH patients who had undergone coronary angiography before PEA operation between January 1, 2012 and June 1, 2015 were retrospectively evaluated for presence of coronary artery − pulmonary artery collaterals. Medical records of all patients were also retrospectively reviewed for demographic information, cardiovascular risk factors, preoperative right heart catheterization reports, operation reports, and follow-up data. Data of CTEPH patients with coronary artery − pulmonary artery collaterals were compared with data of CTEPH patients without such collaterals. Results There were 15 patients (18.1%) with definite and 4 patients (4.8%) with probable coronary artery − pulmonary artery collaterals among the study population. CTEPH patients with collaterals had higher preoperative pulmonary artery pressures, higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and lower cardiac index values compared with CTEPH patients without collaterals. However, CTEPH patients with collaterals displayed higher amount of reduction in PVR after PEA compared with patients without collaterals. There were no significant differences between groups regarding incidence of reperfusion injury or mortality. Conclusion Prevalence of coronary artery − pulmonary artery collaterals seems to be increased in our CTEPH patients compared with the general population. The presence of coronary artery − pulmonary artery collaterals is often combined with proximal disease with the possibility of increased reduction of PVR after PEA operation.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of heart failure (HF) in adult residents of Turkey based on echocardiography and N-terminal B type natriuretic factor. STUDY DESIGN 4650 randomly selected residents aged ≥ 35 years were enrolled. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure measurements were taken, and a 12-lead ECG was performed. Advanced age, hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and chronic renal failure (CRF) were assessed. History of any heart disease, any abnormal ECG, or an NT-proBNP ≥ 120 pg/mL was accepted as echocardiography indication. Patients with systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction, or NT-proBNP ≥ 2000 pg/mL were classified as having HF if their functional capacity was NYHA ≥ Class II, and were classified as having asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ASVD) if their functional capacity was NYHA

Background: Intraventricular dyssynchrony is associated with worsening systolic function, adverse remodeling, and clinical events. The aim of this study is to investigate whether intraventricular dyssynchrony assessed by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) can predict left ventricular (LV) remodeling after first ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated successfully with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Methods: Fifty-two consecutive patients who presented with first acute STEMI were included in the study. All patients underwent successful pPCI. Standard echocardiography was performed within 48 hours of admission. LV dyssynchrony was assessed by color-coded TDI. Dyssynchrony (Ts-diff) was calculated by maximal temporal difference between time to peak systolic velocities (Ts) of six basal segments. Echocardiographic examination was repeated after 6 months to reassess LV volumes. LV remodeling was defined as >15% increase in LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVI) after 6 months. Results: Eleven patients (23%) developed LV remodeling. Baseline dyssynchrony was found to be correlated with percent change in LVESVI and LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) after 6 months. Ts-diff, creatine kinase-MB and mitral inflow E-wave deceleration time (DT) were the independent predictors of remodeling after STEMI in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that Ts-diff >56 msec had 72.7% sensitivity and 83.8% specificity for predicting remodeling. Conclusions: LV dyssynchrony is a strong predictor of LV remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It could be useful in risk stratification of patients after AMI. (Echocardiography 2012;29:165-172)

Renal sympathetic denervation is safe and effective in patients with resistant hypertension. In all of the studies of renal artery denervation, patients with accessory renal arteries are excluded. So there is not any data regarding renal sympathetic denervation applied to the accessory renal arteries. We present a young female patient with resistant hypertension despite use of five different antihypertensive drugs. The patient had a well developed (diameter >4 mm) left renal accessory. We believe that if we omitted the well developed accessory renal artery, we would not have maintained adequate blood pressure control. Thus, we applied radiofrequency ablation to both renal arteries and left accessory artery. Immediately after the procedure, the patient′s blood pressure was reduced to 110/60 mmHg and this effect was continued during the first month of follow-up.

Right heart catheterization (RHC) is required for confirmation of the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and to asses the prognosis and etiology. Pulmonary vasoreactivity testing (PVT) is one of the most crucial parts of RHC especially in the suitable patient subsets of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) defined by the most recent guidelines. PVT has substantial importance in defining the most appropriate treatment modality. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature about PVT and the agents used in PVT, to emphasize the importance of this procedure when done with correct indications with a correct technique and to contribute in the accurate management of PH patients.

Background: The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the evolution of electrocardiography (ECG) markers indicator of morbidity and mortality after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). It may be a good predictor of mortality and morbidity in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) with patients who underwent PEA. PEA may be reduced risk of arrhythmia in patients with CTEPH. However, this claim must to be supported with long-term results. Materials and Methods: We collected demographic, ECG, and echocardiographic parameters data (baseline and after the operation) in patients undergoing PEA for CTEPH at our institution from 2009 to 2013.We assessed 62 CTEPH patients who underwent PEA. Results: P wave amplitude in DII, PR interval, P and QT dispersion changed significantly at 3 months after surgery. The P dispersion (17.66 ± 6.2, P < 0.04) and QT dispersion (23.75 ± 11.37, P < 0.015) were longer in before operation than in after operation. Conclusions: In our study, we found in ECG analyses of CTEPH with patients who are undergoing PEA that P dispersion, QT dispersion were changed when compared with before operation. For this reason, we think that PEA reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation and malignant arrhythmia.

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a disease of pericardium that restricts filling of the heart. Patients with CP generally present to hospitals with exercise-induced dyspnea, pretibial edema and abdominal ascites, and it is sometimes mistakenly diagnosed as liver or renal disease. Pericardial thickening, which is defined as more than 4 mm in diameter, is observed in nearly 80% of patients. In the present paper, we describe a case of CP with a pericardial thickness of 12 mm that was initially diagnosed as cirrhosis.

Fragmented QRS complexes in the electrocardiograms (ECGs) of patients with coronary artery disease are associated with adverse cardiac events. However, there are limited data on its predictive usefulness in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Left ventricular dyssynchrony is common in heart failure patients who have wide QRS intervals, but its frequency in patients with narrow QRS intervals is uncertain.To investigate the relationship between fragmented QRS complexes and intraventricular dyssynchrony in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy in sinus rhythm.Sixty nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with sinus rhythm and narrow QRS intervals were recruited. Forty patients had a fragmented QRS in their basal ECG, and 20 patients did not have a fragmented QRS. Patients were analyzed for correlation between fragmented QRS complexes and intraventricular dyssynchrony.The maximal difference in time to the peak myocardial systolic velocity between any two left ventricular segments (Max-ASE Sys), and maximal difference between Max-ASE Sys and the mean value of all segments (Max-ASE to Mean Sys) were significantly higher in patients with fragmented QRS complexes (P=0.001 and P=0.003, respectively). Seventy-two per cent of the patients with fragmented QRS complexes had significant left ventricular dyssynchrony; 15% of patients without fragmented QRS complexes had significant left ventricular dyssynchrony (P0.0001). The presence of fragmented QRS complexes in leads corresponding to the specific ventricular segment in basal ECG was found to detect intraventricular dyssynchrony with 90.6% sensitivity (negative predictive value of 85%).Fragmentation in the resting ECG is associated with significant intraventricular dyssynchrony in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, narrow QRS and sinus rhythm. Fragmentation in ECG might be useful in identifying patients who could benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy frequently coexists with anemia and high plasma NT proBNP levels. However, the prognostic impact of these features on the disease course is uncertain, especially in patients with normal renal function. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with sinus rhythm and normal renal function were prospectively followed for a mean 25+/-18 months period. Clinical end points were death (sudden cardiac death and deaths because of worsening heart failure) and cardiac transplantation. Prognostic impact of NT proBNP levels, anemia, echocardiographic and clinical parameters on the clinical end points was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Cut-off values of hemoglobin and plasma NT proBNP levels for predicting end points were determined by receiver operating curve analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (59.6%) suffered clinical end points. The patients who suffered clinical end points were anemic (P=0.002), had lower systolic (P

We have evaluated the prevalence of left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) among patients referred to multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography examinations. The study Group comprised of 1,000 consecutive patients (750 male and 250 female; mean age 53±12 years) who underwent successful 64-slice MSCT examinations. Left main coronary artery (LMCA) was classified into three Groups: normal LMCA; nonsignificant LMCAD with coronary plaques resulting in obstructions ≤50%; and significant LMCAD corresponding to obstructions >50%. We have found that 24 patients (2.4%) had significant LMCAD. Additional 200 patients (20%) had nonsignificant LMCAD. Univariate analysis revealed that LMCAD was associated with age, male gender, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, typical symptoms, history of previous myocardial infarction and previous percutaneous coronary intervention. Only age and male gender were found as independent predictors for LMCAD in multivariate analysis (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively,). Angiographic follow-up was avaliable for the 24 patients with significant LMCAD, and conventional coronary angiography confirmed the presence of significant LMCAD in all of these patients. Significant LMCAD was found in 2.4% of the 1,000 patients referred to 64-slice MSCT examinations. Age and male gender were the independent predictors for LMCAD.

Decreased serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol have been shown to be of prognostic significance in patients with severe infectious diseases. Serum HDL cholesterol levels were therefore investigated as a possible parameter for the prediction of clinical outcomes in patients with left-sided infective endocarditis (IE). Fifty-four patients with IE with available admission serum HDL cholesterol levels were included in the study. A clinical outcome was defined as a complicated course during hospitalization. Forty-two patients had complicated courses during their in-hospital stays. The median serum HDL cholesterol level was significantly lower in patients with IE (n = 54) than healthy controls (n = 26) (26 vs 47 mg/dl, p

Objective - We aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) to detect significant coronary artery stenosis with comparison to conventional coronary angiography (CCA). Methods - In 100 patients (70 men, average age 58 ± 10 years and age range 31-75 years) scheduled to have conventional coronary angiography, MSCT was performed before catheterization (within 2 months). All patients were in sinus rhythm, able to hold breath for 15 seconds, and had serum creatinine levels < 1.5 mg/dl. MSCT scans were analysed by a radiologist and a cardiologist. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for the detection of significant stenoses by MSCT in comparison with CCA were calculated on patient, vessel, and segmental bases. Results - 64-slice computed tomography is able to detect significant coronary artery stenosis on a segmental basis with a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 99% when compared with CCA. All patients with significantly stenotic coronary artery disease are correctly diagnosed. The presence of significant stenosis was correctly diagnosed by MSCT in 126 of 144 segments. Twelve non-significant lesions on CCA were overestimated by MSCT. On vessel-based analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of MSCT for detecting significant stenosis were 91% and 97%, respectively. Conclusion - Our results indicate that 64-slice computed coronary angiography is a reliable diagnostic modality for the detection of significant coronary artery stenosis in patients with sinus rhythm and scheduled to have CCA, but still has limitations of diagnostic performance on a per-segment and per-vessel basis.

Background The aim of the study was to identify clinical factors, angiographic findings, and procedural features that predict no-reflow phenomenon (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade ≤2) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and Results A series of 382 consecutive patients with AMI underwent primary PCI within 12 h of symptom onset. Patients with ischemic symptoms continuing for more than 12 h were also included. Clinical, angiographic and procedural data were collected for each subject. Ninety-three (24.3%) of the patients developed no-reflow phenomenon, and their findings were compared with those of the reflow group. Univariate analysis showed that advanced age (>60 years), delayed reperfusion (≥4 h), low (≤1) TIMI flow prior to PCI, cut-off type total occlusion, high thrombus burden on baseline angiography, long target lesion (>13.5 mm) and large vessel diameter all correlated with no-reflow (p

The aim of this study was to investigate clinical, angiographic and procedural predictors of distal embolization (DE) on angiography after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The impact of DE on outcome in the first 30 days was also assessed.Between January 2004 and April 2006, primary PCI was performed in 212 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) ofor = 12-h duration.Distal embolization was present in 27 patients (12.7%) and more often observed in female sex (27.5 vs. 10.4%, P=0.01), in patients with right coronary artery involvement (52 vs. 28%, P=0.02), prerevascularization thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flowor = 1 (89 vs. 69%, P=0.03), in the presence of high thrombus burden (92.6 vs. 39.5%, P=0.0009), and a long target lesion in the infarct-related artery (14.5 mm, 74 vs. 29%, P0.0001). By multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis, only the presence of high thrombus burden before the PCI procedure [odds ratio (OR)=5.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.09-24.97, P=0.03)] and target lesion length (14.5 mm, OR=3.9, 95% CI=1.45-10.60, P=0.007) were found independent predictors of DE. Patients with DE had an increased risk of target vessel revascularization (26 vs. 5%, P=0.001) and short-term mortality (29.6 vs. 7.5%, P=0.002) when compared with patients without angiographic signs of embolization.In patients who undergo primary PCI, high thrombus burden on angiography before PCI and/or a long target lesion in the infarct-related artery increase the risk of DE and subsequent short-term mortality.

To assess the value of plasma NT proBNP levels for predicting adverse outcomes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Seventy-eight patients with DCM (EF40%) with sinus rhythm were enrolled. All patients had undergone echocardiographic examination, coronary angiography, and cardiac catheterisation. Blood samples for plasma NT proBNP levels were taken at rest following echocardiographic examination. Patients were followed up for 660+/-270 days for clinical endpoints defined as; death from worsening heart failure, sudden cardiac death and heart transplantation (Tx).Clinical end points were observed in 19 patients (5 Tx, 4 sudden cardiac death, 10 death from worsening heart failure). Variables associated with an increased hazard of clinical endpoints in univariate analysis were log NT proBNP, age, NYHA functional class, left ventricle ejection fraction, mitral valve effective regurgitation orifice area, and E wave deceleration time. The plasma level of NT proBNP (Hazard ratio=2.5 [95% CI: 1.3-4.7], p=0.0024) and age (hazard ratio=0.94 [95% CI: 0.90-0.98], p=0.0005) were the independent variables associated with an increased risk of clinical endpoints. NT proBNP plasma level4500 pg/ml detected patients with clinical endpoints with a sensitivity, and specificity of 72%, 80%, respectively. The event free survival was found to be significantly lower in patients with NT proBNP levels4500 pg/ml.NT proBNP seems to be a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with DCM with sinus rhythm and may be used as a reliable biological marker in risk stratification.

Pulmonary embolism is a frequent and mortal situation especially in high-risk patients. Although thrombolytics and anticoagulants are the main options in treatment, substantial portion of patients also have high bleeding risk. Therefore, new catheter-directed treatment strategies, such as ultrasound-assisted transcatheter thrombolysis, gain importance in treatment options for intermediate and high-risk patients. Here, we report a case of massive pulmonary embolism due to the iatrogenic lymphocele after a radical retropubic prostatectomy procedure. The usage of ultrasound-assisted transcatheter thrombolysis was successful in such a high-risk patient.

Riociguat is a new drug prescribed to patients with pulmonary hypertension that reduces the pressure in pulmonary artery by vasodilation. This drug like many other drugs has several side effects, some of which can be serious such as bleeding. Riociguat causes vaginal bleeding by increasing endometrial thickness and blood flow to the endometrium, therefore, should be used with care especially for patients who have history of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. In this case report, we present a 27-year-old female patient with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and dysfunctional uterine bleeding presented with severe vaginal bleeding under riociguat treatment.

Anemia and chronic renal failure (CRF) are frequent comorbidities in patients with heart failure (HF), and they have been reported to be associated with increased mortality and hospitalization rates. HF, anemia, and CRF have been reported to interact with each other forming a vicious cycle termed cardio-renal-anemia syndrome. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of HF, anemia, and CRF using data from the large-scale“Heart Failure Prevalence and Predictors in Turkey (HAPPY)” study. Among the HAPPY cohort, 3,369 subjects who had either left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) or normal left ventricular function on echocardiography or normal serum NT-proBNP levels were included in this analysis. The prevalence of anemia and CRF was significantly higher in patients with LVD compared with subjects with normal ventricular function (20.7 % vs. 4.0 % and 19.0 % vs. 3.7 %, respectively; p

The objective of this study was to investigate the predictors and prognostic significance of post-procedural cardiac troponin (cTn)-I elevations in a consecutive series of patients who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). cTn-I was measured in 100 patients immediately before and within 24 h after the elective PCI. Post-procedural cTn-I elevation was observed in 27 of the 100 patients. In multivariate analysis, basal haemoglobin values and the number of repeated balloon dilatations were found to be independent predictors of cTn-I elevation. During the follow-up period of 12 ± 1.2 months, the cTn-I-positive group had more major adverse cardiovascular events than the cTn-I-negative group (33.3% versus 16.4%, respectively), but the difference was not significant. An increase in cTn-I levels following elective PCI procedures was frequent but did not predict a poor long-term outcome.

Background: Mutations in PRKAG2, the gene for the gamma 2 regulatory subunit of AMP-activated protein kinase, cause cardiac hypertrophy and electrophysiological abnormalities. We identified a novel mutation in PRKAG2 causing familial ventricular pre-excitation and severe cardiac hypertrophy. Methods and results: We studied 30 members of one family and 120 healthy controls. Molecular analysis of PRKAG2 gene revealed one missense mutation in exon 14 which was confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion. We identified a G to A transition, resulting in a Glu506Lys substitution in the PRKAG2 gene in 8 of the family members, who all had cardiac hypertrophy and ventricular pre-excitation. High incidence of right ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction are other prominent features of this novel PRKAG2 mutation. Family members without mutation had no cardiac disease. The 120 unrelated healthy individuals did not show this mutation. Conclusions: Coexistence of unexplained ventricular hypertrophy and pre-excitation should prompt the diagnosis of PRKAG2 mutations and these patients should be referred for genetic analysis. The possible alteration of AMP-activated protein kinase activity due to genetic defects in PRKAG2 may serve as a template for developing more specific therapies in the treatment of patients with this mutation. (c) 2006 European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there is a relationship between aortic elastic properties and diurnal blood pressure rhythm in hypertensive subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS This study included 41 hypertensive patients who were taking medical treatment and had undergone ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). The patients were classified according to their night mean systolic blood pressure (Nm-SBP) fall. On the basis of Nm-SBP fall: 10 (24.4%) patients were dippers (with 10% but < 20% fall), 19 (46.3%) patients were nondippers (with 0% but

Patients with mitral stenosis, especially those with atrial fibrillation, are at increased risk for thromboembolic complications. Size of the left atrium, left atrial appendage dysfunction and severity of mitral stenosis are known risk factors for thromboembolism in patients with mitral stenosis. It has been postulated that F-wave amplitude on surface ECG is correlated with left atrial size, left atrial appendage function, and risk of thromboembolism in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to examine the relationship between surface ECG F-wave amplitude and left atrial appendage function, and (2) to assess the clinical significance of F-wave amplitude as it relates to risk of thromboembolism in a group of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis.One hundred patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis and permanent atrial fibrillation but without moderate to severe mitral insufficiency were investigated by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Two groups were formed according to the presence of a coarse (Group 1; n=60; F-wave in lead V1or =1 mm) or fine (Group 2; n=40; F-wave in lead V11 mm) F-wave on surface ECG.Comparison showed that Group 1 had significantly smaller mitral valve area (1.44+/-0.6 versus 1.7+/-0.74 cm2, respectively; P0.05), lower peak left atrial appendage flow velocity (18.8+/-2.1 versus 25.6+/-1.9 cm/s, respectively; P0.005), higher-grade spontaneous echo contrast (2.05+/-1.44 versus 0.98+/-1.14, respectively; P0.0001), and higher prevalence of thromboembolism (35% versus 12.5%, respectively; P0.012). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that mitral valve area, left atrial appendage peak velocity, and coarse F-wave were independent clinical risk factors for thromboembolism in this patient group.The data suggest that presence of a coarse F-wave on surface ECG is associated with left atrial appendage dysfunction, and indicates higher thromboembolic risk in patients with predominant rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Akut miyokard infarktusu sirasinda spontan reperfuzyon sik olarak gozlenir. Primer perkutan transluminal koroner anjiyoplasti oncesi spontan reperfuzyon olmasi iyi sonlanimin bagimsiz belirtecidir. Bu hastalarda plak duyarliliginin taninmasi kritik rol oynar. Anah tar soz cuk ler: Anjiyoplasti; spontan reperfuzyon; duyarli plak. The spontaneous reperfusion frequently observed during acute myocardial infarction. Spontaneous reperfusion before primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is an independent determinant of improved outcome. The determination of plaque vulnerability is crucial.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important risk factor for cardioembolic stroke. Warfarin is an effective treatment in reducing the risk of cardioembolic stroke in patients with AF. New anticoagulants have been widely using for stroke prophylaxis in patients with nonvalvular AF. Previous studies have suggested that thrombolytic therapy is effective treatment choice in patients with pulmonary embolisms. Warfarin therapy is also effective on prevention or treatment of cardiac thrombus in patients with AF. However, there are no evidence-based data on treatment of cardiac thrombus with new oral anticoagulants in patients with AF. In our case report, we reported an AF patient with cardiac thrombus and pulmonary embolism under dabigatran therapy.

Background: Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) is an attractive noninvasive imaging modality to detect coronary atherosclerotic plaques which may be underestimated by conventional angiography. However, its routine clinical use is limited due to contrast-associated problems, high cost, inapplicability at bedside and exposure to radiation. Thus, exploring safer and more practical measurements to predict occult coronary artery disease (CAD) is required. Aim: To demonstrate the predictive value of aortic elastic properties for occult CAD diagnosed by MDCT. Methods: Forty subjects with angiographically normal coronary arteries were consecutively included in our study. They underwent MDCT including indications and were divided into a no CAD group (23 subjects, 11 males, 46 ± 8 years) and an occult CAD group (17 subjects, 12 males, 48 ± 10 years), with respect to the presence of coronary plaque. As a control group, 19 consecutive patients with angiographically proven CAD (16 males, 52 ± 6 years) were included. Aortic stiffness index (ASI), aortic distensibility and aortic strain were calculated from the aortic diameters measured by echocardiography and blood pressure obtained by sphygmomanometry. Results: It was found that ASI, aortic distensibility and aortic strain were significantly different in the occult CAD group compared to the no CAD group (p = 0.008, p = 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively) and to the evident CAD group (p = 0.01, p = 0.02, p = 0.02). They also differed significantly between the no CAD and the evident CAD groups. Receiver operating characteristics analysis for ASI, to distinguish between the occult CAD group and the no CAD group, revealed an area under the curve of 0.80 (confidence interval 0.68–0.94, p = 0.004) and that the cut-off value of 3.42 could significantly predict patients with occult CAD (sensitivity: 78%; specificity: 63%). Conclusions: Measurement of ASI is an easily applicable and safe method with its non-radiographic ability for the assessment of aortic stiffness, and it may be useful to predict subclinical atherosclerosis in clinical practice. A cut-off value of 3.42 for ASI may guide to refer individuals to preventive strategies to reduce atherosclerosis progression.

Objective. Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a progressive disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance resulting in pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance is associated with the prognosis of CTEPH patients. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a reliable method for determining ventricular function. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the right ventricular (RV) function of CTEPH patients according to their 6MWT distances. Methods. Forty-nine consecutive CTEPH patients (mean age, 50±16 years; 22 male) who were referred to our center for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) were included in the study. All patients underwent the 6MWT and right heart catheterization (RHC). Standard echocardiography and STE were performed on all patients before PTE. Patients were divided into two groups based on their 6MWT distance being less or more than 300 m. Results. Patients with a shorter 6MWT distance had a significantly larger RV, while they had a significantly lower RV fractional area change and higher myocardial performance index suggesting impaired RV function. Both RV basal-lateral strain and strain rate measures were significantly lower in patients with shorter 6MWT distances than those with longer 6MWT distances. Similarly, they had lower RV basal-septal, mid-lateral, and global strain measures. 6MWT distances were correlated with RV basal-lateral and mid-lateral strain measures (r=0.349, p=0.025 and r=0.415, p=0.008, respectively). Conclusion. Our data suggest that RV myocardial deformation parameters are associated with 6MWT distances. Determination of RV dysfunction by STE may be helpful in identifying patients with a poor prognosis. © 2013 Urban & Vogel.

Background The study evaluates the alterations in exercise capacity of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) and investigates the echocardiographic parameters associated with the degree of functional recovery. Methods Thirty consecutive patients with the diagnosis of CTEPH (17 males; mean age, 45.9 ± 15.1 years) who had been referred for PEA operation were included in the study. Each patient underwent transthoracic echocardiography and 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) before and 6 months after PEA. Results After PEA, 6-MWT distances significantly increased (242.8 ± 112.8 m vs. 423.6 ± 89.1 m, p < 0.001), whereas systolic pulmonary artery pressures and right ventricular dimensions significantly decreased (86 ± 25.1 mm Hg vs. 41.9 ± 15.6 mm Hg, p < 0.001 and 42.1 ± 10.1 mm vs. 35.3 ± 5.6 mm, p < 0.001, respectively). Magnitude of change in 6-MWT distance (?-6-MWT) was found to be correlated with concomitant change in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and left ventricular myocardial performance index (r: 0.518, p: 0.004 and r: -0.385, p: 0.043, respectively). Linear regression analysis revealed preoperative 6-MWT distance as an independent negative predictor of delta-6-MWT (beta: -0.89, t: -3.97, p: 0.001). Conclusion CTEPH patients with more severely depressed exercise capacity at baseline displayed relatively greater degree of functional recovery after PEA in our study. Improvement in functional capacity was found to be correlated with improvement in parameters reflecting right ventricular functions rather than improvement in pulmonary artery pressure after PEA operation. © 2014 Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart New York.

Pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect associated with major aortopulmonary collaterals (MAPCAs) is a rare, complex, and heterogeneous congenital cardiac anomaly. The majority of untreated patients present with severe congestive heart failure and respiratory distress in the first decade of life. We describe a 15-year-old cyanotic boy, both of whose pulmonary arteries arise from the arcus aorta via patent ductus arteriosus. In addition to this anomaly, the patient has MAPCAs originating from the descending aorta that perfuse the right upper lobe of the lung, a persistent superior vena cava, an aberrant right subclavian artery, pulmonary atresia, and ventricular septal defect.

Discrete membraneous subaortic stenosis is an uncommon cause of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Although its relationship to infective endocarditis is well defined, the expected site of vegetation is over the aortic valve. We report on a 46-year-old man who had a discrete membranous subaortic stenosis, complicated with infective endocarditis, in which the vegetation was over the subaortic membrane and the aortic valve was spared. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of that entity.

Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) is an attractive noninvasive imaging modality for detecting coronary atherosclerotic plaques, which may be underestimated by conventional angiography. The aim of our study was to determine the predictive value of plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), homocysteine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels for occult coronary artery disease (CAD). Thirty-five patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries (NCA) were consecutively included in our study. They underwent MDCT including indications and were divided into an NCA group (18 subjects, 8 male, 46 ± 8 years) and an occult CAD group (17 subjects, 11 male, 48 ± 9 years), with respect to the presence of coronary plaque. Plasma ADMA, homocysteine, and hsCRP levels were measured in blood samples. Plasma ADMA and homocysteine levels of the occult CAD group were significantly higher than those of the NCA group. A nonsignificant trend was observed for higher serum hsCRP levels in the occult CAD group. Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed that an ADMA level of > 0.71 μmol/l could predict patients with occult CAD (sensitivity, 76 %; specificity, 67 %). The discriminative power of ADMA in distinguishing the occult CAD group from the NCA group was high (area under the curve, 0.80; CI, 0.66–0.95, p = 0.002), while it was not sufficiently high for homocysteine and hsCRP (p > 0.05). Plasma ADMA is a useful parameter for predicting subclinical atherosclerosis, whereas homocysteine and hsCRP are not, and it may be complementary to the conventional cardiovascular risk factors for the selection of individuals at high risk for CAD before undertaking MDCT procedures in clinical practice.

PP-001 Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a progressive disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance resulting in pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure. Previous studies have shown that right ventricular fluoro-D-glucose positron emission

Systemic amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is caused by deposition of immunoglobulin light-chain proteins. AL amyloidosis is a rapidly progressive disease that affects multiple organs. Cardiac involvement is frequent (50%) and the median survival is 5 months following diagnosis. Although transthoracic echocardiography can show characteristics findings, further diagnostic modalities are required for diagnosis. The gold standard of the diagnosis is presence of the amyloid in a tissue biopsy specimen. We present here a case of AL amyloidosis with presenting rapid progressive heart failure. Despite improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, diagnosis is difficult and prognosis is still poor in patients with cardiac involvement as in the present case.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The aim of this study was to review our initial experience since the implementation of our program. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on all patients who underwent PEA between March 2011 and March 2012. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (20 male, 29 female, mean age 47.7 years) underwent surgery. The preoperative New York Heart Association class distribution showed the majority to be in class III or IV (n= 40). Mortality rate was 14.2% (n= 7) and the morbidity rate was 26.5% (n= 13). After PEA, the durations of mechanical ventilation, intensive care stay and hospital stay before discharge were 49.7 ± 46.1 h, 6.5 ± 5.0 days and 12.9 ± 7.5 days, respectively. The systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) fell significantly from 87.0 ± 26.6 mmHg and 53.8 ± 14.5 before, to 41.5 ± 12.4 mmHg and 28.5 ± 10.5 after surgery (P< 0.001 and P< 0.001, respectively). Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) also improved significantly from 808 ± 352.0 to 308 ± 91 dynscm −5 (P< 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that preoperative systolic PAP, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, right atrial volume, right atrial pressure, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, preoperative PVR, postoperative PVR, the duration of circulatory arrest and postoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were risk factors for mortality (P< 0.05). According to multivariate analyses, only prolonged mechanical ventilation was selected as predictive risk factor for morbidity (P= 0.005). After a median follow-up of 6.1 months, two patients died due to cerebrovascular disease and one patient needed targeted pulmonary hypertension therapy. The rest of the 39 patients showed marked improvements in their clinical status. CONCLUSIONS: Starting a pulmonary endarterectomy program with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates and satisfactory early-term outcomes increases awareness of the CTEPH and surgery. Preoperative factors can primarily predict postoperative outcome after PEA. Identifying the risk factors in order to achieve a good result is important for the success of a PEA program. Therefore all patients diagnosed with CTEPH should be referred for consideration of PEA in a specialized centre.

Heart failure is still an important public health problem despite important advances regarding its treatment. Several new treatment strategies are being investigated in order to contend with this disease. Strategies proved to be safe and effective in clinical trials are being adapted to clinical practice. In this review, we will first focus on most recent treatment strategies that are recommended to be used in clinical practice and then try to mention novel strategies which are still being explored in preclinical studies.Kalp yetersizliği, tedavide sağlanan tüm gelişmelere karşın halen önemli bir halk sağlığı problemi olmayı sürdürmektedir. Kalp yetersizliği ile daha etkin mücadele edilebilmesi için pek çok alanda yeni tedavi stratejileri geliştirilmekte ve test edilmektedir. Klinik çalışmalarda etkinliği kanıtlanan tedavi stratejileri ise klinik uygulamaya girmektedir. Bu yazıda kalp yetersizliği tedavisinde klinik uygulamaya eklenen son tedavi stratejileri özetlenecek ve halen araştırma safhasında olan klinik uygulamaya girmeye aday stratejilere göz atılacaktır.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of heart failure (HF) in adult residents of Turkey based on echocardiography and N-terminal B type natriuretic factor.4650 randomly selected residents aged ≥ 35 years were enrolled. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure measurements were taken, and a 12-lead ECG was performed. Advanced age, hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and chronic renal failure (CRF) were assessed. History of any heart disease, any abnormal ECG, or an NT-proBNP ≥ 120 pg/mL was accepted as echocardiography indication. Patients with systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction, or NT-proBNP ≥ 2000 pg/mL were classified as having HF if their functional capacity was NYHA ≥ Class II, and were classified as having asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ASVD) if their functional capacity was NYHAClass I.The absolute and estimated prevalences were 2.9% and 6.9% for HF, and 4.8% and 7.9% for ASVD, respectively. Advanced age, male gender, history of heart disease, HT and CRF were independent predictors of HF. In patients with ejection fraction (EF)50%, HF prevalence was higher in men, while HF prevalences were higher in women when EF ≥ 50%. In global sum, HF and ALVD prevalence were similar in male and females.The prevalences of HF and ASVD are higher in Turkey when compared with western countries, despite a younger Turkish population. The established predictors of HF are valid for Turkey as well. There is a significant ASVD population in Turkey with similar characteristics and risk factors to HF. Focusing on the early detection and treatment of ASVD may prevent the progression to HF, and therefore would decrease the prevalence of HF in Turkey.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a complex and relatively common genetic disorder characterized by left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, usually associated with a nondilated and hyperdynamic chamber with heterogeneous phenotypic expression and clinical course. On the other hand, LV noncompaction is an uncommon cardiomyopathy characterized by the persistence of fetal myocardium with a pattern of prominent trabecular meshwork and deep intertrabecular recesses, systolic dysfunction, and LV dilatation. We report a 29-year-old man with these two different inherent conditions. Our case raises the possibility of a genetic mutation common to these two clinical entities or different gene mutations existing in the same individual.

In this report we present a case of a 28-year-old woman who was admitted to our emergency room complaining of chest pain. Her clinical ECG and biochemical evaluation was consistent with acute nonatherogenic myocardial infarction. Subsequent work is revealed that she was suffering from ulcerative colitis with acute exacerbation since last week. We discussed triggering factors for thrombogenic and inflammatory tendency of patient with comprehensive review of literature to clarify the causal relationship.

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is an uncommon cardiomyopathy characterized by the persistence of fetal myocardium with a pattern of prominent trabecular meshwork and deep intertrabecular recesses, systolic dysfunction and left ventricular dilatation. It is thought to be caused by the arrest of normal endomyocardial morphogenesis. There is no consensus on the definition, diagnostic criteria, pathogenesis or treatment of LVNC. We report the case of a 43 year-old patient with LVNC, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and family history of sudden cardiac death (SCD). An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was prophylactically implanted because of the individual's high SCD risk. Although ICD is an effective option for preventing SCD, data on the long-term follow-up of patients with LVNC is limited.