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Background and Objective Vaspin is a molecule belonging to adipokine family which is associated with insulin resistance and obesity in humans. Several studies have evaluated the serum levels of vaspin in various conditions including coronary artery disease and chronic hemodialysis patients. To our best knowledge, serum vaspin levels have not yet been studied in pre dialysis patients. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a noninvasive procedure used to diagnose the extent of carotid atherosclerotic vascular disease. The objective of this study is to evaluate serum vaspin levels in pre dialysis patients and their relationships with glomerular filtration rate and CIMT levels. Methods A total of twenty-five pre dialysis patients (14 female and 11 male) and 22 healthy controls (8 female and 14 male) were included in the study. CIMT was measured through B-mode ultrasonography. Results Serum vaspin levels were significantly lower (p

Background: Coronary slow-flow (CSF) is an angiographic phenomenon characterised by delayed opacification of vessels in the absence of any evidence of obstructive epicardial coronary disease. QT interval dispersion (QTD) reflects regional variations in ventricular repolarisation and cardiac electrical instability and has been reported to be longer in patients with CSF. Aim: To examine QT duration and dispersion in patients with CSF and the effects of nebivolol on these parameters. Methods: The study population included 67 patients with angiographically proven normal coronary arteries and CSF, and 38 patients with angiographically proven normal coronary arteries without associated CSF. The patients were evaluated with 12-lead electrocardiography, and echocardiography before and three months after treatment with nebivolol. Results: Compared to the control group QTcmax and QTcD were significantly longer in patients with CSF (p = 0.036, p = 0.019, respectively). QTcD significantly correlated with the presence of CSF (r = 0.496, p < 0.001). QTcmax (p = 0.027), QTcD (p = 0.002), blood pressure (p = 0.001), and heart rate (p < 0.001) values significantly decreased after treatment with nebivolol. Conclusions: Coronary slow flow is associated with increased QTD. Nebivolol reduced increased QTD in patients with CSF after three months.

The purpose of the current prospective study was to evaluate the effects of low sodium dialysate on oxidative stress parameters, blood pressure (BP) and endothelial dysfunction in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. After baseline measurements were taken, the dialysate sodium concentration was reduced from 140 to 137 mEq/L. Oxidative stress parameters and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD %) were measured before and after 6 months of HD with low sodium dialysate. Interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and pre- and post-dialysis BP were monitored during the study. A total of 52 patients were enrolled and 41 patients completed the study. There was a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure at the end of the study [130.00 (90.00–190.00) vs. 120.00 (90.00–150.00), p

Serkan Akdag,1 Aytac Akyol,1 Huseyin Altug Cakmak,2 Aydin Rodi Tosu,3 Muntecep Asker,1 Mehmet Yaman,4 Naci Babat,1 Yasemin Soyoral,5 Muhammed Bilal Cegin,6 Ali Kemal Gur,7 Hasan Ali Gumrukcuoglu11Department of Cardiology, Yuzuncu Yil University Medical Faculty,Van, 2Department of Cardiology, Rize Kackar Government Hospital, Rize, 3Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Education and Training Hospital, Istanbul, 4Department of Cardiology, Samsun Education and Training Hospital, Samsun, 5Department of Nephrology, 6Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, 7Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Yuzuncu Yil University Medical Faculty, Van, TurkeyBackground: End stage renal disease is related to increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disorder among hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-sodium dialysate on the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels detected by ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) in patients undergoing sustained HD treatment.Patients and methods: The study included 46 patients who had creatinine clearance levels less than 10mL/min/1.73 m2 and had been on chronic HD treatment for at least 1 year. After the enrollment stage, the patients were allocated low-sodium dialysate or standard sodium dialysate for 6 months via computer-generated randomization.Results: Twenty-four hour SBP, daytime SBP, nighttime SBP, and nighttime DBP were significantly decreased in the low-sodium dialysate group (P

BACKGROUND Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is an emerging inflammatory indicator which is closely associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between PLR and the severity of calcific aortic stenosis (AS). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was designed as a retrospective study. A total of 86 consecutive patients with calcific AS were divided into two groups as mild-to-moderate AS and severe AS according to the transaortic mean pressure gradient. PLR levels were calculated from the complete blood count (CBC). RESULTS Platelet to lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in severe and mild-to-moderate AS groups when compared to the control subjects (151±31.2, p

The aim of the study was to determine the involvement of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in myocardial infarction patients and its relation with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT).This study consisted of 224 patients divided into three groups: those with myocardial infarction (MI), stable coronary artery disease (CAD), and normal coronary artery. Measurement of CIMT and abdominal ultrasonography for hepatosteatosis was performed in all participants.NAFLD was significantly more frequent among MI patients compared to the other groups. There was a significant difference between CAD and the presence of NAFLD (p 0.05). Also, we found significant correlations between the severity of CAD and hepatosteatosis grade (r = 0.648, p 0.001), CAD and CIMT (r = 0.594, p 0.001), and NAFLD and CIMT (r = 0.233, p = 0.005). NAFLD was also significantly correlated with the severity of CAD (r = 0.607, p 0.001), and the grade of NAFLD significantly correlated with CIMT (r = 0.606, p 0.001).Patients with more severe CAD were more likely to have NAFLD. In addition, hepatosteatosis may be associated with coronary plaque instability and high fatty volume. Patients with NAFLD should be screened regularly for other cardiovascular risk factors, and the presence of fatty liver may help better classify these patients.

Introduction: Cardiac disease in maternity is a great problem particularly in developing countries. Pregnant patients with prosthetic heart valves (PHV) may suffer therapeutic difficulty, as the need for anticoagulation is fraught with risk of hemorrhagic or thromboembolic complications and structural valve deterioration. The present study aimed to evaluate the maternal, fetal outcome, and anticoagulant management in pregnant women with PHV. Materials and Methods: This study is prospective observational research. The medical archives of pregnant patients with PHV from September 2010 to January 2015 were scanned. Data collected from Yuzuncu Yil University Hospital Cardiology clinics archives included demographic characteristics, anticoagulant, presence or absence of obstructive or non-obstructive thrombus, and maternal-fetal outcome. Results: The authors evaluated the outcomes of 56 pregnant patients with PHV. The age at the time of pregnancy ranged between 19 and 37 (mean 28.7 +/- 8.4) years. Most common preferred anticoagulation therapy was heparin during the first trimester, followed by oral anticoagulation up to the 36th week, with subsequent replacement by heparin until delivery. Most common encountered complication was preterm birth. Death occurred in one patient due to obstructive valve thrombosis. Conclusion: Ideal PHV is not accessible for women during childbearing age. The risk of adverse event during pregnancy depends on valve position, symptoms, valve type, cardiac function, and functional capacity in patients with PHV. The active collaboration among an obstetrician, a cardiologist, and a cardiothoracic surgeon is required for optimal outcome patient with PHV.

Işık, Turgay (Balikesir Author), Objective: Objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between P wave dispersion and left ventricular diastolic function, which are associated with the increased cardiovascular events in patients with dipper and non-dipper hypertensive (HT). Methods: Eighty sex and age matched patients with dipper and non-dipper HT, and 40 control subject were included in this observational cross- sectional study. P wave dispersion was measured through electrocardiography obtained during the admission. The left ventricular ejection fraction was measured using the modified Simpson #8217;s rule by echocardiography. In addition, diastolic parameters including E/A rate, decelera- tion time (DT) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) were recorded. Independent samples Bonferroni, Scheffe and Tamhane tests and cor- relation test (Spearman and Pearson) were used for statistical analysis. Results: P wave dispersion was found to be significantly increased in the non-dipper than in the dipper group (56.0±5.6 vs. 49.1±5.3, p

Background Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) increases platelet activation and has been reported as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in the general population and is believed to be associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We evaluated RDW, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) as a severity index in OSAS and the relationship between carotid intima media thickness and pulmonary hypertension. Material/Methods The study population consisted of 99 patients who were admitted to the sleep laboratory. Based on the apnea-hypopnea index, patients were grouped into 3 OSAS severity categories. Morning blood samples were withdrawn from patients after a 12-hour fasting period. MPV, PDW, and RDW were measured in a blood sample. Bilateral common carotid arteries of the patients were scanned. Results Ninety-nine patients – 73 with OSAS and 26 simple snoring control cases – were included. Mean values of MPV, PDW, and RDW were similar in patients compared to simple snoring subjects in the control group (p=0.162, p=0.656, p=0.091). RDW showed an inverse correlation with mean desaturation and lowest desaturation (p

Introduction : Recently, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has emerged as a significant inflammatory marker and a novel predictor of major adverse consequences in cardiovascular disease. Aim : In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between PLR and coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Material and methods : Clinical and laboratory data of 386 patients who underwent coronary angiography were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were classified into 2 groups as follows: poor CCC (group 1: Rentrop grades 0–1) and good CCC (group 2: Rentrop grades 2–3). The PLR was calculated from the complete blood count. Results : The PLR values of the patients with poor CCC were significantly higher than those of patients with good CCC (153.9 ±26.6 vs. 129.8 ±23.5, p < 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression tests, PLR (odds ratio: 1.51, 95% confidence interval: 1.27–1.74; p < 0.001) and hs-CRP (odds ratio: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.03–2.11; p < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of poor CCC. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis yielded a cutoff value of 140.5 for PLR to predict poor CCC with 79% sensitivity and 71% specificity, with the area under the ROC curve being 0.792 (95% CI: 0.721–0.864). Conclusions : Our study revealed that high PLR is independently associated with poor coronary collateral circulation in patients with NSTEMI.

Our aim in this study was to examine the effects of low-sodium dialysate on carotid artery atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and blood pressure (BP) in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. After baseline measurements were obtained, the dialysate sodium concentration was reduced from 140 to 137 mEq/L. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD %) were measured before and after 6 months of HD with low-sodium dialysate. Interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), pre- and post-dialysis BP, and dialysis-related symptoms were monitored during the study. Fifty-two patients were enrolled, and 41 patients completed the study. Twenty-one patients had hypertension and were receiving antihypertensive medications. The average number of antihypertensive drugs per patient was 1.9 ± 0.8. There was no significant reduction in BP at the end of the study, but the average number of antihypertensive drugs was reduced to 1.2 ± 0.4 (P

Introduction: Impaired diastolic flow is characterized by decreased left ventricular (LV) filling diastole, abnormal LV distensibility, or delayed relaxation. B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is an indicator of various cardiovascular diseases and body volume status. The aim of this study was to determine whether the lowering of dialysate sodium (Na) levels is effective on LV systolic and diastolic parameters and BNP in the maintenance of hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 49 chronic hemodialysis patients. Left atrium (LA) diameter and LV ejection fraction, LV systolic and diastolic diameter, deceleration time (DT), pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD), early diastolic transmitral flow ( E) and late diastolic transmitral flow ( A) velocities, E/ A ratio, isovolumic relaxation time, peak early diastolic velocity ( E′), late diastolic velocity ( A′) of tissue Doppler mitral annulus, and flow propagation velocity of mitral inflow ( Vp) were measured before and 6 months after hemodialysis with low Na dialysate. Results: Six months after low Na hemodialysis, a decrease was observed in echocardiographic parameters such as PAP and IVCD ( p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). However, a significant difference was not observed in LA diameter. In LV diastolic measurement of E and A waves, E/ A ratio, DT, Vp, septal E′ and A′, and lateral E′ and A′ exhibited significant improvement by low Na HD. BNP level was significantly reduced ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: Lowered dialysate Na concentration improves PAP, IVCD, and LV diastolic properties assessed by mitral inflow filling, tissue Doppler velocity, and mitral inflow velocity propagation.

Vaspin is a molecule belonging to adipokine family which is associated with insulin resistance and obesity in humans. Several studies have evaluated the serum levels of vaspin in various conditions including coronary artery disease and chronic hemodialysis patients. To our best knowledge, serum vaspin levels have not yet been studied in pre dialysis patients. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a noninvasive procedure used to diagnose the extent of carotid atherosclerotic vascular disease. The objective of this study is to evaluate serum vaspin levels in pre dialysis patients and their relationships with glomerular filtration rate and CIMT levels.A total of twenty-five pre dialysis patients (14 female and 11 male) and 22 healthy controls (8 female and 14 male) were included in the study. CIMT was measured through B-mode ultrasonography.Serum vaspin levels were significantly lower (p0.05) and CIMT levels were significantly higher (p0.001) in pre dialysis patients than in control subjects. Serum vaspin levels were found to be significantly correlated with glomerular filtration rate (r=0.42, p0.001) and CIMT (r=-0.47, p0.05) in pre dialysis patients.This is the first report to describe the correlation between serum vaspin levels and CIMT in pre dialysis patients. We concluded that serum vaspin levels were decreased in pre dialysis patients compared to the control subjects. In addition, serum vaspin levels were found to be significantly correlated with glomerular filtration rate and CIMT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Serkan Akdag, Hakki Simsek, Musa Sahin, Aytac Akyol, Ramazan Duz, Naci Babat Department of Cardiology, Yuzuncu Yil University Medical Faculty, Van, Turkey Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet-to- lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been shown to be helpful in predicting adverse cardiovascular events. However, to date, in the literature, there have been no studies demonstrating the relationship between EAT, MPV, PLR, NLR, and thromboembolism risk in atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, we examined the relationship between EAT, MPV, PLR, NLR, and CHA2DS2-VASc score used for the evaluation of thromboembolism risk in patients with AF.Methods: The study included 96 consecutive patients with AF and 52 age- and sex-matched control subjects. We calculated CHA2DS2-VASc risk score for each patient and measured baseline EAT thickness, MPV, PLR, NLR, left atrial volume index, and left ventricular ejection fraction.Results: The group with high CHA2DS2-VASc score had higher EAT (7.2±1.5 vs 5.9±1.2mm, P

Background and Objectives Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with increased arterial stiffness and cardiovascular complications. The objective of this study was to assess whether the color M-mode-derived propagation velocity of the descending thoracic aorta (aortic velocity propagation, AVP) was an echocardiographic marker for arterial stiffness in OSAS. Subjects and Methods The study population included 116 patients with OSAS and 90 age and gender-matched control subjects. The patients with OSAS were categorized according to their apnea hypopnea index (AHI) as follows: mild to moderate degree (AHI 5-30) and severe degree (AHI≥30). Aortofemoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and AVP were measured to assess arterial stiffness. Results AVP and FMD were significantly decreased in patients with OSAS compared to controls (p

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the anxiety, depression and insomnia levels in the pre- and post-coronary angiography in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography due to suspected coronary artery disease. This prospective cross-sectional study consisted of 120 patients consecutively underwent coronary angiogram (CAG) between January and August 2014 in Departments of Cardiology. The mean age was 57.49 (SD +/- 9.73), and 58.3% of the sample were women. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Profile of Mood States Scale, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Insomnia Severity Index were used. Patients were subsumed under 2 groups as normal and critical according to the presence or the absence of visually severe stenosis in at least one coronary artery. Subjects with significant stenosis had greater mean scores on depression-dejection and anger-hostility sub-scales of the POMS in the post-angiography than pre-angiography scores. We found that older age and having a physical illness significantly contributed to the risk of having significant stenosis in coronary vasculature. Subjects with severe coronary artery stenosis scored higher on depression-dejection and anger-hostility sub-scales at the post-angiography time period relative to pre-angiography scores. Trait and state anxiety levels were found to be moderate higher in both groups. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Studies reveal that the microvolt T wave alternans (MTWA) test has a high negative predictive value for arrhythmic mortality among patients with ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. In this study, we investigate the effects of trimetazidine treatment on MTWA and several echocardiographic parameters in patients with stable coronary artery disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS One hundred patients (23 females, mean age 55.6±9.2 years) with stable ischemic heart disease were included in the study group. Twenty-five age- and sex-matched patients with stable coronary artery disease formed the control group. All patients were stable with medical treatment, and had no active complaints. Trimetazidine, 60 mg/day, was added to their current treatment for a minimum three months in the study group and the control group received no additional treatment. Pre- and post-treatment MTWA values were measured by 24 hour Holter testing. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were assessed by echocardiography. RESULTS After trimetazidine treatment, several echocardiographic parameters related with diastolic dysfunction significantly improved. MTWA has been found to be significantly improved after trimethazidine treatment (63±8 μV vs. 53±7 μV, p

Background. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Arterial stiffness is an independent predictive parameter of overall and cardiovascular mortality in these patients. However, the defined procedures for the measurement of arterial stiffness are time consuming and not practical in daily practice. Methods. The study population included 50 patients with ESRD who were treated with hemodialysis (HD; n=23) or peritoneal dialysis (PD; n=27) and 70 age-and sex-matched control subjects. Aortofemoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and color M-mode propagation velocity of the descending aorta (aortic propagation velocity, APV) were measured. Results. Compared to the control group, the patients with ESRD had significantly lower APV (46.4 +/- 12.4 vs. 58.5 +/- 8.5, p

Atrial myxomas are the most common primary heart tumors. Because of nonspecific symptoms, early diagnosis may be a challenge. Most of these are attached to the inter-atrial septum and are mostly asymptomatic but eventually can cause symptoms depending on the size, mobility, and location of the tumor. We report a case of a large myxoma in the right atrium, which is an uncommon location for this type of tumor.

WOS:000320776400016 PubMed: 23788308 Background: Our aim was to investigate the clinical and prognostic features of the patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) in a multicenter nation-wide study. Methods: The present nation-wide study consisted of 75 consecutive patients with PVE treated at 13 major hospitals in Turkey from 2005 to 2012. Results: The patients who died during follow-up were significantly older than the survivors and had higher C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, poor NYHA functional class and large vegetations. High creatinine level (odds ratio [OR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-6.13), poor functional status (OR 24.5; 95% CI 3.1-196.5) and high CRP (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.03) measured on admission were independent risk associates for in-hospital mortality Conclusions: High creatinine level, poor functional status and high CRP measured on admission were independent risk associates for in-hospital mortality, whereas a NYHA class of III/IV and high CRP reflected independent risk for stroke/mortality end point.

OBJECTIVE: Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune mucocutaneous disease. Recent research has emphasized the strong association between inflammation and both P-wave dispersion and dyslipidemia. The difference between the maximum and minimum P-wave durations on an electrocardiogram is defined as P-wave dispersion. The prolongation of P-wave dispersion has been demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to investigate P-wave dispersion in patients with lichen planus. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with lichen planus and 37 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this study. We obtained electrocardiographic recordings from all participants and used them to calculate the P-wave variables. We also assessed the levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein, which is an inflammatory marker, and the lipid levels for each group. The results were reported as the means ± standard deviations and percentages. RESULTS: The P-wave dispersion was significantly higher in lichen planus patients than in the control group. Additionally, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in lichen planus patients compared to the controls. There was a significant positive correlation between highly sensitive C-reactive protein and P-wave dispersion (r = 0.549, p

Objectives: Pregnancy associated cardiovascular changes may result in a significant hemodynamic burden and can lead to morbidity and even mortality in women with cardiac disease. The present study aimed to evaluate clinical and echocardiographic follow-up in pregnant patients with valvular heart disease (VHD). Study design: The medical records of pregnant patients diagnosed with VHD from January 2004 to January 2011 were screened. Demographic characteristics including history of cardiac intervention performed during pregnancy, pulmonary edema, and maternal and fetal mortality, and cesarean section (C/S) history were collected from the hospital database and clinical records of the cardiology and obstetrics departments. The echocardiographic examination was carried out at presentation, 3rd trimester, and 1 month after delivery. The outcomes evaluated were cardiac intervention, pulmonary edema, and both fetal and maternal mortality during pregnancy and C/S. Results: We evaluated the outcomes of 884 pregnant patients with VHD. Adverse clinical outcomes including death, pulmonary edema, and valvular interventions were frequent among patients with severe VHD, whereas no adverse clinical outcome was observed in patients with mild-moderate VHD (n=49, 5.5% vs. n=0, 0%, p, Gumrukcuoglu, H.A.; Yüzüncü Yil Üniversitesi Araştirma Hastanesi, 65100 Van, Turkey; email: hasanaliq80@yahoo.com

WOS: 000326896200011, PubMed ID: 23835297, Objective: The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to investigate the clinical manifestations, microbiological profile, echocardiographic findings and management strategies of infective endocarditis (IE) in Turkey. Methods: The study population consisted of 248 Turkish patients with IE treated at 13 major hospitals in Turkey from 2005 to 2012 retrospectively. All hospitals are tertiary referral centers, which receive patients from surrounding hospitals. Data were collected from the medical files of all patients hospitalized with IE diagnosed according to modified Duke Criteria. Results: One hundred thirty seven of the patients were males. Native valves were involved in 158 patients while in 75 participants there was prosthetic valve endocarditis. Vegetations were detected in 223 patients (89%) and 52 patients had multiple vegetations. Mitral valve was the most common site of vegetation (43%). The most common valvular pathology was mitral regurgitation. The most common predisposing factor was rheumatic valvular disease (28%). Positive culture rate was 65%. Staphylococci were the most frequent causative microorganisms isolated (29%) followed by enterococci (11%). In-hospital mortality rate was 33%. Conclusions: Compared to IE in developed countries younger age, higher prevalence of rheumatic heart disease, more frequent enterococci infection and higher rates of culture negativity were other important aspects of IE epidemiology in Turkey.

Objective Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) consists of controlled convulsive seizure by electric stimulation of the brain. Although various electrocardiographic (ECG) changes have been reported during ECT, atrial conduction has not been studied extensively. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of ECT on systemic arterial blood pressure and ECG parameters (P wave duration, P wave dispersion and heart rate). Methods Thirty depressive patients undergoing ECT were included. Echocardiographic examination was performed on all patients before ECT sessions to exclude systolic heart failure and diastolic dysfunction which may affect P wave duration and dispersion. Twelve-lead ECG records were obtained before the first ECT and after the third session of ECT. Blood pressure was measured before and after convulsive therapy session. Results Compared to baseline values, maximum P wave duration (99.3±14.6 to 111.3±8.2 ms, P =.001), P wave dispersion (50±14.8 to 63.3±10.3 ms, P =.001), and systolic (110.7±12 to 116±12.2 mmHg, P =.043) and diastolic blood pressures (70.7±9.4 to 75.3±8.2 mmHg, P =.028) were significantly increased after convulsive therapy session. Conclusions We proposed that ECT alone or in combination with atypical antipsychotics or antidepressants may influence atrial conduction as evidenced by the significantly prolonged maximum P wave duration and P wave dispersion. Longer-term follow-up of patients undergoing ECT may be appropriate to evaluate the possible long-term outcomes of our short-term results.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the most common congenital heart disease in adulthood. Although usually clinically asymptomatic in adult patients, it may become symptomatic with rhythm disorders and shortness of breath. Prognosis of pregnancy with congenital heart disease and health of infant were affected by several factors such as location of cardiac defect, presence or absence of cyanosis, degree of pulmonary vascular resistance, hemoglobin level, functional capacity and history of surgical repair. In this case, we presented a 29 years old, 15 weeks pregnant women with previously unknown congenital heart disease who had complaints of shortness of breath and palpitations. In physical examination, we found a grade 2/6 systolic murmur on mezocardiyak focus and 3/6 on tricuspid focus. Transthoracic echocardiography showed secundum type ASD (3 cm), severe right ventricular enlargement, moderate tricuspid regurgitation and increased pulmonary artery systolic pressure (60 mmHg). Pregnancy was terminated and the ASD was occluded surgically in elective conditions. J Clin Exp Invest 2011; 2 (4): 452-454, Atriyal septal defekt (ASD) erişkin yaşta en sık karşılaşılan konjenital kalp defektidır. Klinik olarak genellikle asemptomatik olmasına rağmen, yetişkin hastalarda ritim bozuklukları, nefes darlığı gibi bulgular ile semptomatik hale gelebilir. Konjenital kalp hastalığı olan annelerin gebeliklerinde prognozu ve bebeğin sağlığını, kardiyak defektin yeri, siyanozun olup olmaması, pulmoner vasküler direnç, hemoglobin düzeyi, fonksiyonel kapasite ile cerrahi onarım öyküsü gibi faktörler etkiler. Bu yazımızda; nefes darlığı ve çarpıntı şikayeti ile kardiyoloji polikliniğine başvuran, 29 yaşında, daha önceden konjenital kalp hastalığına sahip olduğu bilinmeyen, 15 haftalık gebeliği olan bir hastayı sunduk. Fizik muayenede; mezokardiyak odakta 2/6, triküspit odakta 3/6 sistolik üfürüm vardı. Transtorasik ekokardiyografide sekundum tip ASD (3 cm), sağ kalp boşluklarında ileri derecede genişleme, orta derecede triküspit yetersizliği olup pulmoner arter sistolik basıncı 60 mmHg olarak ölçüldü. Terminasyonu yapılan hastaya elektif şartlarda cerrahi olarak ASD kapatma işlemi uygulandı.

FUNDAMENTO: A função endotelial braquial tem sido associada ao fluxo lento coronário (FLC). O aumento do fluxo sanguíneo para a artéria braquial faz com que o endotélio libere óxido nítrico (ON), com subsequente vasodilatação. Além de sua atividade com betabloqueador, o nebivolol provoca vasodilatação, aumentando a liberação endotelial de ON. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos do nebivolol na função endotelial vascular em pacientes com FLC. MÉTODOS: 46 pacientes com FLC e 23 indivíduos com artérias coronárias epicárdicas normais foram examinados com ecocardiografia transtorácica e ultrassonografia da artéria braquial. Os pacientes foram reavaliados dois meses após o tratamento com aspirina ou aspirina e nebivolol. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes com FLC apresentaram maior índice de massa corporal (26,5 ± 3,3 vs. 23,8 ± 2,8, p < 0,001), tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico (TRIV) de influxo mitral (114,9 ± 18,0 vs. 95,0 ± 22,0 mseg, p < 0,001), menor fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) (63,5 ± 3,1% vs. 65,4 ± 2,2, p = 0,009), colesterol HDL (39,4 ± 8,5 vs. 45,8 ± 7,7 mg/dL, p = 0,003) e dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial (DFM) (6,1 ± 3,9% vs. 17,6 ± 4,5%, p

Background. Cardiac tamponade (CT) represents a life-threatening condition, and the optimal method of draining accumulated pericardial fluid remains controversial. We have reviewed 100 patients with CT at our institution over a five-year period and compared the results of echo-guided pericardiocentesis, primary surgical treatment, and surgical treatment following pericardiocentesis with regard to functional outcomes.Methods. The study group consisted of 100 patients with CT attending Yuzuncu Yil University from January 2005 to January 2010 who underwent one of the 3 treatment options (echo-guided pericardiocentesis, primary surgical treatment, and surgical treatment following pericardiocentesis). CT was defined by clinical and echocardiographic criteria. Data on medical history, characteristics of the pericardial fluid, treatment strategy, and follow-up data were collected.Results. Echo-guided pericardiocentesis was performed in 38 (38%) patients (Group A), primary surgical treatment was preformed in 36 (36%) patients (Group B), and surgical treatment following pericardiocentesis was performed in 26 (26%) patients (Group C). Idiopathic and malignant diseases were primary cause of tamponade (28% and 28%, resp.), followed by tuberculosis (14%). Total complication rates, 30-day mortality, and total mortality rates were highest in Group C. Recurrence of tamponade before 90 days was highest in Group A.Conclusions. According to our results, minimal invasive procedure echo-guided pericardiocentesis should be the first choice because of lower complication and mortality rates especially in idiopathic cases and in patients with hemodynamic instability. Surgical approach might be performed for traumatic cases, purulent, recurrent, or malign effusions with higher complication and mortality rates.

Brachial endothelial function has been associated with coronary slow flow (CSF). Increasing blood flow to brachial artery provokes endothelium to release nitric oxide (NO) with subsequent vasodilatation. Besides its β1-blocker activity, nebivolol causes vasodilatation by increasing endothelial NO release.To assess the effects of nebivolol on vascular endothelial function in patients with CSF.Forty-six patients with CSF and 23 individuals with normal epicardial coronary arteries were examined with transthoracic echocardiography and brachial artery ultrasonography. The patients were reevaluated two months after treatment with aspirin or aspirin plus nebivolol.Patients with CSF had higher body mass index (26.5 ± 3.3 vs. 23.8 ± 2.8, p0.001), mitral inflow isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) (114.9 ± 18.0 vs. 95.0 ± 22.0 msec, p0.001) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (63.5 ± 3.1% vs. 65.4 ± 2.2, p = 0.009), HDL-cholesterol (39.4 ± 8.5 vs. 45.8 ± 7.7 mg/dL, p = 0.003) and brachial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) (6.1 ± 3.9% vs. 17.6 ± 4.5%, p0.001). There were significant correlations between FMD and the presence of CSF (r = 0.800, p0.001) and HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.349, p = 0.003). Among Patients with CSF, although pretreatment mean FMD values were similar (6.1 ± 4.3% vs. 6.0 ± ,6%, p = 0.917) compared to aspirin alone group, posttreatment FMD was significantly higher in patients treated with aspirin plus nebivolol (6.0 ± 3.5% vs. 8.0 ± 2.9%, p = 0.047). Treatment with nebivolol was associated with a significant increase in FMD (6.0 ± 3.6 to 8.0 ± 2.9 %, p = 0.030) whereas treatment with aspirin alone was not.Endothelial function may be impaired in both coronary and brachial arteries in patients with CSF and nebivolol may be effective in the improvement of endothelial function in patients with CSF.

Coronary slow flow (CSF) is characterized by delayed opacification of coronary arteries in the absence epicardial occlusive disease. QT duration and dispersion have been reported to be longer in patients with CSF. ACE inhibitors may improve CSF through positive effects on endothelial function. The study included 32 patients having CSF and 25 subjects having normal coronary arteries in coronary angiography. The patients were evaluated with 12-leads electrocardiography and echocardiography before and 3 months after treatment with perindopril. Compared to the control group, maximum corrected QT duration (QTcmax) (432.0 +/- A 28.9 vs. 407.0 +/- A 39.1 ms, p = 0.008) and QT dispersion (QTcD) (64.0 +/- A 16.5 vs. 37.3 +/- A 12.1 ms, p < 0.001), mitral inflow deceleration time (DT) (251.3 +/- A 49.4 vs. 218.8 +/- A 44.5 ms, p = 0.013), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) (115.8 +/- A 18.4 vs. 107.2 +/- A 22.9 ms, p < 0.001) were significantly longer and E/A ratio 0.85 +/- A 0.2 vs. 1.1 +/- A 0.3, p = 0.004) was lower in patients with CSF. QTcmax (to 407.0 +/- A 28.0 ms, p = 0.001), QTcD (to 44.5 +/- A 11.4 ms, p < 0.001), DT (to 221.6 +/- A 37.7 ms, p < 0.001) and IVRT (to 103.8 +/- A 16.1 ms, p < 0.001) were significantly decreased and E/A ratio (to 0.98 +/- A 0.3, p < 0.001) was significantly increased after treatment with perindopril. Coronary slow may be associated with prolonged QT interval and increased QT dispersion and impaired diastolic filling. Perindopril may be helpful in restoration of these findings.

Brucella endocarditis, a rare complication of brucellosis, is the main cause of death attributable to this disease. There are difficulties in the diagnosis and uncertainty regarding many aspects of the treatment of Brucella endocarditis. We retrospectively examined the clinical characteristics and outcome of patients diagnosed with Brucella endocarditis. Of the six patients diagnosed as having Brucella endocarditis, four had valvular disease, one had aortic and mitral mechanic valve prosthesis (AVR + MVR) and one had secundum type atrial septal defect. Transesophageal echocardiography showed vegetations in four patients. Blood culture grew Brucella mellitensis only in two patients. Standard agglutination tests were elevated in all patients (range 1/320–1/10240). Four patients were managed with combined antibiotherapy and surgery. One refused further treatment and one refused an operation and follow-up was lost for that patient. Two patients died during follow-up; one having had a previous AVR + MVR operation refused further treatment and the other suffering renal failure. Due to the fulminant course of the disease, treatment should be initiated when there is a clinical suspicion, even if the culture results are unknown or negative. Agglutination titres aid in the diagnosis. A combination of antibiotherapy and surgery seems to be preferable treatment modality.

Background: P-wave duration and dispersion (PWD) have been shown to be noninvasive predictors for development of atrial fibrillation. Thus, it may be possible to attenuate atrial fibrillation risk through normalization of P-wave duration and dispersion. Trimetazidine, a metabolic modulator, has been reported to improve cardiac function in heart failure (HF) patients. Methods: Thirty-six HF patients being treated with angiotensin inhibitors, carvedilol, spironolactone, and furosemide were prescribed trimetazidine, 20 mg three times a day. Electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examinations were obtained before and 6 months after addition of trimetazidine in HF patients and 36 healthy control group patients having normal echocardiographic examination. Results: Maximum P-wave duration (Pmax) (106.7 ± 15.8 vs. 91.7 ± 12.7 ms) and PWD (57.2 ± 15.4 vs. 37.9 ± 16.7 ms) were significantly longer in HF patients compared to the control group. There were significant correlations of Pmax and PWD with left atrial diameter (r = 0.508, P = < 0.001 and r = 0.315, P = 0.029), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r = 0.401, p = 0.005 and r = 0.396, P = 0.005), deceleration time (r = 0.296, P = 0.032 and r = 0.312, P = 0.035), and isovolumetric relaxation time (r = 0.265, P = 0.038 and r = 0.322, P = 0.015). There were significant improvements in LVEF (32.7 ± 6.5% to 37.2 ± 5.5%, P = 0.036), left atrial diameter (41.5 ± 6.7 to 40.3 ± 6.1 mm, P < 0.001), and Pmax (106.7 ± 15.8 to 102.2 ± 11.5 ms, P = 0.006) and PWD (57.2 ± 15.4 to 48.9 ± 10.1 ms, P < 0.001) during follow-up. Conclusions: Trimetazidine added to optimal medical therapy in HF may improve Pmax and PWD in association with improved left ventricular function. Longer-term and larger studies are necessary to evaluate whether these findings may have clinical implications on prevention of atrial fibrillation. (PACE 2009; 32:239‐244) trimetazidine, P-wave dispersion, heart failure P-wave dispersion is a parameter of noninvasive cardiology and is defined as the difference between the longest and the shortest P-wave duration recorded from multiple different surface electrocardiography (ECG) leads. P-wave dispersion (PWD)hasbeenadvocatedasanovelmeasurement of the heterogeneity of atrial depolarizations. 1 The increase in dispersion of atrial refractoriness may favor a re-entry mechanism leading to atrial fibrillation (AF) because fragmentation of the depolarizing wave front may occur when it faces adjoining atrium with nonuniform refractoriness. Several studies used PWD in the assessment of risk of AF. 2 Atrial fibrillation is associated with heart failure in approximately 20‐50% of patients. 3 Furthermore, PWD was found to be significantly higher in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. 4 Therefore, the effects of medications on P-wave duration and dispersion may preclude theirpreventive effectfor AF in heart failure patients.

Background: P-wave dispersion (PWD) is a new parameter for the assessment of risk of atrial fibrillation and has been reported to be increased in heart failure. Diurnal variation of the PWD has been reported in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). QT dispersion (QTD) has also a circadian variation. In this study we aimed to search diurnal variation of PWD and QTD in patients with heart failure. Methods: Fifty-three clinical heart failure patients having left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)

Due to overlapping symptoms and inadequate exercise capacity, noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) may be under- or overestimated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).To assess outcomes of coronary angiography in COPD patients depending on baseline clinical characteristics.Medical records of 157 patients with COPD and 157 patients without COPD matched for baseline clinical characteristics who had undergone diagnostic coronary angiography for the first time were reviewed retrospectively.The frequency of significant CAD was significantly lower in COPD patients than in the control group (52.8% vs. 80.2%, p0.001). Frequencies of CAD risk factors (older age, hypertension, diabetes, smoking history) were significantly more frequent among COPD patients having significant CAD. Among patients reporting stable angina pectoris, significant CAD was detected in 32.7% of COPD patients and 71.0% of non-COPD patients (p0.001). However, among the patients with a diagnosis of unstable angina pectoris, significant CAD was detected in 87.5% of COPD patients and 90.2% of non-COPD patients (p=0.755).Diagnosis of CAD in COPD patients by symptomatology may be difficult. However, clinical diagnosis of CAD in the setting of unstable angina is accurate in most of the COPD patients. Therefore, further noninvasive diagnostic methods or careful follow up may be more appropriate for COPD patients reporting stable angina pectoris.