Increased plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine level is associated with ascending aorta dilatation: a case-control study.

Background: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase.

Aim: We aimed to determine plasma ADMA levels in patients with ascending aorta dilatation in comparison to those without aorta dilatation, and to evaluate the diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic value of serum ADMA level for aorta dilatation.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional case-control study.

Antiplatelet resistance and the role of associated variables in stable patients treated with stenting.

Introduction: Nowadays, clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) have become routinely applied therapies in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with stenting.

Aim: Numerous variables can interfere with antiplatelet responsiveness, so we aimed to investigate the role of different variables associated with ASA or clopidogrel resistance in stable coronary artery disease.

Material And Methods: A total of 207 patients undergoing elective PCI were included in the analysis.

Evaluation of lipoprotein-associated phosholipase A2 and plaque burden/composition in young adults.

Objective: The total burden of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis is significant in young adults. Serum lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an established predictor of morbidity and mortality because of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the relationship between subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and serum Lp-PLA2 concentrations in a population of young adults.

Usefulness of the uric acid and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score in prediction of left atrial thrombosis in patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm.

Background: The risk of thrombus formation in the left atrium is known to be very high in patients with both mitral stenosis (MS) and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, that risk should not be ignored in patients with MS in sinus rhythm (SR). The aim of this study was to determine the clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical factors that could have a determining role in the formation of a left atrial (LA) thrombus in patients with MS in SR.