Influence of collaterals on the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and serum NT-proBNP levels in patients with coronary chronic total occlusion.

Objective: Although numerous studies have shown the protective effects of the well-developed coronary collaterals on left ventricular functions, the relationship between collateral grade and left ventricular end diastolic pressure has not been studied in chronic total occlusion patients. Also, there are conflicting data on the effect of collaterals on NT-proBNP levels. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship between coronary collateral circulation and left ventricular end diastolic pressure and NT-proBNP levels in chronic total occlusion patients.

The "Spiked Helmet" sign - A potential relationship to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

The "Spiked Helmet" sign (SHs), is a recently described electrocardiographic sign which is associated with critical illness and with very high risk of impending death. Here, we report the SHs in patient with sepsis and a possible diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC).

Evaluation of left atrial volume and function in systemic sclerosis patients using speckle tracking and real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate left atrial (LA) volume and functions using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and speckle tracking in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional observational study. We studied 41 consecutive SSc patients (38 females, mean age: 49.

Two cases of acute myocarditis with multiple intracardiac thrombi: the role of hypercoagulable States.

In acute myocarditis, thrombus formation is an important prognostic factor. Early diagnosis and treatment of intracardiac thrombus is critical, especially when there are multiple thrombi. When a patient presents with multiple cardiac thrombi not only cardiac disorders, but other diseases such as malignancies, rheumatologic disorders and thrombophilia must be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Acute inferior myocardial infarction in a patient with a prosthetic aortic valve and high international normalized ratio.

ST elevation acute myocardial infarction in patients with a mechanical prosthetic valve is rare and usually due to inadequate anticoagulation. We present a case of acute inferior myocardial infarction in a patient with a prosthetic aortic valve and high international normalized ratio, which has not been reported previously.

Acute proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion with de Winter sign.

Prompt recognition of electrocardiographic signs of acute coronary occlusion is essential for timely restoration of flow. ST-segment elevation or new onset left bundle-branch block are the most common electrocardiographic changes seen in acute phase of coronary occlusion. However, some patients may present with atypical electrocardiographic signs, and early diagnosis of these patients may constitute a clinical challenge.

Acute myocardial infarction following psoralen plus ultraviolet light therapy.

Psoralen plus ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA) combines the administration of psoralen with an exposure to ultraviolet A radiation. Psoralen plus ultraviolet light therapy is used for the treatment of a variety of skin diseases including morphea and generally considered as a safe treatment modality. We present here a rare case of 65-year-old woman presented with acute myocardial infarction following PUVA session, which has not been reported previously.