Evaluation of myocardial bridges with 64-slice computed tomography coronary angiography.

Objective: The aim of this study is to report the characteristics of myocardial bridging (MB) using 64-slice computed tomography and to demonstrate the association between atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) and MB.

Methods And Results: In 990 consecutive patients who underwent multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography for suspected or known coronary artery disease, myocardial bridge evaluation was performed with axial, curved multiplanar reconstruction and three-dimensional volume-rendered images. 265 bridged segments were identified in 223 (22.

Paclitaxel-induced ST-segment elevations.

A 51-year-old woman presented with severe chest pain minutes after starting intravenous paclitaxel as a part of the systemic chemotherapy due to ovarian carcinoma. The electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed sinus rhythm with ST-segment elevations in inferior and anterior leads. The ST-segment elevations resolved immediately after sublingual nitroglycerine.

Giant hydatid cyst of the interventricular septum mimicking acute myocardial infarction on ECG: an unusual cause of ST segment elevation.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by larvae of Echinococcus granulosus, which is still endemic in many cattle-raising areas. Cardiac involvement is a rare, but potentially a very serious complication of the hydatid disease. The diagnosis of cardiac cyst hydatid may be difficult due to the nonspecific symptoms and varying clinical presentations.

Prevalence of coronary artery disease in low to moderate-risk asymptomatic women: a multislice computed tomography study.

Objectives: Traditional risk factors may underestimate the burden of subclinical atherosclerosis in women. Recently, multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has become widely available in detecting early coronary artery disease (CAD). We sought the prevalence of CAD in low to moderate-risk asymptomatic women by MSCT coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring and coronary angiography.

Prevalence of left main coronary artery disease among patients referred to multislice computed tomography coronary examinations.

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%.

Right coronary artery fistula with significant left-to-right shunt.

We present an image of giant fistula between severely enlarged right coronary artery and coronary sinus, which was evaluated by echocardiography, conventional coronary angiography and multislice computed tomography coronary angiography.

Acute myocardial infarction in a 24 year-old man possibly associated with sibutramine use.

Sibutramine is an anti-obesity drug, which acts by inhibiting neuronal re-uptake of noradrenaline and serotonin. Although the most frequently seen effect of sibutramine on cardiovascular system is an increase in blood pressure and pulse rate, rare but severe side effects such as sibutramine-induced ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure and cardiovascular disease-related death are also reported. We describe a 24 year-old man with low atherosclerotic risk profile who had acute myocardial infarction possibly associated with sibutramine use.

Retrograde balloon dilatation of right coronary artery lesions through a venous graft.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using retrograde approach through venous grafts or collateral vessels is a promising option for chronic total occlusion (CTO) lesions in which antegrade crossing is not possible. We describe a successful retrograde balloon dilatation of right coronary artery lesions through a venous graft in a patient with a previous coronary bypass surgery.

B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with COPD and normal right ventricular function.

Introduction: Evidence suggests that elevated plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and right ventricular dysfunction. We examined the effects of exercise on plasma BNP levels in patients with COPD who have normal right ventricular function

Methods: Seventeen patients with a diagnosis of COPD and normal right ventricular function demonstrated by radionuclide ventriculography, and 17 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects underwent a treadmill exercise test. Plasma BNP levels were measured sequentially before, immediately after, and 1 hour after the exercise test

Results: The mean plasma BNP+/-standard deviation levels of the COPD and control groups before exercise were 21.

Diagnostic performance of 64-slice computed tomography coronary angiography to detect significant coronary artery stenosis.

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.

Safety and efficacy of patient preparation with intravenous esmolol before 64-slice computed tomography coronary angiography.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of heart rate reduction by intravenous esmolol in patients who are assigned for coronary angiography with 64-slice computed tomography (CT).

Methods: Five hundred consecutive patients were prospectively analyzed. Patients with an initial heart rate less than 65 beats per minute (bpm) did not receive esmolol.

Interaction between C-reactive protein and endothelin-1 in coronary artery disease.

Background: Increased concentrations of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) have been reported to predict major cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Increased concentrations of endothelin-1 (ET-1) are also associated with poor prognosis after myocardial infarction.

Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that ET-1 might contribute to CRP in prediction of adverse outcome in CAD.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy presenting with repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardia.

A 30-year-old asymptomatic pregnant woman at 38 weeks' gestation was noticed to have repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. A dilated left ventricle with moderately reduced systolic function was found on echocardiographic examination. To the best of our knowledge, a case of peripartum cardiomyopathy presenting with repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardia has not been previously reported.