Inflammatory Markers and Aortic Aneurysms: Exploring the Role of Hs-CRP and MHR in Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Development.

Background: Aortic aneurysms, particularly those affecting the ascending aorta, pose significant health risks due to their potential to cause life-threatening complications such as rupture and dissection. While the etiology of ascending aortic aneurysms has traditionally been associated with non-inflammatory processes, emerging evidence suggests a potential role of inflammation in their development.

Methods: This study investigates the relationship between inflammatory markers and ascending aortic aneurysms, focusing on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the monocyte-to-HDL ratio (MHR).

Simultaneous total occlusion of two coronary arteries associated with use of drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol (oral contraceptive).

Although the use of oral contraceptives is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic disease, the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) is unclear. A new, third-generation contraceptive agent, drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol, which contains less estrogen and a new progestogen, drospirenone, in a different combination, has been considered more reliable in terms of risk of MI. However, there have been some cases of MI associated with the use of drospirenone-ethinyl estradiol, despite the protective effects of this oral contraceptive.

Evaluation of the effect of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty on left ventricular systolic function via strain and strain rate in patients with isolated rheumatic mitral stenosis.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PMBV) has an established role in the treatment of rheumatic mitral stenosis. The study aim was to evaluate the effects of PMBV on left ventricular function in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) by using strain and strain rate imaging modalities.

Methods: The study included 30 consecutive patients (21 women, nine men; mean age 44 ± 14 years) with moderate to severe MS.

Serum copeptin levels in predicting nondippers in newly diagnosed hypertension.

Objectives: The nondipper pattern in hypertension is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. In this study, we hypothesized that high copeptin levels could predict nondippers among hypertensive patients and investigated the associations between copeptin levels and nondipper pattern in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.

Methods: Ambulatory blood pressure measurements were obtained and the patients were divided into two groups according to ambulatory blood pressure measurement as nondippers and dippers.

Correlation of the myocardial performance index with plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with mitral regurgitation.

Objective: The Myocardial performance index (MPI) is an echocardiographic index of combined systolic and diastolic function, calculated as isovolumetric relaxation time plus isovolumetric contraction time divided by ejection time. The aim of this study was to define the correlation of the MPI with plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and echocardiographic parameters in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation (MR).

Methods: About 33 patients with at least moderate MR of organic etiology were enrolled to the study.

A case of prosthetic mitral valve Brucella endocarditis complicated with torsades de pointes.

Brucella endocarditis is a zoonosis transmitted by contaminated dairy products. Endocarditis is a rare complication of brucellosis and mainly the aortic valve is infected. We present the case of a female patient with prosthetic mitral valve endocarditis associated with QT prolongation and torsades de pointes.

Hydatid disease involving the left ventricle: a case of unusual combination.

Hydatid cyst can be found in many organ systems, but is rarely in the heart. Echocardiography is an important tool in diagnosing cardiac involvement of a hydatid cyst. A history of extracardiac hydatid cyst should raise suspicion whether there is cardiac involvement.