The impact of the left ventricular pacing polarity and localization during cardiac resynchronization therapy on depolarization and repolarization parameters.

Objective: Reversal of myocardial activation sequence during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may increase the transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR), which may lead to ventricular arrhythmias. Quadripolar left ventricular (LV) leads offer 10 different pacing configurations. However, little is known about the role of pacing polarity on repolarization patterns.

Evaluation of anabolic steroid induced renal damage with sonography in bodybuilders.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of anabolic steroids on kidneys in bodybuilders.

Methods: Twenty-two bodybuilders were included in the study. Participants were divided into three groups according to the scheme of steroid usage: group 1 (N.

Usefulness of fragmented QRS in hypertensive patients in the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy.

In the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy, importance of fragmented QRS complex (fQRS) in individuals with hypertension is unknown. The authors aimed to evaluate the relationship between blood pressure levels and fQRS in the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy. A total of 548 never-treated patients who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were enrolled.

Comparison of the presence of fragmented QRS complexes in the inferior versus the anterior leads for predicting coronary artery disease severity.

Introduction: Fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) are a sign of myocardial scar and are associated with adverse outcomes and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, little is known about the significance of fQRS or of their localization on electrocardiography (ECG) in patients without known CAD. We aimed to investigate the association between localization of fQRS on ECG and CAD severity in patients undergoing a first diagnostic coronary angiography.

Fragmented QRS for Risk Stratification in Patients Undergoing First Diagnostic Coronary Angiography.

Background: Only a small proportion of patients referred for coronary angiography with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) have the diagnosis of obstructive CAD confirmed by the exam. For this reason, further strategies for risk stratification are necessary.

Objective: To investigate the relationship of the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) on admission electrocardiogram with angiographically detected CAD and CAD severity in patients without known vascular diseases and myocardial fibrosis, undergoing first diagnostic coronary angiography.

Left ventricular haematoma mimicking lateral wall myocardial infarction secondary to percutaneous coronary intervention.

Dissecting intra-myocardial haematoma is a rare disease and a potentially fatal complication after cardiac surgery. Patients with previous heart surgery have more risk for dissecting intra-myocardial haematoma after percutaneous coronary intervention. Management of this issue is challenging.

Comparison of two different techniques for balloon sizing in percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty: which is preferable?

Background: Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) is an important option for the treatment of mitral valve stenosis. The crux of this process is choosing the appropriate Inoue balloon size. There are two methods to do this.

What is better for predilatation in bioresorbable vascular scaffold implantation: a non-compliant or a compliant balloon?

Objective: The bioresorbable vascular scaffold system (BVS) is a fully absorbable vascular treatment system. In this study, we aimed to compare the periprocedural effectiveness and long term results of non-compliant balloon (NCB) and compliant balloon (CB) systems, which are used for predilatation before BVS implantation.

Methods: One hundred forty-six BVS-treated lesions from 119 patients were retrospectively analyzed in the study.

Comparison of floating wire and single wire techniques in right coronary ostial lesions in terms of procedural features and one-year clinical follow-up results.

Objective: The floating wire technique is a special technique for solving interventional problems in aorta- ostial lesions. There are no long-term data in the literature for the floating wire technique in right aorto-ostial lesions.

Methods: One hundred twenty six patients were retrospectively analyzed in this study.

Multiple coronary fistulae to left ventricle, with acute myocardial infarction.

A rare case of myocardial infarction secondary to multiple coronary artery fistulae is described. Coronary angiography showed the fistulae originating from the distal septal branch of the left anterior descending artery and distal branches of the right coronary and circumflex arteries, and drained into the left ventricle. A myocardial perfusion scan showed a fixed perfusion defect.

Evaluation of systemic levels of neutrophilic enzymes in patients with hypertension and chronic periodontitis.

Background: Inflammation stimulates neutrophils to release their enzymes into the extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study is to investigate the serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and neutrophil elastase (NE) in patients with hypertension and chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: A total of 95 patients were included in the study.

Diagnosis of a huge right atrial thrombus during coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Patient: Male, 73 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Coronary artery thrombosis Symptoms: Angina pectoris • short of breath

Medication: - Clinical Procedure: CABG Specialty: Cardiology.

Objective: Management of emergency care.

Background: Intra-operative formation of a thrombus in the right heart is rare and might be unrecognized.

Relationship between hematologic parameters and left ventricular systolic dysfunction in stable patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease.

Objectives: Multi-vessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD) has long been recognized as an important predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with chronic stable angina. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between hematologic parameters and impairment of left ventricular systolic functions in patients with stable MVCAD.

Study Design: Patients (n=202) with stable angina and MVCAD were included in this study.

Relationship between psychosocial status, diabetes mellitus, and left ventricular systolic function in patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease.

Background: Negative emotional conditions contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Depression and anxiety are prognostic factors in patients with CAD. The aim of our study was to investigate the association between emotional conditions and left ventricular (LV) systolic functions in CAD.

Serum γ-glutamyltransferase activity in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Procoagulant and prothrombotic states in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) are higher than those in patients with normal sinus rhythm. We assessed and compared serum γ-glutamyltranferase (GGT) activity in elderly patients with nonvalvular AF and control participants with normal sinus rhythm. Consecutive patients (n = 81) with nonvalvular chronic AF and 210 age- and gender-matched control participants with normal sinus rhythm were retrospectively included in the study from the outpatient cardiology clinic.

Evaluation of serum anti-cardiolipin and oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels in chronic periodontitis patients with essential hypertension.

Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether chronic periodontitis caused the elevated levels of anti-cardiolipin antibodies (anti-CL) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in subjects with essential hypertension.

Methods: Seventy-two subjects were categorized as healthy controls, subjects with essential hypertension and periodontal health (healthy-hypertension group), subjects with essential hypertension and gingivitis (gingivitis-hypertension group), or subjects with essential hypertension and chronic periodontitis (periodontitis-hypertension group). Individuals with essential hypertension who had been taking antihypertensive medication > or =2 years were included in the present study.