bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Right Atrial Extension of Primary Venous Leiomyosarcoma: Pulmonary Embolism and Budd-Chiari Syndrome at Presentation
Authors: Gowda Ramesh M. , Gowda Mamatha R. , Mehta Nirav J. , Osborne Rhonda , Bixon Ronda , Vasavada Balendu C. , Sacchi Terrence J.
Published: March 2006

Venous leiomyosarcomas are rare and arise predominantly in the inferior vena cava (IVC). The clinical findings are nonspecific and may precede the diagnosis by several years. IVC leiomyosarcoma is predominantly seen in women. Intracavitary extension of vascular tumors tends to result from embolization or propagation along great veins, and this is a serious risk factor for pulmonary embolism and sudden death when it reaches the right heart. Modern imaging modalities using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, individually or in combination with cavography, ultrasound, and echocardiography, allow an early and accurate preoperative diagnosis, resulting in a higher rate of surgical resection and improved survival. The authors present a 72-year-old woman who presented with pulmonary embolism and Budd-Chiari syndrome. Pathological examination revealed a leiomyosarcoma. The tumor, involving the IVC, was diagnosed with imaging techniques that showed intracardiac extension of a primary venous leiomyosarcoma. The literature discussing leiomyosarcoma of the IVC is briefly reviewed.
Anticardiolipin Antibodies as a Risk Factor of Atherosclerosis in Intermittent Claudication
Authors: de Godoy José Maria Pereira , Batigália Fernando , de Godoy Maria Regina Pereira , Brandão Antonio Carlos , Souza Dorotéia R. S.
Published: March 2006

Anticardiolipin antibodies have been associated as a risk factor of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between anticardiolipin antibodies and intermittent claudication. Forty consecutive patients (33 men, 7 women; age range: 45-84 years, mean 65.5) who were seen in the angiology and vascular surgery department with intermittent claudication were evaluated. Exclusion criteria included prior revascularization, angioplasty, or a history of thrombosis of a lower limb. Forty individuals (23 men, 17 women; age range: 58-82 years, mean 67.1) who attended a support group for senior citizens and who were apparently healthy formed the control group. Anticardiolipin antibodies were evaluated by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantitative measurement of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies against cardiolipins in serum. IgG levels were considered normal when <7, borderline from 7 to 10, and elevated at >10 GPL units/mL; IgM levels were normal when <4, borderline from 4 to 7, and elevated at >7 MPL, as recommended by the test manufacturers. Statistical analysis used the relative risk test with a confidence interval of 95%. Twenty-three patients from the study group and 6 individuals from the control group were found to have elevated levels of anticardiolipin antibodies giving a relative risk of 3.833 (ranging from 1.749 to 8.4; p value <0.0001). In conclusion, patients who have elevated levels of anticardiolipin antibodies present a 3.8 times greater risk of developing intermittent claudication.
Effects of Policosanol and Ticlopidine in Patients with Intermittent Claudication: A Double-Blinded Pilot Comparative Study
Authors: Castaño Gladys , Más Rosa , Gámez Rafael , Fernández Lilia , Illnait José
Published: March 2006

Policosanol is a cholesterol-lowering drug with concomitant antiplatelet effects. The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of policosanol and ticlopidine in patients with moderately severe intermittent claudication (IC). The study had a 4-week baseline step, followed by a 20-week double-blinded, randomized treatment period. Twenty-eight eligible patients were randomized to policosanol 10 mg or ticlopidine 250 mg tablets twice daily (bid). Walking distances in a treadmill (constant speed 3.2 km/hr, slope 10°, temperature 25°C) were assessed before and after 20 weeks of treatment. Both groups were similar at baseline. Compared with baseline, policosanol significantly increased (p<0.01) mean values of initial (ICD) and absolute (ACD) claudication distances from 162.1 to 273.2 m and from 255.8 to 401.0 m, respectively. Ticlopidine also raised significantly (p<0.01) ICD (166.2 to 266.3 m) and ACD (252.9 to 386.4 m). Comparisons between groups did not show significant differences. Policosanol, but not ticlopidine, significantly (p<0.05), but modestly, increased the ankle/arm pressure ratio. After 10 weeks, policosanol significantly (p<0.001) lowered low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) (p<0.01), and TC/HDL-C and raised (p<0.05) high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). At study completion, policosanol lowered (p<0.001) LDL-C (30.2%), TC (16.9%), and TC/HDL-C (33.9%), increased (p<0.01) HDL-C (+31.7%), and left triglycerides unchanged. Ticlopidine did not affect the lipid profile variable. Policosanol induced modest, but significant, reductions (p<0.01) of fibrinogen levels compared with baseline and ticlopidine. Treatments were well tolerated and did not impair safety indicators. Three ticlopidine patients (21.4%) withdrew from the trial, only 1 owing to a serious adverse experience (AE) (unstable angina). Three other ticlopidine patients experienced mild AE (headache, diarrhea, and acidity). It is concluded that policosanol (10 mg bid) can be as effective as ticlopidine (250 mg bid) for improving walking distances of claudicant patients, and it could be advantageous for the global risk of these individuals owing to its cholesterol-lowering effects. This study is, however, just a pilot comparison, so that further studies in larger sample sizes are needed for definitive conclusions of the comparative effects of both drugs on patients with IC.
Reproductive History in Women with Lower Limb Ischemia
Authors: Hultgren Rebecka , Olofsson Pär , Wahlberg Eric
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this study was to identify reproductive factors that may contribute to the development of arteriosclerosis in the leg arteries by comparing the reproductive history of women with lower limb ischemia to a reference group of women. All 173 female patients treated for chronic lower limb ischemia with surgical or endovascular procedures performed from 1994 to 1996 at a university clinic received a validated questionnaire to which 116 (67%) responded. The reference group, 348 women, 197 (57%) of whom responded, was recruited randomly from the hospital catchment area. The 2 groups were similar regarding age at menopause and menarche, pregnancies, salpingo-oophorectomies, and hormone replacement therapy. There was a higher number of women who had used oral contraceptives in the reference group than in the patient group (53% vs 16%, p<0.001). The same results were found when comparing the subgroup of patients younger than 55 years to the references. No association between reproductive history and development of lower limb ischemia could be found. Our results support that use of oral contraceptives early in life is not associated with an increased risk for lower limb ischemia.
Cigarette Smoking Increases Plasma Concentrations of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Cavusoglu Yuksel , Timuralp Bilgin , Us Tercan , Akgün Yurdanur , Kudaiberdieva Gulmira , Gorenek Bulent , Unalır Ahmet , Goktekin Omer , Ata Necmi
Published: March 2006

Cigarette smoking adversely affects endothelial function and increases risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis is currently thought to involve interactions between inflammatory cells and vascular endothelium. Adhesion molecules play a pivotal role in the accumulation of inflammatory cells at the endothelium. Little is known about the role of cigarette smoking in this atherosclerotic inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cigarette smoking on the plasma concentrations of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in patients with CAD. The soluble VCAM-1 level was quantified in smoking CAD patients (n=19) in comparison to those from patients with CAD alone (n=10). Plasma concentrations of soluble VCAM-1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The soluble VCAM-1 level was found significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (32.1279 ±21.6421 vs 9.4570 ±7.8138 ng/mL, p<0.01), and in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI) than in those without previous MI, but not significant statistically (27.7279 ±22.8813 vs 17.8170 ±15.9172 ng/mL, p>0.05). No significant difference was observed for soluble VCAM-1 levels between hypertensive and nonhypertensive patients, multivessel and one-vessel disease, or anterior and inferior MI localizations. The present study suggests that in patients with CAD, smoking leads to elevated levels of soluble VCAM-1 that may clarify one of the mechanisms of its accelerating effect on the atherosclerotic process.
Frequency of Provoked Coronary Spasms in Patients Undergoing Coronary Arteriography Using a Spasm Provocation Test Via Intracoronary Administration of Ergonovine
Authors: Sueda Shozo , Kohno Hiroaki , Fukuda Hiroshi , Ochi Naoto , Kawada Hiroyuki , Hayashi Yutaka , Uraoka Tadao
Published: March 2006

There are no data concerning the incidence of provoked coronary arterial spasms via intracoronary administration of ergonovine (ER). This study sought to establish the incidence of spasms due to intracoronary injection of ER in Japanese patients who underwent coronary angiography. The subjects were 596 consecutive patients (369 men, mean age 64.2 ±10.3 years) who were studied with a selective ER test. ER was administered in total doses of 40 µg into the right coronary artery and 64 µg into the left coronary artery. A positive spasm was defined as a total or subtotal occlusion. Coronary vasospasms were determined in 173 patients (29.0%). Spasms occurred often in patients with ischemic heart disease (43.3%); during effort and rest in patients with angina (46.3%), exertional angina (27.7%), recent myocardial infarction (36.7%), healed myocardial infarction (34.1%), and especially in patients with rest angina (55.5%), but were relatively uncommon in patients with nonischemic heart disease (3.7%). The incidence of provoked coronary spasms in this study was 2.2-2.6 times higher than in previous reports with intravenous ER administration. More spasms were superimposed on significant atherosclerotic lesions than on nonfixed atherosclerotic lesions (42.8% vs 24.0%, p<0.01). No serious or irreversible complications were observed in this study. In conclusion, intracoronary administration of ER was a safe and reliable test. Compared with Caucasian patients, in Japanese patients, coronary arterial spasms occurred 2-3 times more frequently with various cardiac disorders.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome in Greece: Clinical and Immunological Study and Review of the Literature
Authors: Boura Panagiota , Tselios Konstantinos , Skendros Panagiotis , Kountouras Jannis
Published: March 2006

The aim of this paper is to analyze the epidemiologic, clinical, and immunologic characteristics of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), primary or secondary, in autoimmune patients from Northern Greece. Sixty-seven patients with APS were included (9 men, 13.4%, and 58 women, 86.6%). Fifty-two (77.6%) patients had secondary APS and 15 had primary APS (22.4%). The mean age was 46.0 ±15.4 years and the mean follow-up period was 62.7 ±15.0 months. Medical records were retrospectively analyzed from January 1994 until December 2001, according to a preestablished protocol. Eight patients (11.9%) had arterial thrombosis, 12 (17.9%) had vein thrombosis, 12 (17.9%) had thrombocytopenia, 20 (29.8%) had neurologic disorders, and 51.6% of the women in reproductive age had, at least 2 fetal losses (higher frequency in primary APS). Thirty-six patients (53.7%) had increased levels of both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA), 19 (28.4%) had IgG ACA only, and 12 (17.7%) had IgM ACA only. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were detected in 46 (68.6%) patients, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in 29 (43.3%). All patients were prophylactically treated with aspirin (50-100 mg/day) and low-molecular-weight heparin and/or intravenous immunoglobulins-IVIGs occasionally (pregnant women). The findings of this study are, generally, similar to those described by others. Miscarriages seem to be more frequent in women with primary APS (p<0.05), compared to other studies. Differences between these findings and those described by others concerning epidemiologic, clinical, or immunologic data are discussed.
Tuberculous Pericardial Effusion: Features, Tamponade, and Computed Tomography
Authors: Cherian George , Uthaman Babu , Salama Abdulatif , Habashy Atef G. , Khan Nazir A. , Cherian Joseph M.
Published: March 2006

The clinical features with particular reference to tamponade and mediastinal adenopathy were studied in tuberculous pericardial effusion. Tamponade is a frequent complication and the recognition of tuberculous etiology can be difficult. Involvement of the pericardium is mostly from mediastinal lymph nodes that have not been studied. This was a prospective cohort study. All patients had large effusions, and underwent pericardiocentesis and chest computed tomography. Patients with tuberculosis had specific therapy. Others with viral/idiopathic effusion served as controls for the computed tomography studies. There were 26 patients with tuberculosis: 18 had tamponade on echocardiography. All had symptoms. Fever (n=23) and dyspnea (n=20) were the most frequent presenting symptoms. Pericardial rub was heard in 14, and 3 had enlarged cervical or axillary nodes. Pulmonary tuberculosis was present in 6. Tuberculin skin test measured 17 ±3.3 mm. The biopsy specimen showed a granuloma in 22 of 24. All 26 had mediastinal lymph nodes >10 mm with a mean size of 19.5 ±8.6 mm that disappeared (81%) or regressed (19%) on treatment (p<0.001). Aortopulmonary nodes were most frequently enlarged (65.4%) and hilar the least. Three required pericardiectomy. At follow-up all were doing well. None with viral/idiopathic effusion had lymph node enlargement. Fever, dyspnea, and tamponade were frequent with tuberculosis. The prognosis was good with specific therapy. Mediastinal nodes were enlarged in all and only with tuberculosis and not with viral/idiopathic effusion. Nodes disappeared or regressed with treatment. In the appropriate clinical context, mediastinal lymph node enlargement on chest computed tomography along with a strongly positive skin test results could help in the diagnosis of a tuberculous etiology of pericardial effusion.
Acute Diastolic Dysfunction Due to Pneumomediastinum Following Positive End-Expiratory Pressure
Authors: Rigatelli Gianluca , Zanchetta Mario , Pedon Luigi , Zennaro Marco , Maiolino Pietro
Published: March 2006

A 78-year-old woman was admitted for pulmonary embolism requiring orotracheal intubation and positive end-expiratory pressure. The pulmonary angiography confirmed a massive pulmonary embolism as suggested by echocardiography. Heparin and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator were successfully administrated; nevertheless, cardiogenic shock developed. A diastolic morphology of the right-left cardiac pressures, despite a normalization of lung vasculature, was discovered by a repeated cardiac catheterization and pulmonary angiography. No tamponade was detected by echocardiography. Computed tomography demonstrated a large pneumomediastinum caused by positive end-expiration pressure, as a cause of the acute diastolic dysfunction. The patient died of a cardiac arrest after an unsuccessful drainage attempt.
Cardiac Displacement with a Congenital Complete Left-Sided Pericardial Defect in a Patient with Exertional Angina Pectoris
Authors: Kojima Sunao , Nakamura Taishi , Sugiyama Seigo , Sakamoto Tomohiro , Yoshimura Michihiro , Arima Toshiaki , Suzuki Ryusuke , Kawasuji Michio , Ogawa Hisao
Published: March 2006

A 71-year-old man with exertional chest pain was admitted to the hospital. A chest roentgenogram exhibited levoposition of the heart. An electrocardiogram showed clockwise rotation in the precordial leads and ST depression in V6, V7, V8, and V9 as well as in II, III, aVF leads associated with chest pain in a treadmill exercise test. The congenital complete left-sided pericardial defect could not be diagnosed preoperatively, but it was confirmed by thoracotomy.
Long-term (>3 Years) Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes of Coronary Multilink Stent Implantations: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Sonmez Kenan , Turan Fikret , Gencbay Murat , Degertekin Muzaffer , Duran Nilufer E.
Published: March 2006

The ACS Multilink (ML) stent is a novel second-generation stent. The largest amount of information available on the long-term outcome of coronary stenting is based on the use of Palmaz-Schatz stents. Fewer data exist on long-term follow-up results of ML coronary stents implantations. The authors present the long-term (>3 years) clinical and angiographic follow-up results of the ACS Multilink coronary stents implanted in their institution. From May 1996 to December 1997, 125 patients underwent 133 coronary ML stent implantations. Stented vessels were as follows: 49% left anterior descending artery, 31% right coronary artery, and 20% left circumflex coronary artery. Indications for stent implantations were elective in 64%, because of suboptimal result from percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 26%, and bailout from PTCA in 10% of patients. The mean reference diameter of stented vessels was 3.2 ±0.2 mm. The mean percentage stenosis was 80 ±11% and 3 ±5% before and after stent implantation, respectively. Long-term clinical follow-up was completed in 75% (80 men, mean age 53 ±10 years) of the patients (either by interview or phone), and angiographic follow-up (37 ±12 months) was completed in 58% of the patients. There were no baseline clinical or angiographic differences between those angiographically followed up and the remaining patients. Angiographic restenosis (>50% diameter stenosis) was detected in 22% of stents. Target lesion revascularization was 12%, nontarget lesion revascularization was 14% in angiographically followed up patients. During the follow-up period death and new myocardial infarction occurred in 12% and 6% of patients, respectively, and survival rate was 88%. This study provides long-term follow-up results of intracoronary Multilink stent implantations for native coronary artery lesions. These data show that clinical and angiographic benefits of ML stents are comparable to those of the first-generation stents, especially to the Palmaz-Schatz stents, of which results have been reported previously. A considerable rate of nontarget lesion revascularization occurs during the follow-up period.
Increased C-Reactive Protein Level After Renal Stent Implantation in Patients with Atherosclerotic Renal Stenosis
Authors: Li Jian-Jun , Fang Chun-Hong , Jiang Hong , Hunag Cong-Xin , Tang Qi-Zhu , Wang Xiao-Hong , Li Geng-Shan
Published: March 2006

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level has been demonstrated in patients with coronary artery disease after coronary stent implantation, but no data are available in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis concerning whether such changes of CRP also exist after renal artery stent implantation. The authors hypothesize that elevated CRP level may also be present in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis after stent implantation owing to mechanical disruption of atherosclerotic plaque. In total, 24 patients were enrolled in this study. Of these, 14 patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis received renal angioplasty plus stent implantation (group A, mean age 51 ±8 years), and 14 age- and gender-matched patients underwent renal angiography for diagnostic purpose as a control group (group B, mean age 50 ±8 years). Peripheral blood samples were taken before the procedure and at 6 and 24 hours after the procedure in both groups. Plasma CRP concentration was measured by using immunoturbidimetry. The results showed that there was no difference in clinical characteristics or in baseline CRP levels between the 2 groups. However, median CRP level was found to increase significantly at 6 hours from 0.13 to 0.17 mg/dL (p<0.05), and peaked at 24 hours (0.21 mg/dL) after renal artery stent implantation (p<0.001). Mean CRP rose from 0.30 ±0.09 to 0.37 ±0.15 mg/dL at 6 hours (p<0.05) and peaked at 24 hours (0.43 ±0.18 mg/dL) after renal artery stent implantation (p<0.01), while no such changes were observed after renal angiography in group B (p>0.05, respectively, at different time points). The results of the present study indicate, from evidence of increased plasma CRP concentrations, that renal artery stent implantation could trigger an inflammatory response due to mechanical disruption of atherosclerotic plaque of the renal artery, which is a pattern very similar to that of coronary stent implantation.
Effects of Direct Stent Implantation and Conventional Stent Implantation on Minor Myocardial Injury
Authors: Okmen Ertan , Cam Nese , Sanli Arda , Yapici Fikri , Uyarel Huseyin , Vural Mutlu , Ozturk Recep
Published: March 2006

Direct coronary stenting without balloon predilation has the potential benefits of a reduced risk of extended dissections, reduced fluoroscopy exposure, reduced procedural time, and potential cost savings. The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of angiographically successful direct stent implantation and conventional stent implantation (stent implantation following predilation) on minor myocardial injury characterized by cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), and cardiac troponin T (cTn-T) elevation. The authors prospectively studied 42 patients who had successful direct stent implantation, and 49 patients who had successful conventional stent implantation. Blood samples for measurement of cTn-I and cTn-T were taken before, and immediately after the procedure, and every 6 hours for the first 24 hours. cTn-T elevation was observed in 6 patients (14.3%) in the direct stent implantation group, and in 16 patients (32.6%) in the conventional stent implantation group (p: 0.03). Similarly cTn-I elevation was more frequent in the conventional stent implantation group (20 patients, 40.8%) than direct stent implantation group (7 patients, 16.7%, p: 0.02). Stent implantation following predilation is more frequently associated with postprocedural minor myocardial injury than direct stent implantation.
Transcatheter Implantation of Intravascular Stents for Postoperative Residual Stenosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Artery Stenosis
Authors: Hwang Betau , Lee Pi-Chang , Fu Yun-Ching , Jan Sheng-Ling , Kao Chung-Chih , Wang Ping-Yao , Lien Cheng-Hsiang , Weng Zen-Chung , Meng C. C. Laura
Published: March 2006

This is a prospective study of transcatheter implantation of 11 intravascular stents in 7 patients with status/post (S/P) surgical correction of major cardiovascular lesions. The safety and efficacy of balloon-expandable stents for treatment of peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis (PPAS) is evaluated and analyzed. Although the transcatheter implantation of intravascular stents has been reported as a possible treatment for stenotic peripheral pulmonary arteries, the results of intermediate follow-up studies on patients with S/P surgical correction for residual PPAS need to be evaluated. From June 1998 to December 2001, a total of 15 patients with PPAS having S/P surgery for major cardiovascular lesions were enrolled in this study. Eight of them had redo surgery after complete evaluation and the other 7 patients who might be at higher risk of mortality or morbidity from redo surgery, underwent transcatheter implantation of stents to dilate significant PPAS. Tetralogy of Fallot, S/P total correction, was done in 6 and transposition of great vessels, S/P Jatene operation, was done in 1. There were 10 stents (P 308 Palmaz stent ×8 and Intrastent™ ×2) implantation for 10 sites of the stenotic PPAS in these 7 patients, who were aged from 3.6 to 17.3 (10.1 ±5.6) years and had body weights ranging from 17 to 72.5 (37.1 ±23.0) kg. The narrowest diameter of the stenotic peripheral pulmonary arteries and pressure gradients across the stenosis were measured before and after implantation of stents. A follow-up catheterization and pulmonary angiography was performed 1 year later to evaluate the intermediate efficacy of stents implantation. All the stenotic peripheral pulmonary arteries of these 7 patients had a significant reduction of pressure gradients immediately after the procedure. The narrowest mean diameter of pulmonary arteries increased from 6.7 ±3.4 to 11.3 ±3.0 mm (p<0.001), and the mean pressure gradient dropped from 31 ±9.9 to 11.4 ±4.6 mm Hg (p<0.001). The follow-up catheterization 1 year later revealed a persistent effect in all but 1 patient. Only a young male presented with a recurrent stenosis with a pressure gradient of ≥20 mm Hg, which was relieved by redilation with implantation of another stent. There was no immediate or intermediate complication. Transcatheter stent implantation for treatment of a significant residual PPAS after surgical correction of complicated congenital heart disease is a safe and effective procedure. Since children are growing with age, a long-term follow-up study to evaluate the effects and possible problems of stent implantation is mandatory.
The Safety of Performing Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterizations in a Mobile Catheterization Laboratory at Primary Care Hospitals
Authors: Peterson Lowell F. , Peterson Linda R.
Published: March 2006

The benefits of mobile cardiac catheterization laboratories include keeping patients closer to their families, communities, local hospitals, and primary care physicians while receiving services comparable to those available at tertiary centers. However, there are very few studies regarding the safety of performing cardiac catheterization in mobile laboratories at remote locations. Thus, the authors performed an observational study of 1,775 consecutive patients undergoing a diagnostic cardiac catheterization in a mobile catheterization laboratory at primary care hospitals served by the Appleton Heart Institute (AHI) from August 1, 1991, to December 31, 1998. Twenty-three percent (1,775/7,637) of all AHI diagnostic cases in this time period were performed in the mobile catheterization laboratory. Urgent transfer to the tertiary care facility via ambulance or helicopter was used for 2.3% of patients (n=41). The overall complication rate was 1.2% (n=21). Of the patients who underwent cardiac catheterization in the mobile laboratory, 32.6% (n=579) were subsequently referred for interventional or surgical revascularization. There were no deaths. Cardiac catheterizations can be performed safely in a mobile laboratory at primary care hospitals, provided that immediate transfer is available for those in need of urgent intervention or revascularization and that unstable patients are not studied in the mobile laboratory.
Efficacy of Coronary Angioplasty Following Conventional Coronary Thrombolysis in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hayashi Takahiro , Taniguchi Mitsugu , Kimura Akio , Miyataka Masaru , Kurooka Atsuhiro , Taniwa Takaaki , Kiyoshima Takashi , Matsuura Masayoshi , Takeda Norihiro , Nakamura Hajime , Kanamasa Ken , Ishikawa Kinji
Published: March 2006

The efficacy of combined thrombolysis and angioplasty for the purpose of coronary reperfusion after acute myocardial infarction has been controversial. The present study was conducted, therefore, to evaluate the effects of angioplasty following administration of conventional thrombolytic agents on the long-term prognosis of acute myocardial infarction patients. A total of 409 patients admitted to the hospital within 12 hours of the onset of infarction between January 1990 and May 2001 were studied retrospectively. These included 151 patients treated with thrombolysis alone (group T), 73 patients treated with angioplasty alone (group A), and 35 patients treated with angioplasty after thrombolysis (group T&A). Group T&A had shorter intervals from onset to initial treatment than group A (3.0 hours vs 6.3 hours, p<0.01), a higher reperfusion success rate than group T (91.4% vs 74.8%, p<0.01), and more improved left ventricular wall motion than group A. One-year cardiac mortality rates tended to be higher in group T, which had a higher rate of unsuccessful reperfusion than groups T&A or A (8.1% vs 3.4% vs 3.5%). The frequencies of hemorrhagic complications were similar among the 3 groups. From these findings, we conclude that thrombolytic therapy with subsequent angioplasty is an effective strategy for achieving cardiac reperfusion following acute myocardial infarction.
Altered Endothelin-1 Levels in Acute Lower Limb Ischemia and Reperfusion
Authors: Tsui J. C. S. , Baker D. M. , Biecker E. , Shaw S. , Dashwood M. R.
Published: March 2006

Tourniquet-induced ischemia is often used in orthopedic and reconstructive procedures. This is associated with muscle damage and dysfunction, which limits tourniquet application time. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor, which has been implicated in ischemic conditions and ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study aimed to investigate the role of ET-1 in human skeletal muscle subjected to tourniquet-induced acute ischemia and reperfusion. Thirteen patients undergoing total knee replacement were studied. Plasma and muscle ET-1 concentrations were measured at the start of surgery, after an hour of acute ischemia, and 15 minutes following reperfusion. ET-1 receptor binding was also studied by use of autoradiography, and ET-1 mRNA expression investigated by use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Tissue ET-1 increased following the period of acute ischemia and persisted during reperfusion. ET-1 was associated with microvessels and macrophages in the muscle. No changes in circulating ET-1 levels, ET-1 mRNA expression, or ET-1 receptor binding were found. It is concluded that the ET-1 pathway is involved in acute ischemia and reperfusion and it may contribute to the muscle injury that occurs during surgical procedures.
The Venous Reflux
Authors: Recek C.
Published: March 2006

Venous reflux is the most common cause of venous hemodynamic disorders. In this paper 2 issues are discussed: how and where does reflux arise and what are the hemodynamic consequences of retrograde flow. Pressure gradient and incompetent vein connecting both poles of the gradient are the prerequisite for venous reflux to arise. Ambulatory pressure gradient occurs during the activity of the calf muscle venous pump between deep veins of the thigh and the lower leg. Thus the incompetent reflux-carrying vein must connect the popliteal, femoral, profunda femoris, or iliac vein with 1 of the deep veins of the lower leg. Reflux can be considered as shunting of blood from thigh veins into the lower leg veins. The most frequently found incompetent veins are the long and short saphenous veins and perforators communicating with deep veins of the thigh. On the other hand, calf perforators emptying into the deep veins of the lower leg, where the lower pole of the pressure gradient is located, cannot be the feeding source of reflux. A physiological bidirectional flow takes place in calf perforators connecting superficial and deep veins of the lower leg and making them conjoined vessels. Venous reflux produces ambulatory venous hypertension. The quantity of reflux volume and not the localization of retrograde flow in superficial or deep veins is the most important hemodynamic factor. Reflux in superficial veins, when large enough, can cause the most serious symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency including leg ulcers. Plethysmographic findings have shown that incompetence of the femoral and calf perforating veins is hemodynamically unimportant. Large incompetent calf perforators are not the cause of venous abnormality but are the consequence of saphenous retrograde flow.
Positional Ventricular Tachycardia from a Fractured Mediport Catheter with Right Ventricular Migration
Authors: Gowda Mamatha R. , Gowda Ramesh M. , Khan Ijaz A. , Punukollu Gopikrishna , Chand Sunil P. , Bixon Rhonda , Reede Deborah L.
Published: March 2006

The totally implantable catheter system has gained popularity as venous access when prolonged treatment is needed. Despite its frequent use, intravascular fracture and embolization of catheter fragments from implantable venous port-catheter systems present a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. Any implanted catheters should therefore be removed after completion of the treatment or the system's integrity should be monitored on a regular basis. This report illustrates such a case, which presented with ventricular tachycardia triggered by changes in body position from a fractured Mediport catheter with cardiac migration. A 34-year-old woman had a venous port catheter (Mediport) implanted into the right subclavian vein for neoadjuvant radio-chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Owing to the patient's difficult venous access the catheter was left in situ after treatment. Three years after insertion of the Mediport she presented with shortness of breath and palpitations when lying in the left lateral position. Physical examination revealed no abnormalities. An electrocardiogram was within normal rhythm. An outpatient Holter monitor revealed multiple episodes of nonsustained and sustained ventricular tachycardia triggered by lying in the left lateral position. A chest radiograph showed a normal location of the port-system, but the distal fragment of the catheter had embolized into the right ventricle. The embolized fragment was extracted with a gooseneck snare technique and the reservoir of the system was removed under local anesthesia without any complications. The patient was free of symptoms at 7 seven months follow-up.
Thoracic Cystic Lymphangioma (Cystic Hygroma): A Chest Pain Syndrome
Authors: Daya Samantapudi K. , Gowda Ramesh M. , Gowda Mamatha R. , Khan Ijaz A.
Published: March 2006

Vascular malformations of the mediastinum including mediastinal lymphangioma are exceedingly rare in adults. A resected case of mediastinal cystic lymphangioma (cystic hygroma) that presented with acute onset of retrosternal chest pain is reported in a 45-year-old man. Cystic hygromas are benign cysts frequently discovered incidentally on chest radiograph. Although computed tomography scan provides helpful information about the size, density, and site of the cysts, it cannot establish a precise diagnosis concerning its nature. Complete removal of the cyst is the treatment of choice and allows precise diagnosis on histologic examination. However, surgical excision is sometimes difficult, owing to the size and extension of the cysts, infiltrating mediastinal planes, enveloping great vessels, and displacing mediastinal organs without invasion. The difficulty of completely eradicating certain cysts explains cases of insidious progression with compressive recurrence. The subject is succinctly reviewed.
Remarkable Improvement of Myocardial Metaiodobenzylguanidine Uptake After Surgery in a Patient with Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Konno Tetsuo , Araki Tsutomu , Soma Ryuichirou , Takimoto Hiroaki , Tofuku Yohei , Shimizu Masami
Published: March 2006

A patient with pheochromocytoma showed remarkable improvement of myocardial metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake within a short time after surgical resection of the tumor. Myocardial MIBG findings in this case may contribute to an interpretation of the kinetics of MIBG in the human heart.
Electrical and Mechanical Alternans During Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty in a Patient with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Konno Tetsuo , Araki Tsutomu , Soma Ryuichirou , Takimoto Hiroaki , Tofuku Yohei , Shimizu Masami
Published: March 2006

The authors report a rare type of cardiac alternans during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in a patient with acute myocardial infarction. Not only ST segment but also QRS alternans were observed on electrocardiogram and were accompanied by mechanical alternans. The mechanism of these unusual findings is briefly discussed.
Behçet’s Disease with Right Ventricle Thrombus and Bilateral Pulmonary Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Kaya Akın , Ertan Çagatay , Gürkan Özlem Ural , Fitöz Suat , Atasoy Çetin , Kılıçkap Mustafa , Numanoglu Numan
Published: March 2006

Behçet’s disease is currently recognized as a multisystemic disease that may present with vascular, cutaneous, pulmonary, neurologic, rheumatologic, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary manifestations. Despite this multiplicity, cardiac involvement and also the coexistence of bilateral pulmonary arterial aneurysms are rare. An interesting case is presented here with intracardiac thrombi and bilateral pulmonary arterial aneurysms that showed clinical regression with immunosuppressive therapy.
Paradoxical Brain Embolism Caused by Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistula and Coincident Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Miyabe Hiromichi , Ohte Nobuyuki , Kurokawa Kazuyuki , Goto Toshihiko , Takada Norio , Yajima Kazuhiro , Akita Sachie , Mukai Seiji , Kimura Genjiro
Published: March 2006

The authors encountered a very rare case of paradoxical brain embolism resulting from pulmonary arteriovenous fistula and coincident pulmonary embolism. Enhanced computed tomography was useful for diagnosing this infrequent condition.
Cardiac Manifestations of Relapsing Polychondritis
Authors: Wu Chan-Ming , Liu Chun-Peng , Chiang Hung-Ting , Lin Shoa-Lin
Published: March 2006

Relapsing polychondritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that may be associated with inflammatory arthritis, vasculitis, aortitis, and inflammation of the aortic valve and ring. Information describing the cardiac manifestations of relapsing polychondritis is limited. The authors encountered a patient with relapsing polychondritis who had pericardial effusion and aortic valve regurgitation. The patient’s history is reported and relevant literatures are reviewed.
Microcirculatory Efficacy of Topical Treatment with Aescin + Essential Phospholipids Gel in Venous Insufficiency and Hypertension: New Clinical Observations
Authors: Belcaro G. , Cesarone M. R. , Dugall M.
Published: March 2006

Aescin + essential phospholipids (AEPL) topical gels are used for local treatment of venous and microcirculatory alterations (varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency). Bruises, swelling, thrombophlebitis, and contusions are effectively treated with AEPL. Active ingredients are escinate and essential phospholipids (EPL). The aim of this new study was the evaluation of the efficacy of the effects of AEPL gel on the microcirculation in subjects with chronic venous insufficiency, venous hypertension (CVH), and venous microangiopathy. Patients were assessed measuring skin flux with laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF). After 2 weeks of local treatment, all individual values (100%) were significantly decreased (p<0.05), indicating an improvement in the microcirculation. In all treated patients, flux decreased at least 30% (indicating a decrease in the level of venous microangiopathy) (p<0.05). Considering these observations, topical treatment with AEPL in areas of venous microangiopathy is beneficial, can prevent ulceration, and improves the skin healing processes.
Efficacy of Topical Treatment with Aescin + Essential Phospholipids Gel in a Microcirculatory Model of Venous Insufficiency
Authors: Belcaro G. , Cesarone M. R. , Dugall M.
Published: March 2006

The aim of this efficacy study was to evaluate the effects of topical aescin + essential phospholipids gel in a histamine model of acute microangiopathy, comparable to microangiopathy observed in chronic venous disease.
Efficacy of Topical Treatment with Aescin + Essential Phospholipids Gel on Capillary Fragility
Authors: Cesarone M. R. , Ricci A. , Di Renzo A. , Belcaro G. , Dugall M.
Published: March 2006

The aim of this efficacy study was to evaluate local capillary fragility with the vacuum suction chamber (VSC) in patients with chronic venous hypertension due to chronic venous disease. All included patients had important ankle edema due to venous hypertension because of a post-thrombotic syndrome. Severe, deep, venous incompetence was present. The VSC was applied onto the internal perimalleolar region. Negative pressure was applied for a variable period of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 minutes. The negative pressure in the plastic chamber (2 cm in diameter)—as previously described—was 50 mm Hg. A group of ten patients (mean age 56 years; SD 4; M:F = 5:5) were studied. The tests were repeated in steps of two tests on different days. Between the two tests, with the VSC applied in different skin areas of the perimalleolar region, an interval of at least 30 minutes was observed.
HR, 0-(Beta-Hydroxyethyl)-Rutosides, in Comparison with Diosmin+Hesperidin in Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Venous Microangiopathy: An Independent, Prospective, Comparative Registry Study
Authors: Cesarone M. R. , Belcaro G. , Pellegrini L. , Ledda A. , Di Renzo A. , Vinciguerra G. , Ricci A. , Gizzi G. , Ippolito E. , Fano F. , Dugall M. , Acerbi G. , Cacchio M.
Published: March 2006

The aim of this independent study was to investigate differences in efficacy between HR, (0-[beta-hydroxyethyl]-rutosides) and D+H (500 mg, diosmin+hesperidin) in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A first group of 90 patients with severe venous hypertension (CVI, ankle swelling) were randomized into an HR or a D+H group. The HR group received oral HR (2 g/day, 8 weeks); the D+H group received a 500 mg tablet 3 times daily for 8 weeks. A second group of comparable patients was included in a registry following the same study format. Patients were openly included; the 2 treatments were administered with the same methods and procedures. Clinical conditions were comparable to those described in the randomized study. Patients treated for at least 8 weeks were included in the registry. A number of physicians (specialists or general practitioners) included patients when they considered that clinical conditions were compatible with using 1 of the 2 treatments on the basis of their personal evaluation and experience. When cases were compatible with the registry, the prescribing physician communicated the case. Patients were evaluated without interfering with the treatment. Main targets of evaluation were skin flux at rest (RF), strain-gauge-derived rate of ankle swelling (RAS), and analogue symptoms score (ASLS). Ninety subjects completed the study in the first group; 122 in the second, registry group (total of 212 patients). The first and second (registry) groups and the 2 treatment groups were comparable for age and sex distribution. The pooled mean age was 42 years (SD ±5.5) in the HR group (46+62 patients) and 41.5 (SD ±6) in the D+H group (44+60 patients). Considering pooled data there were no differences in microcirculatory parameters between the pooled treatment groups at inclusion. A significant decrease (p<0.05) in RF and RAS was observed in the HR group at 8 weeks. The decrease in resting skin flux and in capillary filtration was associated with a significant improvement in signs/symptoms (analogue scale line) from an average of 9.4 (range 3-10) to 3.3 (4-6) (p<0.05). Significantly smaller variations were observed in the D+H group. The decrease in RF was 47.6% in the HR group vs 15.7% in the D+H group. The decrease in RAS was 40.9% in the HR group vs 12.8% in the D+H group. The decrease in ASLS was 64.8% in the HR group vs 12.9% in the comparative group. In conclusion venous microangiopathy and edema were improved by the treatment with HR both in the randomized study and in the pooled analysis. The comparison with D+H indicates that HR is comparatively more effective both on microcirculatory parameters and on signs/symptoms of CVI.
Liposomal Heparin Spray: A New Formula in Adjunctive Treatment of Superficial Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Górski Grzegorz , Szopiński Piotr , Michalak Jacek , Marianowska Agnieszka , Borkowski Maciej , Geremek Marcin , Trochimczuk Marcin , Brotánek Jaroslav , Sárník Stanislav , Seménka Jirí , Wilkowski Dariusz , Noszczyk Wojciech
Published: March 2006

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of liposomal heparin spray—a new formula of topical heparin delivery. This was a randomized, multicenter, controlled open clinical trial with 2 parallel groups. Forty-six outpatients with clinical signs of superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) were treated with either topical liposomal heparin spraygel (LHSG) (Lipohep Forte Spraygel, 4 puffs of 458 IU tid (n=22) or with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) (Clexane 40 mg once a day (n=24), administered subcutaneously (sc). Main outcome measures were efficacy parameters (improvement of local symptoms—pain control and planimetric evaluation of erythema size, duplex Doppler assessment of thrombus regression) and safety parameters (documentation of adverse events, with particular reference to deep vein thrombosis [DVT] by duplex sonography, and patients’ and investigators’ assessment of drug tolerance). Patients’ and investigators’ subjective assessment of efficacy of treatment and change in basic biochemical parameters were defined as secondary outcome measures. Statistical analysis was performed with use of Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-square test. Regression of SVT-related symptoms, including pain, erythema, and thrombus presence, was shown as comparable in LHSG and LMWH groups. These results were corroborated by efficacy assessment by investigators and patients. Three cases of deep venous thrombosis in heparin spraygel and 1 in heparin sc group were reported. No significant adverse reactions were observed in the spraygel group, but 1 serious allergic reaction was observed in the LMWH group. Tolerance of new formula heparin was assessed as good. Heparin spraygel—a new topical mode of heparin application, seems a promising method of heparin delivery. This initial study has demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety of LHSG and LMWH in local treatment of SVT. These findings should be confirmed by further extensive study that will reach appropriate statistical power to support such conclusion, for despite heparin treatment, significant risk of DVT was demonstrated in both groups.