bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beta‐endorphins in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Stoupel E. , Pinchas A. , Agmon J. , Gilad I. , Laron Z. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe endogenous peptide B‐endorphin (B‐EP) is closely connected with different aspects of homeostasis, behavior, and in particular with the perception of pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between: (a) the level of plasma B‐EP and the intensity of pain in acute myocardial infarction (AMI); and (b) the B‐EP and specific enzymes for AMI serum glutamic oxolo‐acetic transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase and some stress hormones (cortisol, growth hormone). Twenty‐six patients hospitalized in the CCU for acute MI were studied during the first 72 hours from the onset of symptoms. Seven normal subjects served as controls. Blood was taken for hormone and B‐EP evaluation before treating the patients by opiates. Plasma B‐EP levels were determined using the protocol of the Immunonuclear Corporation (Stillwater, MN). Statistical analysis of the results showed: (1) Nonsignificant differences between B‐EP levels of all MI patients and control group. (2) Unaltered B‐EP levels in patients with acute MI suffering from moderate pain. (3) Significant differences in drop of B‐EP in the group with most severe pain (p<0.025). (4) A tendency toward decreased B‐EP in patients suffering from more prolonged pain (>6 hours). Significant negative correlation was shown between B‐EP and (a) chest pain intensity (0‐4 graduation) (r=0.8, p<0.01); (b) lactate dehydrogenase (r=0.7, p<0.01); (c) serum glutamic oxolo‐acetic transferase (r=0.6, p<0.01); (d) creatine phosphokinase (r=0.6, p<0.05; (e) plasma cortisol level (r=0.5, p<0.05). (5) A higher level of B‐EP in group of MI with creatine phosphokinase above 1500 units (p<0.05). (6) A significant rise of cortisol level in acute MI patients with low B‐EP and suffering from extreme pain (p<0.0005). (7) A strong tendency to (a) adverse correlation between B‐EP and growth hormone (p‐0.07) and (b) rise of growth hormone in severe pain (p=0.08). in conclusion, our data confirmed an adverse correlation between B‐EP and pain intensity in acute MI. This study shows some prognostic significance of B‐EP levels by confirmed negative correlation with acute MI enzymatic changes reflecting the extent of myocardial damage. in cases with very high creatine phosphokinase level this relationship was absent.
Plasma‐free eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio: A possible new coronary risk factor
Authors: Kondo T. , Ogawa K. , Satake T. , Kitazawa M. , Taki K. , Sugiyama S. , Ozawa T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractSeventy‐six effort angina patients who had typical angina on exertion documented by treadmill stress test with evidence of ischemic ST‐segment depression and 78 healthy volunteers in urban Japan were investigated in this study. Plasma free fatty acids (FFA) in both groups were determined using highperformance liquid chromatography. The relationships between the total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides in plasma, and the genesis of coronary heart disease were also examined. The ratio (0.08±0.08) of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/arachidonic acid (AA) in plasma FFA was significantly lower in effort angina patients than that (0.15±0.12) in healthy volunteers. The lower ratio was due to significantly lower levels of EPA in the patients than in normals. in 42% of angina patients, the ratio is below 0.03. in all age subgroups except the age 30‐39 subgroup, the ratio of EPA/AA was significantly lower in patients than in normals, when divided into four subgroups by using a 10‐year age interval. Though the total cholesterol and triglycerides were not significantly different between the two groups, HDL was significantly lower and total cholesterol/HDL ratio was significantly higher in effort angina patients than in healthy volunteers. However, there was no correlation between EPA/AA ratio and HDL in individuals in either group. From these results, it could be concluded that lower EPA/AA ratio is a new coronary risk indicator other than HDL.
Improvement by oral metoprolol of exercise‐induced ischemic dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Battler A. , Lieberman D. , Rath S. , Rotstein Z. , Rabinowitz B. , Neufeld H. N. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe effect of metoprolol on global left ventricular function during exercise was anlyzed with nuclear ventriculography in 17 patients with ischemic heart disease. All had stable angina pectoris and ST‐segment depression of more than 0.1 mV during treadmill exercise when not taking metoprolol. Each patient was stressed with supine bicycle exercise to the same load on a maintenance dose of metoprolol (100 mg × 2/day) and on a second occasion without the drug, the two being separated by 7 days. The mean heart rate and systolic blood pressure were significantly reduced both at rest and exercise with metoprolol. There was no significant difference of rest left ventricular ejection fraction with or without metoprolol. At exercise, however, every patient showed improvement of left ventricular function, the average left ventricular ejection fraction increasing by 14% (±6) relative to the same exercise without metoprolol (p<0.001). We conclude that chronic metoprolol treatment in patients with ischemic heart disease can ameliorate left ventricular dysfunction induced by exercise and may thereby reduce myocardial ischemia.
Two‐dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular asynergy induced by dipyridamole: Correlation with thallium scanning
Authors: Ferrara N. , Bonaduce D. , Leosco D. , Longobardi G. , Abete P. , Morgano G. , Rengo F. , Salvatore M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMyocardial asynergies detected by two‐dimensional echocardiography during intravenous administration of Dipyridamole (0.75 mg/kg) were evaluated in 54 patients referred for angiographic evaluation of chest pain. Technically adequate two‐dimensional echocardiograms suitable for analysis were recorded in 42 of 54 (77.7%) patients studied. Thallium‐201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, during dipyridamole test was performed in the same patients. Thirty of the 42 patients studied showed significant coronary narrowing at cardiac catheterization. Dipyridamole‐induced wall motion abnormalities and myocardial perfusion defects were detected, respectively, in 19 (63.3%) and 21 (70%) of 30 patients with significant coronary artery disease. Wall by wall comparison of the distribution of dipyridamole‐induced echocardiographic asynergy with reversible thallium‐201 (201TI) perfusion defects demonstrated complete correlation in 42 segments examined. Three segments with perfusion defects at thallium scanning did not show asynergy during the test while two segments showing wall motion abnormalities during dipyridamole infusion did not manifest perfusion defects. Our study demonstrates that two‐dimensional echocardiography during dipyridamole testing is useful in detecting patients with coronary artery disease. Furthermore, ventricular asynergies detected during the test show a high correspondence with site of myocardial perfusion defects at thallium scanning.
Acute, short‐ and long‐term efficacy of oral bevantolol in patients with coronary artery disease: A placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blind study
Authors: Gimeno J. V. , Ferrer J. , Olague J. , Bordes P. , Serra J. , Estruch G. , Mainer V. , Algarra F. J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe efficacy and safety of bevantolol (new cardioselective beta‐blocking agent without intrinsic sympathetic activity) were evaluated in chronic stable angina pectoris. Acute effects on heart rate (HR) and pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in the first second, FEV1, and vital capacity, VC) (doubleblind placebo, propranolol, 80 mg, and bevantolol, 150 mg) and the antianginal efficacy during early (doubleblind placebo period) and chronic bevantolol therapy (long‐term follow‐up for 52 weeks) were studied. Bevantolol reduces HR in the same way as propranolol (both p<0.01). Pulmonary function is modified significantly only by propranolol (decreasing FEV1, p<0.05). Bevantolol reduces antianginal attacks and nitroglycerin consumption (p<0.01) and improves exercise tolerance (p<0.01) during early and chronic therapy.
Detection of electrocardiographically imperceptible ventricular pre‐excitation by phase imaging
Authors: Rakovec P. , Kranjec I. , Fettich J. J. , Fidler V. , Pohar B. , Porenta M. , Janežič A. , Varl B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe sequence of ventricular contraction was studied by radionuclide phase imaging in 25 patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome. The studies were performed when no signs of precontraction were present in the electrocardiogram; in these cases pre‐excitation was either intermittent or suppressable by injection of ajmaline. In 11 of the 16 patients with free wall accessory pathways, precontraction could be detected in spite of electrocardiographically absent pre‐excitation. Discrete precontraction was seen also in 2 of the 9 patients with paraseptal accessory pathways. We conclude (1) that antegrade conduction through the accessory pathway does not need to be completely blocked if signs of pre‐excitation are absent on the electrocardiogram, and (2) that phase imaging is, at least in some patients (especially those with free wall accessory pathways), a more sensitive technique for detection of pre‐excitation (precontraction) than the electrocardiogram.
Platelet function and coagulation studies in patients with mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Zuppiroli A. , Cecchi F. , Ciaccheri M. , Italiani G. , Dolara A. , Longo G. , Matucci M. , Morfini M. , Rafanelli D. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTwenty‐eight consecutive patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), seven of whom had previous cerebrovascular disorders (CVD), were studied for platelet function and coagulation tests. While platelet function tests were found to be normal with the exception of platelet aggregation rate (PAR), there was a significant rise of factors VIII vWF:Ag (Von Willebrand) and (FPA) fibrinopeptide A. Six cases had high levels of both these factors, suggesting the existence of a particular subset of patients with MVP, with a higher risk of thromboembolic episodes, although only three out of seven patients with previous CVD had either FPA or VIII vWF:Ag levels. The broad spectrum of subjects with MVP probably explains the different results obtained when studying platelet function and coagulation factors. Therefore, larger population studies and prolonged follow‐up of cases with either coagulation abnormalities similar to the ones found in the present report and/or altered platelet function tests are suggested to discover if it is possible to detect patients with a potential for thromboembolism.
Studies on ergometer exercise testing II. Effect of previous myocardial infarction, digoxin, and β‐blockade on exercise electrocardiography
Authors: Pellinen T. J. , Virtanen K. S. , Valle M. , Frick M. H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe results of exercise electrocardiography were studied in a random sample of 317 subjects with clinical suspicion of coronary artery disease. In 278 patients with coronary artery disease the rate of false negative tests was 18% with and 12% without previous myocardial infarction. If ST elevation was considered a negative response, the corresponding values were 25% and 13%, respectively, p<0.01. The greatest prevalence of negative tests was seen after anterior myocardial infarction: 27% or 42% when ST elevation was not included into positive responses. The sensitivity of exercise‐induced ST depression for the presence of multivessel disease was lower after anterior infarction (67%) than in other patients with previous infarction (86%), p<0.01. The corresponding specificities were 71% and 22%, respectively, p<0.005. If ST elevation was included into positive responses these differences were abolished. In subjects without myocardial infarction the sensitivity was 89% and specificity 43%. Digitalized patients had somewhat higher sensitivity in the exercise electrocardiogram than those without digoxin, 90% vs. 81% (p<0.05), but the difference was not seen with exclusion of ST elevation. The specificity was not influenced by digitalis. β‐blockade had no effect on the sensitivity or specificity, but the prevalence of postexercise ST evolution was lower with (11%) than without (30%) β‐blockade. The prevalence of slowly ascending ST depression was reduced by three factors: the presence of digitalis in patients without previous myocardial infarction, infarction itself, and the extent of coronary artery disease. We conclude that exercise electrocardiography has only a limited value in prediction of multivessel disease. Digitalis and β‐blockade do not influence the sensitivity or specificity of exercise eletrocardiography, but digitalis modifies the type of ST‐segment response.
Pseudopericardial effusion: Echocardiographic and computed tomographic correlations
Authors: Ansari A. , Rholl A. O. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe findings of small anterior and posterior relatively echo‐free spaces adjacent to the epimyocardium by echocardiography is more often indicative of pseudopericardial effusion due to subepicardial fat deposition rather than true pericardial effusion (PE), at least in older obese and Type II diabetic patients. This conclusion was based on the echo and computed tomography (CT) correlation performed in 10 consecutive patients (8 women, 2 men). The mimicry of various extracardiac and cardiac causes resulting in confusion with anterior and posterior PE is emphasized. Subepicardial fat depostion is one of the most common causes which mimic presence of small PE on echo and can be confirmed easily by limited CT of the chest. Age, sex, obesity, and diabetes mellitus (Type II) appear to be the most common predisposing factors for the accumulation of excess subepicardial fat.
The acute effect of sublingual nifedipine and isosorbide dinitrate on plasma viscosity in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Weinberger I. , Fuchs J. , Rotenberg Z. , Rappaport M. , Agmon J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe effect of sublingual nifedipine 10 mg (pierced capsule) and isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) 5 mg on plasma viscosity (Pl.V) was investigated in 60 consecutive patients 7–10 days after hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), who were randomized for either nifedipine (30 patients) or ISDN (30 patients). Pl.V, hematocrit (Htc), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured 20 minutes before and thereafter at 5, 10, and 30 min after drug administration while in the recumbent position. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were determined before each blood sample. In 18 patients (60%) Pl.V decreased by >.05 centipoise (Cp) after nifedipine (0.0953±0.033 Cp p <.001 vs. initial values). After ISDN, Pl.V decreased by >.05 Cp (0.0933±0.036 Cp) in only 7 patients (23%). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) fell by 11.7 ± 14.6 mmHg after nifedipine and by 16±14 mmHg after ISDN (nifedipine vs. ISDN = NS). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) fell by 8±9.6 mmHg after ISDN and by 6.6±19.3 mmHg after nifedipine (nifedipine vs ISDN = NS). HR, ESR, and Htc did not change after drug administration. It is thus concluded from our study that nifedipine 10 mg sublingual has a significant PI. V‐lowering activity compared to sublingual ISDN 5 mg in patients with AMI.
Effects of furosemide and slow‐release furosemide on thoracic fluid volumes
Authors: Brodin L.Å , Jogestrand T. , Larsen F. , Walldius G. , Tedner B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTransthoracic electrical impedance (TEI) was used to assess the relative effectiveness of a 60 mg sustained‐release furosemide preparation (FR) and a 40 mg standard furosemide tablet (F), in reducing the fluid content in the thoracic cavity. A double‐blind crossover study was performed, in which 12 men with a history of one or more myocardial infarctions and mild left heart failure treated with 40 mg furosemide once daily participated. The trial, lasting 28 days, was divided into two 14‐day periods. Each participant received one active drug and one placebo preparation daily, the same regimen being maintained for 14 days, when the active substances were switched. TEI, body weight, serum potassium, sodium, creatinine, and urate were measured immediately prior to the start of the study, after 14 days, and at the end of the study. TEI was measured at frequencies of 1 and 100 kHz with a constant current of 100 m̈Å, during a period of one hour following an intravenous injection of 40 mg furosemide, when the urine volumes were measured also. TEI and urine production after the furosemide injections were similar irrespective of the drug preparation. No evidence of treatment period interaction was seen. No significant differences were demonstrated in body weight and blood chemistry during the trial. These results suggest clinical equipotency of the two preparations in mild left heart failure.
Diastolic time intervals before and after nadolol in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cecchi F. , Favilli S. , Dolara A. , Squillantini G. , Zuppiroli A. , Ciaccheri M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn 9 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, diastolic function was evaluated by noninvasive measurements of diastolic time intervals before and after nadolol administration. No significant variation of the intervals was observed after therapy. The method therefore appears scarcely useful in the evaluation of beta‐blocker therapy in these patients.
Anterograde conduction of a concealed accessory pathway after transvenous electric catheter ablation
Authors: Pfeiffer D. , Rostock K.‐J. , Rathgen K. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAn 18‐year‐old woman with a concealed right midseptal accessory pathway and refractory supraventricular tachycardia with a cycle length of 280–400 ms and a wide echo zone of 280–520 ms is reported. The transvenous electric catheter ablation with two shocks of 200 and 300 J, each on a separate occasion, was followed by anterograde and retrograde atrioventricular block. The patient received an implantable pacemaker (VVI). Four weeks later we observed a stable anterograde conduction of the pathway in spite of a persisting retrograde block. It is concluded that the site of unidirectional block in this patient is at the origin of the concealed accessory pathway in the ventricular septal muscle. The necrosis after ablation changed conduction conditions at the site of unidirectional block. Presently, the patient has been free of tachycardia for 19 months. This observation is of importance for the patient because another mechanism of tachycardia might be possible after ablation.
Fatal outcome of aortocoronary bypass grafting in a 62‐year‐old man with unsuspected coronary arteritis
Authors: Sciagrga R. , Tebbe U. , Rahlf G. , Kreuzer H. , Neuhaus K.‐L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA 62‐year‐old man was admitted to our hospital with unstable angina. The coronary arteriography showed the occlusion of the left anterior descending artery and other stenotic lesions. The patient underwent an aortocoronary bypass operation, but unfortunately he did not survive. Surprisingly, the necropsy revealed him to be affected by an inflammatory process, involving the aorta and the coronary arteries. According to the clinical history and examination, the findings at necropsy and the histologic picture, the diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis appears the most probable. Coronary arteritis has to be considered as a possible etiology of ischemic symptoms also in subjects who appear affected by typical atherosclerotic ischemic heart disease.
Two‐Dimensional doppler color flow mapping in congenital heart disease
Authors: Ritter S. B. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe development of a system that images intracardiac anatomy cross‐sectionally while simultaneously displaying intracardiac blood flow in realtime has the potential of increasing diagnostic capabilities in the evaluation of congenital heart lesions. This would translate into the ability to visualize intracardiac lesions not identified by standard M‐mode, two dimensional (2‐D), pulsed, and continuous wave Doppler modalities. A review of 1000 consecutive studies in our laboratory was performed. Doppler color flow mapping was performed in each case after complete segmental analysis by 2‐D and Doppler echo. Identification of intracardiac lesions or abnormalities of blood flow by Doppler color flow mapping, not appreciated on routine 2‐D/Doppler studies included ventricular septal defect (VSD) (n=24), atrial septal defect (n=4), mitral regurgitation (n=13), tricuspid regurgitation after VSD closure (n=5), tricuspid regurgitation in association with atrial septal defect (ASD) (n=7), residual ventricular septal defect after surgery (n=10), pulmonary insufficiency (n=4), aortic insufficiency (n=4), and patent Blalock‐Taussig shunt (n=2). Identification of multiple ventricular septal defects in two patients and the presence of a large left‐to‐right shunt across an atrial septal defect in the presence of septal aneurysm formation was also aided by Doppler color flow. Use of color flow to identify areas of maximal velocity and turbulence greatly enhanced continuous wave Doppler measurements by directing placement of the Doppler beam within the flow areas.
Midventricular obstruction—A form of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy—and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve
Authors: Sheikhzadeh A. , Diederich K. W. , Eslami B. , Stierle U. , Langbehn A. F. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has various manifestations with respect to the localization of the hypertrophy. In this study we report clinical, electrocardiographic (ECG), echocardiographic (echo), and hemodynamic findings in midventricular obstruction (MO), an uncommon form of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) in 9 patients. The prevalence of systolic anterior motion of anterior mitral leaflet (SAM) in MO, an echocardiographic diagnostic hallmark in HOCM, was another purpose of this study. All patients had complete clinical, ECG, echo, and hemodynamic workup, including left ventricular (in 4 patients simultaneous biventricular, SBVA) and coronary angiograms. All patients had dyspnea and palpitations, chest pain, 2 had syncope. In the ECG, atrial fibrillation was present in 2, and left ventricular hypertrophy in 9 patients. Septal and left ventricular free wall thickening was significantly present in all patients in echo, and SAM in 1 patient. The intraventricular gradient (IVG) was 40–176 mmHg, in 1 case 40 mmHg by provocation, Brockenbrough was positive in all patients. Two patients had right ventricular IVG. A positive beta‐blocking agent effect was present in 6 cases. The best localization of the obstruction was possible with SBVA and 2D‐echo. We conclude that MO has all the signs of HOCM, but SAM in echocardiography is uncommon. SAM is occasionally present and is not a necessary factor to produce an intraventricular pressure gradient in HOCM, especially in MO. It seems that hypertrophic right ventricular obstruction is relatively common in MO (2 of 9 cases), and may have the same obstructive mechanism.