Objectives: We aimed to determine the in-hospital mortality and clinical outcome of patients older than 75 years who were admitted to our high-volume tertiary center with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and treated with primary percutaneous intervention (PCI).
Study design: Our study included patients over 75 years old who were admitted with STEMI and underwent primary PCI at our center between January 2008 and September 2011. We retrospectively collected data from our hospital records for 1165 patients with STEMI. We found 186 patients that were eligible for our study. We defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as in-hospital mortality, repeated target vessel revascularization, and reinfarction.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 79.7±4.4 years and the mean pain-balloon inflation time was 4.7±2.3 hours. The procedure success rate was 71.5%. In-hospital mortality and MACE occurred in 20.4% and 25.8% of patients, respectively. Twenty patients had cardiogenic shock at admission. Patients with cardiogenic shock had significantly more MACE than the rest of the study population (76.5% vs. 17.5%, p<0.0001). Independent predictors of MACE included Killip class at admission (OR 4.98, 95% CI 1.25-19.8, p=0.02), white blood cell counting (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.0-1.3, p=0.04), development of in-hospital heart failure (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.07-10.58, p=0.04), the presence of atrioventricular block in the hospital (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.09-14.5, p=0.04), and the TIMI flow rate after primary PCI (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.19-10.76, p=0.04).
Conclusion: Our study revealed a high rate of MACE in patients older than 75 years admitted with STEMI regardless of undergoing primary PCI.

Objectives: Systemic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in psoriasis patients. Therefore, persistent skin inflammation in psoriasis patients may contribute to the development of premature atherosclerosis, as it occurs in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between subclinical atherosclerosis and psoriasis by using pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the measurement of carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in psoriatic patients.
Study design: Fifty-seven plaque-type psoriasis patients (31 males, 26 females; mean age 41±10.8 years) and 60 healthy individuals (32 males, 28 females; mean age 40±9.4 years) were included. Atherosclerotic risk factors were excluded in both of the groups. Demographic, bio-chemical data, psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score of the psoriasis group, and disease duration were recorded. Carotid-femoral artery PWV and CIMT values were compared.
Results: PWV, and the maximum and average CIMT values of psoriasis patients were higher than those of the healthy group (PWV: 7.04±1.1 m/sn vs. 6.03±0.61 m/sn, p<0.001; maximum CIMT: 0.86±0.09 mm vs. 0.77±0.06 mm, p<0.001; mean CIMT: 0.73±0.09 mm vs. 0.66±0.06 mm p<0.001, respectively). Although there was no difference in the lipid levels of the groups, total/HDL cholesterol (4.40±1.26 vs. 3.88±1.18, p=0.02, respectively), and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios (2.78±0.98 vs. 2.32±0.92, p=0.01, respectively) of the psoriasis group were higher than those of the healthy group. A positive correlation was observed between PASI and the PWV (r=0.417, p=0.001).
Conclusion: Despite the nonexistence of atherosclerotic risk factors, the risk of development of atherosclerosis is higher in psoriasis patients compared to healthy individuals. In addition to damage of the artery wall caused by systemic inflammation, lipid metabolism disorders may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in these patients.

Objectives: Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is a common finding in patients with hypertension and is associated with LV hypertrophy. Arterial stiffness (AS) and central (aortic) blood pressures play a significant role in end-organ damage such as LV hypertrophy caused by hypertension. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between AS, central blood pressures (BP) and LV dyssynchrony.
Study design: Thirty-five newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and 40 controls were enrolled in the study. The entire study population underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic study including tissue synchrony imaging. The 12 segmental model was used to measure the time to regional peak systolic tissue velocity (Ts) in the LV and two dyssynchrony indices were computed. Parameters of AS including pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx@75), and central systolic and diastolic BP were evaluated by applanation tonometry.
Results: The baseline clinical and echocardiographic parameters of both groups were similar except for their BPs. Dyssynchrony indices were prolonged in patients with hypertension as compared to the controls. The standart deviation of Ts of 12 LV segments in patients with hypertension and the controls were 48.7±18.8 vs. 25.8±13.1, respectively (p<0.001), and the maximal difference in Ts between any 2 of 12 LV segments was 143.9±52.2 for hypertension patients vs. 83.8±39.4 for controls (p<0.001). PWV (11.9±2.5 vs. 9.5±1.4, p<0.001), AIx@75 (27.4±8.3 vs. 18.3±9, p=0.009), and central systolic (147.6±20.8 vs. 105.4±11, p<0.001) and diastolic (99.8±14.4 vs. 72.8±9.5, p<0.001) pressures were higher in patients with hypertension than in the controls, respectively. In multivariable analysis, central systolic BP (β=0.496, p=0.03), LV mass index (β=0.232, p=0.027), and body mass index (β=0.308, p=0.002) were found to be independently related to dyssynchrony.
Conclusion: Central systolic BP is an independent predictor of LV dyssynchrony, but AIx@75 did not have an independent effect on LV synchronicity in patients with newly-diagnosed hypertension.

Objectives: It has been reported that increased parathormone (PTH) levels have unfavorable effects on the cardiovascular system. PTH produces unfavorable effects via either PTH receptors or the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. Data shows that there is a relationship between PTH and coronary artery disease (CAD), although this relationship is still being debated. In this study, we evaluate the relationship between serum PTH levels and CAD.
Study design: The study included 260 patients (125 males, 135 females, mean age 56.01±11.9 years) who underwent coronary angiography with a prediagnosis of CAD. Venous blood samples were taken 6 hours before the coronary angiography for the measurement of serum PTH levels. The extent of CAD was evaluated by calculation of Gensini scores.
Results: The Gensini score was 0 in 99 of the patients. Mild atherosclerosis and severe atherosclerosis were determined in 67 and 94 patients, respectively. According to the Gensini score, serum PTH levels were 5.17±2.07 pmol/l, 4.88±2.40 pmol/l and 4.98±3.04 pmol/l, respectively. PTH levels were similar in patients with mild atherosclerosis and with normal coronary arteries (Gensini score 0) (p=0.55). There was no difference in PTH levels between patients with mild and severe atherosclerosis (p=0.77). In addition, no significant difference in PTH levels were detected between those with normal coronary arteries and those with severe atherosclerosis (p=0.78).
Conclusion: Serum PTH level does not determine the extensity of CAD.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to use echocardiographic techniques to determine the possible cardiotoxic effects of low molecular weight tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKI) in patients receiving the therapy for the first time.
Study design: Thirty patients (17 females; 13 males; mean age 49±16; range 22 to 76 years) who met the exclusion criteria and were diagnosed as having malignancy were enrolled. All patients underwent conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) prior to the treatment. The conventional echocardiogram was repeated 2 months later as the patients were concurrently receiving therapy. Myocardial Performance Index was obtained by conventional echocardiography and by TDI techniques to evaluate left ventricular systolic and diastolic function.
Results: Statistically significant increase occurred in mean left ventricle (LV) end-systolic volume. However, there was significant decrease in both mean LV ejection fraction and LV stroke volume values (64±3, 62±4, p=0.000 and 67±13, 61±13, p=0.000, respectively). Anterior wall Em/Am ratio measured by using the TDI technique was significantly decreased at the end of two months (0.99±0.49, 0.90±0.41, p=0.03). In addition, decreases were determined in Sm values obtained from all of four LV walls and also in mean Sm value, but this decrease was significant only for the lateral wall Sm measurement (12.8±2.9, 11.6±2.3, p=0.004).
Conclusion: Tyrosine-kinase inhibitors therapy can be administered safely to patients without predisposing factors for cardiotoxicity in short treatment intervals, and low molecular TKIs may cause subtle or clinically significant cardiotoxicity following the treatment period even in patients without predisposing factors for cardiotoxicity, so clinicians should consider this possibility.

Objectives: Coronary artery lesion complexity is important for risk stratification of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. SYNTAX score is a pure angiographic measure of anatomic coronary complexity. Chest radiography is a routine examination for evaluating patients with chest pain. There have been no studies to date exploring the relation between aortic knob calcification (AKC) and coronary lesion complexity assessed by SYNTAX score.
Study design: 135 consecutive patients with first time diagnosis of non-ST segment elevation ACS were enrolled. SYNTAX score was calculated by dedicated computer software. Aortic calcification was assessed visually.
Results: Patients with AKC had higher SYNTAX score compared to those without AKC (16±6 vs. 11±7, p=0.019). Also, patients with AKC had higher TIMI risk score and were more elderly. Linear regression analysis demonstrated AKC (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-6.9, p=0.002), diabetes (95% CI, 1.1-5.7, p=0.005), and smoking (95% CI, 1.2-13.5, p=0.004) as independent determinants of SYNTAX score.
Conclusion: Aortic calcification detected on chest X-ray is an independent predictor of complex coronary artery lesions in patients with ACS.

Summary– Parachute mitral valve complex is an unusual congenital anomaly that has been described by Shone et al. It is characterized by a parachute deformity of the mitral valve associated with additional forms of left heart anomalies, such as aortic valvular stenosis and coarctation of the aorta. A 21-year-old female who was referred to our department because of progressive dyspnea on effort and at rest and minimal cyanosis is presented in this case report. On cardiac auscultation, the patient had a grade III/VI pansystolic murmur best heard at the lower left sternal border. The chest X-ray demonstrated dextrocardia and mild cardiomegaly. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed Shone’s complex, including parachute mitral valve anomaly.

Kounis syndrome refers to the concurrence of acute coronary events and allergic or hypersensitivity reactions. In this report, we describe the case of a male patient, in whom acute ST-segment elevation and myocardial infarction developed immediately after injection of depot penicillin, and we discuss the Kounis syndrome. A 52-year-old male patient had chest pain, hypotension and ST-elevation on leads DI and aVL of electrocardiography 30 minutes after intramuscular penicillin injection due to cryptic tonsillitis. Kounis syndrome was considered as a possible diagnosis according to the presentation. Histamine and tryptase levels were not studied due to the delay on arrival to the emergency department. The patient promptly underwent coronary angiography, which revealed only diffuse plaques in all main coronary arteries without any obstructive lesion. We found only increased immunoglobulin (Ig) E, which is associated with the syndrome. With this report, we remind clinicians to consider Kounis syndrome in patients who are subjected to allergenic substances and demonstrate acute chest pain.

Myocardial infarction (MI) following a bee sting is a highly unusual reaction. A 65-year-old man allergic to honeybee venom was admitted to the emergency department suffering from a wasp sting with urticaria. The patient had a history of bare metal stent (BMS) 9 months previously with regular drug use. He experienced chest pain after the sting and electrocardiography revealed ST-segment elevation in the chest leads. Subsequently, the patient developed ventricular tachycardia disrupting hemodynamics. Sinus rhythm was obtained by cardioversion. Coronary angiogram revealed total stent thrombosis (ST) in the midportion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Primary coronary intervention was successfully performed. Presence of shared pathways in allergic reaction and MI pathogenesis may be responsible for de novo or ST. To our knownledge, this is the first case of total occlusive late ST in BMS following a wasp sting.

We report the successful closure of an extracardiac Fontan fenestration with a bio-absorbable device, which may be refenestrated by a transcatheter route when needed, in a 10-year-old boy. The patient presented with cyanosis two years after an extracardiac Fontan operation. Echocardiography revealed a moderate shunt from the Fontan circulation into the systemic circulation with a mean pressure gradient of 3-4 mmHg. Treadmill testing revealed a significant decrease in oxygen saturation (down to the low 50’s from a baseline level of 80-85%). Cardiac catheterization revealed normal pressure in the Fontan circuit. A temporary balloon occlusion test showed that the defect was suitable for permanent occlusion. The fenestration was then occluded by a bio-absorbable Biostar (NMT medical, Boston, USA) atrial septal occluder device. The oxygen saturation on room air increased up to 95% after closure.

We report a method of the placement of the guiding catheter in two cases in which the diagnostic catheter could be easily engaged to the target coronary arteries but not a guiding catheter, due to a distorted aortic sinus and an osteal subtotal occlusion, respectively. After engaging to the target coronary artery with a diagnostic catheter, a coronary guidewire was advanced through the diagnostic catheter, and exchanged with a guiding catheter over the guidewires. The procedures were completed with success.

Transcatheter closure of mitral prosthetic paravalvular leak (PVL) has been hampered by technical challenges and the lack of closure devices specifically designed for this purpose. The oblong cross-sectional shape of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug III device (AVP) may be a more appropriate choice to be deployed for mitral PVL’s. Real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT-3D TEE) has emerged as an efficient tool that provides essential information concerning leakage size, location, and shape as well as navigation of catheters and wires. We assessed the feasibility and short, mid, and long-term efficacy of transcatheter mitral PVL closure using AVP-III under the guidance of RT-3D TEE. Three patients with severe symptomatic mitral PVL at high risk for repeat surgery underwent transcatheter leak closure with AVP III. Transfemoral approaches were used under RT-3D TEE guidance. Transcatheter closure of mitral PVLs was performed successfully in 3 patients using 5 devices. The first patient with 2 devices deployed had residual mitral regurgitation resulting in re-operation at the sixth month. The second patient had improved normally with a functioning prosthesis after the deployment of two devices, but had progressively worsening mitral regurgitation for which re-operation at the sixteenth month of follow-up was necessary. The third patient had no residual leak, with normal prosthetic function. At 24 months follow-up, all patients were in satisfactory clinical status. Although RT-3D TEE plays an essential role in guidance of transcatheter closure of mitral PVLs with AVP III, the absence of a specific closure device limits mid and long-term success rates.

Carotid artery stenosis is the major cause of the stroke associated with ischemic origin and carries increased mortality and morbidity. Since carotid artery endarterectomy (CEA) was first performed in 1950, in conjunction with the advanced technology and increased experience under the guidance of randomized controlled trials, balloon angioplasty and carotid artery stenting, which have similar mortality and morbidity, have become comparable with CEA. Determining the optimal treatment option for each patient is the most important issue in carotid artery stenosis. Today, there have been improvements in technology and recent advances in the cardiovascular sciences. Moreover, there is increased experience, increased attention to patient selection, and a team approach to find the most suitable treatment for the patient. In this review, we briefly discuss the current treatment approaches for carotid artery stenosis under the guidance of the modern studies.