International journal of cardiology
-
Although an autoimmune mechanism has been postulated for myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy, immunosuppressive agents had not been shown to be effective. Potential benefits of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in the therapy of patients with myocarditis and recent onset of dilated cardiomyopathy were reported. Also, experimental studies showed that IVIg is an effective therapy for viral myocarditis by antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. ⋯ There have been no subsequent hospitalizations for heart failure during the course of follow-up (3 months-4.5 years). LVEF improved 16% of EF in the patients with myocarditis and acute dilated cardiomyopathy with the reduction of cytokines associated with improvement of oxidative stress state by high-dose of IVIg. Thus, IVIg seems to be a promising agent in the therapy of acute inflammatory cardiomyopathy in view of not only suppression of inflammatory cytokines but a reduction of oxidative stress.
-
Patients with mitral stenosis, especially those with atrial fibrillation, are at increased risk for thromboembolic complications. Size of the left atrium, left atrial appendage dysfunction and severity of mitral stenosis are known risk factors for thromboembolism in patients with mitral stenosis. It has been postulated that F-wave amplitude on surface ECG is correlated with left atrial size, left atrial appendage function, and risk of thromboembolism in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to examine the relationship between surface ECG F-wave amplitude and left atrial appendage function, and (2) to assess the clinical significance of F-wave amplitude as it relates to risk of thromboembolism in a group of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. ⋯ The data suggest that presence of a coarse F-wave on surface ECG is associated with left atrial appendage dysfunction, and indicates higher thromboembolic risk in patients with predominant rheumatic mitral stenosis.
-
Comparative Study
Decreased platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty.
This study was conducted to assess the changes in platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction in patients with mitral stenosis (MS) and sinus rhythm (SR) following percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV). ⋯ We have shown that patients with severe MS and SR have increased platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction compared with control subjects and PMBV results in decreased platelet activity and improvement of endothelial injury.
-
Comparative Study
Relationship between myocardial viability and the predischarge electrocardiographic pattern in patients with first anterior wall acute myocardial infarction.
The assessment of residual viability in the infarcted area after an acute myocardial infarction is relevant to subsequent management and prognosis. ⋯ The presence of isoelectric ST segment and negative T wave indicates a high probability of myocardial viability. However, absence of these electrocardiographic patterns does not exclude the presence of viable myocardium.