Journal of cardiology
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Journal of cardiology · Aug 2008
Case ReportsA case of neurogenic myocardial stunning presenting transient left ventricular mid-portion ballooning simulating atypical takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
A 57-year-old female patient, who was initially suspected to have subarachnoid hemorrhage, was admitted to our hospital. She experienced severe dyspnea and chest pain owing to pneumonia on the fourth admission day. Electrocardiography showed ST-segment elevation in leads V(2) through V(5), and echocardiography revealed hypokinetic left ventricular wall motion. ⋯ However, left ventriculography revealed that the basal and apical areas were hyperkinetic and the mid portion was akinetic. After a month, left ventricular wall motion was improved and coronary artery spasm provocation tests were negative. Although the clinical course of this patient was similar to that of neurogenic myocardial stunning, the shape of her left ventricle was not typical.
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Journal of cardiology · Nov 2007
Prospective follow-up cardiac evaluation of children with Kawasaki disease in Northern India using the Japanese echocardiography criteria.
There is no information available on the follow-up of children with Kawasaki disease (KD) in developing countries. This prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the cardiac abnormalities in a cohort of children with KD from a tertiary care centre in Northern India. ⋯ We conclude that significant myocardial dysfunction and coronary artery changes due to KD were uncommon in our cohort. We speculate that this can be attributed to the IVIG given to the patients during the acute phase of the illness. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on detailed cardiac follow-up of children with KD from a developing country.
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Journal of cardiology · Oct 2007
[Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on visceral fat and heart rate variability: assessment by power spectral analysis].
Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)on visceral fat storage and the autonomic nervous system were evaluated by abdominal computed tomography (measurement of visceral fat area) and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability, respectively. ⋯ The oral intake of purified EPA significantly reduced blood pressure without altering heart rate during the 6-month treatment. EPA suppressed sympathetic nerve activity without inducing any parasympathetic nerve activity. The direct anti-sympathetic action of EPA was inferred and its action was found unrelated to blood pressure decrease. In male patients, diminished visceral fat area may be associated with depression of sympathetic nerve activity.
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Journal of cardiology · Aug 2007
[Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy using cardiac catheterization combined with hydration, oral N-acetylcysteine, sodium bicarbonate and iso-osmolar contrast agents].
Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after coronary angiography is a serious complication with an unfavorable prognosis. If CIN is persistent in the chronic phase, the prognosis is much worsened. We evaluated the efficacy of a new clinical therapy consisting of cardiac catheterization combined with hydration, oral N-acetylcysteine, sodium bicarbonate and iso-osmolar contrast agents. ⋯ Therapy for patients with renal failure consisting of cardiac catheterization combined with hydration, oral N-acetylcysteine, sodium bicarbonate and iso-osmolar contrast agents is effective to prevent CIN in the chronic phase.
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Journal of cardiology · Jul 2007
Case ReportsAccessory mitral valve associated with aortic and mitral regurgitation and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in an elderly patient: a case report.
A 65-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of exertional dyspnea. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography showed a parachute-like structure measuring 20 x 16 mm, which projected into the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and passed through the aortic valve in systole, and prolapsed back into the left ventricular cavity in diastole. Moderate aortic and mitral regurgitation were also observed, as well as LVOT obstruction with a peak gradient of 30 mmHg. ⋯ Surgical treatment was performed because of the presence of accessory mitral valve, moderate aortic and mitral regurgitation, and LVOT obstruction. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient has been asymptomatic during a follow-up period of 24 months. Echocardiographic examination proved to be useful for the detection of accessory mitral valve.