Indian heart journal
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Indian heart journal · May 2005
Comparative StudyNon-invasive assessment of arterial stiffness by pulse-wave velocity correlates with endothelial dysfunction.
Pulse-wave velocity is the speed of the blood pressure wave to travel a given distance between two sites of the arterial system and is determined by the elasticity, wall thickness and blood density. Pulse-wave velocity correlates well with arterial distensibility and stiffness and is a useful non-invasive index to assess arteriosclerosis. Arterial endothelial dysfunction is one of the key early events in atherogenesis, preceding structural atherosclerotic changes. This study sought to establish the correlation of non-invasive estimation of arterial wall stiffness by pulse-wave velocity and its association with endothelial dysfunction in subjects at higher risk for atherosclerosis. ⋯ Increased values of pulse-wave velocity reflecting upon arterial stiffness show an excellent correlation with reduced values of brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. We propose that the non-invasive modalities of estimation of the pulse-wave velocity and endothelial function estimation by flow-mediated dilation of brachial artery be used in clinical practice in assessment of pre-clinical atherosclerosis.
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Indian heart journal · May 2005
Case ReportsAcute myocardial ischemia following accidental intravenous administration of epinephrine in high concentration.
Inadvertent and accidental epinephrine overdose might result in potentially lethal complications. We present a case of acute epinephrine toxicity resulting in acute myocardial ischemia in a young boy with combined variable immunodeficiency syndrome who developed severe allergic reaction to intravenous immunoglobulin, and was subsequently given epinephrine by mistake intravenously rather than subcutaneously. He developed significant ischemic changes in standard 12-lead electrocardiogram, transiently raised cardiac enzymes, reduced left ventricular systolic function, pulmonary edema and pulmonary hemorrhage. It is suggested that special precautionary measures should be taken regarding the dose and the route while administering epinephrine to avoid mishaps.