0000000000379636
AUTHOR
S Augugliaro
Analysis of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Background The N-terminal portion of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been identified as an indicator of prognosis in different cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the utility of measuring plasma NT-proBNP levels in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Methods and results We studied 66 patients admitted in our division for acute coronary syndromes. Patients underwent a venous blood sample within 24 h from the admission to determine NT-proBNP levels. Increasing plasma levels of NT-proBNP (in tertiles) was associated with a greater history of hypertension and current smoking, whereas biochemical parameters were associated with higher level of crea…
Midventricular dyskinesia during clozapine treatment?
This is the case of a young man suffering from schizophrenia and treated with clozapine. He developed acute heart failure associated with pericardial effusion and midventricular dyskinesia with severe systolic dysfunction and left ventricular dilatation at echocardiogram, readily resolved after the suspension of clozapine therapy. The segmental wall motion abnormalities observed at echocardiogram in this case are peculiar and have never been described before. The possible cardiotoxic effects of clozapine have been reported previously in the literature. Because of its serious potential side effects this drug is not considered the first choice for treatment of schizophrenia. Before beginning …