0000000000918444
AUTHOR
M. Pugliesi
Carotid intima-media thickness measurement through semi-automated detection software and analysis of vascular walls
AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the semi-automatic measurement of carotid intima thickness (RFQIMT - Esaote, Italy), with the conventional method. METHODS: We enrolle 81 patients, mean age 46 years ±15, with no history of cardio-cerebrovascular events and we assessed the traditional cardiovascular risk factors. We examined the IMT of the common carotid artery with manual and RFQIMT method (based on the "Radio Frequency" signal), according to the ASE protocol. RESULTS: Semi-automatic measurement was on average lower than manual measurement (617 μm ±191 vs. 676 μm ± 222) with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). In agreement with manual measurements, the values of…
Hyperuricemia in patients with left ventricular dysfunction
Introduction: Hyperuricemia is a cardiovascular risk factor associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, conditions that are involved in the genesis of atherosclerotic disease and in the progression of ischemic heart disease to heart failure. The aim of our retrospective study is to evaluate the variations of serum uric acid level in patients with ventricular dysfunction, in order to highlight any correlations. Methods: We enrolled 118 patients. In our population we identified three groups: patients with systolic and diastolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <50% and E wave 50% and E wave50% and E wave> A wave, n = 54). All patients underwent echocardiography and laboratory test …
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after a positive emotional stress
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome, is a cardiac syndrome mimicking an acute coronary syndrome and characterized by peculiar transient left ventricular wall motion in the absence of significant coronary lesions at coronary angiography. The pathogenic mechanisms linking emotional stress to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy still remain undefined. The onset of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can be triggered by an acute, intense emotional stress. This is the first report reporting that not only negative stress but also positive stressful event may precede the syndrome.
A risk score derived from the analysis of a cluster of 27 serum inflammatory cytokines to predict long term outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction: A pilot study
Objective. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical utility and prognostic significance of a cluster of 27 serum cytokines for risk stratification after myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods. We enrolled 33 consecutive patients admitted to our institution for acute myocardial infarction and prospectively followed. We evaluated traditional cardiovascular risk factors and assayed, during the acute phase, 27 serum cytokines (IL-1, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL -7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, EOTAXIN, FGF, G-CSF, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1ß, PDGF, RANTES, TNF-α, VEGF) potentially associated with cardiovascular risk. Patients were divided i…