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Adenosine induced coronary spasm - A rare presentation
Adenosine is commonly used as a pharmacological agent in myocardial perfusion imaging, as an antiarrhythmic agent, and in Cath Lab. during PCI for treating no reflow phenomenon. Coronary spasm has been reported following adenosine injection during stress imaging. We report a rare complication with ST segment elevation, following adenosine injection, given for treatment of supraventricular tachycardia.
Arora, P.; Bhatia, V.; Arora, M.; Kaul, U.
Adenosine induced coronary spasm - a rare presentation.
Adenosine is commonly used as a pharmacological agent in myocardial perfusion imaging, as an antiarrhythmic agent, and in Cath Lab. during PCI for treating no reflow phenomenon. Coronary spasm has been reported following adenosine injection during stress imaging. We report a rare complication with ST segment elevation, following adenosine injection, given for treatment of supraventricular tachycardia. PMID:24581102
Arora, P; Bhatia, V; Arora, M; Kaul, U
Induced coronary spasm without electrocardiographic signs or symptoms of myocardial ischemia
Angiographic studies have shown that coronary artery spasm can be induced with ergonovine maleate. Coronary artery spasm induced by ergonovine maleate in these studies was nearly always accompanied by chest pain and electrocardiographic changes of myocardial ischemia. This report demonstrates that coronary artery spasm induced by ergonovine maleate may be diagnosed by angiography in the absence of these signs or symptoms.
Cipriano, P.R.
Unusual vasomotor coronary arterial responses after reversal of ergonovine induced spasm with glyceryl trinitrate.
Unusual vasomotor responses in the coronary arteries occurred in two patients after the administration of glyceryl trinitrate to relieve spasm induced by ergonovine maleate. In one patient after treatment with glyceryl trinitrate and despite dilatation of the adjoining segments a new severe reduction in diameter occurred distally to the segments of the right coronary artery where the ergonovine induced spasm developed. In the other patient the left anterior descending artery filled very slowly after the completely occlusive spasm of the right coronary artery had resolved with glyceryl trinitrate though the circumflex did not. These vasomotor changes were associated with chest discomfort and electrocardiographic abnormalities in both cases. These findings indicate that caution is needed when performing provocative tests even after the ergonovine induced spasm has been reversed with glyceryl trinitrate. Images
Hattori, R; Takatsu, Y; Yui, Y; Nonogi, H; Kawai, C
Provocative testing for coronary reactivity and spasm.
Coronary spasm is an important and often overlooked etiology of chest pain. Although coronary spasm, or Prinzmetal's angina, has been thought of as benign, contemporary studies have shown serious associated adverse outcomes, including acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmia, and death. Definitive diagnosis of coronary spasm can at times be difficult, given the transience of symptoms. Numerous agents have been historically described for provocative testing. We provide a review of published data for the role of provocation testing in the diagnosis of coronary spasm. PMID:24201078
Zaya, Melody; Mehta, Puja K; Merz, C Noel Bairey
Evidence for emotionally-induced coronary arterial spasm in patients with angina pectoris.
Twelve executives with typical angina pectoris, given a 12-minute quiz, designed to be psychologically stressful, responded with ST depressions of greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. Each of these patients was given an exercise tolerance test on an upright bicycle to induce an amount of ST depression equivalent to that observed during the quiz. A statistical analysis was made of the products of the heart rate and the systolic blood pressure (rate-pressure product), at the onset of equivalent ST depression on both tests. At the maximal ST depression during the quiz, the mean rate-pressure product was 181 +/- 64 (SD) X 10(2), and at an equivalent ST depression during exercise it was 225 +/- 54 X 10(2); the mean difference was 44 +/- 40 X 10(2). Inasmuch as the rate-pressure product is an index of myocardial oxygen consumption, the differences in rate-pressure product suggest that myocardial ischaemia occurred at a lower myocardial oxygen consumption during emotional stress than during exercise. If equivalent degrees of ST depression during exercise and the quiz are indicative of equivalent ischaemia, than a relative reduction in coronary blood flow during emotional stress, probably by coronary spasm, may be postulated as the most reasonable explanation for these observations. PMID:7426162
Schiffer, F; Hartley, L H; Schulman, C L; Abelmann, W H
Coronary spasm is not a benign entity.
We present a case of unrecognized recurrent severe coronary spasm treated by percutaneous coronary interventions leading to catastrophic complications ultimately requiring emergency coronary artery bypass grafting and later, following occlusion of the grafts, recanalization of a totally occluded left coronary artery. Throughout the case history the recognition and management of this challenging coronary phenomenon is discussed. PMID:23457912
Wiyono, Stefanus A; Bennett, Johan; Ferdinande, Bert; Goetschalckx, Kaatje; Desmet, Walter; Dubois, Christophe
Left main coronary artery spasm in a hyperthyroid patient with suspected acute coronary syndrome.
The left main coronary artery (LMCA) vasospasm is rare. We report a suspected acute coronary syndrome patient with hyperthyroidism who had LMCA vasospasm. Coronary angiogram showed 60% stenosis at LMCA. After administering nitroglycerin, re-angiography showed no significant stenosis. Then we evaluated LMCA lesion using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) showing no significant stenosis. We considered that it was a LMCA vasospasm and may be assosiated with hyperthyroid state. After anti-thyroid and anti-spasm treatment, chest pain subsided. In conclusion, hyperthyroidism induced coronary hypersensitivity may contribute to LMCA vasospasm as seen in this case. IVUS may be useful to identify coronary vasospasm. PMID:24353739
Wang, De-Zhao; Hu, Hong-Yu; Fu, Qiang; Chen, Wei; Hua, Xu; Chen, Bu-Xing
Heart failure in which coronary spasms played an important role.
A 69-year-old woman was admitted for further examinations and treatment of chest pain. Emergency cardiac catheterization showed no significant stenosis on coronary angiograms; however, diffuse wall hypokinesis was observed on a left ventriculogram. After treating the patient's heart failure, cardiac catheterization was performed again. A spasm provocation test showed coronary spasms of the right and left coronary arteries. A right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy revealed denaturation and fibrosis of the myocardium under the endocardium, thus suggesting the presence of myocardial ischemia. This case highlights coronary spasms as a cause of heart failure. PMID:24492691
Oda, Shinsuke; Fujii, Yuichi; Takemoto, Hiroaki; Nomura, Shuichi; Nakayama, Hirofumi; Toyota, Yasushi; Nakamura, Hiroshi; Teragawa, Hiroki
[Coronary Artery Spasm Induced by Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome During Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting;Report of a Case].
A 61-year-old woman with a left main lesion and coronary spastic angina was scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). She had been orally receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor( SSRI) for the treatment of depression. OPCAB to left anterior discending artery( LAD) and left circumflex branch (LCX) was performed using the bilateral internal thoracic arteries assisted by intra-aortic balloon pumping. When the sternotomy was going to be closed, ST elevation of electrocardiogram (ECG) occurred and was followed by complete atrio-ventricular (AV) block. After returning to intensive care unit (ICU), the patient showed rapid elevation of the body temperature, excessive sweating, progressive metabolic acidosis, and abnormal high levels in white blood cell count and creatine phosphokinase. On suspicion of neuroleptic malignant syndrome(NMS) onset, dantrolene sodium hydrate was administered, resulting in marked improvement of the symptoms. We have concluded that this case was an NMS combined with coronary artery spasm during OPCAB treated successfully with dantrolene sodium hydrate. PMID:24743539
Mori, Akiko; Yamaya, Kazuhiro; Nitta, Yoshio; Yoshida, Seijiro
Coronary spasm that caused non-ST elevation myocardial infarction appeared in cath lab due to vasovagal reaction
Coronary artery spasm is sometimes an unrecognized cause of myocardial ischemia. Myocardial ischemia is not always a product of fixed stenosis; it can also be induced by dynamic, transient stenosis. The angiogram represents the current state of vasculature at the time of examination and absence of stenosis does not mean disease absence. We present a case of right coronary artery spasm that caused non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and arrhythmias and was induced again in the cath lab due to vasovagal reaction.
Jagic, Nikola; Zdravkovic, Vladimir; Nikolic, Dusan; Tasic, Mladen; Sreckovic, Ana Maksimovic; Miloradovic, Vladimir
Global coronary arteries spasm in a young patient
BACKGROUND Coronary artery spasm is a transient narrowing of coronary arteries that slows or stops blood flow through the artery. CASE REPORT We present a 42-year-smoker man without any medical problem who developed syncope. Coronary angiography revealed diffuse significant narrowing of proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD), 90% osteal stenosis of large obtuse marginal (OM), 90% diffuse narrowing of proximal right coronary artery (RCA), which was relieved by intracoronary administration of nitrate. He was discharged on calcium channel blockers and nitrates but one month later developed syncope again and died. CONCLUSION Multivessel coronary artery spasm should be considered in young smoker patients without any other coronary risk factors who present with syncope.
Falsoleiman, Homa; Bayani, Baktash; Dehghani, Mashalla; Moohebati, Mohsen; Rohani, Atoosheh
Bilateral coronary thrombosis in the absence of inducible coronary spasm, thrombocytosis, coagulation abnormalities, or angiographic evidence of coronary artery disease: previously undescribed method of myocardial infarction.
A 32-year-old man presented with symptoms and electrocardiographic changes consistent with acute anterolateral myocardial infarction. Selective coronary angiography revealed thromboses in the infarct related artery as well as in the right coronary artery. This case is unique because bilateral in-situ coronary thrombosis producing acute myocardial infarction was documented in the absence of previously proposed mechanisms. PMID:3409313
Feit, A; Hazday, M S; Reddy, C V; Kipperman, R
Secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death in coronary artery spasm: Is implantable cardioverter defibrillator always efficient?
Syncope and\\/or cardiac arrest in the setting of coronary artery spasm have been associated with atrioventricular block and asystole or ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Ventricular arrhythmias have been predominantly reported in cases of multivessel coronary artery spasm. The present report highlights the case of a young woman who suffered repeated episodes of multivessel coronary artery spasm in association with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Konstantinos P. Letsas; Gerasimos S. Filippatos; Michalis Efremidis; Antonios Sideris; Fotios Kardaras
Prevalence of coronary artery spasm during dobutamine stress echocardiography.
The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of coronary artery spasm during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE). Over a 9-year period (from November 2001 to October 2010) we reviewed all patients (n = 2,224) referred for DSE. Criteria for selection included patients > 18 years old who underwent DSE. We systematically analyzed all electrocardiograms obtained during DSE to detect ST-segment elevation during the examination. All patients with ST-segment elevation underwent coronary angiography. DSE was performed in 2,179 patients. ST-segment elevation was observed in 21 patients, all of whom underwent emergency coronary angiography. In 13 of these 21 patients (62%) significant coronary stenosis was observed: 6 patients with critical coronary stenosis and 7 patients with chronic coronary occlusion. The remaining 8 patients (38% of patients presenting with ST-segment elevation during DSE, 7 men, mean age 67 � 11 years) had no significant coronary stenosis. Prevalence of coronary artery spasm during DSE was 0.4%. In conclusion, physicians should be aware that, although rare, coronary artery spasm may occur during DSE. PMID:22189013
Mansencal, Nicolas; El Hajjaji, Imane; El Mahmoud, Rami; Digne, Franck; Dubourg, Olivier
Coronary and peripheral arterial responses to ergometrine in patients susceptible to coronary and oesophageal spasm.
Vascular responses to ergometrine were compared in groups of patients subject to coronary artery spasm, or oesophageal spasm, or neither. We measured the degree of diffuse narrowing at different coronary artery sites (not in spasm), and the rise in blood pressure. The data provide no evidence for a generalised sensitivity to alpha-adrenergic stimulation underlying either of these two clinical entities. The left main stem was narrowed significantly less than the three main branches of the coronary artery tree. The degree of diffuse coronary artery narrowing was not influenced by the presence or absence of minor (less than or equal to 50%) fixed stenotic lesions, nor by the initial calibre of the arteries. Ergometrine did not alter arterial lactate concentration or lactate extraction in the absence of coronary spasm.
Dalal, J J; Dart, A M; Davies, H A; Sheridan, D J; Ruttley, M S; Henderson, A H
Microvascular Coronary Artery Spasm Presents Distinctive Clinical Features With Endothelial Dysfunction as Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Background Angina without significant stenosis, or nonobstructive coronary artery disease, attracts clinical attention. Microvascular coronary artery spasm (microvascular CAS) can cause nonobstructive coronary artery disease. We investigated the clinical features of microvascular CAS and the therapeutic efficacy of calcium channel blockers. Methods and Results Three hundred seventy consecutive, stable patients with suspected angina presenting nonobstructive coronary arteries (<50% diameter) in coronary angiography were investigated with the intracoronary acetylcholine provocation test, with simultaneous measurements of transcardiac lactate production and of changes in the quantitative coronary blood flow. We diagnosed microvascular CAS according to lactate production and a decrease in coronary blood flow without epicardial vasospasm during the acetylcholine provocation test. We prospectively followed up the patients with calcium channel blockers for microvascular coronary artery disease. We identified 50 patients with microvascular CAS who demonstrated significant impairment of the endothelium-dependent vascular response, which was assessed by coronary blood flow during the acetylcholine provocation test. Administration of isosorbide dinitrate normalized the abnormal coronary flow pattern in the patients with microvascular CAS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that female sex, a lower body mass index, minor�borderline ischemic electrocardiogram findings at rest, limited�baseline diastolic-to-systolic velocity ratio, and attenuated adenosine triphosphate�induced coronary flow reserve were independently correlated with the presence of microvascular CAS. Receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis revealed that the aforementioned 5-variable model showed good correlation with the presence of microvascular CAS (area under the curve: 0.820). No patients with microvascular CAS treated with calcium channel blockers developed cardiovascular events over 47.8�27.5 months. Conclusions Microvascular CAS causes distinctive clinical features and endothelial dysfunction that are important to recognize as nonobstructive coronary artery disease so that optimal care with calcium channel blockers can be provided. Clinical Trial Registration URL: www.umin.ac.jp/ctr. Unique identifier: UMIN000003839.
Ohba, Keisuke; Sugiyama, Seigo; Sumida, Hitoshi; Nozaki, Toshimitsu; Matsubara, Junichi; Matsuzawa, Yasushi; Konishi, Masaaki; Akiyama, Eiichi; Kurokawa, Hirofumi; Maeda, Hirofumi; Sugamura, Koichi; Nagayoshi, Yasuhiro; Morihisa, Kenji; Sakamoto, Kenji; Tsujita, Kenichi; Yamamoto, Eiichiro; Yamamuro, Megumi; Kojima, Sunao; Kaikita, Koichi; Tayama, Shinji; Hokimoto, Seiji; Matsui, Kunihiko; Sakamoto, Tomohiro; Ogawa, Hisao
Coronary artery spasm of different degrees as cause of angina at rest with ST segment depression and elevation.
Chest pain induced by ergometrine was associated with ST depression and subsequent elevation in anterior leads in a 42-year-old man suffering from angina at rest. Coronary arteriography during the attack showed that coronary arterial spasm of different degrees was responsible for chest pain and both types of electrocardiographic abnormality. Images
De Servi, S; Specchia, G; Angoli, L
Frequency of provoked coronary vasospasm in patients undergoing coronary arteriography with spasm provocation test of acetylcholine
This study examines the incidence of spasm by intracoronary injection of acetylcholine in Japanese patients who underwent coronary angiography. The subjects were 685 consecutive patients (477 men, mean age 63.2 � 7.5 years) who were studied with an acetylcholine test. Acetylcholine was injected in incremental doses of 20, 50, and 80 ?g into the right coronary artery and 20, 50,
Shozo Sueda; Naoto Ochi; Hiroyuki Kawada; Shouzou Matsuda; Yutaka Hayashi; Takashi Tsuruoka; Tadao Uraoka
Balloon-Assisted Tracking to Overcome Radial Spasm during Transradial Coronary Angiography: A Case Report
Spasm of the radial artery is the most important cause of failure to perform coronary angiography via the transradial approach. Spasmolytic cocktail may prevent radial artery spasm but is relatively contraindicated in patients with aortic stenosis or diminished left ventricular function. In this case report we describe a recently published technique to overcome severe radial spasm during transradial coronary angiography in a patient with moderate aortic valve stenosis.
Verouden, N. J. W.; Kiemeneij, F.
Coronary-artery spasm after coronary artery bypass graft surgery without extracorporeal circulation: diagnostic and management.
Coronary artery spasm in perioperative of coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a serious complication, with high rate mortality. Patient 51 years-old submitted to coronary artery bypass graft surgery without Extracorporeal Circulation. The patient evolved in 1st post operative (PO) day with enzymatic alteration and ST-elevation, developing soon afterwards in ventricular fibrillation, defibrillation with success. Cardiac catheterization showed important spasm of all coronary arteries and anastomosis between the left internal thoracic artery and the left anterior interventricular artery. Intracoronary Vasodilators and intra-graft, with re-establishment of their usual and immediate calibers to improve clinic and Hemodynamic stability was used. Satisfactory evolution, discharged at 13rd PO day. PMID:21103752
Carneiro Neto, Joaquim David; Lima Neto, Jos� Antonio de; Sim�es, Rosa Maria da Costa; Stolf, Noedir Antonio Groppo
Clinical characteristics of perioperative coronary spasm: reviews of 115 case reports in Japan
Purpose. Factors affecting perioperative development of coronary spasm have not been elucidated. A number of case reports describing\\u000a perioperative coronary spasm have appeared in Japanese anesthesia journals, mostly published in Japanese. The purpose of this\\u000a study was to investigate the contributing factors affecting perioperative coronary artery spasm by reviewing the published\\u000a articles.\\u000a \\u000a \\u000a \\u000a \\u000a Methods. Reports were identified by using Medline database
Kenichiro Koshiba; Sumio Hoka
Coronary Vasomotor Response to Intracoronary Acetylcholine Injection, Clinical Features, and Long-term Prognosis in 873 Consecutive Patients With Coronary Spasm: Analysis of a Single-Center Study Over 20 Years
Background The aim of this study was to elucidate the correlation between angiographic coronary vasomotor responses to intracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) injection, clinical features, and long?term prognosis in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). Methods and Results This is a retrospective, observational, single?center study of 1877 consecutive patients who underwent ACh?provocation test between January 1991 and December 2010. ACh?provoked coronary spasm was observed in 873 of 1637 patients included in the present analysis. ACh?positive patients were more likely to be older male smokers with dyslipidemia, to have a family history of ischemic heart disease, and to have a comorbidity of coronary epicardial stenosis than were ACh?negative patients. ACh?positive patients were divided into 2 groups: those with focal (total or subtotal obstruction, n=511) and those with diffuse (severe diffuse vasoconstriction, n=362) spasm patterns. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified female sex and low comorbidity of coronary epicardial stenosis to correlate with the ACh?provoked diffuse spasm pattern in patients with VSA. Kaplan�Meier survival curve indicated better 5?year survival rates free from major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with diffuse spasm pattern compared with those with focal spasm pattern (P=0.019). Multivariable Cox hazard regression analysis identified diffuse spasm pattern as a negative predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with VSA. Conclusions ACh?induced diffuse coronary spasm was frequently observed in female VSA patients free of severe coronary epicardial stenosis and was associated with better prognosis than focal spasm. These results suggest the need to identify the ACh?provoked coronary spasm subtypes in patients with VSA.
Sato, Koji; Kaikita, Koichi; Nakayama, Naoki; Horio, Eiji; Yoshimura, Hiromi; Ono, Takamichi; Ohba, Keisuke; Tsujita, Kenichi; Kojima, Sunao; Tayama, Shinji; Hokimoto, Seiji; Matsui, Kunihiko; Sugiyama, Seigo; Yamabe, Hiroshige; Ogawa, Hisao
Generalized spasm of the right coronary artery after successful stent implantation provoked by intracoronary administration of ergonovine.
Coronary spasm may be one of the reasons for the appearance of chest pain after successful percutaneous coronary interventions, and is potentially hazardous when myocardial ischemia occurs. Coronary spasm can be diagnosed by intracoronary administration of ergonovine as a selective spasm provocative test. We report here the case of a patient who had chest pain and ST segment elevation 10 days after successful right coronary artery stent implantation. Repeat angiography was performed, with results of no in-stent stenosis and no stenosis in other segments. Since coronary artery spasm was considered as a possible reason, a spasm provocative test was attempted. Following ergonovine administration (total dose, 50 mug) into the right coronary artery, severe spasm with 99% stenosis developed over the whole artery except the stented segment. Isosorbide dinitrate was injected immediately, and the provoked spasm was soon relieved. Intravascular ultrasound revealed no neointima at the stented segment and diffuse and mild low-echogenic concentric plaque at the distal as well as proximal segment of the stent. Most reports regarding coronary artery spasm provocative tests have focused on focal lesions before interventional therapy, or during interventional procedures. Although it is quite rare, potential coronary spasm should be considered when chest symptoms recur after percutaneous coronary interventions without angiographic representation. PMID:17064794
Li, Yuxin; Honye, Junko; Takayama, Tadateru; Saito, Satoshi
Coronary artery spasm during angiography in a pediatric heart transplant recipient: subsequent prevention by intracoronary nitroglycerin administration.
Coronary artery spasm can occur during coronary angiography in pediatric heart transplant recipients. The angiographic appearance can suggest allograft vasculopathy. We report coronary artery spasm in a pediatric heart transplant recipient in whom intracoronary nitroglycerin administration prevented a repetition of spasm upon subsequent diagnostic coronary angiography. Additional studies of dose response, particularly in cardiac transplant recipients, may help determine whether lower doses of intracoronary nitrates, such as that administered to our patient, can be effective in preventing coronary artery vasospasm in pediatric heart transplant recipients. PMID:20844625
Ferguson, Matthew E; Pearce, F Bennett; Hsu, Hao H; Misra, Vijay K; Kirklin, James K
A Patient with Repeated Catastrophic Multi-Vessel Coronary Spasm after Zotarolimus-Eluting Stent Implantation
Drug-eluting stents (DES) have gained great popularity because of extraordinarily low rates of restenosis. Despite these superior clinical outcomes, several cases regarding the severe multi-vessel coronary spasm, although rare, after the placement of first generation DES have been reported. We report a case of severe, multi-vessel coronary spasm that occurred two occasions after placement of a zotarolimus-eluting stent, one of the second generation DES, in a 42-year-old man with unstable angina. The first incidence was relieved by intracoronary nitroglycerin alone, and second incident, which had combined fixed stenosis was treated with intracoronary nitroglycerin and everolimus-eluting stent.
Rhew, Shi Hyun; Cho, Eun Ae; Kim, Min Sok; Jang, Su Young; Lee, Ki Hong; Lee, Min Goo; Park, Keun Ho; Sim, Doo Sun; Hong, Young Joon; Kim, Ju Han; Jeong, Myung Ho
Worsening of coronary spasm during the perioperative period: A case report
We present the case of a 65-year-old male with vasospastic angina (VSA) whose condition worsened during the perioperative period. He had been diagnosed with VSA 10 years prior. He was treated with two types of vasodilators and had not experienced any chest symptoms for 5 years. At this juncture, he underwent surgery for relapsed maxillary sublingual carcinoma. He had taken two vasodilators one day prior to surgery. Intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin (NTG) was initiated immediately before the surgery and continued the following day. Instead of stopping NTG, a dermal isosorbide dinitrate tape was applied on post-operative day 1. Two days later, a complete atrioventricular block with pulseless electrical activity appeared. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation, emergent coronary angiography showed severe coronary spasm in both the left and right coronary arteries. Intracoronary infusion of nitroglycerin and epinephrine with percutaneous cardiopulmonary support relieved the coronary spasm. During the perioperative period, several factors can trigger coronary vasospasm, including the discontinuation of vasodilators. Thus, surgeons, anesthetists, and cardiologists should watch for coronary vasospasm during this period and for worsening coronary spasm when discontinuing vasodilators in patients at risk for VSA.
Teragawa, Hiroki; Nishioka, Kenji; Fujii, Yuichi; Idei, Naomi; Hata, Takaki; Kurushima, Shuji; Shokawa, Tomoki; Kihara, Yasuki
Nitroglycerin is preferable to diltiazem for prevention of coronary bypass conduit spasm
Background. Diltiazem is widely used to prevent radial artery spasm after coronary bypass grafting (CABG). However, recent in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that nitroglycerin is a superior conduit vasodilator compared to diltiazem. A clinical comparison of these agents in patients undergoing CABG has not been previously performed.Methods. One hundred sixty-one consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG with the
Oz M Shapira; Joseph D Alkon; Donald S. F Macron; John F Keaney; Joseph A Vita; Gabriel S Aldea; Richard J Shemin
Prompt institution of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support managed perioperative refractory vascular spasm after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.
A 51-year-old Japanese male underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. After weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (348�min), sudden bradycardia and hypotension occurred, followed by ventricular fibrillation. Although defibrillation and infusion of catecholamine restored sinus rhythm, transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated severely reduced contraction of both ventricles, and perioperative vascular spasm was suspected. As vascular spasm was refractory to medications, percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) system was quickly instituted under cardiac massage. Coronary angiography revealed vascular spasm of not only the native coronary arteries but also the implanted left internal thoracic artery. After 3�days of full hemodynamic assist, PCPS was withdrawn with no obvious abnormalities in regional wall motion by transesophageal echocardiography. The patient was extubated on postoperative day 6 with no impaired brain function. In this case, the immediate diagnosis of refractory vascular spasm by transesophageal echocardiography and full cardiocirculatory assistance by PCPS helped to save the life of the patient. PMID:23315203
Nakazawa, Harumasa; Moriyama, Kiyoshi; Motoyasu, Akira; Endo, Hidehito; Kubota, Hiroshi; Yorozu, Tomoko
Coronary spasm as the cause of myocardial ischaemia in a patient with anomalous origin of the left anterior descending artery from the proximal right coronary artery.
A 49-year-old woman developed angina at rest. A CT of the coronary artery revealed that the left anterior descending artery arose from the right coronary artery, and traversed between the aorta and pulmonary trunk. An exercise stress myocardial scintigraphy did not reproduce myocardial ischaemia or anginal symptoms. A coronary angiography did not show any atherosclerotic changes. Finally, an ergotamine provocation test for vasospasm revealed diffuse severe spasm in the right coronary artery and the left anterior descending artery. Surgical correction of the anomaly was deferred and the patient was managed with medications to control spasm with good clinical outcome. PMID:24920513
Nakazato, Jun; Hirata, Kazuhito; Wake, Minoru
Cold pressure test producing coronary spasm, coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction in a patient with IgM antibodies against Coxsackie B virus.
Several lines of evidence have shown that viral infections are capable of causing coronary spasm and precipitating or mimicking clinical myocardial infarction. Here we report the case of a 41-year-old woman with recurrent angina who was admitted to our hospital because of ventricular tachycardia. Laboratory examination revealed positive IgM titers against Coxsackie B virus. Coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries, but following a cold pressure test severe spasm of all coronaries with thrombotic occlusion of the second marginal branch of the circumflex artery occurred. We conclude that coronary spasm should be clinically suspected in patients with chest pain and ventricular arrhythmia in combination with IgM antibodies against Coxsackie B virus. In these patients, a cold pressure test should be avoided, and antithrombotic and antispastic therapy is recommended. PMID:10844390
Haberbosch, W; Roerich, N; Neuzner, J
Coronary spasm after the topical use of cocaine in nasal surgery
Summary Background: Cocaine is a frequently used recreational drug which imposes important health problems with even life-threatening cardiotoxicity. The therapeutic use of cocaine is nowadays restricted to topical anesthesia in ophthalmological and nasal surgery but the possible hazards of this local anesthesia are not always fully appreciated. Case Report: A 51-year old male patient with moderate cardiovascular risk profile underwent elective nasal surgery and cocaine was used as a local anesthetic. During surgery, ventricular arrhythmias and cardiogenic shock occurred, mimicking an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in sinus rhythm. Coronary angiography showed diffuse spasm of the right coronary artery (RCA) which disappeared with intracoronary nitrates. Urine analysis was positive for cocaine. The patient recovered completely with a normal echocardiography and ECG at discharge. Conclusions: Cocaine cardiotoxicity is not uncommon in the community but a particular situation arises when used in medicine as a topical anesthetic. This is the first case report, to our knowledge, of a cardiogenic shock mimicking a STEMI with documentation of diffuse coronary spasm after cocaine use in nasal surgery. One must be aware of the potential life-threatening complications in this low-risk surgery, moreover when safer alternatives are available.
Lenders, Guy D.; Jorens, Philippe G.; De Meyer, Tim; Vandendriessche, Tom; Verbrugghe, Walter; Vrints, Christiaan J.
Persistent coronary artery spasm documented by follow-up coronary angiography in patients with symptomatic remission of variant angina.
For patients with variant angina it is very important to start medical therapy using calcium-channel blockers. However, the decision of physicians regarding whether to decrease the dose of the drug or discontinue it is controversial. We investigated whether the nature of spasm is remissive and whether the termination of medications is safe. The subjects studied were included in the Vasospastic Angina in Catholic Medical Center Registry from March 2001 to December 2009. We analyzed 37 patients (62 lesions) with variant angina, diagnosed using coronary angiography (CAG) and he acetylcholine provocation test, without any organic coronary stenosis, whose symptoms were well controlled after medication. The follow-up CAG with provocation test was performed at a median interval of 44 months. The characteristics of spasm were analyzed on each pair of CAGs. The study group consisted of 23 men (62.2 %) and 14 women (37.8 %) with a mean age of 59 � 11.1 years. The follow-up CAG with provocation test showed that the characteristics of the spasmodic nature were consistent with the first test in all patients. Although the patients with variant angina had no chest pain after medical treatment, the spasmodic nature of coronary arteries still remained. We may decrease the drug dosage after carefully checking the patient's symptoms but recommend not discontinuing therapy, even if the patient is asymptomatic. PMID:22526378
Seo, Suk Min; Kim, Pum Joon; Shin, Dong Il; Kim, Tae-Hoon; Kim, Chan Jun; Min, Jin-soo; Koh, Yoon Seok; Park, Hun Jun; Kim, Dong Bin; Her, Sung-Ho; Chang, Ki-Yuk; Baek, Sang Hong; Chung, Wook Sung; Seung, Ki-Bae
Incidence of spasm at the site of previous successful transluminal coronary angioplasty: effect of ergometrine maleate in consecutive patients.
The incidence of coronary artery spasm at the site of previous successful angioplasty and its importance in leading to subsequent restenosis or recurrence of symptoms are unknown. Fourteen consecutive patients with single vessel coronary artery disease who had undergone successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty were studied. All patients were given ergometrine maleate (ergonovine maleate) intravenously during repeat cardiac catheterisation six weeks to three months after angioplasty. Five patients demonstrated excessive luminal reduction (spasm) at the site of previous angioplasty that led to luminal stenoses ranging from 50% to 79%. Two of these patients developed chest pain and ST segment changes during ergometrine maleate provocation and they also showed maximal vasoconstriction. The remaining nine patients did not develop important luminal change at the site of angioplasty after ergometrine maleate. Ergometrine maleate administration resulted in less than or equal to 20% reduction in lumen diameter of adjacent apparently normal sections of the coronary arteries in all but two patients. At the site of previous angioplasty in the five patients with spasm, however, the lumen was constricted by a mean (SD) of 51 (12)%, whereas in the nine patients not demonstrating spasm mean reduction was 12 (7)%. Thus hypersensitivity to ergometrine maleate at the site of previous successful angioplasty was demonstrated in over a third of consecutive patients with single vessel coronary artery disease. The importance of this finding to long term results of coronary angioplasty needs to be investigated further. Images Fig. 4
Quyyumi, A A; Raphael, M; Perrins, E J; Shapiro, L M; Rickards, A F; Fox, K M
Cold Pressure Test Producing Coronary Spasm, Coronary Thrombosis and Myocardial Infarction in a Patient with IgM Antibodies against Coxsackie B Virus
Several lines of evidence have shown that viral infections are capable of causing coronary spasm and precipitating or mimicking clinical myocardial infarction. Here we report the case of a 41-year-old woman with recurrent angina who was admitted to our hospital because of ventricular tachycardia. Laboratory examination revealed positive IgM titers against Coxsackie B virus. Coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries,
Werner Haberbosch; Norbert Roerich; Joerg Neuzner
Optical coherence tomography reveals a non-spasm pseudo-coronary artery stenosis: a case report and review of literature
We described a case of angiographic stenosis that was highly suitable for stenting and it remained even after repeated intracoronary administration of nitroglycerin. However, optical coherence tomography showed the stenosis disappeared and the artery wall was smooth. It was therefore speculated that this was a just non-spasm pseudo-coronary artery stenosis. We hope that sharing this experience can aid cardiologists to avoid unnecessary implantation of stents.
Wang, Yi-Ping; Jiang, Jinfa; Luo, Ming; Hu, Zhaohui; Sun, Bing; Cao, Hua-Ming
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection mimicking coronary spasm diagnosed by intravascular ultrasonography.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare and occasionally life-threatening cause of acute coronary syndrome. Patients may present with clinical scenarios ranging from angina pectoris to cardiogenic shock to sudden cardiac death, and it may be a potentially life-threatening condition if not recognized. However, its etiology, pathophysiology and optimal therapeutic strategies have not been well understood. SCAD is diagnosed on the basis of coronary angiography, but complementary techniques as such intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography should be considered for diagnostic clarification where appropriate. Likewise, the selection of treatment strategy depends upon the clinical manifestation, location and the extent of dissection and amount of ischemic myocardium at risk. Herein, we present the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with acute myocardial infarction. She was diagnosed by IVUS with spontaneous diffuse dissection of the left anterior descending artery without atheroma, treated with percutaneous coronary stenting, and had a favorable clinical course and was discharged on medical therapy. PMID:23964297
Chung, Hyemoon; Lee, Sung-Joo; Park, Jong-Kwan; Choi, In Suk; Won, Ho Yeon; Kim, Sohee; Cha, Jung-Joon; Lee, Byoung Kwon
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Mimicking Coronary Spasm Diagnosed by Intravascular Ultrasonography
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare and occasionally life-threatening cause of acute coronary syndrome. Patients may present with clinical scenarios ranging from angina pectoris to cardiogenic shock to sudden cardiac death, and it may be a potentially life-threatening condition if not recognized. However, its etiology, pathophysiology and optimal therapeutic strategies have not been well understood. SCAD is diagnosed on the basis of coronary angiography, but complementary techniques as such intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography should be considered for diagnostic clarification where appropriate. Likewise, the selection of treatment strategy depends upon the clinical manifestation, location and the extent of dissection and amount of ischemic myocardium at risk. Herein, we present the case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with acute myocardial infarction. She was diagnosed by IVUS with spontaneous diffuse dissection of the left anterior descending artery without atheroma, treated with percutaneous coronary stenting, and had a favorable clinical course and was discharged on medical therapy.
Chung, Hyemoon; Lee, Sung-Joo; Park, Jong-Kwan; Choi, In Suk; Won, Ho Yeon; Kim, Sohee; Cha, Jung-Joon
Basal and Ischemia-Induced Transcardiac Troponin Release into the Coronary Circulation in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease
Background Cardiac troponin is a specific biomarker for cardiomyocyte necrosis in acute coronary syndromes. Troponin release from the coronary circulation remains to be determined because of the lower sensitivity of the conventional assay. We sought to determine basal and angina-induced troponin release using a highly sensitive troponin assay. Methods and Results The cardiac troponin T levels in serum sampled from the peripheral vein (PV), the aortic root (AO), and the coronary sinus (CS) were measured in 105 consecutive stable patients with coronary risk factor(s) and suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) and in 33 patients without CAD who underwent an acetylcholine provocation test. At baseline, there was a significant increase in the troponin levels from AO [9.0 (6.4, 13.1) pg/mL for median (25th, 75th percentiles)] to CS [10.3 (7.3, 15.5) pg/mL, p<0.001] in 96 (91.4%) patients and the difference was 1.1 (0.4, 2.1) pg/mL, which reflected basal transcardiac troponin release (TTR). TTR was positively correlated with PV levels (r?=?0.22, p?=?0.03). Male sex, left ventricular hypertrophy determined by echocardiography, T-wave inversion, and CAD correlated with elevated TTR defined as above: median, 1.1 pg/mL. A significant increase in TTR was noted in 17 patients with coronary spasms [0.6 (0.2, 1.2) pg/mL, p<0.01] but not in 16 patients without spasms [0.0 (?0.5, 0.9) pg/mL, p?=?0.73] after the acetylcholine provocation. Conclusion Basal TTR in the coronary circulation was observed in most of the patients with suspected CAD and risk factor(s). This sensitive assay detected myocardial ischemia-induced increases in TTR caused by coronary spasms.
Konishi, Masaaki; Sugiyama, Seigo; Sugamura, Koichi; Nozaki, Toshimitsu; Ohba, Keisuke; Matsubara, Junichi; Sakamoto, Kenji; Nagayoshi, Yasuhiro; Sumida, Hitoshi; Akiyama, Eiichi; Matsuzawa, Yasushi; Sakamaki, Kentaro; Morita, Satoshi; Kimura, Kazuo; Umemura, Satoshi; Ogawa, Hisao
Intramural hemorrhage and endothelial changes in atherosclerotic coronary artery after repetitive episodes of spasm in x-ray-irradiated hypercholesterolemic pigs
To assess whether coronary spasm affects the progression of atherosclerosis and results in evolution of myocardial infarction, the role of coronary spasm on the fine structure of conduit coronary arteries was studied morphologically. Goettingen miniature pigs were fed a semisynthetic diet containing 2% cholesterol and 1.1% sodium cholate. One month after being on this diet, the pigs were anesthetized and the endothelium of a branch of the left coronary artery was denuded using a balloon catheter. X-ray irradiation in a dose of 1,500 rad was given twice selectively to the area denuded, after 4 and 5 months of cholesterol feeding. Five months after endothelial denudation, transient (group A) and repetitive episodes (group B) of coronary spasm were provoked by single and periodic (five times every 5 minutes) intracoronary injections of serotonin (10 micrograms/kg/injection), respectively. The extent of spasm by serotonin at the previously denuded site was 84 +/- 4% (n = 4) and 90 +/- 5% (n = 6) narrowing in groups A and B (p = NS between groups), respectively. Forty minutes after the final administration of serotonin, the left coronary artery was relaxed by nitroglycerin, and the heart was isolated and perfuse-fixed under physiological pressure. Intramural hemorrhage was noted at the spastic site in six pigs of group B but not in group A. The average percent luminal narrowing, on cross sections at the spastic site in group B, was significantly greater than in group A (56 +/- 7% vs. 23 +/- 5%, p less than 0.01). Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the endothelial lining was intact at the nonspastic site in both groups. In addition to the appearance of intercellular bridges at the spastic site in both groups, squeezing of endothelial cells and adhesion of white blood cells were present at the spastic site exclusively in group B.
Nagasawa, K.; Tomoike, H.; Hayashi, Y.; Yamada, A.; Yamamoto, T.; Nakamura, M. (Kyushu Univ., Fukuoka (Japan))
Uncommon and dynamic changes detected by 123I-15-(p-iodophenyl)-3-R,S-methylpentadecanoic acid myocardial single photon emission computed tomography in a stunned myocardium induced by coronary microvascular spasm.
A 55-yr-old man underwent surgery. Soon after the procedure was finished, the patient complained of chest pain, and the electrocardiogram showed increase in the ST-segment in some leads. Emergency angiography showed normal coronary arteries, but there was asynergy in the left ventricle, and delayed filling of contrast medium was observed in the LCA. An intracoronary infusion of isosorbide dinitrate did not improve the delayed filling of contrast medium or ST segment increase in the electrocardiogram. Soon after nicorandil was injected into the LCA, the patient's symptoms, electrocardiogram, and delayed filling of contrast medium dramatically improved. On the second day, initial imaging by 123I-BMIPP myocardial SPECT showed a moderate increase in tracer uptake in the apico-anteroseptal region and a moderate decrease in tracer uptake in the lateral region, in which the first left ventriculography showed akinesis, and delayed imaging revealed a moderate increase in tracer uptake in the apical region and a high washout of 123I-BMIPP in the anteroseptal and lateral regions. On the sixth day, initial imaging by 123I-BMIPP myocardial SPECT showed a moderate decrease in tracer uptake in the apical and lateral regions and a mild decrease in tracer uptake in the anteroseptal region, and delayed imaging revealed a moderate increase in tracer uptake in the apical region and a high washout of 123I-BMIPP in the anteroseptal and lateral regions. By the 30th day, 123I-BMIPP myocardial SPECT had normalized. We consider that these dynamic changes in 123I-BMIPP myocardial SPECT imaging may reflect metabolic changes in fatty acids in the ischemic state, the size of the triacylglycerol pool, and the degree of turnover in the triacylglycerol pool. PMID:11023032
Zen, K; Ito, K; Hikosaka, T; Adachi, Y; Yoneyama, S; Katoh, S; Azuma, A; Sugihara, H; Nakagawa, M
Characterization of the Oxybutynin Antagonism of Drug-Induced Spasms in Detrusor
Oxybutynin chloride exerts a moderate anticholinergic effect on rabbit detrusor in vitro, which is reversible and competitive in nature (Kg = 4.7 � 10�9), and midway in potency between atropine and papaverine. In addition, oxybutynin strongly antagonizes BaCl2-induced spasms of detrusor with a potency equivalent to that of papaverine and 10 times that of atropine. This musculotropic spasmolytic effect is
Gordon F. Anderson; Christopher M. Fredericks
Withdrawal of magnesium enhances coronary arterial spasms produced by vasoactive agents.
1 The influence of external magnesium ions ([Mg2+]o) on the sensitivity (i.e. EC50) and contractility (maximum response) of isolated large and small coronary arteries of the dog, obtained from different regions of the myocardium, to vasoactive agents was studied. 2 Removal of [Mg2+]o from the physiological salt solution enhanced, while elevation in [Mg2+]o to 4.8 mM, lowered the contractile sensitivity to three different agents, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), angiotensin II and KCl. 3 Contractility, of both large and small coronary arteries, to 5-HT and angiotensin II was potentiated and depressed, respectively, by withdrawal and elevation of [Mg2+]o; maximum responses to KCl were not altered by 0 or 4.8 mM [Mg2+]o. 4 Cumulative concentration-contractile effect curves to CaCl2 were shifted leftward on removal of [Mg2+]o; elevation of [Mg2+]o to 4.8 mM shifted the CaCl2 concentration-effect curves to the right. Maximal contractile responses to CaCl2 were enhanced by removal of, and reduced by elevation of, [Mg2+]o. 5 The calcium channel blocking agent, verapamil (10(-6)M), inhibited completely contractile responses to KCl; contractile responses elicited by angiotensin II and 5-HT were attenuated by verapamil. 6 A variety of pharmacological antagonists (phentolamine, propranolol, methysergide, atropine, diphenhydramine), as well as use of a prostaglandin cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, did not modify the altered contractile responses evoked by angiotensin II or KCl in different concentrations of Mg2+. 7 These results suggest: (1) [Mg2+]o may exert considerably greater influence on receptor-operated rather than membrane-potential sensitive channels involved in Ca2+ transport in coronary arterial smooth muscle; (2) Mg2+ interferes with the affinity (binding) of certain agonists (5-HT and angiotensin II) for their respective receptors in coronary vascular muscle; and (3) a functional pool of Ca2+ which is resistant to Ca2+-depletion, but accessible to activation by 5-HT and angiotensin II is present in canine coronary arterial smooth muscle.
Altura, B. M.; Turlapaty, P. D.
Flow-mediated, endothelium-dependent dilatation of the brachial arteries is impaired in patients with coronary spastic angina
Coronary spasm is induced by acetylcholine, serotonin, ergonovine, or histamine, all of which cause vasodilation when the endothelium is intact, and is promptly relieved by nitroglycerin, which vasodilates through the direct action on smooth muscle. Endothelial dysfunction is therefore possibly involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery spasm. The aim of this study was to determine whether endothelium-dependent vasodilation is
Takeshi Motoyama; Hiroaki Kawano; Kiyotaka Kugiyama; Ken Okumura; Masamichi Ohgushi; Michihiro Yoshimura; Osamu Hirashima; Hirofumi Yasue
... in the form of microvascular decompression, which relieves pressure on the facial nerve, will relieve hemifacial spasm in many cases. This intervention has significant potential side-effects, so risks and benefits have to ...
Amiodarone-Induced Destructive Thyroiditis Associated with Coronary Artery Vasospasm and Recurrent Ventricular Fibrillation
A 55-year-old male on long-term amiodarone therapy presented with ischaemic chest pain and recurrent unwitnessed syncope. Interrogation of his internal cardiac defibrillator, which had been inserted 4 years earlier, revealed two episodes of ventricular fibrillation, the timing of which corresponded to his syncopal events. Severe spontaneous coronary artery vasospasm was observed on coronary angiogram. Thyroid function testing revealed severe hyperthyroidism with a diagnosis of type 2 amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) subsequently made. Treatment with prednisolone therapy was commenced and thyroid function rapidly normalized. Prednisolone was weaned without recurrence of hyperthyroidism and on last review, 6 months after initial presentation, he remains free from further chest pain and arrhythmias. Our patient's presentation is a very rare case of AIT-associated coronary artery spasm and documented ischaemic ventricular fibrillation with fortunate survival.
Brooks, Matthew J.; Pattison, David A.; Teo, Eliza P.; Price, Sarah; Gurvitch, Ronen
C-Reactive Protein for Predicting Prognosis and Its Gender-Specific Associations with Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension in the Development of Coronary Artery Spasm
Background While hypertension is negatively associated with coronary artery spasm (CAS), scarce data are available on diabetes mellitus in relation to CAS. In addition, outcome prediction in patients with CAS is challenging due to the lack of appropriate biomarkers. Therefore, we sought to identify the roles that gender, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), diabetes mellitus and hypertension play in CAS development and prognosis. Methodology/Prinicpal Findings Patients (350 women and 547 men) undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography with or without proven CAS but without obstructive stenosis were evaluated at long-term follow-up (median 102 months). Diabetic women and diabetic men with low hs-CRP levels had a low and high risk of CAS (odds ratio [OR]: 0.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01�1.88 and OR: 5.02, 95% CI: 1.03�24.54, respectively). The ORs of CAS in both women and men with the highest hs-CRP tertile (>3 mg/L) reduced from 4.41 to 1.45 and 2.98 to 1.52, respectively, if they had diabetes mellitus, and from 9.68 to 2.43 and 2.60 to 1.75, respectively, if they had hypertension. Hypertension had a more negative effect on CAS development in diabetic than non-diabetic women, which was not observed in men. The highest hs-CRP tertile was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes. Patients with the highest hs-CRP tertile had more coronary events than patients with the lowest hs-CRP tertitle (p?=?0.021, log-rank test). Conclusions Diabetes mellitus contributes to CAS development in men with low hs-CRP levels, but not in women. There are negative effects of diabetes mellitus and hypertension on CAS development in patients with high hs-CRP levels and especially in women. Elevated hs-CRP level independently predicts adverse outcomes.
Hung, Ming-Jui; Hsu, Kuang-Hung; Hu, Wei-Syun; Chang, Nen-Chung; Hung, Ming-Yow
Gender-Specific Prognosis and Risk Impact of C-Reactive Protein, Hemoglobin and Platelet in the Development of Coronary Spasm
Background: Scarce data are available on hemoglobin and platelet in relation to coronary artery spasm (CAS) development. We sought to determine the roles that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), hemoglobin and platelet play in CAS patients. Methods: Patients (337 women and 532 men) undergoing coronary angiography with or without CAS but without obstructive coronary artery disease were evaluated during a 12-year period. Results: Among women with high hemoglobin levels, the odds ratios (OR) from the lowest (<1 mg/l) to the highest tertiles (>3 mg/l) of hs-CRP were 1.21, 2.15, and 5.93 (p=0.009). In women with low hemoglobin levels, an elevated risk was found from the middle to the highest tertiles of hs-CRP (OR 0.59 to 3.85) (p=0.004). This relationship was not observed in men. In men, platelet count was the most significant risk factor for CAS (p=0.004). The highest likelihood of developing CAS was found among women with the highest hs-CRP tertile and low platelet counts (OR 8.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.20-35.01) and among men with the highest hs-CRP tertile and high platelet counts (OR 4.58; 95% CI 0.48-43.97). Neither hemoglobin level nor platelet count was associated with frequent recurrent angina in both genders with CAS whereas death and myocardial infarction were rare. Conclusions: There are positive interactions among hs-CRP, hemoglobin and platelet in women with this disease, but not in men. While hemoglobin is a modifier in CAS development in women, platelet count is an independent risk factor for men. Both women and men have good prognosis of CAS.
Hung, Ming-Yow; Hsu, Kuang-Hung; Hu, Wei-Syun; Chang, Nen-Chung; Huang, Chun-Yao; Hung, Ming-Jui
FMLP provokes coronary vasoconstriction and myocardial ischemia in rabbits
Recent pathological studies of coronary arteries from humans with suspected coronary spasm have revealed an augmented intramural burden of inflammatory cells. To test the hypothesis than inappropriate activation of inflammatory cells participates in the evolution of coronary vasospasm, the present experiment employed a newly developed coronary arteriographic technique for use in pentobarbital-anesthetized rabbits to evaluate the coronary vasomotor actions of the nonselective inflammatory cell stimulant, N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP). In 10 of 10 animals, selective left intracoronary injection of 200 ng fMLP evoked profound left coronary narrowing accompanied in all cases by ST segment deviation and dysrhythmias. Thallium-201 scintigraphy demonstrated hypoperfusion of the left ventricular free wall and septum supplied by the spastic coronary artery. The fMLP-induced epicardial vasoconstriction, ischemic electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, and thallium perfusion defects were reversed by intravenous nitroglycerin. Neither the right coronary artery nor its distribution were influenced by left coronary injection of fMLP. Additional experiments in isolated, salt solution-perfused rabbit hearts demonstrated that fMLP failed to exert direct coronary vasoconstrictor effects. These observations indicate that the nonselective inflammatory cell stimulant, fMLP, provokes arteriographically demonstrable coronary spasm with attendant myocardial hypoperfusion and ischemic ECG changes in anesthetized rabbits. Such a model may be useful in exploring the dynamic role of inflammatory cells in development of coronary spasm.
Gillespie, M.N.; Booth, D.C.; Friedman, B.J.; Cunningham, M.R.; Jay, M.; De Maria, A.N. (Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington (USA))
Proteomic Analysis of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Treatment of an Infantile Spasm Model Induced by N-Methyl-d-Aspartic Acid and Prenatal Stress
Infantile spasms is an age-specific epileptic syndrome associated with poor developmental outcomes and poor response to nearly all traditional antiepileptic drugs except adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). We investigated the protective mechanism of ACTH against brain damage. An infantile spasm rat model induced by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) in neonate rats was used. Pregnant rats were randomly divided into the stress-exposed and the non-stress exposed groups, and their offspring were randomly divided into ACTH-treated spasm model, untreated spasm model, and control groups. A proteomics-based approach was used to detect the proteome differences between ACTH-treated and untreated groups. Gel image analysis was followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometric protein identification and bioinformatics analysis. Prenatal stress exposure resulted in more severe seizures, and ACTH treatment reduced and delayed the onset of seizures. The most significantly up-regulated proteins included isoform 1 of tubulin ?-5 chain, cofilin-1 (CFL1), synaptosomal-associated protein 25, malate dehydrogenase, N(G),N(G)-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1, annexin A3 (ANXA3), and rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 1 (ARHGDIA). In contrast, tubulin ?-1A chain was down-regulated. Three of the identified proteins, ARHGDIA, ANXA3, and CFL1, were validated using western blot analysis. ARHGDIA expression was assayed in the brain samples of five infantile spasm patients. These proteins are involved in the cytoskeleton, synapses, energy metabolism, vascular regulation, signal transduction, and acetylation. The mechanism underlying the effects of ACTH involves the molecular events affected by these proteins, and protein acetylation is the mechanism of action of the drug treatment.
Wang, Jing; Wang, Juan; Zhang, Ying; Yang, Guang; Zhou, Wen-Jing; Shang, Ai-Jia; Zou, Li-Ping
Varenicline-induced coronary thrombosis.
Varenicline (Champix, Chantix) has been available for use in smoking cessation since 2006. This drug has been associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Potential mechanisms for this association include modulation of parasymphathetic output from the brainstem to the heart, release of catecholamines and prothrombotic effect. We report the case of a 30-year-old man with no known cardiac disease, who developed thrombotic occlusion of left anterior descending artery and presented with acute coronary syndrome secondary to treatment with varenicline. The Naranjo probability scale indicates that varenicline was the probable cause of the myocardial infarction. PMID:24259623
Kalayci, Arzu; Eren, Aysegul; Kocabay, Gonenc; Karabay, Can Yucel; Gecmen, Cetin; Kirma, Cevat
Proteomic analysis on infantile spasm and prenatal stress.
Infantile spasms (IS) are an age-dependent epileptic encephalopathy with severe cognitive dysfunction. Prenatal stress (PS) has been reported to increase the risk for IS through clinical and animal studies. We aim to investigate the mechanism of brain damage caused by IS and the effect of PS. Animals were divided into 4 groups: PS-spasm model, PS-saline control, NS-spasm model, and saline control. N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) was used to induce spasm and swimming in cold water was used to induce PS. A proteomics-based approach was used to compare the NS-spasm model vs. saline control, and PS-spasm model vs. NS-spasm model. Gel image analysis was followed by mass spectrometric protein identification and bioinformatics analysis. We observed an increased spasm frequency (t=8.65, P<0.001), and a shorter latency period (t=3.96, P<0.001) in the PS-spasm model vs. the NS-spasm model. In the NS-spasm model vs. saline control, the main differentially expressed proteins were CFL1, PKM2, PRPS2, DLAT, CKB, DPYSL3, and SNAP25. In the PS-spasm model vs. NS-spasm model, MDH1 and YWHAZ were differentially expressed. YWHAZ was directly connected with CFL1 in protein networks. YWHAZ and CFL1 were further validated by Western blot analysis. The biological function of differentially expressed proteins indicates the pathogenesis of IS maybe relevant to energy metabolism, brain development, and neural remodeling. PS aggravated seizures in the NMDA-induced spasm model, YWHAZ, and CFL1 may be involved. PMID:24994451
Wang, Jing; Wang, Juan; Zhang, Ying; Yang, Guang; Shang, Ai-Jia; Zou, Li-Ping
Evaluation of coronary microvascular function in patients with vasospastic angina
AIM: To investigate endothelium-dependent and -independent coronary microvascular functions in patients with vasospastic angina (VSA). METHODS: Thirty-six patients with VSA (30 men and 6 women; mean age, 58 years) were enrolled in this study. VSA was defined as ? 90% narrowing of the epicardial coronary arteries on angiography performed during a spasm provocation test, presence of chest pain, and/or ST-segment deviation on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Patients (n = 36) with negative spasm provocation test results and those matched for age and sex were enrolled as a control group (nonVSA group). Low-dose acetylcholine (ACh; 3 ?g/min) was infused into the left coronary ostium for 2 min during the spasm provocation test. Following the spasm provocation test, nitroglycerin (0.2 mg) was administered intracoronally. Coronary blood flow (was calculated from quantitative angiography and Doppler flow velocity measurements, and the coronary flow reserve was calculated as the ratio of coronary flow velocity after injection of adenosine triphosphate (20 ?g) to the baseline value. Changes in the coronary artery diameter in response to ACh and nitroglycerin infusion were expressed as percentage changes from baseline measurements. RESULTS: Body mass index was significantly lower in the VSA group than in the nonVSA group. The frequency of conventional coronary risk factors and the rate of statin use were similar between the 2 groups. The left ventricular ejection fraction as evaluated by echocardiography was similar between the 2 groups. The duration of angina was 9 � 2 mo. The results of blood chemistry analysis were similar between the 2 groups. Low-dose ACh did not cause coronary spasms. The change in coronary artery diameter in response to ACh was lower in the VSA group (-1.4% � 9.3%) than in the nonVSA group (3.1% � 6.5%, P < 0.05), whereas nitroglycerin-induced coronary artery dilatation and coronary blood flow increase in response to ACh or coronary flow reserve did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that microvascular coronary function may be preserved despite endothelial dysfunction of the epicardial coronary arteries in patients with VSA.
Teragawa, Hiroki; Mitsuba, Naoya; Ishibashi, Ken; Nishioka, Kenji; Kurisu, Satoshi; Kihara, Yasuki
Spasms are a form of epileptic seizure typical of infancy. From a clinical point of view, the child presents a flexor�extensor movement involving the trunk and limbs and lasting about 1s. Although asymmetry can be present, the seizure involves both sides of the body.The ictal discharge most frequently associated with spasms in West syndrome (WS) is a diffuse triphasic slow
Federico Vigevano; Lucia Fusco; Christa Pachatz
Ischaemia in the Heart Due to Atherosclerotic Mechanisms, Flow Anomalies and Vascular Spasm.
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
In this report the authors have examined the evidence which seeks to identify ischaemia in the heart due to vascular occlusions that result from atherosclerotic mechanisms, hemodynamic flow anomalies and coronary artery spasm. The authors have shown how t...
D. J. Schneck R. B. Davis
Anaphylaxis from Wasp Stings Inducing Coronary Thrombus
Myocardial infarction as a result of wasp stings is a rare manifestation of acute coronary syndromes. It has been ascribed to kounis syndrome or allergic angina whose triggers include mast cell degranulation leading to coronary vasospasm and/or local plaque destabilisation. Its exact pathophysiology is still not clearly defined. We present a case of an acute coronary syndrome as a consequence of wasp stings and discuss its possible aetiology.
Kasim, Sazzli; AbuBakar, Rafidah; McFadden, Eugene
Tetanus: pathophysiology, treatment, and the possibility of using botulinum toxin against tetanus-induced rigidity and spasms.
Tetanus toxin, the product of Clostridium tetani, is the cause of tetanus symptoms. Tetanus toxin is taken up into terminals of lower motor neurons and transported axonally to the spinal cord and/or brainstem. Here the toxin moves trans-synaptically into inhibitory nerve terminals, where vesicular release of inhibitory neurotransmitters becomes blocked, leading to disinhibition of lower motor neurons. Muscle rigidity and spasms ensue, often manifesting as trismus/lockjaw, dysphagia, opistotonus, or rigidity and spasms of respiratory, laryngeal, and abdominal muscles, which may cause respiratory failure. Botulinum toxin, in contrast, largely remains in lower motor neuron terminals, inhibiting acetylcholine release and muscle activity. Therefore, botulinum toxin may reduce tetanus symptoms. Trismus may be treated with botulinum toxin injections into the masseter and temporalis muscles. This should probably be done early in the course of tetanus to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration, involuntary tongue biting, anorexia and dental caries. Other muscle groups are also amenable to botulinum toxin treatment. Six tetanus patients have been successfully treated with botulinum toxin A. This review discusses the use of botulinum toxin for tetanus in the context of the pathophysiology, symptomatology, and medical treatment of Clostridium tetani infection. PMID:23299659
Hassel, Bj�rnar
Tetanus: Pathophysiology, Treatment, and the Possibility of Using Botulinum Toxin against Tetanus-Induced Rigidity and Spasms
Tetanus toxin, the product of Clostridium tetani, is the cause of tetanus symptoms. Tetanus toxin is taken up into terminals of lower motor neurons and transported axonally to the spinal cord and/or brainstem. Here the toxin moves trans-synaptically into inhibitory nerve terminals, where vesicular release of inhibitory neurotransmitters becomes blocked, leading to disinhibition of lower motor neurons. Muscle rigidity and spasms ensue, often manifesting as trismus/lockjaw, dysphagia, opistotonus, or rigidity and spasms of respiratory, laryngeal, and abdominal muscles, which may cause respiratory failure. Botulinum toxin, in contrast, largely remains in lower motor neuron terminals, inhibiting acetylcholine release and muscle activity. Therefore, botulinum toxin may reduce tetanus symptoms. Trismus may be treated with botulinum toxin injections into the masseter and temporalis muscles. This should probably be done early in the course of tetanus to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration, involuntary tongue biting, anorexia and dental caries. Other muscle groups are also amenable to botulinum toxin treatment. Six tetanus patients have been successfully treated with botulinum toxin A. This review discusses the use of botulinum toxin for tetanus in the context of the pathophysiology, symptomatology, and medical treatment of Clostridium tetani infection.
Hassel, Bj?rnar
Indomethacin-induced contractions of dog coronary arteries.
We investigated the mechanisms responsible for indomethacin-induced contractions of coronary arteries. In isolated dog hearts perfused through the coronary circulation with blood under constant pressure, an intracoronary injection of 1 mg of indomethacin decreased coronary blood flow without significant changes in myocardial contractile force and heart rate. Indomethacin (10(-8)-10(-5) M) caused concentration-dependent contractions of isolated dog coronary arterial strips. These contractions were significantly inhibited by calcium-free solution, diltiazem, nifedipine, prostaglandin E1, arachidonic acid, and phospholipase A2, but not by phenoxybenzamine, atropine, or oleic acid. Propranolol and prostaglandin F2 alpha tended to enhance the contractions. The results indicate that indomethacin contracts dog coronary arteries through inhibition of intramural synthesis of vasodilating prostaglandins. PMID:6157957
Sakanashi, M; Araki, H; Yonemura, K I
Recurrent transient apical cardiomyopathy (tako-tsubo-like left ventricular dysfunction) in a postmenopausal female with diffuse esophageal spasms.
Transient apical cardiomyopathy, also known as Takot-tsubo-like left ventricular dysfunction, is a clinical syndrome characterized by reversible left ventricular dysfunction at the apex with preserved basal contractility, in the setting of new ST and T wave changes suggestive of ischemia but no evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography. The main mechanism appears to be intense neuroadrenergic myocardial stimulation with endothelial dysfunction of the coronary vasculature. It has been noted that patients with esophageal spasms also have a tendency for coronary spasms. We present the case of a postmenopausal female with documented severe esophageal spasms who presented with atypical angina and recurrent Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy. PMID:24695751
Brenes Salazar, Jorge A
Radiation-induced coronary artery disease
This report describes three patients who developed myocardial infarction at an untimely age, 4 to 12 years after radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease. These cases lend credence to the cause and effect relation of such therapy to coronary artery disease.
Dunsmore, L.D.; LoPonte, M.A.; Dunsmore, R.A.
Exercise-induced silent myocardial ischemia in patients with vasospastic angina
To clarify the incidence and clinical characteristics of exercise-induced myocardial ischemia in patients with vasospastic angina, we performed exercise thallium computed tomography in 25 patients who had no significant coronary artery stenosis greater than 70%. Coronary artery spasm was documented by coronary angiography in all patients. Eleven patients (44%) developed exercise-induced perfusion defects, but only four of them had anginal pain (36%). Diltiazem (90 mg, administered orally) prevented the development of exercise-induced perfusion defects in all patients. Multivessel coronary spasm was documented by coronary angiography in 11 patients, and nine of them (82%) showed exercise-induced perfusion defects (p less than 0.05). From this study it can be concluded: (1) Exercise-induced myocardial ischemia was demonstrated in 44% of patients who had vasospastic angina without fixed coronary stenosis, and 64% of them were asymptomatic. (2) Patients with multivessel spasm had a greater prevalence of exercise-induced myocardial ischemia than those with single-vessel spasm.
Aoki, M.; Koyanagi, S.; Sakai, K.; Irie, T.; Takeshita, A.; Nakamura, M.; Nakagaki, O. (Kyushu Univ., Fukuoka (Japan))
Pathophysiology of hemimasticatory spasm.
Two patients aged 21 and 50 years presented with facial hemiatrophy and unilateral spasms of the masticatory muscles. Masticatory muscle biopsy showed normal findings in both patients and facial skin biopsy specimens only showed atrophy, although morphoea (localised facial scleroderma) had been diagnosed nine years previously in the second patient. The involuntary movements consisted of brief twitches and prolonged contractions clinically and electromyographically similar to those of hemifacial spasm and cramps. The jaw jerk and the silent periods were absent in the affected muscles. Direct stimulation of the muscle nerve and transcranial stimulation of the trigeminal root demonstrated slowing of conduction and after-activity due to autoexcitation. Observations in other reported cases and these two patients suggest that hemimasticatory spasm is produced by ectopic activity secondary to focal demyelination of the trigeminal motor nerve fibres. The proposed cause of the neuropathy is focal damage to the masticatory nerves caused by compression, possibly resulting from the deep tissue changes that occur in facial hemiatrophy. Images
Cruccu, G; Inghilleri, M; Berardelli, A; Pauletti, G; Casali, C; Coratti, P; Frisardi, G; Thompson, P D; Manfredi, M
Intercoronary Communication between the Circumflex and Right Coronary Arteries Coexisted with Coronary Vasospasm
Intercoronary arterial connection between normal coronary arteries is a rare variant of coronary anatomy in which there is open-ended circulation. It is distinguished from collaterals seen in the occlusive coronary artery disease. We report a case of bidirectional intercoronary communication between the left circumflex artery and the right coronary artery without occlusive coronary artery disease, but with left anterior descending artery spasm.
Kim, Soo Hyun; Kim, Dae-Hyeok; Choi, Woong Gil; Woo, Seoung Il; Choi, In Suk; Kwan, Jun; Park, Keum Soo
Vascular spasm complicates continuous wave but not pulsed laser irradiation
Preliminary clinical experience with laser angioplasty has suggested that arterial spasm may complicate attempts to employ laser light to accomplish vascular recanalization. The present study was designed to investigate the role of energy profile on the development of arterial spasm during laser angioplasty. Laser irradiation was delivered percutaneously in vivo to New Zealand white rabbits and to Yucatan microswine with or without atherosclerotic lesions induced by a combination of balloon endothelial denudation and atherogenic diet. Continuous wave (CW) laser irradiation from an argon ion gas laser (wavelength 488 to 514 nm) was applied to 23 arteries, while 16 arteries were irradiated using a pulsed xenon chloride (308 nm) or xenon fluoride (351 nm) excimer laser. Arterial spasm, defined as greater than 50% reduction in luminal diameter narrowing, complicated delivery of laser light to 17 (74%) of the 23 arteries irradiated with the CW argon laser. Spasm was consistently observed at powers greater than 2 W, at cumulative exposures greater than 200 seconds, and at total energy greater than 200 joules. Spasm was typically diffuse (including the length of the vessel) and protracted (lasting up to 120 minutes). Intra-arterial nitroglycerin (up to 300 micrograms) produced only temporary and incomplete resolution of laser-induced spasm. In contrast, spasm was never observed in any of the 16 arteries in which laser angioplasty was performed using a pulsed laser (0.95 to 6.37 joules/cm2, 10 to 50 Hz, 48 to 370 seconds). Thus CW but not pulsed laser angioplasty may be complicated by arterial spasm
Gal, D.; Steg, P.G.; Rongione, A.J.; DeJesus, S.T.; Clarke, R.H.; Isner, J.M. (Tufts Univ. School of Medicine, Boston, MA (USA))
Spasm of accommodation refers to prolonged contraction of the ciliary muscle, most commonly causing pseudomyopia to varying degrees in both eyes by keeping the lens in a state of short sightedness. It may also be manifested as inability to allow the adaptation spasticity prevailing in the ciliary muscle relax without measurable myopia. As a rule, this is a functional ailment triggered by prolonged near work and stress. The most common symptoms include blurring of distance vision, varying visual acuity as well as pains in the orbital region and the head, progressing into a chronic state. Cycloplegic eye drops are used as the treatment. PMID:24605432
Lindberg, Laura
Convergence spasm (CS) means intermittent episodes of convergence, miosis and accommodation with disconjugate gaze mimicking abducens palsy. The organic causes range from metabolic to host of neurological and ophthalmic diseases that we describe. It was first described as a presentation of psychogenic disorders by von Graefe as early as in 1856. Nonetheless, patients exhibiting this sign are often subjected to plethora of unnecessary, sophisticated and invasive diagnostic procedures. Such functional cases were treated with either cycloplegic/placebo eye drop or amytal abreaction. Though epidemiological studies suggest that conversion disorder is equally prevalent in industrialized nations and developing countries, a few cases of functional CS are reported from West including Asia, that to, decade(s) before and none from India, to the best of our knowledge. We illustrate a case of functional CS with photograph after consent from patient and its successful treatment.
Ghosh, Abhishek; Padhy, Susanta K.; Gupta, Gourav; Goyal, Manoj K.
Prevention of arterial graft spasm in rats using a vasodilator-eluting biodegradable nano-scaled fibre�
OBJECTIVES Arterial graft spasm occasionally causes circulatory collapse immediately following coronary artery bypass graft. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of our developed materials, which were composed of milrinone (phosphodiesterase III inhibitor) or diltiazem (calcium-channel blocker), with nano-scaled fibre made of biodegradable polymer to prevent arterial spasm. METHODS Milrinone- or diltiazem-releasing biodegradable nano-scaled fibres were fabricated by an electrospinning procedure. In vivo milrinone- or diltiazem-releasing tests were performed to confirm the sustained release of the drugs. An in vivo arterial spasm model was established by subcutaneous injection of noradrenalin around the rat femoral artery. Rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: those that received 5 mg of milrinone-releasing biodegradable nano-scaled fibre (group M, n = 14); 5 mg of diltiazem-releasing biodegradable nano-scaled fibre (group D, n = 12); or those that received fibre without drugs (as a control; group C, n = 14) implanted into the rat femoral artery. In the fourth group, sham operation was performed (group S, n = 10). One day after the implantation, noradrenalin was injected in all groups. The femoral arterial blood flow was measured continuously before and after noradrenalin injection. The maximum blood flow before noradrenalin injection and minimum blood flow after noradrenalin injection were measured. RESULTS In vivo drug-releasing test revealed that milrinone-releasing biodegradable nano-scaled fibre released 78% of milrinone and diltiazem-releasing biodegradable nano-scaled fibre released 50% diltiazem on the first day. The ratios of rat femoral artery blood flow after/before noradrenalin injection in groups M (0.74 � 0.16) and D (0.72 � 0.05) were significantly higher than those of groups C (0.54 � 0.09) and S (0.55 � 0.16) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Noradrenalin-induced rat femoral artery spasm was inhibited by the implantation of milrinone-releasing biodegradable nano-scaled fibre or diltiazem-releasing biodegradable nano-scaled fibre. These results suggested that our materials might be effective for the prevention of arterial graft spasm after coronary artery bypass graft.
Yagami, Kei; Yamawaki-Ogata, Aika; Satake, Makoto; Kaneko, Hiroaki; Oshima, Hideki; Usui, Akihiko; Ueda, Yuichi; Narita, Yuji
Experimental coronary sclerosis induced by immobilization of rabbits: A new model of arteriosclerosis
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
A new method for producing arteriosclerosis with coronary insufficiency in rabbits by means of immobilization is described and discussed. The experimentally induced atherosclerosis develops due to hypodynamics imposed by the reduced muscular activity without overloading with exogenous cholesterol. The atherosclerosis and coronary insufficiency are associated. With variations in the duration and extent of immobilization, coronary insufficiency alone or with atherosclerosis can be produced.
Tyavokin, V. V.; Tjawokin, W. W.
Unusual Vasospastic Angina: A Documented Asymptomatic Spasm with Normal ECG--A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
We report the case of a 53-years-old patient, known to have coronary artery disease, presenting with typical angina at rest with normal ECG and laboratory findings. His angina is relieved by sublingual nitroglycerin. He had undergone a cardiac catheterisation two weeks prior to his presentation for the same complaints. It showed nonsignificant coronary lesions. Another catheterisation was performed during his current admission. He developed coronary spasm during the procedure, still with no ECG changes. The spasm was reversed by administration of 2?mg of intracoronary isosorbide dinitrate. Variant (Prinzmetal's) angina was diagnosed in the absence of electrical ECG changes during pain episodes.
Nakad, Ghassan; Bayeh, Hamid
Modeling new therapies for infantile spasms
Summary Infantile spasms are the classical seizure type of West syndrome. Infantile spasms often herald a dismal prognosis, due to the high probability to evolve into intractable forms of epilepsies with significant cognitive deficits, especially if not adequately treated. The current therapies, high doses of adrenocorticotropic hormone, steroids or the GABA transaminase inhibitor vigabatrin, are often toxic and may not always be effective. The need to identify new therapies for spasms has led to the generation of a number of rodent models of infantile spasms. These include acute and chronic models of infantile spasms, with cryptogenic or symptomatic origin, many of which are based on specific etiologies. In this review, we will summarize the clinical experience with treating infantile spasms, the main features of the new animal models of infantile spasms and discuss their utility in the preclinical development of new therapies for infantile spasms.
Chudomelova, Lenka; Scantlebury, Morris H.; Raffo, Emmanuel; Coppola, Antonietta; Betancourth, David; Galanopoulou, Aristea S.
Coronary heart disease in rhesus monkeys with diet-induced coronary artery atherosclerosis.
Diet-induced coronary artery atherosclerosis develops in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). The goal of this study was to establish the rhesus monkey as an animal model of coronary heart disease (CHD). From a colony of 160 rhesus monkeys fed an atherogenic diet, we identified 14 monkeys with electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evidence of CHD. When compared with 14 rhesus monkeys matched for age, gender, and dietary history with normal electrocardiograms and echocardiograms, monkeys with CHD had higher arterial blood pressures (mean +/- SEM, 92 +/- 4 mm Hg vs 75 +/- 5 mm Hg, respectively), lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (mean +/- SEM, 1.70 +/- 0.25 mmol/L vs 2.32 +/- 0.28 mmol/L [66 +/- 10 mg/dL vs 90 +/- 11 mg/dl]), and lower A-l apolipoprotein concentrations (mean +/- SEM, 200 +/- 17 mg/dL vs 252 +/- 15 mg/dL). Monkeys with CHD tended to have higher total plasma cholesterol concentrations (mean +/- SEM, 11.6 +/- 1.55 mmol/L vs 9.36 +/- 0.93 mmol/L [450 +/- 60 mg/dL vs 362 +/- 36 mg/dL]) and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (mean +/- SEM, 8.71 +/- 1.75 mmol/L vs 6.12 +/- 0.90 mmol/L [337 +/- 68 mg/dL vs 237 +/- 35 mg/dl]) than monkeys with normal electrocardiograms and echocardiograms. We conclude that rhesus monkeys, like human beings, develop CHD as a complication of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Furthermore, risk factors for CHD in rhesus monkeys and human beings are similar. PMID:1863189
Williams, J K; Anthony, M S; Clarkson, T B
Accommodative spasm in siblings: A unique finding
Accommodative spasm is a rare condition occurring in children, adolescents, and young adults. A familial tendency for this binocular vision disorder has not been reported. I describe accommodative spasm occurring in a brother and sister. Both children presented on the same day with complaints of headaches and blurred vision. Treatment included cycloplegia drops and bifocals. Siblings of patients having accommodative spasm should receive a detailed eye exam with emphasis on recognition of accommodative spasm.
Rutstein, Robert P
Vigabatrin and mental retardation in tuberous sclerosis: infantile spasms vs focal seizures
Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic disorder resulting in epilepsy and mental retardation. Vigabatrin has shown efficacy in the treatment of infantile spasms caused by tuberous sclerosis complex, but its effects on focal seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex have not been determined. We compared the efficacy of vigabatrin in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex-induced focal seizures and infantile spasms and assessed the mental outcomes in both groups. We retrospectively evaluated 31 children with tuberous sclerosis complex and epilepsy, who were treated with vigabatrin in single tertiary center in Seoul, Korea. Vigabatrin treatment resulted in spasms cessation in 16 of 18 (88.9%) patients with infantile spasms, whereas 6 of 13 (46.2%) patients with focal seizures became seizure-free. Initial response to vigabatrin had no effect on intellectual disability. Vigabatrin was highly effective in eliminating infantile spasms caused by tuberous sclerosis complex, but was less effective in patients with focal seizures.
Yum, Mi-Sun; Lee, Eun Hye; Ko, Tae-Sung
Hemifacial Spasm: A Neurosurgical Perspective
Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by tonic clonic contractions of the muscles innervated by the ipsilateral facial nerve. Compression of the facial nerve by an ectatic vessel is widely recognized as the most common underlying etiology. HFS needs to be differentiated from other causes of facial spasms, such as facial tic, ocular myokymia, and blepharospasm. To understand the overall craniofacial abnormalities and to perform the optimal surgical procedures for HFS, we are to review the prevalence, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, details of each treatment modality, usefulness of brainstem auditory evoked potentials monitoring, debates on the facial EMG, clinical course, and complications from the literature published from 1995 to the present time.
Kong, Doo-Sik
Intercoronary Communication between the Circumflex and Right Coronary Arteries Coexisted with Coronary Vasospasm.
Intercoronary arterial connection between normal coronary arteries is a rare variant of coronary anatomy in which there is open-ended circulation. It is distinguished from collaterals seen in the occlusive coronary artery disease. We report a case of bidirectional intercoronary communication between the left circumflex artery and the right coronary artery without occlusive coronary artery disease, but with left anterior descending artery spasm. PMID:23964296
Kim, Soo Hyun; Kim, Dae-Hyeok; Choi, Woong Gil; Woo, Seoung Il; Choi, In Suk; Kwan, Jun; Park, Keum Soo; Shin, Sung-Hee
Two Cases of Bezold-Jarisch Reflex Induced by Intra-Arterial Nitroglycerin in Critical Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis
The Bezold-Jarisch reflex, a well-described phenomenon, occurs upon the stimulation of intracardiac mechanoreceptors and is mediated by vagal afferent nerve fibers. Several factors can sensitize the cardiovascular system to develop this reflex, including acute myocardial ischemia, natriuretic peptides, and, rarely, nitroglycerin administration in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. The development of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex in the presence of severe coronary artery stenosis, specifically left main coronary artery stenosis, has not been described. We report 2 cases of patients who underwent elective coronary angiography and were given intra-arterial nitroglycerin during radial sheath insertion to reduce radial artery spasm. In both patients, bradycardia and hypotension developed along with diaphoresis, consistent with the Bezold-Jarisch reflex. Coronary angiography revealed critical (>90%) left main coronary artery stenosis in both patients. Critical left main coronary artery stenosis might sensitize mechanoreceptors or vagal afferents to the development of the Bezold-Jarisch reflex after intra-arterial nitroglycerin use; however, the mechanism of this possible relationship is unclear. In addition to discussing our patients' cases, we review the medical literature relevant to the Bezold-Jarisch reflex.
Shah, Sachin P.; Waxman, Sergio
Adenosine-induced coronary vasospasm following drug-eluting stent implantation.
We present the case of coronary vasospasm during adenosine stress in a patient with a prior drug-eluting stent implantation. The patient had a stent implantation in the left anterior descending coronary artery 3 years ago. Recently, he developed a chest pain and underwent adenosine stress myocardial perfusion single photon emission CT (SPECT). During the adenosine stress, he felt severe chest pain and ST elevation on electrocardiogram. An invasive coronary angiography showed no in-stent restenosis. This phenomenon deemed to be adenosine-induced coronary vasospasm after stent implantation. PMID:24518394
Matsumoto, Naoya; Nagao, Ken; Hirayama, Atsushi; Kasama, Shu
Genetics Home Reference: X-linked infantile spasm syndrome
... PubMed Recent literature OMIM Genetic disorder catalog Conditions > X-linked infantile spasm syndrome On this page: Description ... names Glossary definitions Reviewed August 2012 What is X-linked infantile spasm syndrome? X-linked infantile spasm ...
Microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm.
The authors report the results of 782 microvascular decompression procedures for hemifacial spasm in 703 patients (705 sides), with follow-up study from 1 to 20 years (mean 8 years). Of 648 patients who had not undergone prior intracranial procedures for hemifacial spasm, 65% were women; their mean age was 52 years, and the mean preoperative duration of symptoms was 7 years. The onset of symptoms was typical in 92% and atypical in 8%. An additional 57 patients who had undergone prior microvascular decompression elsewhere were analyzed as a separate group. Patients were followed prospectively with annual questionnaires. Kaplan-Meier methods showed that among patients without prior microvascular decompression elsewhere, 84% had excellent results and 7% had partial success 10 years postoperatively. Subgroup analyses (Cox proportional hazards model) showed that men had better results than women, and patients with typical onset of symptoms had better results than those with atypical onset. Nearly all failures occurred within 24 months of operation; 9% of patients underwent reoperation for recurrent symptoms. Second microvascular decompression procedures were less successful, whether the first procedure was performed at Presbyterian-University Hospital or elsewhere, unless the procedure was performed within 30 days after the first microvascular decompression. Patient age, side and preoperative duration of symptoms, history of Bell's palsy, preoperative presence of facial weakness or synkinesis, and implant material used had no influence on postoperative results. Complications after the first microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm included ipsilateral deaf ear in 2.6% and ipsilateral permanent, severe facial weakness in 0.9% of patients. Complications were more frequent in reoperated patients. In all, one operative death (0.1%) and two brainstem infarctions (0.3%) occurred. Microvascular decompression is a safe and definitive treatment for hemifacial spasm with proven long-term efficacy. PMID:7815147
Barker, F G; Jannetta, P J; Bissonette, D J; Shields, P T; Larkins, M V; Jho, H D
Effect of Helium Breathing on Cardiac Arrhythmias Induced by Coronary Occlusion and Digitalis in the Cat.
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
This study assessed the capacity of helium breathing to antagonize cardiac arrhythmias induced by either coronary occlusion or digitalis intoxication in the cat. Animals were anesthetized with chloralose, immobilized with succinylcholine, and ventilated t...
D. E. Evans E. Hardenberg L. W. Raymond M. E. Bradley
Single photon emission computed tomography with thallium-201 during adenosine-induced coronary hyperemia: Correlation with coronary arteriography, exercise thallium imaging and two-dimensional echocardiography
The feasibility, safety and diagnostic accuracy of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with thallium-201 imaging during adenosine-induced coronary hyperemia were evaluated in 53 patients with and 7 without coronary artery disease proved by coronary angiography. Adenosine was infused intravenously at a dose of 0.14 mg\\/kg body weight per min for 6 min and thallium was injected at 3 min.
Thach Nguyen; Jaekyeong Heo; J. David Ogilby; Abdulmassih S. Iskandrian
Placental Induced Growth Factor (PIGf) in Coronary Artery Disease
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Our previous studies on normal human lymphocytes have shown a five-fold increase (p less than 0.001) in angiogenic inducers such as Placental Induced Growth Factor (PIGf) in physiologically stressful environments such as modeled microgravity, a space analog. This suggests de-regulation of cardiovascular signalling pathways indicated by upregulation of PIGf. In the current study, we measured PIGf in the plasma of 33 patients with and without coronary artery disease (CAD) to investigate whether such disease is associated with increased levels of PIGf. A control consisting of 31 sex matched apparently healthy subjects was also included in the study. We observed that the levels of PIGf in CAD patients were significantly increased compared to those in healthy control subjects (p less than 0.001) and usually increased beyond the clinical threshold level (greater than 27ng/L). The mechanisms leading to up-regulation of angiogenic factors and the adaptation of organisms to stressful environments such as isolation, high altitude, hypoxia, ischemia, microgravity, increased radiation, etc are presently unknown and require further investigation in spaceflight and these other physiologically stressed environments.
Sundaresan, Alamelu; Carabello, Blaise; Mehta, Satish; Schlegel, Todd; Pellis, Neal; Ott, Mark; Pierson, Duane
Mechanisms of Histamine-Induced Coronary Vasodilatation: H1-Receptor-Mediated Release of Endothelium-Derived Nitric Oxide
Although the content of histamine in myocardial tissue is high, its contribution to the regulation of coronary blood flow has not been clearly defined. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether or not nitric oxide (NO), an important modulator of coronary vascular tone, is involved in histamine-induced coronary vasomotion and to characterize which histaminergic receptor subtype mediates
Malte Kelm; Martin Feelisch; Thomas Krebber; Wolfgang Motz; Bodo E. Strauer
Addison's disease presenting with muscle spasm.
Primary hypoadrenalism has various causes and protean manifestation. We report a young female patient who presented with severe muscle spasm as her primary complaint. On evaluation she was found to be a case of Addison's disease secondary to adrenal tuberculosis. Her muscle spasm disappeared rapidly with replacement dose of glucocorticoid. PMID:24772716
Bhattacharjee, Rana; Sharma, A; Rays, A; Thakur, I; Sarkar, D; Mandal, B; Mookerjee, S K; Chatterjee, S K; Chowdhury, Pradip Roy
Infantile Spasms in Children with TSC
MedlinePLUS Videos and Cool Tools
... Efficacy of the ketogenic diet for infantile spasms. Pediatrics 109(5):780-3 Lux AL, Edwards SW, Osborne JP, Hancock E, Johnson AL, Verity CM, Kennedy CR, O'Callaghan FJ, Newton RW (2002) Randomized trial of vigabatrin in patients with infantile spasms. Neurology 59(4):648 Mackay ...
Hemifacial spasm: treatment by posterior fossa surgery
Nine cases of hemifacial spasm have been treated by posterior fossa exploration without mortality or significant morbidity. In only three was definite pathology found, but the hemifacial spasm was abolished in eight patients and markedly diminished in the remaining patient. The condition has reccurred in one patient. Microsurgical techniques make the operation safe and accurate. We suggest that this procedure
G C Fabinyi; C B Adams
Nitric Oxide-Mediated Flow-Dependent Dilation Is Impaired in Coronary Arteries in Patients With Coronary Spastic Angina
Objectives. This study sought to examine whether flow-dependent dilation is impaired at the site of coronary artery spasm in patients with coronary spastic angina.Background. Physiologic stimuli such as exercise and exposure to cold have been shown to cause an increase in coronary blood flow, leading to flow-dependent dilation of coronary arteries in normal subjects, but cause coronary constriction in patients
Kiyotaka Kugiyama; Masamichi Ohgushi; Takeshi Motoyama; Seigo Sugiyama; Hisao Ogawa; Michihiro Yoshimura; Yoshito Inobe; Osamu Hirashima; Hiroaki Kawano; Hirofumi Soejima; Hirofumi Yasue
Persistence of Recruitable Coronary Collaterals in the Absence of Coronary Vasospasm in a Patient with Variant Angina
Recruitable coronary collaterals may appear when spasm suddenly occludes the coronary artery. We report a patient with variant angina who had visible collateral vessels on a control coronary angiogram, despite the presence of normally appearing coronary arteries. These collaterals disappeared after intracoronary administration of nitroglycerin. These findings suggest that recruitable collateral vessels can remain patent long after spontaneous attacks of angina have resolved, and become visible when there is a pressure difference between two small coronary arteries.
Yamashita, Kazuhito; Takeuchi, Masaaki; Nakashima, Yasuhide [Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishiku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 807 (Japan)
BMPER-induced BMP signaling promotes coronary artery remodeling.
The connection of the coronary vasculature to the aorta is one of the last essential steps of cardiac development. However, little is known about the signaling events that promote normal coronary artery formation. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway regulates multiple aspects of endothelial cell biology but has not been specifically implicated in coronary vascular development. BMP signaling is tightly regulated by numerous factors, including BMP-binding endothelial cell precursor-derived regulator (BMPER), which can both promote and repress BMP signaling activity. In the embryonic heart, BMPER expression is limited to the endothelial cells and the endothelial-derived cushions, suggesting that BMPER may play a role in coronary vascular development. Histological analysis of BMPER(-/-) embryos at early embryonic stages demonstrates that commencement of coronary plexus differentiation is normal and that endothelial apoptosis and cell proliferation are unaffected in BMPER(-/-) embryos compared with wild-type embryos. However, analysis between embryonic days 15.5-17.5 reveals that, in BMPER(-/-) embryos, coronary arteries are either atretic or connected distal to the semilunar valves. In vitro tubulogenesis assays indicate that isolated BMPER(-/-) endothelial cells have impaired tube formation and migratory ability compared with wild-type endothelial cells, suggesting that these defects may lead to the observed coronary artery anomalies seen in BMPER(-/-) embryos. Additionally, recombinant BMPER promotes wild-type ventricular endothelial migration in a dose-dependent manner, with a low concentration promoting and high concentrations inhibiting migration. Together, these results indicate that BMPER-regulated BMP signaling is critical for coronary plexus remodeling and normal coronary artery development. PMID:24373957
Dyer, Laura; Wu, Yaxu; Moser, Martin; Patterson, Cam
The dopamine-induced coronary vasoconstrictor response is potentiated by adenosine administration in the dog heart.
The ineffectiveness of beta-adrenergic blockade in abolishing adenosine-induced coronary vasodilation was utilized to demonstrate that dopamine (DA) is capable of eliciting very strong coronary vasoconstrictor actions in vivo. In 2 separate groups of dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital, responses to DA were assessed either by flowmeter recordings or by computer-aided infrared thermography, which senses coronary blood flow-dependent heat emission from the epicardium. In untreated controls, submaximal DA infusions (16 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 iv) elicited a coronary vasodilator response. The thermographic equivalent of this hemodynamic action was an increased epicardial temperature. Pretreatment with oxprenolol (0.5 mg.kg-1 iv) preserved both basic heart activity and cardiac heat emission at levels which were comparable to the control state, but prevented DA mediated excitation of cardiac and coronary beta-adrenoceptors. In this state, DA infusion constricted the coronary arteries and tended to decrease heart emission. However, both types of effects were moderate, and only the hemodynamic effect was statistically significant. If DA was given after the coronary bed had been dilated submaximally by adenosine (30 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 infused into the left heart), the flow-reducing effect of DA became a dramatic phenomenon, and the DA-induced epicardial cooling was significantly potentiated. The results show that after eliminating conventional beta-effects, DA affects the coronary arteries through vasoconstrictor mechanisms. This finding suggests that the DA-induced constriction is limited in undilated coronary arteries by the metabolic autoregulatory capacity of the vessels. PMID:2614933
Koll�r, A; K�kesi, V; Juh�sz-Nagy, A
Radiation-induced stenosis of the left main coronary artery
A case of isolated left main coronary artery stenosis ten years following irradiation of the mediastinum for Hodgkin's disease is presented. Aortic biopsies were consistent with changes suggestive of radiation arteritis.
Tenet, W.; Missri, J.; Hager, D.
Hemifacial Spasm Caused by Epidermoid Tumor at Cerebello Pontine Angle
Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is almost always induced by vascular compression but in some cases the cause of HFS are tumors at cerebellopontine angle (CPA) or vascular malformations. We present a rare case of hemifacial spasm caused by epidermoid tumors and the possible pathogenesis of HFS is discussed. A 36-year-old female patient presented with a 27-month history of progressive involuntary facial twitching and had been treated with acupuncture and herb medication. On imaging study, a mass lesion was seen at right CPA. Microvascular decompression combined with mass removal was undertaken through retrosigmoid approach. The lesion was avascular mass and diagnosed with an epidermoid tumor pathologically. Eventually, we found a offending vessel (AICA : anterior inferior cerebellar artery) compressing facial nerve root exit zone (REZ). In case of HFS caused by tumor compression on the facial nerve REZ, surgeons should try to find an offending vessel under the mass. This case supports the vascular compression theory as a pathogenesis of HFS.
Rhee, Bong-Arm; Lim, Young Jin
Epinephrine-induced myocardial infarction in severe anaphylaxis: is nonselective ?-blockade a contributory factor?
Epinephrine-induced myocardial ischemia in the setting of anaphylaxis is a rare event and is postulated to be due to coronary artery spasm. We report the case of a 43-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with an anaphylactic reaction triggered by flucloxacillin. She was treated with intramuscular epinephrine, following which she developed ischemic chest pain and electrocardiographic changes, associated with troponin elevation. Subsequent coronary angiography demonstrated normal coronary arteries. In this case report, we discuss the potential role of prior nonselective ?-blockade with propranolol in predisposing such patients to ischemic cardiac events following treatment with epinephrine. PMID:23380109
Cunnington, Colin; McDonald, John E; Singh, Ravi K
Cannabis-induced coronary artery thrombosis and acute anterior myocardial infarction in a young man.
Information concerning acute myocardial infarction after cannabis usage is limited and the actual mechanism of cannabis-induced myocardial infarction is not well known. In the report, we described a young man with an acute myocardial infarction and cannabis-induced coronary thrombosis. PMID:17097170
Tatli, Ersan; Yilmaztepe, Mustafa; Altun, Gurcan; Altun, Armagan
Satoyoshi's syndrome related muscle spasms: functional study.
Satoyoshi syndrome is a rare disease presumed to be immunologically mediated, characterized by muscle spasms, alopecia and diarrhea. We describe the case of a female in whom the muscle spasms were the predominant feature and we analyze the changes in cortical and in spinal excitability under the paired pulses paradigm. Hyperexcitability was present in the H-reflex study, thus suggesting that the spinal cord is the structure most likely responsible for the spasms. This is the first reported case in Spain. PMID:22100320
Pardal-Fern�ndez, J M; Solera-Santos, J; Iniesta-L�pez, I; Rodr�guez-V�zquez, M
Exercise-induced acute coronary syndrome in a 24-year-old man with massive cannabis consumption.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a major public health problem in the world. Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) mainly affect patients with cardiovascular risk factors. We report the case of an exercise-induced ACS in a 24-year-old soccer player without any classic cardiovascular risk factor, but with a history of massive cannabis addiction. Coronary angiography showed complete occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery and intravascular ultrasound revealed an atherosclerotic plaque disruption. Thromboaspiration and antithrombotic treatment were successful and coronary stenting was not performed. The respective roles of cannabis toxicity and physical activity as triggers for ACS in young people are discussed. PMID:24187771
Deharo, Pierre; Massoure, Pierre-Laurent; Fourcade, Laurent
A case report of very late stent thrombosis with peri-stent coronary artery aneurysm and stent-related coronary vasospasm.
We describe a 42-year-old man with very late stent thrombosis (VLST) 35�months after implantation of a sirolimus-eluting stent (SES). Three months after the VLST episode, a follow-up angiography showed a formation of peri-stent coronary artery aneurysm. Sixty-five months after SES implantation, the patient suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We performed spasm provocation test using acetylcholine to evaluate coronary vasomotor response and the coronary segments adjacent to the SES showed significant vasoconstriction. Intracoronary pretreatment of Rho-kinase inhibitor, fasudil, markedly attenuated acetylcholine-induced vasoconstriction. This report documents a unique case suffering from multiple fatal complications after SES implantation. PMID:23277349
Takeda, Morihiko; Shiba, Nobuyuki; Takahashi, Jun; Shimokawa, Hiroaki
[Electrophysiological study of hemifacial spasm].
Hemifacial spasm is characterized by intermittent involuntary contractions of one or several groups of muscles innervated by the facial nerve. The possible causal mechanisms have been the subject of numerous publications. The pre-eminent work of Moller and Jannetta implicates the compression of the facial nerve at its point of entry into the central nervous system, the Root Entry Zone, while the physiopathology is poorly understood, two principle hypotheses emerge: 1) ephaptic transmission between injured fibers; 2) hyper excitability of the facial motor nucleus. Using standard electromyographic techniques and blink reflex studies, we were able to demonstrate hyperexcitability of the facial nucleus. The cause of this hyperexcitability remains unexplained. It could be the result of a permanent antidromic stimulation from a peripheral ectopic center of excitation. PMID:8085719
Poignonec, S; Lamas, G; Aidan, P; Willer, J C; Soudant, J
Association Between Myocardial Infarction and the Mast Cells in the Adventitia of the Infarct-Related Coronary Artery
Because it has been suggested that coronary spasm plays a role in acute coronary syndromes such as myocardial infarction (MI), we quantified and characterized the mast cells in the adventitia of infarct-related coronary arteries. Methods and Results�In a series of 17 autopsied MI patients, we identified the segment of the left coronary artery with ruptured plaque responsible for the infarction.
Petri Laine; Maija Kaartinen; Antti Penttila; Pertti Panula; Timo Paavonen; Petri T. Kovanen
Carisbamate acutely suppresses spasms in a rat model of symptomatic infantile spasms
Purpose Infantile spasms are the signature seizures of West syndrome. The conventional treatments for infantile spasms, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and vigabatrin, are not always effective, especially in symptomatic infantile spasms (SIS). We tested the efficacy of carisbamate, a novel neurotherapeutic drug, to suppress spasms in the multiple-hit rat model of SIS and compared it with phenytoin to determine if its effect is via sodium-channel blockade. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats received right intracerebral infusions of doxorubicin and lipopolysaccharide at postnatal day 3 (PN3) and intraperitoneal p-chlorophenylalanine at PN5. A single intraperitoneal injection of carisbamate was administered at PN4, after the onset of spasms, at the following doses: 10mg/kg (CRS-10); 30 mg/kg (CRS-30); 60 mg/kg (CRS-60) and was compared to vehicle-injected group (VEH). Video-monitoring of PN6�7 CRS-60 or VEH injected pups was also done. Key findings Carisbamate acutely reduced both behavioral spasms (CRS-30 and CRS-60 groups only) and electroclinical spasms, during the first 2�3 post-injection hours, without detectable toxicity or mortality. In contrast, phenytoin (20 or 50 mg/kg) failed to suppress spasms. Significance Our findings provide preclinical evidence that carisbamate displays acute anticonvulsive effect on spasms through a sodium channel-independent mechanism. As spasms in the multiple-hit rat model are refractory to ACTH and transiently sensitive to vigabatrin, carisbamate may constitute a candidate new therapy for SIS, including the ACTH-refractory spasms. Further confirmation with clinical studies is needed.
Ono, Tomonori; Moshe, Solomon L.; Galanopoulou, Aristea S.
Intermittent left bundle branch block caused by coronary vasospasm.
Intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB) has been reported in the literature following certain conditions such as cardiac blunt trauma, myocardial infarction (MI) or exercise induced LBBB. In the majority of cases, the patients usually have underlying coronary arteries disease. LBBB often prevents the electrocardiographic diagnosis of acute MI; therefore, new LBBB in the setting of chest pain is usually treated as transmural MI. We describe a case of patient who presented with intermittent LBBB associated with chest pain, and subsequently the patient was taken to the catheterization laboratory for emergency coronary angiogram, which revealed 80% spasm in left anterior descending artery, which was totally relieved by nitroglycerin infusion. No other significant CAD was noted. PMID:23930243
Alhaji, Mohammad
Genetic and biologic classification of infantile spasms.
Infantile spasms constitute an age-dependent epilepsy, highly associated with cognitive impairment, autism, and movement disorders. Previous classification systems focused on a distinction between symptomatic and cryptogenic etiologies, and have not kept pace with recent discoveries of mutations in genes in key pathways of central nervous system development in patients with infantile spasms. Children with certain genetic syndromes are much likelier to manifest infantile spasms, and we review the literature to propose a genetic classification of these disorders. Children demonstrating genetic associations with infantile spasms also manifest phenotypes beyond epilepsy that may be explained by recent advances in the understanding of underlying biological mechanisms. Therefore we propose a biologic classification of genes highly associated with infantile spasms, and articulate models for infantile spasms pathogenesis based on those data. The two best described pathways of pathogenesis involve abnormalities in the gene regulatory network of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic forebrain development and abnormalities in molecules expressed at the synapse. These genetic and biologic classifications are flexible, and they should encourage much needed progress in syndrome recognition, clinical genetic testing, and the development of new therapies targeting specific pathways of pathogenesis. PMID:22114996
Paciorkowski, Alex R; Thio, Liu Lin; Dobyns, William B
Ketanserin causes surmountable antagonism of 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contractions of large coronary arteries of dog.
Large coronary arteries of the dog were contracted with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The 5-HT2-receptor antagonist ketanserin antagonized the 5-HT-induced effects. Unlike Brazenor and Angus (Europ J Pharmacol 81:569-576, 1982) who reported insurmountable antagonism of the effects of 5-HT in dog coronaries, we found that the antagonism by ketanserin can be surmounted, provided the concentrations of 5-HT are high enough. Ketanserin also unmasked a saturable component of the 5-HT-induced contractions. Although ketanserin (0.1-1 mumol/l) depressed the maximal force of the saturable component, it did not change its EC50 (-log mol/l 8.0). We conclude that large coronary arteries of dog are contracted by 5-HT mainly through 5-HT2-receptors and to a smaller extent through receptors different from 5-HT2. PMID:3157065
Frenken, M; Kaumann, A J
Vasopressin induced myocardial depression in neurally mediated and not due to impaired coronary blood flow.
The mechanism of the cardiodepressant effect of vasopressin was studied by measuring simultaneously myocardial contractile force and coronary blood flow (with tracer microspheres) in anaesthetized open-chest rabbits. Lysine-vasopressin administered at two dose levels (10 and 100 mu kg-1 infused in 2 min with a maintenance dose of 2 mu kg-1 min-1 between these two loading doses) to a group of 6 rabbits caused dose-dependent myocardial depression and also severely decreased coronary blood flow in a dose-dependent manner. Blood pressure remained almost unchanged but heart rate, cardiac output and total peripheral conductance were also decreased dose-dependently. In another group of 6 rabbits treated in the same way with lysine-vasopressin, darodipine (PY 108-068, 30 and 100 micrograms kg-1) was infused intravenously. It reversed the vasopressin-induced coronary constriction and cardiodepression. The high dose of vasopressin brought back cardiac depression but did not reduce coronary blood flow below baseline values. Myocardial depression could therefore not be adequately explained by the changes in coronary blood flow. In a further group of rabbits which had been subjected to cervical vagotomy and beta-adrenoceptor blockade (propranolol 1 mg kg-1 i.v.) before the experiment, vasopressin still caused coronary constriction which was reversed by darodipine, but had no effect on myocardial contractile force and heart rate. The cardiodepressant effect of vasopressin can thus be explained fully by effects on the autonomic nervous system which are reversed by lowering blood pressure, whereas the severe reduction of coronary flow did not contribute to the vasopressin-induced myocardial depression.
Hof, R. P.
Mechanism of pindolol-induced vasoconstriction in isolated and perfused dog coronary arteries.
The mechanism of pindolol-induced vasoconstriction in isolated and perfused dog coronary arteries was studied. Single injections of pindolol (1-100 micrograms), propranolol (1-30 micrograms), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, 0.001-1 microgram) produced a dose-related vasoconstriction in dog coronary arteries which were dilated by acetylcholine. l-Pindolol constricted coronary arteries, but d-pindolol did not. The responses to pindolol and propranolol were not affected by any of the following compounds (100 micrograms): bunazosin (a selective alpha 1-adrenergic antagonist), DG 5128 (a selective alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist), atropine (a muscarinic antagonist), chlorpheniramine (a selective H1-antagonist), cimetidine (a selective H2-antagonist), and ketanserin (a selective 5-HT2 antagonist). Methysergide (10 micrograms, a 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 antagonist) significantly reduced pindolol- and propranolol-induced vasoconstrictions, although it did not reduce norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction in the presence of 5 microM propranolol. Methysergide (10 micrograms) and ketanserin (100 micrograms) significantly suppressed 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction. Diltiazem (100 micrograms, a calcium antagonist) and the incubation in Ca(2+)-free solution containing 1 mM EGTA for 1 hr significantly reduced the vasoconstrictions induced by pindolol and propranolol. The Ca(2+)-free solution containing 1 mM EGTA abolished the vasoconstriction induced by 5-HT in the presence of 1 microM ketanserine. In a solution containing 20 mM KCl, the vasoconstrictions caused by pindolol and propranolol were enhanced in dog coronary arteries. These results indicate that the direct contractile effects of pindolol on dog coronary arteries are mediated, at least partly, through 5-HT1-like receptors, but not through alpha-adrenergic receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) PMID:8101886
Nakane, T; Kawai, K; Chiba, S
Protein kinase C iota mediates lipid-induced apoptosis of human coronary artery endothelial cells
Apoptosis is involved in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Protein kinase C (PKC) signalling is of importance in atherosclerosis as well as apoptosis. Therefore, we tested the involvement of PKC in lipid-induced apoptosis of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC).Protein expression of PKC isoforms ?, ?I, ?, ?, and ? was detected, whereas no relevant protein amounts of
K. Staiger; U. Schatz; H. Staiger; P. Weyrich; C. Haas; A. Guirguis; F. Machicao; H.-U. H�ring; M. Kellerer
Physical activity opposes coronary vascular dysfunction induced during high fat feeding in mice
The study's purpose was to investigate if physical activity initiated with the start of high-fat feeding would oppose development of endothelial dysfunction, and if it does, then to determine some potential mechanisms. C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into three groups: (1) control low-fat diet (LF-SED; 15% of calories from fat), (2) high-fat diet (HF-SED; 45% of calories from fat), and (3) HF diet given access to a voluntary running wheel (HF-RUN). Our hypothesis was that HF-RUN would differ in multiple markers of endothelial dysfunction from HF-SED after 10 weeks of 45%-fat diet, but would not differ from LF-SED. HF-RUN differed from HF-SED in nine determinations in which HF-SED either had decreases in (1) acetylcholine (ACh)-induced and flow-induced vasodilatations in isolated, pressurized coronary arterioles, (2) heart phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS/eNOS) protein, (3) coronary arteriole leptin (ob) receptor protein, (4) phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3/STAT3) protein, and (5) coronary arteriole superoxide dismutase 1 protein; or had increases in (6) percentage body fat, (7) serum leptin, (8) coronary arteriole suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) protein, and (9) coronary arteriole gp91phox protein. Higher endothelium-dependent vasodilatation by ACh or leptin was abolished with incubation of NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME) in LF-SED and HF-RUN groups. Further, impaired ACh-induced vasodilatation in HF-SED was normalized by apocynin or TEMPOL to LF-SED and HF-RUN. These findings demonstrate multiple mechanisms (eNOS, leptin and redox balance) by which voluntary running opposes the development of impaired coronary arteriolar vasodilatation during simultaneous high-fat feeding.
Park, Yoonjung; Booth, Frank W; Lee, Sewon; Laye, Mathew J; Zhang, Cuihua
Minimally invasive coronary angiography using a novel 4 French sheathless system.
Transradial coronary angiography was performed using a novel sheathless 4 French system. The incidence of radial artery spasm, radial artery occlusion, and local vascular complications were lesser as compared to the conventional approach using a sheath. PMID:22734349
Gadkar, Narayan; D'Souza, Ryan
Myocardial infarction in young people with normal coronary arteries
Myocardial infarction occurring in young people with angiographically normal coronary arteries is well described but the pathophysiology of this condition remains unknown. Coronary artery spasm in association with thrombus formation and minimal atheromatous disease or spontaneous coronary artery dissection are possible causes. Two young men presented with severe chest pain after acute alcohol intoxication and each sustained an extensive anterior myocardial infarction. Investigations including intravascular ultrasound showed no evidence of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Coronary artery spasm associated with acute alcohol intoxication as well as a prothrombotic state and endothelial damage related to cigarette smoking may be mechanisms leading to acute myocardial infarction in these cases. Acute myocardial infarction occurs in young persons with normal coronary arteries and the diagnosis should be considered in young patients presenting with severe chest pain, particularly those abusing cocaine or alcohol, so that reperfusion therapy can be initiated promptly.?? Keywords: myocardial infarction;� coronary vasospasm;� alcohol;� intravascular ultrasound
Williams, M; Restieaux, N; Low, C
Effects of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes on Kv Channels in Rat Small Coronary Smooth Muscle Cells
Diabetes impairs endothelium dependent vasodilation, but the mechanism of endothelium independent dilation is not well understood. In the present study, we examined the effect of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on the vasomotor of small coronary artery and the activity of voltage-dependent K + channel of vascular smooth muscle cells in STZ rat using the videomicroscopy and patch clamp method. STZ-induced diabetes
Qiang Chai; Zhixiang Liu; Lianbi Chen
Role of Caspases in Ox-LDL-Induced Apoptotic Cascade in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induces apoptosis in endothelial cells. However, steps leading to ox-LDL-induced apoptosis remain unclear. We examined the role of ox-LDL and its newly described receptor LOX-1 in the expression of intracellular pro- and antiapoptotic proteins and caspase pathways in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations (10 to 80 g\\/mL)
Jiawei Chen; Jawahar L. Mehta; Nezam Haider; Xingjian Zhang; Jagat Narula; Dayuan Li
Radiation-induced mitral and tricuspid regurgitation with severe ostial coronary artery disease: a case report with successful surgical treatment.
A 71-year-old woman presented with congestive heart failure due to severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitations. In addition, she had significant ostial right coronary stenosis. She received radiation therapy following left radical mastectomy for carcinoma of breast in the past. She underwent successful combined mitral valve replacement, tricuspid annuloplasty, and coronary artery bypass graft for radiation-induced heart disease. PMID:7656309
Raviprasad, G S; Salem, B I; Gowda, S; Leidenfrost, R
Exercise and Diet Induced Weight Loss Attenuates Oxidative Stress Related-Coronary Vasoconstriction in Obese Adolescents
Obesity is a disease of oxidative stress (OS). Acute hyperoxia (breathing 100% O2) can evoke coronary vasoconstriction by the oxidative quenching of nitric oxide (NO). To examine if weight loss would alter the hyperoxia related-coronary constriction seen in obese adolescents, we measured the coronary blood flow velocity (CBV) response to hyperoxia using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography before and after a 4-week diet-and-exercise regimen in 6 obese male adolescents (age 13�17 yrs, BMI, 36.5 � 2.3 kg/m2). Six controls of similar age and BMI were also studied. The intervention group lost 9 � 1% body weight, which was associated with a reduced resting heart rate (HR), reduced diastolic blood pressure (BP), and reduced rate pressure product (RPP, all P<0.05). Before weight loss, hyperoxia reduced CBV by 33 � 3%. After weight loss, CBV only fell by 15 � 3% (P <0.05). In the control group, CBV responses to hyperoxia were unchanged during the two trials. Thus weight loss: 1) reduces HR, BP, and RPP; and 2) attenuates the OS related-coronary constrictor response seen in obese adolescents. We postulate that: 1) the high RPP before weight loss led to higher myocardial O2 consumption, higher coronary flow and greater NO production, and in turn a large constrictor response to hyperoxia; and 2) weight loss decreased myocardial oxygen demand and NO levels. Under these circumstances, hyperoxia induced vasoconstriction was attenuated.
Gao, Zhaohui; Novick, Marsha; Muller, Matthew D.; Williams, Ronald J.; Spilk, Samson; Leuenberger, Urs A.; Sinoway, Lawrence I.
Neonatal Estradiol Stimulation Prevents Epilepsy in Arx Model of X-Linked Infantile Spasms Syndrome
Infantile spasms are a catastrophic form of pediatric epilepsy with inadequate treatment. In patients, mutation of ARX, a transcription factor selectively expressed in neuronal precursors and adult inhibitory interneurons, impairs cell migration and causes a major inherited subtype of the disease X-linked infantile spasms syndrome. Using an animal model, the Arx(GCG)10+7 mouse, we determined that brief estradiol (E2) administration during early postnatal development prevented spasms in infancy and seizures in adult mutants. E2 was ineffective when delivered after puberty or 30 days after birth. Early E2 treatment altered mRNA levels of three downstream targets of Arx (Shox2, Ebf3, and Lgi1) and restored depleted interneuron populations without increasing GABAergic synaptic density. Postnatal E2 treatment may induce lasting transcriptional changes that lead to enduring disease modification and could potentially serve as a therapy for inherited interneuronopathies.
Olivetti, Pedro R.; Maheshwari, Atul; Noebels, Jeffrey L.
Effects of dietary oxysterols on coronary arteries in hyperlipidaemic hamsters.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary oxysterols on coronary atherosclerosis and vasospasm. Golden Syrian hamsters were fed three diets with different lipid contents for 3 months: (1) a normolipidaemic diet containing 25 g corn oil-fish oil (4:1, w/w)/kg (group Low L); (2) a hyperlipidaemic diet composed of the normolipidaemic diet supplemented with 150 g lard+30 g cholesterol/kg (group High L); (3) a third diet, similar to the hyperlipidaemic diet, in which 4 g cholesterol/kg was replaced by a mixture of oxysterols (group High L+OS). The oxysterol mixture contained (g/kg): 5,6alpha-epoxycholesterol 211, 5,6beta-epoxycholesterol 179, 7alpha-hydroxycholesterol 67, 7beta-hydroxycholesterol (7betaOH) 185, 7-ketocholesterol (7 K) 235; and trace amounts of 7-hydroperoxycholesterols (approximately 30 g/kg). Atherosclerosis was evaluated by measuring myocardial Ca, oxysterols and acyl-CoA cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) activity; furthermore, coronary reactivity to sodium nitroprusside was measured and the morphology of coronary arteries was visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Coronary spasm was determined by evaluating reactivity to serotonin. Feeding the high-lipid diet (group High L) increased the plasma level of 7betaOH, 7 K and cholestanetriol. The presence of oxysterols in the diet (group High L+OS) further increased the concentrations of 7betaOH and 7 K in the plasma. However, as evidenced by myocardial Ca, ACAT activity and coronary reactivity to sodium nitroprusside, severe atherosclerosis did not develop during the 3-month diet. 7 K was increased in myocardial lipids of groups High L and High L+OS. Electron microscopy did not show the development of atherosclerosis in group High L, whereas vascular wall thickening, endothelial damage and smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration occurred when oxysterols were present in the food. Serotonin induced exacerbated coronary vasoconstriction in group High L that was completely reversed by dietary oxysterols. In conclusion, dietary oxysterols exhibit anti-spasmodic properties, but they cannot be used as agents against excess dietary lipid-induced coronary spasm because of their atherogenic properties. PMID:12010578
Meynier, Alexandra; Lherminier, Jeanine; Demaison-Meloche, Joelle; Ginies, Christian; Grandgirard, Andre; Demaison, Luc
Lethal and severe coronary arteritis in DBA\\/2 mice induced by fungal pathogen, CAWS, Candida albicans water-soluble fraction
CAWS is a microbial pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) produced by Candida albicans. CAWS is a mannoprotein�beta-glucan complex and secreted into the culture supernatant. CAWS has various biological effects, causing acute shock and disrupting vascular permeability. Intraperitoneal administration of CAWS induces coronary arteritis in various strains of inbred mice. The CAWS-induced coronary arteritis is strain-dependent and most severe in DBA\\/2 mice
Noriko Nagi-Miura; Toshie Harada; Hiroyasu Shinohara; Kiyoshi Kurihara; Yoshiyuki Adachi; Akiko Ishida-Okawara; Toshiaki Oharaseki; Kei Takahashi; Shiro Naoe; Kazuo Suzuki; Naohito Ohno
Thromboxane-Induced Contractile Response of Human Coronary Arterioles Is Diminished After Cardioplegic Arrest
Background We investigated the contractile response of human coronary microvasculature to thromboxane A-2 (TXA-2), with and without the blockade of TXA-2 receptors or the inhibition of phospholipase-C (PLC) or of protein kinase C-? (PKC-?) in the human coronary microvasculature before and after cardioplegia, followed by reperfusion (CP/Rep). Protein/gene expression and localization of TXA-2 receptors, TXA-2 synthase, PLC, and other TXA-2�related proteins was also examined. Methods Right atrial tissue was harvested before and after cold blood cardioplegia, followed by about 10 minutes of reperfusion, from 28 patients undergoing cardiac operations. Coronary arterioles (90 to 170 �m in diameter) were dissected from the harvested tissue. Results The post-CP/Rep contractile response of coronary arterioles to TXA-2 analog U-46619 was significantly impaired vs pre-CP/Rep (p < 0.05). The TXA-2 receptor antagonist SQ-29548 (10?6 M) prevented the contractile response to U-46619 (p < 0.05). Pretreatment with the PLC inhibitor U73122 (10?6 M) significantly inhibited the U-46619�induced contractile response (p < 0.05). Administration of the PKC-? inhibitor safingol failed to affect U-46619�induced contraction. Total protein levels and gene expression of TXA-2 receptors, TXA-2 synthase, PLC-?3, phospho�PLC-?3, PLC-?1, and phospho�PLC-?1 were not altered after CP/Rep. Confocal microscopy showed no significant differences in the expression of TXA-2 receptors or PLC-?3 in the microcirculation. TXA-2 receptors and PLC-?3 were both present in smooth muscle and endothelium. Conclusions Cardioplegia/Rep decreases the contractile response of human coronary arterioles to TXA-2 soon after cardiac operations. The contractile response to the TXA-2 analog U-46619 is through activation of TXA-2 receptors and PLC.
Feng, Jun; Liu, Yuhong; Chu, Louis M.; Clements, Richard T.; Khabbaz, Kamal R.; Robich, Michael P.; Bianchi, Cesario; Sellke, Frank W.
Infantile spasms in tuberous sclerosis complex
The high incidence of infantile spasms (IS) and hypsarrhythmia in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) has long been emphasized but it is now clear that infants with TSC show clinical and EEG differences from those with classical West syndrome. Seizures at onset are mainly characterized by partial motor seizures and IS. Subtle partial seizures may be present in the early neonatal
Paolo Curatolo; Stefano Seri; Magda Verdecchia; Roberta Bombardieri
Serotonin, atherosclerosis, and collateral vessel spasm
NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)
Studies on animal models demonstrate that platelet products contribute to vascular spasm in ischemic syndromes and that this is reversible with administration of ketanserin and thromboxane synthesis inhibitors. Laboratory animals (dogs, rabbits, and rats) that had femoral artery ligations exhibited supersensitivity to serotonin within days in their collateral blood vessels. This supersensitivity lasted at least 6 months. The response to serotonin was reversed by ketanserin, but not by 5HT-1 antagonists. Supersensitivity does not extend to norepinephrine, and alpha blockers do not influence the response to serotonin. It appears that platelet activation by endothelial injury contributes to ischemia through blood vessel occlusion and vascular spasm. When platelet activation occurs in vivo, blood vessel occlusion and vascular spasm are reversible in part by using ketanserin or agents that block thromboxane synthesis or its action. Combining both classes of agents reverses spasm completely. These findings support existing evidence that platelet products contribute to vascular disease, and provide an approach to improved management with currently available pharmacologic agents.
Hollenberg, N.
ACTH therapy in infantile spasms: side effects
162 children with infantile spasms were treated with ACTH at the Children's Hospital, Helsinki, and at the Aurora Hospital, Helsinki, during 1960--76. In a large proportion (37%) of the children the treatment caused pronounced side effects, and the mortality was 4.9%. The most common complications were infections: septic infections, pneumonias, and urinary and gastrointestinal infections. Other side effects were arterial
R Riikonen; M Donner
Vulnerable Plaque Features on Coronary CT Angiography as Markers of Inducible Regional Myocardial Hypoperfusion from Severe Coronary Artery Stenoses
Objective We explored whether the presence of 3 known features of plaque vulnerability on coronary CT angiography (CCTA) � low attenuation plaque content (LAP), positive remodeling (PR), and spotty calcification (SC) � identifies plaques associated with greater inducible myocardial hypoperfusion measured by myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Methods We analyzed 49 patients free of cardiac disease who underwent CCTA and MPI within a 6-month period and were found on CCTA to have focal 70�99% stenosis from predominantly non-calcified plaque in the proximal or mid segment of 1 major coronary artery. Presence of LAP (?30 Hounsfield Units), PR (outer wall diameter exceeds proximal reference by ?5%), and SC (?3mm long and occupies ?90� of cross-sectional artery circumference) were determined. On MPI, reversible hypoperfusion in the myocardial territory corresponding to the diseased artery was quantified both as percentage of total myocardium (RevTPDART) by an automatic algorithm and as summed difference score (SDSART) by two experienced readers. RevTPDART?3% and SDSART?3 defined significant inducible hypoperfusion in the territory of the diseased artery. Results Plaques in patients with RevTPDART?3% more frequently exhibited LAP (70% vs. 14%, p<0.001) and PR (70% vs. 24%, p=0.001) but not SC (55% vs. 34%, p=0.154). RevTPDART increased from 1.3�1.2% in arteries with LAP?/PR? plaques to 3.2�4.3% with LAP+/PR? or LAP?/PR+ plaques to 8.3�2.4% with LAP+/PR+ plaques (p<0.001); SDSART showed a similar increase: 0.3�0.7 to 2.3�2.8 to 6.0�3.8 (p<0.001). Using the same LAP/PR categorization, there was a marked increase in the frequency of significant hypoperfusion as determined by both RevTPDART?3% (1/19 to 10/21 to 9/9, p<0.001) and SDSART?3 (1/19 to 8/21 to 8/9, p<0.001). LAP and PR, but not SC, were strong predictors of RevTPDART and SDSART in regression models adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions Presence of low attenuation plaque and positive remodeling in severely stenotic plaques on CCTA is strongly predictive of myocardial hypoperfusion and may be useful in assessing the hemodynamic significance of such lesions.
Shmilovich, Haim; Cheng, Victor Y; Tamarappoo, Balaji K; Dey, Damini; Nakazato, Ryo; Gransar, Heidi; Thomson, Louise EJ; Hayes, Sean W; Friedman, John D; Germano, Guido; Slomka, Piotr J; Berman, Daniel S
Targeted deletion of adenosine A(3) receptors augments adenosine-induced coronary flow in isolated mouse heart.
To determine whether adenosine A(3) receptors participate in adenosine-induced changes in coronary flow, isolated hearts from wild-type (WT) and A(3) receptor knockout (A(3)KO) mice were perfused under constant pressure and effects of nonselective and selective agonists were examined. Adenosine and the selective A(2A) agonist 2-[p-(2-carboxyethyl)]phenylethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS-21680) produced augmented maximal coronary vasodilation in A(3)KO hearts compared with WT hearts. Selective activation of A(3) receptors with 2-chloro-N(6)-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5'-N-methyluronamide (Cl-IB-MECA) at nanomolar concentrations did not effect coronary flow, but at higher concentrations it produced coronary vasodilation both in WT and A(3)KO hearts. Cl-IB-MECA-induced increases in coronary flow were susceptible to both pharmacological blockade and genetic deletion of A(2A) receptors. Because deletion or blockade of adenosine A(3) receptors augmented coronary flow induced by nonselective adenosine and the selective A(2A) receptor agonist CGS-21680, we speculate that this is due to removal of an inhibitory influence associated with the A(3) receptor subtype. These data indicate that the presence of adenosine A(3) receptors may either inhibit or negatively modulate coronary flow mediated by other adenosine receptor subtypes. PMID:12003827
Talukder, M A Hassan; Morrison, R Ray; Jacobson, Marlene A; Jacobson, Kenneth A; Ledent, Catherine; Mustafa, S Jamal
Closure of guide wire-induced coronary artery perforation with a two-component fibrin glue.
Perforation or rupture of a coronary artery with subsequent pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade is a potentially life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Several emergency treatment strategies exist to close the perforation including reversal of anticoagulation, prolonged balloon inflation, implantation of stent grafts, local injection of thrombogenic molecules, placement of microcoils, or open heart surgery. Here we report on a 66-year-old patient who underwent urgent PCI for acute stent thrombosis in the proximal LAD. The artery was reopened, a new stent implanted successfully, and a GPIIb/IIIa-antagonist was given. Shortly thereafter the patient suffered from cardiac tamponade requiring pericardiocentesis and pericardial drainage. The coronary angiogram indicated a severe guide wire-induced perforation and pericardial effusion originating from a distal diagonal branch segment. Prolonged balloon inflation did not stop the leakage. Therefore the monorail balloon was exchanged for an over-the-wire balloon. A two-component commercial fibrin glue consisting of fibrinogen and thrombin was rapidly but separately injected through the wire channel of the balloon into the distal segment of the diagonal branch. The coronary leak was successfully closed and the patient recovered quickly. In comparison with the previously reported cases of thrombin injection important differences should be noticed: (1) a two-component hemostatic seal was used without reversal of anticoagulation, (2) rapid injection instead of prolonged infusion of the hemostatic drugs was performed, and (3) the rescue technique was applied in a cath lab that routinely uses monorail catheter systems. Therefore we consider this a novel and effective approach for closure of coronary ruptures. PMID:17420994
St�rger, Hans; Ruef, Johannes
Trimetazidine in the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy after coronary angiogram.
This prospective randomized, controlled trial was done to evaluate the efficacy of trimetazidine in the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy in patients with raised serum creatinine levels undergoing coronary angiogram. This study was performed in the Department of Cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from April 2009 to March 2010. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious complication of coronary angiography that is associated with considerably increased mortality and morbidity, including the need for short-term haemodialysis, extended hospitalisation and permanent impairment of renal function. Trimetazidine (TMZ) has been described as a cellular anti-ischaemic agent. This study was trial with 400 patients. Among them 200 patients treated with trimetazidine plus hydration with normal saline and 200 patients (control) given hydration by normal saline only. It was found that the incidence of CIN was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by trimetazidine administration with saline in comparison with saline alone in patients undergoing coronary angiogram (4% vs. 14%). PMID:22561774
Rahman, M M; Haque, S S; Rokeya, B; Siddique, M A; Banerjee, S K; Ahsan, S A; Rahman, F; Mahmood, M; Ahmed, K; Bhuiyan, M M; Joarder, A I; Debnath, R C
Celiprolol induces ?(3)-adrenoceptors-dependent relaxation in isolated porcine coronary arteries.
In porcine coronary arteries (PCAs), celiprolol, a selective ?(1)-adrenoceptors antagonist, induces vasodilatation by an endothelium- and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent pathway. However, the mechanisms of that vascular effect have not been precisely established. ?(3)-Adrenoceptors have been shown to be involved in the relaxation per se of various vascular beds, including coronary vessels. Thus, we evaluated (i) the presence of ?(3)-adrenoceptors in the PCA and (ii) their role in celiprolol-induced vasodilatation. PCA rings were placed in organ baths and preconstricted with KCl. All experiments were performed in the presence of nadolol (a ?(1)/?(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist). Cumulative concentration-response curves to SR 58611A and ICI 215001 (2 ?(3)-adrenoceptor agonists) and to celiprolol were constructed. We also used semiquantitative reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction, which clearly showed the presence of ?(3)-adrenoceptor transcripts. SR 58611A, ICI 215001, and celiprolol induced concentration-dependent relaxations in PCA rings. SR 58611A-induced relaxation was almost abolished after removal of endothelium or pretreatment with L-NAME (a NO synthase inhibitor). The vasorelaxations induced by SR 58611A and celiprolol were inhibited in the presence of SR 59230A and L-748337 (2 selective ?(3)-adrenoceptor antagonists). We showed (i) that PCAs possess functional ?(3)-adrenoceptors mediating endothelium- and NO-dependent relaxation, and (ii) that celiprolol exerts a ?(3)-adrenoceptor agonistic activity in this vascular bed. PMID:24144049
Abdelkrim, Mohammed Amine; Martignat, Lionel; Gogny, Marc; Desfontis, Jean-Claude; Noireaud, Jacques; Mallem, Mohamed Yassine
Single photon emission computed tomography with thallium-201 during adenosine-induced coronary hyperemia: Correlation with coronary arteriography, exercise thallium imaging and two-dimensional echocardiography
The feasibility, safety and diagnostic accuracy of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with thallium-201 imaging during adenosine-induced coronary hyperemia were evaluated in 53 patients with and 7 without coronary artery disease proved by coronary angiography. Adenosine was infused intravenously at a dose of 0.14 mg/kg body weight per min for 6 min and thallium was injected at 3 min. Adenosine caused an increase in heart rate (68 +/- 12 at baseline versus 87 +/- 18 beats/min at peak effect, p less than 0.0001) but no change in blood pressure. The sensitivity and specificity were 92% (95% confidence intervals 81% to 98%) and 100% (95% confidence intervals 59% to 100%), respectively; 20 (61%) of 33 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease were also correctly identified. In 30 patients, the predictive accuracy of adenosine thallium imaging was slightly higher than that of exercise SPECT thallium imaging (90% versus 80%, p = NS) (95% confidence intervals 72% to 97% and 61% to 92%, respectively). In 25 patients, two-dimensional echocardiography during adenosine infusion disclosed a new wall motion abnormality in 2 (10%) of 20 patients with coronary artery disease; 80% of these patients had reversible thallium defects (p less than 0.001). Side effects were mild and transient; aminophylline was used in only three patients. Thus, adenosine SPECT thallium imaging provides a high degree of accuracy in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The results are comparable with those of exercise SPECT thallium imaging. Most reversible defects in the adenosine study are not associated with any transient wall motion abnormality.
Nguyen, T.; Heo, J.; Ogilby, J.D.; Iskandrian, A.S. (Philadelphia Heart Institute, PA (USA))
Repeat microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm
Objective: To report our experience with repeat microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS) in patients who have failed their first operation. Methods: The authors describe 41 redo MVDs for HFS in 36 patients performed over a 3 year period. Seven patients underwent early re-operation after an aborted seventh nerve decompression. Eight patients underwent early re-operation for clinical failure. Eighteen patients underwent late re-operation for spasm recurrence long after their original MVD. Eight MVDs were performed on patients who had already undergone at least two prior operations. Results: Twenty four patients experienced complete spasm resolution (70.6%), eight patients had near total resolution (23.5%), and two patients failed re-operation (5.9%). Two patients were lost to follow up (5.6%). A favourable outcome was reported by 82.4% of patients at a mean follow up interval of 18 months. A total of 91.7% of patients 50 years of age or younger were cured at follow up versus 59.1% of patients older than 50 (p = 0.04). Patients undergoing early re-operation were significantly more likely to be cured or improved than patients undergoing late re-operation (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Repeat MVD for HFS is effective in experienced hands. Younger patients respond better to repeat MVD. Late repeat MVD for HFS is a reasonable treatment option, although results are less favourable than for early re-operation.
Engh, J; Horowitz, M; Burkhart, L; Chang, Y; Kassam, A
Possible mechanisms underlying the vasodilatation induced by olprinone, a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor, in rabbit coronary artery
The possible mechanisms underlying the vasodilatation induced by olprinone, a phosphodiesterase type III inhibitor, were investigated in smooth muscle of the rabbit coronary artery. Isometric force and membrane potential were measured simultaneously using endothelium-denuded smooth muscle strips. Acetylcholine (ACh, 3??M) produced a contraction with a membrane depolarization (15.2�1.1?mV). In a solution containing 5.9?mM K+, olprinone (100??M) hyperpolarized the resting membrane and (i) caused the absolute membrane potential level reached with ACh to be more negative (but did not reduce the delta membrane potential seen with ACh, 15.2�1.8 mV) and (ii) attenuated the ACh-induced contraction. In a solution containing 30?mM K+, these effects were not seen with olprinone. Glibenclamide (10??M) blocked the olprinone-induced membrane hyperpolarization. 4-AP (0.1?mM) significantly attenuated the olprinone-induced resting membrane hyperpolarization but TEA (1?mM) had no such effect. Glibenclamide (10??M), TEA (1?mM) and 4-AP (0.1?mM), given separately, all failed to modify the inhibitory actions of olprinone on (i) the absolute membrane potential level seen with ACh and (ii) the ACh-induced contraction. It is suggested that olprinone inhibits the ACh-induced contraction through an effect on the absolute level of membrane potential achieved with ACh in smooth muscle of the rabbit coronary artery. It is also suggested that glibenclamide-sensitive, ATP-sensitive K+ channels do not play an important role in the olprinone-induced inhibition of the ACh-induced contraction.
Ohashi, Masuo; Dohi, Yasuaki; Itoh, Takeo
Dipyridamole-induced ST segment depression during thallium-201 imaging in patients with coronary artery disease: angiographic and hemodynamic determinants
To examine the angiographic and hemodynamic determinants of dipyridamole-induced ST segment depression in patients with coronary artery disease, 41 patients with angiographically documented coronary disease who underwent dipyridamole-thallium-201 myocardial scintigraphy were studied. Dipyridamole-induced ST depression occurred in 14 (34%) of the 41 patients. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression was performed to compare the predictive value of angiographic findings (good coronary collateral vessels, jeopardized collateral vessels, multivessel disease), hemodynamic changes (changes in heart rate, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and rate-pressure product), thallium-201 results (perfusion defect, thallium-201 redistribution) and demographic data (age, gender, medications). Only the presence of good coronary collateral vessels (p less than 0.02) and increases in rate-pressure product after dipyridamole infusion (p less than 0.02) were significant multivariate predictors of dipyridamole-induced ST depression. Good collateral vessels were more common in the group with ST depression (11 (79%) of 14) than they were in the group without ST depression (6 (22%) of 27; p less than 0.001). Rate-pressure product increased 2,835 +/- 1,648 beats/min.mm Hg in the group with ST depression compared with 1,179 +/- 1,417 beats/min.mm Hg in patients without ST depression (p less than 0.005). In conclusion, dipyridamole-induced ST segment depression in patients with coronary artery disease appears to be related to 1) the presence of good coronary collateral vessels, which may act by facilitating coronary steal, and 2) increases in rate-pressure product, reflecting increased myocardial oxygen demand. These observations may explain the lack of prognostic value of dipyridamole-induced ST segment depression described in previous reports.
Chambers, C.E.; Brown, K.A.
Influence of the endothelium, nitric oxide and serotonergic receptors on coronary vasomotor responses evoked by ergonovine in conscious dogs
The respective contributions of coronary vascular endothelium, nitric oxide (NO) and serotonergic receptors to the effects of ergonovine on large and small coronary arteries were investigated in conscious dogs. In seven dogs with an endothelium intact, ergonovine (30�1000??g, i.v.) induced a biphasic response on large coronary artery with an early and transient vasodilatation (up to +2.9�0.5% from 3310�160??m, P<0.01) followed by a sustained vasoconstriction (down to ?4.9�0.5%, P<0.001) which occurred simultaneously with a sustained increase in coronary blood flow (CBF) (up to +100�26% from 28�4?ml?min?1, P<0.001). After endothelium removal (balloon angioplasty), the ergonovine-induced vasodilatation was abolished and vasoconstriction potentiated (?6.4�0.9% after vs ?4.9�0.5% before endothelium removal, P<0.01). After blockade of NO synthesis by N?-nitro-L-arginine (30?mg?kg?1) in four other dogs, the early vasodilatation induced by ergonovine was abolished but the delayed vasoconstriction as well as the increase in CBF remained unchanged. Both ketanserin and methiothepin (0.3?mg?kg?1) abolished the early vasodilatation and reduced the delayed vasoconstriction induced by ergonovine. Ketanserin decreased and methiothepin abolished the reduction in coronary resistance induced by ergonovine. Thus, the complex interactions between vascular endothelium and serotonergic receptors to ergonovine-induced constriction of large coronary arteries might explain the induction of coronary spasms in patients with endothelial dysfunction.
Karila-Cohen, Daniel; Delpy, Eric; Dubois-Rande, Jean-Luc; Puybasset, Louis; Hittinger, Luc; Giudicelli, Jean-Francois; Berdeaux, Alain
Behavior of right and left ventricles during episodes of variant angina in relation to the site of coronary vasospasm
The effects of single-vessel coronary occlusion on simultaneously evaluated right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) performance were assessed and compared with LV perfusion patterns in 25 patients with variant angina. Coronary spasm involved the right coronary artery in 15 patients (group 1) and the left anterior descending coronary artery in 10 patients (group 2). Biventricular function was assessed by radionuclide angiography under basal conditions, during spontaneous or ergonovine-induced ischemia, and after resolution of the ischemic attack. Myocardial perfusion was assessed by thallium 201 scintigraphy in 21 patients of this series during superimposable ischemic episodes. In group 1, ischemia caused RV (14 of 15 patients) and LV (13 of 15 patients) regional dysfunction with significant reduction in RV and LV ejection fractions. The interventricular spetum was involved in six of 15 patients, causing a more pronounced LV impairment. In group 2, all patients showed septal dyssynergies associated with a reduction of LV ejection fraction; absent or trivial RV involvement was observed. In both groups, LV perfusion defects were present in all patients with LV wall motion abnormalities during ischemia, matching the site of regional dyssynergies. Thus, in a group of patients with variant angina and single-vessel disease, transient occlusion of the right coronary artery directly caused RV and LV impairment; in these patients, the extent of LV but not RV dysfunction appeared related to the presence of septal ischemia. Vasospasm of the left anterior descending coronary artery consistently caused LV dysfunction not associated with secondary effects on RV systolic function.
Neglia, D.; Parodi, O.; Marzullo, P.; Sambuceti, G.; Marcassa, C.; Michelassi, C.; L'Abbate, A. (CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa (Italy))
Topical nitroglycerin for levator spasm
Topical nitroglycerin, a nitric oxide donor, has been shown to induce relaxation of the internal anal sphincter.1 We hypothesized that decreasing anal canal pressures might have a beneficial effect on the symptoms of proctalgia. We performed a small pilot study to assess the efficacy of nitroglycerin ointment in the management of patients with refractory levator syndrome. The study population consisted
Neil Hyman; Peter Cataldo
C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Relaxes Human Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts Preconstricted by Endothelin1
Background. Endothelin is implicated in graft spasm after coronary artery bypass grafting. We assessed rever- sal by the endothelium-derived vasodilator C-type natri- uretic peptide of prior contraction of radial artery and other vessels commonly used for coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods. Segments of human radial artery, saphenous vein, and internal mammary artery were mounted in organ baths after removal from
Christopher J. Kelsall; Adrian H. Chester; Mohammed Amrani; Donald R. J. Singer
Part Two: Infantile Spasms--The New Consensus
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
This article presents the conclusion made by the consensus group regarding infantile spasms. The consensus group concluded that "infantile spasms are a major form of severe epileptic encephalopathy of early childhood that results in neurodevelopmental regression and imposes a significant health burden." The entire group agrees that the best�
Pellock, John M.; O'Hara, Kathryn
Migraine-triggered hemifacial spasm: three new cases
Background: The occurrence of hemifacial spasm (HFS) during an episode of migraine has been seldom reported. Here we describe three new cases presenting with HFS in association with migraine attacks.Case results: Three patients (one woman and two men, aged 31�36 years) developed HFS in close temporal relationship with migraine headaches. All of them started having the muscle spasms after pain
R Barahona-Hernando; ML Cuadrado; S Garc�a-Ptacek; A Marcos-de-Vega; M Jorquera; A Guerrero; CM Ord�s; S Mu�iz; J Porta-Etessam
The history of facial palsy and spasm
Although Sir Charles Bell was the first to provide the anatomic basis for the condition that bears his name, in recent years researchers have shown that other European physicians provided earlier clinical descriptions of peripheral cranial nerve 7 palsy. In this article, we describe the history of facial distortion by Greek, Roman, and Persian physicians, culminating in Razi's detailed description in al-Hawi. Razi distinguished facial muscle spasm from paralysis, distinguished central from peripheral lesions, gave the earliest description of loss of forehead wrinkling, and gave the earliest known description of bilateral facial palsy. In doing so, he accurately described the clinical hallmarks of a condition that we recognize as Bell palsy.
Sajadi, Mohamad-Reza M.; Tabatabaie, Seyed Mahmoud
Developmental venous anomaly responsible for hemifacial spasm.
Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a facial movement disorder characterized by involuntary, unilateral and intermittent contractions of the facial muscles. It is one of the syndromes related to neurovascular conflict, first described by Jannetta et al. in 1979. Typically, HFS is due to pulsatile compression by the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. We describe a rare case of left developmental venous anomaly in a 59-year-old man referred to us with a six-month history of left-sided HFS. We performed an MR study of the brain and cerebellopontine angles, which demonstrated a compression of the ipsilateral facial nerve by the developmental venous anomaly. PMID:23859243
Chiaramonte, R; Bonfiglio, M; D'Amore, A; Chiaramonte, I
Localization of bypass-induced changes in flow in coronary artery models.
Right coronary artery bypass restores blood flow through heart tissues. This also induces changes in flow leading to its failure. By this work the sites which are prone to such changes are localized. The bypass models are developed from transparent silicon rubber of elastic properties similar to arterial tissues. Flow visualization is carried out by photoelasticity technique by using dilute solution of vanadium pentoxide. This analysis carried out under pulsatile flow conditions shows that the proximal stenotic region continues to contribute to the alteration in flow in the hood region of the bypass. Thus making its proximal and distal regions prone to flow-induced changes, which may lead to its blockage over the long duration. PMID:15332491
Singh, M; Liepsch, D
Relation of contrast-induced nephropathy to long-term mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention.
There is little information on the effect of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) on long-term mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with or without chronic kidney disease (CKD). Of 4,371 patients who had paired serum creatinine (SCr) measurements before and after percutaneous coronary intervention and were discharged alive in the Coronary REvascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto registry, the incidence of CIN (an increase in SCr of ?0.5�mg/dl from the baseline) was 5% in our study cohort. The rate of CIN in patients with CKD was 11%, although it was 2% without CKD (p <0.0001). During a median follow-up of 42.3�months after discharge, 374 patients (8.6%) died. After adjustment for prespecified confounders, CIN was significantly correlated with long-term mortality in the entire cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62 to 2.29, p <0.0001) and in patients with CKD (HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.91 to 3.57, p <0.0001) but not in patients without CKD (HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.47 to 2.62, p�= 0.6). Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results using the criteria defined as elevations of the SCr by ?25% and 0.3�mg/dl from the baseline, respectively. In conclusion, CIN was significantly correlated with long-term mortality in patients with CKD but not in those without CKD. PMID:24927973
Abe, Mitsuru; Morimoto, Takeshi; Akao, Masaharu; Furukawa, Yutaka; Nakagawa, Yoshihisa; Shizuta, Satoshi; Ehara, Natsuhiko; Taniguchi, Ryoji; Doi, Takahiro; Nishiyama, Kei; Ozasa, Neiko; Saito, Naritatsu; Hoshino, Kozo; Mitsuoka, Hirokazu; Toma, Masanao; Tamura, Toshihiro; Haruna, Yoshisumi; Kita, Toru; Kimura, Takeshi
Relation between heart rate variability and spontaneous and induced ventricular arrhythmias in patients with coronary artery disease
Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between autonomic control of heart rate and the spontaneous occurrence and inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with coronary artery disease.Background. Low heart rate variability increases the risk of arrhythmic events. It is not known whether impaired autonomic heart rate control reflects alterations in functional factors that contribute to
Juhani O. Valkama; Heikki V. Huikuri; Juhani Koistinen; Sinikka Yli-M�yry; K. E. Juhani Airaksinen; Robert J. Myerburg
Preventing radiocontrast-induced nephropathy in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing coronary angiography
Radiocontrast-induced nephropathy (RCIN) is an acute and severe complication after coronary angiography, particularly for patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). It has been associated with both short- and long-term adverse outcomes, including the need for renal replacement therapy, increased length of hospital stay, major cardiac adverse events, and mortality. RCIN is generally defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration of 0.5 mg/dL or 25% above baseline within 48 h after contrast administration. There is no effective therapy once injury has occurred, therefore, prevention is the cornerstone for all patients at risk for acute kidney injury (AKI). There is a small but growing body of evidence that prevention of AKI is associated with a reduction in later adverse outcomes. The optimal strategy for preventing RCIN has not yet been established. This review discusses the principal risk factors for RCIN, evaluates and summarizes the evidence for RCIN prophylaxis, and proposes recommendations for preventing RCIN in CKD patients undergoing coronary angiography.
Hung, Yao-Min; Lin, Shoa-Lin; Hung, Shih-Yuan; Huang, Wei-Chun; Wang, Paul Yung-Pou
Inducible Myocardial Ischemia and Outcomes in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Objectives To test the hypotheses that ischemia during stress testing has prognostic value and that it identifies those coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction who derive the greatest benefit from coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) compared to medical therapy. Background The clinical significance of stress-induced ischemia in patients with CAD and moderately to severely reduced LV ejection fraction (EF) is largely unknown. Methods The Surgical Treatment of IsChemic Heart failure (STICH) trial randomized patients with CAD and EF ?35% to CABG or medical therapy. In this study, we assessed the outcomes of those STICH patients who underwent either a radionuclide (RN) stress test or a dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE). A test was considered positive for ischemia by RN if the summed difference score (difference in tracer activity between stress and rest) was ?4 or if ?2 of 16 segments were ischemic during DSE. Clinical endpoints were assessed by intention-to-treat during a median follow-up of 56 months. Results Of the 399 study patients (51 women, mean EF 26�8%), 197 were randomized to CABG and 202 to medical therapy. Myocardial ischemia was induced during stress testing in 256 patients (64% of the study population). Patients with and without ischemia were similar in age, multi-vessel CAD, previous myocardial infarction, LV EF, LV volumes, and treatment allocation (all p=NS). There was no difference between patients with vs. those without ischemia in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.77�1.50; p=0.66), cardiovascular mortality, or all-cause mortality plus cardiovascular hospitalization. There was no interaction between ischemia and treatment for any clinical endpoint. Conclusions In CAD with severe LV dysfunction, inducible myocardial ischemia does not identify patients with worse prognosis or those with greater benefit from CABG over optimal medical therapy. Clinical Trial ID: ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00023595
Panza, Julio A.; Holly, Thomas A.; Asch, Federico M.; She, Lilin; Pellikka, Patricia A.; Velazquez, Eric J.; Lee, Kerry L.; Borges-Neto, Salvador; Farsky, Pedro S.; Jones, Robert H.; Berman, Daniel S.; Bonow, Robert O.
Can a stroke present with flexor spasms? A highly rare experience.
Involuntary movement disorders are not a common presentation of basal ganglia ischemia which may be induced by cerebral hemodynamic insufficiency. In secondary causes of movements disorders cerebrovascular diseases represent up to 22% and involuntary movements develop after 1-4% of strokes. We describe a case of a middle-aged woman who presented with intermittent involuntary tonic spasms or seizure-like episodes followed by weakness due to contralateral putaminal infarction. Initially thought to have Todd's paralysis she was not thrombolysed, but later she developed dense hemiplegia. Flexor spasms are generally thought to occur in lesions of the spinal cord but they can also occur in cerebral lesion, may be because of disinhibition of the spinal cord. Certain other theories also have been narrated, but this field still needs to be worked upon. PMID:24624049
Malik, Yasir Mehmood; Almadani, Abubaker Abdulrahman; Dar, Jaeed Ahmed
Interneuron, interrupted: molecular pathogenesis of ARX mutations and X-linked infantile spasms.
X-linked Infantile Spasms Syndrome (ISSX) is a catastrophic epilepsy of early childhood with intractable seizures, intellectual disability, and poor prognosis. A spectrum of mutations in the Aristaless-Related Homeobox gene (ARX) has been linked to ISSX, and downstream targets of this interneuron-expressed transcription factor are being defined. Recent advances combining in vitro and in vivo methods have unveiled complex interactions between Arx and its binding partners and their effects on cell migration and maturation that can help explain the diversity of ARX phenotypes. New mutant mouse models of Arx-induced pathology, including a recent human triplet-repeat expansion mutation with a phenotype of infantile spasms and electrographic seizures, provide valuable tools for exploring the pathophysiology of Arx and substrates for testing novel therapies. PMID:22565167
Olivetti, Pedro R; Noebels, Jeffrey L
Fluvastatin-induced reduction of oxidative stress ameliorates diabetic cardiomyopathy in association with improving coronary microvasculature.
Diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with increased oxidative stress and vascular endothelial dysfunction, which lead to coronary microangiopathy. We tested whether statin-induced redox imbalance improvements could ameliorate diabetic cardiomyopathy and improve coronary microvasculature in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM). Fluvastatin (10 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was orally administered for 12 weeks to rats with or without DM. Myocardial oxidative stress was assessed by NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) oxidase subunit p22(phox) and gp91(phox) mRNA expression, and myocardial 8-iso-prostaglandin F2? (PGF2?) levels. Myocardial vascular densities were assessed using anti-CD31 and anti-?-smooth muscle actin (SMA) antibodies. Fluvastatin did not affect blood pressure or plasma cholesterol, but attenuated increased left ventricular (LV) minimum pressure and ameliorated LV systolic dysfunction in DM rats in comparison with vehicle (LV dP/dt, 8.9 � 1.8 vs 5.4 � 1.0 � 10(3) mmHg/s, P < 0.05). Myocardial oxidative stress increased in DM, but fluvastatin significantly reduced p22(phox) and gp91(phox) mRNA expression and myocardial PGF2? levels. Fluvastatin enhanced myocardial endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein levels and increased eNOS, vascular endothelial growth factor, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1? mRNA expression. CD31-positive cell densities were lower in DM rats than in non-DM rats (28.4 � 13.2 vs 48.6 � 4.3/field, P < 0.05) and fluvastatin restored the number (57.8 � 18.3/field), although there were no significant differences in SMA-positive cell densities between groups. Fluvastatin did not affect cardiac function, oxidative stress, or vessel densities in non-DM rats. These results suggest that beneficial effects of fluvastatin on diabetic cardiomyopathy might result, at least in part, from improving coronary microvasculature through reduction in myocardial oxidative stress and upregulation of angiogenic factor. PMID:23979266
Shida, Takuya; Nozawa, Takashi; Sobajima, Mitsuo; Ihori, Hiroyuki; Matsuki, Akira; Inoue, Hiroshi
Myocardial ischemia induced by three-vessel coronary-cameral fistulas
Coronary-cameral fistula is a scarce clinical entity, which is defined as an anomalous communication between any epicardial coronary artery and cardiac chambers or large vessels. We aimed to present a case of multiple coronary-cameral fistulas causing myocardial ischemia.
Yildiz, Abdulkadir; Yuksel, Murat; Akyuz, Abdurrahman
Glucose hypermetabolism in the thalamus of patients with hemifacial spasm.
The purpose of this study was investigate functional alteration in the brains of patients with hemifacial spasm using positron emission tomography (PET). We studied cerebral glucose metabolism using PET with (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose in 13 patients with right lateral hemifacial spasm and 13 with left lateral hemifacial spasm. All patients underwent 2 PET scans before treatment (active state) and after treatment (suppressive state) with the botulinum neurotoxin type A. At the time of the PET scans, the severity of the spasm was rated according to the Jankovic Disability Rating Scale. We also used magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the grade of neurovascular compression in each patient using scores of 1 to 3 (1 = mild, 3 = severe). Fifty-two normal volunteers were examined as controls. Compared with controls, patients with right and left hemifacial spasm showed bilateral cerebral glucose hypermetabolism in the thalamus in both the active and suppressive states. However, thalamic glucose metabolism after the suppressive state was significantly reduced compared with that in the active state using region of interest analysis. There was a positive correlation between the severity of the spasm in the active state and the score of neurovascular compression (rs = 0.65) that was estimated using Spearman order correlation coefficient. We observed bilateral cerebral glucose hypermetabolism in the thalamus of patients with hemifacial spasm. The thalamic glucose hypermetabolism may be attributed to multiple sources, including afferent input from the skin and muscle spindle, antidromic conduction of the facial nerve, and secondary alteration in the central nervous system. PMID:22344604
Shimizu, Megumi; Suzuki, Yukihisa; Kiyosawa, Motohiro; Wakakura, Masato; Ishii, Kenji; Ishiwata, Kiichi; Mochizuki, Manabu
Verapamil: a selective antagonist of constrictor substances in dog coronary artery: implications for variant angina.
1. Canine circumflex coronary artery ring segments were contracted in vitro by ergometrine, serotonin, phenylephrine, noradrenaline (with propranolol) and a thromboxane A2 analogue, U46619. 2. Ergometrine was classified as a serotonin agonist since concentration-response curves were competitively inhibited by methysergide but not by alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists. 3. Glyceryl trinitrate (IC50 18.6 nmol/l) relaxed the coronary rings precontracted with serotonin, phenylephrine or U46619. In contrast (+/-)-verapamil (0.1-10 mumol/l) was more effective against serotonin than phenylephrine or noradrenaline and was almost inactive against U46619. 4. In a blood perfused left anterior descending coronary artery preparation external diameter was measured by sonomicrometry. Serotonin, U46619 and ergometrine infusions (i.a.) decreased diameter by up to 18% without causing spasm (zero lumen diameter). Lowering the perfusion pressure from 90 to 60 mmHg increased the fall in diameter during serotonin infusions. 5. The negative inotropic potency of verapamil against noradrenaline induced beta-adrenergic stimulation in guinea-pig left atria was compared with the vasodilator potency of verapamil in noradrenaline constricted dog coronary artery rings. Verapamil was eighteen times more potent in cardiac muscle than in coronary smooth muscle. 6. This apparent tissue selectivity of verapamil was confirmed in anaesthetized dogs where plasma concentrations of verapamil 50-150 ng/ml (in the therapeutic range) lowered blood pressure and heart rate and increased P-R interval without greatly reducing the constrictor response to serotonin in the coronary artery. 7. These studies suggest that inhibition of constrictor responses in large coronary vessels may not be an important site of action of verapamil in patients with variant angina. PMID:6956474
Angus, J A; Brazenor, R M; Le Duc, M A
Protein kinase C iota mediates lipid-induced apoptosis of human coronary artery endothelial cells.
Apoptosis is involved in the development and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Protein kinase C (PKC) signalling is of importance in atherosclerosis as well as apoptosis. Therefore, we tested the involvement of PKC in lipid-induced apoptosis of human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). Protein expression of PKC isoforms alpha, beta I, delta, epsilon, and iota was detected, whereas no relevant protein amounts of PKC isoforms beta II, gamma, eta, theta, and zeta were found. Inhibition of classical and novel PKC isoforms by treatment with bisindolylmaleimide or PKC down-regulation by long-term treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) could not prevent apoptosis induced by palmitate or stearate. In contrast, a specific myristoylated, cell-permeable PKC zeta/iota pseudosubstrate prevented lipid-induced apoptosis in HCAEC. Furthermore, saturated fatty acids activated PKC iota as evidenced by PKC iota down-regulation upon long-term treatment with stearate. Our data provide evidence that PKC iota is activated by saturated fatty acids and mediates lipid-induced apoptosis of HCAEC. PMID:19327373
Staiger, K; Schatz, U; Staiger, H; Weyrich, P; Haas, C; Guirguis, A; Machicao, F; H�ring, H-U; Kellerer, M
Coronary sinus norepinephrine concentrations during ventricular tachycardia induced by left stellate ganglion stimulation in dogs.
Coronary sinus catecholamine overflow was measured in open-chest dogs, anesthetized with sodium thiopental and alpha-chloralose, during left sympathetic stimulation. Uniform ventricular tachycardias were induced in 9 out of 16 dogs during either left stellate ganglion or left ventrolateral cardiac nerve stimulations. Significant increases in norepinephrine (8.1 ng/mL, plasma) and epinephrine (0.19 ng/mL, plasma) overflows were obtained after 30 and 90 s of stimulation, respectively. Maximum norepinephrine overflow was significantly higher in dogs with ventricular tachycardia than in those without it (16.0 vs. 7.4 ng/mL, p less than 0.05). This suggests that the induction of ventricular tachycardia in the normal myocardium is related to the amount of local secretion of norepinephrine during nerve stimulation. PMID:3167674
Nadeau, R; Lamontagne, D; Cardinal, R; de Champlain, J; Armour, J A
Diabetes-associated changes and role of N ?-(carboxymethyl)lysine in big ET1-induced coronary vasoconstriction
Using perfused hearts from streptozotocin-induced long-term diabetic rats, we studied the coronary vasoconstrictor effect of the endothelin-1 (ET-1) precursor big ET-1 and also whether this response was modulated by N?-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML; a representative advanced glycation end product that is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic vasculopathy). The big ET-1-induced vasoconstriction (a) developed more rapidly (i.e., was greater in the first
Takayuki Matsumoto; Yuta Ozawa; Kumiko Taguchi; Tsuneo Kobayashi; Katsuo Kamata
Microsurgical Vascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Hemifacial Spasm
Vascular cross-compression of cranial nerves has been proposed as the cause of cranial neuropathies, including trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Over the last decade we have used microsurgical vascular decompression to treat these two disorders. Results in 50 patients treated for trigeminal neuralgia have been excellent in 42, good in 5 and poor in 2; and 1 patient was cured after a second operation. Results in 22 patients treated for hemifacial spasm have been excellent in 18, good in 2 and fair in 1. One patient died. There were no late recurrences of symptoms. The pathophysiological mechanisms of trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm remain unknown.
Wilson, Charles B.; Yorke, Craig; Prioleau, George
Two new familial severe infantile spasm syndromes in males.
We describe two new familial severe infantile spasm syndromes (ISSs) unrelated to Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) gene mutation. Family A contains two male siblings each with dysmorphism, profound psychomotor delay, gastroesophageal reflux, infantile spasms, hypsarrhythmia, prominent independent central apneas, and early death. Family B contains two male siblings with dysmorphism, profound psychomotor delay, ambiguous genitalia, macular hypoplasia, neurosensory hearing deficit, gastroesophageal reflux, infantile spasms, no hypsarrhythmia, apneas, and early death in one sibling. Etiologic workup and ARX gene sequencing were negative. This indicates that several familial ISSs exist but are not genetically characterized. PMID:19232548
Karam, Pascale E; Farra, Chantal; Shamseddine, Alhan; Mikati, Mohamad A
Prevention of subsequent exercise-induced periinfarct ischemia by emergency coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction: comparison with intracoronary streptokinase
To compare the efficacy of emergency percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and intracoronary streptokinase in preventing exercise-induced periinfarct ischemia, 28 patients presenting within 12 hours of the onset of symptoms of acute myocardial infarction were prospectively randomized. Of these, 14 patients were treated with emergency angioplasty and 14 patients received intracoronary streptokinase. Recatheterization and submaximal exercise thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography were performed before hospital discharge. Periinfarct ischemia was defined as a reversible thallium defect adjacent to a fixed defect assessed qualitatively. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 86% of patients treated with emergency angioplasty and 86% of patients treated with intracoronary streptokinase (p = NS). Residual stenosis of the infarct-related coronary artery shown at predischarge angiography was 43.8 +/- 31.4% for the angioplasty group and 75.0 +/- 15.6% for the streptokinase group (p less than 0.05). Of the angioplasty group, 9% developed exercise-induced periinfarct ischemia compared with 60% of the streptokinase group (p less than 0.05). Thus, patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with emergency angioplasty had significantly less severe residual coronary stenosis and exercise-induced periinfarct ischemia than did those treated with intracoronary streptokinase. These results suggest further application of coronary angioplasty in the management of acute myocardial infarction.
Fung, A.Y.; Lai, P.; Juni, J.E.; Bourdillon, P.D.; Walton, J.A. Jr.; Laufer, N.; Buda, A.J.; Pitt, B.; O'Neill, W.W.
Insulin induced increase in coronary flow reserve is abolished by dexamethasone in young men with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes
Objective: To examine the role of the sympathetic nervous system in regulating insulin�s action on coronary perfusion in uncomplicated type 1 diabetes by blocking centrally mediated sympathetic activity with dexamethasone. Methods: Positron emission tomography and oxygen 15 labelled water were used to quantify myocardial blood flow basally and during adenosine infusion with or without simultaneous euglycaemic physiological hyperinsulinaemia in nine non-smoking men with type 1 diabetes and 12 healthy non-diabetic men. Each patient was studied both with and without previous dexamethasone treatment for two days (2 mg/day). Results: Insulin increased coronary flow reserve in diabetic (from 4.3 (0.7) to 5.1 (0.6), p < 0.05) and non-diabetic (from 4.3 (0.3) to 5.4 (0.4), p < 0.05) patients. In contrast to non-diabetic patients dexamethasone pretreatment abolished the insulin induced increase in coronary flow reserve in diabetic patients (p < 0.05) leading to lower coronary flow reserve in diabetic than in non-diabetic patients (3.9 (0.6) v 7.1 (0.9), p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results show that insulin�s ability to modulate coronary perfusion is sustained in young patients with type 1 diabetes without microvascular complications or autonomic neuropathy. Dexamethasone treatment abolished the insulin induced increase in coronary flow reserve in diabetic patients but not in healthy study participants, suggesting that sympathetic activation plays an important part in regulating insulin�s effects on myocardial perfusion in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Laine, H; Sundell, J; Nuutila, P; Raitakari, O T; Luotolahti, M; Ronnemaa, T; Elomaa, T; Koskinen, P; Knuuti, J
Botulinum Toxin Injections: A Treatment for Muscle Spasms
... A Treatment for Muscle Spasms What is botulinum toxin? Botulinum toxin is a protein that helps stop muscle ... won't have any harmful effects from the toxin. Botulinum toxin has been used safely for a number ...
Intractable Hemifacial Spasm Treated by Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment
Hemifacial spasm is defined as unilateral, involuntary, irregular twitching of all or parts of the muscles innervated by facial nerves. Here, we present a case of recurrent hemifacial spasm after microvascular decompression (MVD) treated with pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment with good results. A 35-year-old woman suffered from recurrent hemifacial spasm after MVD that was refractory to medical treatment and botulinum toxin injections. We attempted a left facial nerve block twice. Then, we applied PRF at a maximum temperature of 42? for 120 sec. Some response was observed, so we applied PRF two additional times. The frequency of twitch decreased from 3-4 Hz to < 0.5 Hz, and subjective severity on a visual analogue scale also decreased from 10/10 to 2-3/10. PRF treatment might be an effective medical treatment for refractory hemifacial spasm and has fewer complications and is less invasive compared with those of surgery.
Park, Hae Lang; Lim, Seung Mo; Kim, Tae Hwa; Kang, Kyung Ho; Kang, Hyun; Jung, Yong Hun; Baek, Chong Wha; Woo, Young Cheol; Kim, Jin Yun; Koo, Gill Hoi
Laryngeal spasm mimicking asthma and vitamin d deficiency.
We present a woman with heterozygous carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2 (CPT-2) deficiency who in the last 6 months suffered from episodic dyspnea and choking. Symptoms could not be attributed to her muscular energy defect, since heterozygous CPT-2 deficiency is usually asymptomatic or causes only mild muscle fatigability. Myopathy is usually triggered by concurrent factors, either genetic (additional muscle enzymes defects) or acquired (metabolic stress). The patient was referred to our respiratory clinic for suspect bronchial asthma. Spirometry showed mild decrease in inspiratory flows. Methacholine challenge was negative. Dyspnea was triggered by hyperventilation-induced hypocapnia, which produced marked decrease in airflow rates, particularly in inspiratory flows, consistent with laryngospasm. Nutritional assessment of the patient showed low serum level of calcium and vitamin D, attributable to avoidance of milk and dairy products for lactose intolerance and to insufficient sunlight exposure. After calcium and vitamin D supplementation episodic laryngospasm disappeared and hypocapnic hyperventilation test induced very mild change in airflow rates. Calcium and vitamin D deficiency may favour laryngeal spasm mimicking asthma, particularly in subjects with underlying myopathy. PMID:24843804
Masoero, Monica; Bellocchia, Michela; Ciuffreda, Antonio; Ricciardolo, Fabio Lm; Rolla, Giovanni; Bucca, Caterina
Laryngeal Spasm Mimicking Asthma and Vitamin D Deficiency
We present a woman with heterozygous carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2 (CPT-2) deficiency who in the last 6 months suffered from episodic dyspnea and choking. Symptoms could not be attributed to her muscular energy defect, since heterozygous CPT-2 deficiency is usually asymptomatic or causes only mild muscle fatigability. Myopathy is usually triggered by concurrent factors, either genetic (additional muscle enzymes defects) or acquired (metabolic stress). The patient was referred to our respiratory clinic for suspect bronchial asthma. Spirometry showed mild decrease in inspiratory flows. Methacholine challenge was negative. Dyspnea was triggered by hyperventilation-induced hypocapnia, which produced marked decrease in airflow rates, particularly in inspiratory flows, consistent with laryngospasm. Nutritional assessment of the patient showed low serum level of calcium and vitamin D, attributable to avoidance of milk and dairy products for lactose intolerance and to insufficient sunlight exposure. After calcium and vitamin D supplementation episodic laryngospasm disappeared and hypocapnic hyperventilation test induced very mild change in airflow rates. Calcium and vitamin D deficiency may favour laryngeal spasm mimicking asthma, particularly in subjects with underlying myopathy.
Masoero, Monica; Bellocchia, Michela; Ciuffreda, Antonio; Ricciardolo, Fabio LM; Rolla, Giovanni
Effect of hydration with or without n-acetylcysteine on contrast induced nephropathy in patients undergoing coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention.
Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN), an acute decline in renal function after the administration of intravenous contrast in the absence of other causes, is the third leading cause of acute renal failure in hospitalized patients. Antioxidant N-acetylcysteine prevents acute contrast nephrotoxicity in patients with impaired renal function who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Hydration is the cornerstone in preventing CIN. N-acetylcysteine has additive preventive affect. We compared N-acetylcysteine plus hydration with hydration alone in preventing CIN. Patients were assigned to receive either premedication with hydration with normal saline (1ml/kg/hour-12 hour before and 12 hour after CAG and intravenous PCI) alone or to receive both hydration and oral N acetylcysteine (600mg bid for 2 days, starting day before CAG and PCI). Main out come was occurrence of ?25% or ?0.5mg/dl increase in serum creatinine level within 24 to 48 hours after contrast administration; change in creatinine clearance and serum creatinine level. Six patients (12%) of hydration group i.e. Group A and none of the patients of N-acetylcysteine All group i.e. Group B develop CIN (p=0.012). Baseline serum creatinine level was slightly higher in N-acetylcysteine group than hydration group (1.52�0.32 and 1.44�0.22). After 24 hours of CAG and PCI serum creatinine level lower than base line in N-acetylcysteine group but slightly higher than base line in hydration group (1.42�0.39 and 1.51�0.38). Difference in serum creatinine in both the groups were statistically significant (p=0.006 in N-acetylcysteine group and p=0.029 in hydration group). Creatinine clearance rate significantly improved in N-acetylcysteine group after coronary intervention. In conclusion, N-acetylcysteine and hydration prevent CIN better than hydration alone in high risk patients. PMID:21522098
Awal, A; Ahsan, S A; Siddique, M A; Banerjee, S; Hasan, M I; Zaman, S M; Arzu, J; Subedi, B
[A case of hemifacial spasm associated with a cerebellar hematoma].
This is a report of a hemifacial spasm associated with a cerebellar hematoma. A 60 year-old female was admitted to our hospital due to severe vertigo and nausea. On admission, the neurological examination showed drowsy conscious level, cerebellar sign dominant on the left side, and left hemifacial spasm. CT scans disclosed a large hematoma in the left cerebellar hemisphere. An angiography revealed a dominant left PICA, but showed neither vascular malformation nor aneurysm. An emergency removal of the hematoma was carried out by using suboccipital craniectomy. Three days after the surgery, the patient's left hemifacial spasm disappeared completely. She had never suffered from left hemifacial spasm prior to this cerebellar bleeding. The hemifacial spasm was thought to be due to either the compression of the left facial nerve by the PICA which had been displaced by the cerebellar hematoma, or to the fact that the nucleus of the left facial nerve might have been stimulated by the hematoma, and the hemifacial spasm might have been caused as a result of the stimulation. The total removal of the hematoma and the postoperative CSF leakage might have decompressed the facial nerve. It was considered that this might be similar to microvascular decompression. PMID:7845513
Hirano, A; Ochi, S; Kanno, K
A genetic and biologic classification of infantile spasms
Infantile spasms are an age-dependent epilepsy that are highly associated with cognitive impairment, autism, and movement disorders. Previous classification systems have focused on a distinction between symptomatic and cryptogenic etiologies, and have not kept pace with the recent discoveries of mutations in genes in key pathways of central nervous system development in patients with infantile spasms. Children with certain genetic syndromes are much more likely to have infantile spasms, and we review the literature to propose a genetic classification of these disorders. Children with these genetic associations with infantile spasms also have phenotypes beyond epilepsy that may be explained by recent advances in the understanding of underlying biological mechanisms. We therefore also propose a biologic classification of the genes highly associated with infantile spasms, and articulate models for infantile spasms pathogenesis based on that data. The two best described pathways of pathogenesis are abnormalities in the gene regulatory network of GABAergic forebrain development, and abnormalities in molecules expressed at the synapse. We intend for these genetic and biologic classifications to be flexible, and hope that they will encourage much needed progress in syndrome recognition, clinical genetic testing, and ultimately the development of new therapies that target specific pathways of pathogenesis.
Paciorkowski, Alex R.; Thio, Liu Lin; Dobyns, William B.
C-Reactive Protein and the Risk of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Background: The relationship between preprocedural C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is unknown. Methods: Documents of 7,310 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were screened. Patients with acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, concomitant inflammatory conditions or undergoing CABG within 48 h were excluded due to potential confounding effects. Results: A total of
Fei Gao; Yu Jie Zhou; Xi Zhu; Zhi Jian Wang; Shi Wei Yang; Hua Shen
The Role of ERK1\\/2 Signaling Pathway in Coronary Microembolization-Induced Rat Myocardial Inflammation and Injury
Aim: Inflammation plays an important role in coronary microembolization (CME)-induced myocardial injury. The present study was designed to investigate the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1\\/2 (ERK1\\/2) signaling pathway in regulating myocardial inflammation and cardiac function in a rat model of CME. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated group (sham group), CME group and PD98059 group
Lang Li; Dong-Hua Li; Nan Qu; Wei-Ming Wen; Wie-Qiang Huang
Effect of force-induced mechanical stress at the coronary artery bifurcation stenting: Relation to in-stent restenosis
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
The deployment of metallic stents during percutaneous coronary intervention has become common in the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions. However, restenosis occurs mostly at the bifurcation area even in present era of drug-eluting stents. To achieve adequate deployment, physicians may unintentionally apply force to the strut of the stents through balloon, guiding catheters, or other devices. This force may deform the struts and impose excessive mechanical stresses on the arterial vessels, resulting in detrimental outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between the distribution of stress in a stent and bifurcation angle using finite element analysis. The unintentionally applied force following stent implantation was measured using a force sensor that was made in the laboratory. Geometrical information on the coronary arteries of 11 subjects was extracted from contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan data. The numerical results reveal that the application of force by physicians generated significantly higher mechanical stresses in the arterial bifurcation than in the proximal and distal parts of the stent (post hoc P < 0.01). The maximal stress on the vessels was significantly higher at bifurcation angle <70� than at angle ?70� (P < 0.05). The maximal stress on the vessels was negatively correlated with bifurcation angle (P < 0.01). Stresses at the bifurcation ostium may cause arterial wall injury and restenosis, especially at small bifurcation angles. These finding highlight the effect of force-induced mechanical stress at coronary artery bifurcation stenting, and potential mechanisms of in-stent restenosis, along with their relationship with bifurcation angle.
Lee, Cheng-Hung; Jhong, Guan-Heng; Hsu, Ming-Yi; Liu, Shih-Jung; Wang, Chao-Jan; Hung, Kuo-Chun
Compression induced by RV pressure overload decreases regional coronary blood flow in anesthetized dogs.
Pulmonary artery constriction (PAC), a model of right ventricular (RV) pressure overload, flattens or inverts the septum and may flatten the left ventricular (LV) free wall. Finite element (FE) analysis predicts that such deformations may cause substantial compression. This study tests the hypothesis that deformation-induced myocardial compressive stress impedes coronary blood flow (CBF). Colored microspheres ( approximately 2 x 10(6)) were injected into the left atrium of 13 open-chest, anesthetized dogs under control conditions and during PAC, which decreased the end-diastolic transseptal pressure gradient (LV - RV) from 1.6 +/- 1.3 to -3.4 +/- 1.7 mmHg. Septal and LV deformation was assessed with the use of two-dimensional echocardiography, and by FE analysis, the hydrostatic component of stress was assessed. Postmortem, a 2.5-cm wide, LV equatorial ring was divided into 16 endocardial and epicardial samples. PAC decreased CBF in the FE-predicted compression zones, areas with the greatest compression having the greatest reductions in CBF. During PAC, compression reached a maximum of 25.3 +/- 1.8 mmHg on the (LV) endocardial sides of the RV insertion points, areas that saw CBF decrease from 1.05 +/- 0.08 to 0.68 +/- 0.05 ml.min(-1).g(-1) (P < 0.001), more than 30%. CBF decreased (from 1.08 +/- 0.07 to 0.81 +/- 0.07 ml.min(-1).g(-1); P < 0.001) on the RV side of the midseptum, an area with as much as 16.0 +/- 1.0 mmHg of compression. Overall, average compressions of 10 mmHg decreased CBF by approximately 30%. We conclude that acute RV pressure overload deforms the septum and LV and induces compressive stresses that reduce CBF substantially. This may help explain why some patients with pulmonary hypertension and no critical coronary disease have chest discomfort indistinguishable from angina pectoris. PMID:16428352
Gibbons Kroeker, Carol A; Adeeb, Samer; Shrive, Nigel G; Tyberg, John V
Coronary microembolization does not induce acute preconditioning against infarction in pigs�the role of adenosine
Objective: After coronary microembolization (ME) adenosine is released from ischemic areas of the microembolized myocardium. This adenosine dilates vessels in adjacent nonembolized myocardium and increases coronary blood flow. For ischemic preconditioning (IP) to protect the myocardium against infarction, an increase in the interstitial adenosine concentration (iADO) prior to the subsequent ischemia\\/reperfusion is necessary. We hypothesized that the adenosine release after
Andreas Skyschally; Rainer Schulz; Petra Gres; Ina Konietzka; Claus Martin; Michael Haude; Raimund Erbel; Gerd Heusch
Tributyltin Impairs the Coronary Vasodilation Induced by 17?-Estradiol in Isolated Rat Heart
Triorganotins, such as tributyltin (TBT), are environmental contaminants that are commonly used as antifouling agents for boats. However, TBT is also known to alter mammalian reproductive functions. Although the female sex hormones are primarily involved in the regulation of reproductive functions, 17?-estradiol also protects against cardiovascular diseases, in that this hormone reduces the incidence of coronary artery disease via coronary
Roger Lyrio dos Santos; Priscila Lang Podratz; Gabriela Cavati Sena; Vicente Sathler Delgado Filho; Pedro Francisco Iguatemy Lopes; Washington Luiz Silva Gon�alves; Leandro Miranda Alves; Vivian Yochiko Samoto; Christina Maeda Takiya; Emilio de Castro Miguel; Margareth Ribeiro Moys�s; Jones Bernardes Graceli
... x rays to show the insides of your coronary arteries. The coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. A ... called plaque (plak) can build up inside the coronary arteries. The buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries ...
Lipopolysaccharide induces H1 receptor expression and enhances histamine responsiveness in human coronary artery endothelial cells.
Summary Histamine is a well-recognized modulator of vascular inflammation. We have shown that histamine, acting via H1 receptors (H1R), synergizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of prostaglandin I(2) (PGI(2)), PGE(2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by endothelial cells. The synergy between histamine and LPS was partly attributed to histamine -induced expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). In this study, we examined whether LPS stimulates the H1R expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) with resultant enhancement of histamine responsiveness. Incubation of HCAEC with LPS (10-1000 ng/ml) resulted in two-fold to fourfold increases in H1R mRNA expression in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent fashion. In contrast, LPS treatment did not affect H2R mRNA expression. The LPS-induced H1R mRNA expression peaked by 4 hr after LPS treatment and remained elevated above the basal level for 20-24 hr. Flow cytometric and Western blot analyses revealed increased expression of H1R protein in LPS-treated cells. The specific binding of [(3)H]pyrilamine to H1R in membrane proteins from LPS-treated HCAEC was threefold higher than the untreated cells. The LPS-induced H1R expression was mediated through TLR4 as gene silencing by TLR4-siRNA and treatment with a TLR4 antagonist inhibited the LPS effect. When HCAEC were pre-treated with LPS for 24 hr, washed and challenged with histamine, 17-, 10- and 15-fold increases in PGI(2), PGE(2) and IL-6 production, respectively, were noted. Histamine-induced enhancement of the synthesis of PGI(2), PGE(2) and IL-6 by LPS-primed HCAEC was completely blocked by an H1R antagonist. The results demonstrate that LPS, through TLR4 activation, up-regulates the expression and function of H1R and amplifies histamine-induced inflammatory responses in HCAEC. PMID:21255012
Raveendran, Vineesh V; Tan, Xiaoyu; Sweeney, Matthew E; Levant, Beth; Slusser, Joyce; Stechschulte, Daniel J; Dileepan, Kottarappat N
Prevalence of stress-induced myocardial stunning (Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy) among patients undergoing emergency coronary angiography for suspected acute myocardial infarction.
Stress-induced myocardial stunning is defined as a syndrome of acute chest pain, ST-T changes on the ECG and transient left ventricular apical wall motion abnormalities mimicking acute myocardial infarction but with surprisingly normal coronary angiography findings. The aim of this retrospective study is to assess the prevalence of stress-induced myocardial stunning among patients undergoing urgent coronary angiography for suspected acute myocardial infarction. During a four-year period (2002-2005), a total of 5876 patients underwent urgent coronary angiography for suspected acute myocardial infarction at three tertiary centers. Four patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for stress-induced myocardial stunning. Thus, the cath-lab prevalence of stress-induced myocardial stunning (i.e. among patients undergoing urgent coronary angiography for suspected acute myocardial infarction) was estimated as 1 per 1469 ST-elevation coronary angiograms (i.e. 0.07%) The estimated annual population incidence of this rare disorder was calculated as 0.00006%. Stress-induced myocardial stunning is an extremely rare syndrome among patients undergoing emergency coronary angiography for suspected acute myocardial infarction. PMID:17098304
Klinceva, Milka; Widimsk�, Petr; Pesl, Ladislav; St�sek, Josef; Tousek, Frantisek; Vambera, Milan; B�lkov�, Danuse
Adenosine concentration in the porcine coronary artery wall and A2A receptor involvement in hypoxia-induced vasodilatation
We tested whether hypoxia-induced coronary artery dilatation could be mediated by an increase in adenosine concentration within the coronary artery wall or by an increase in adenosine sensitivity. Porcine left anterior descendent coronary arteries, precontracted with prostaglandin F2? (10?5m), were mounted in a pressure myograph and microdialysis catheters were inserted into the tunica media. Dialysate adenosine concentrations were analysed by HPLC. Glucose, lactate and pyruvate were measured by an automated spectrophotometric kinetic enzymatic analyser. The exchange fraction of [14C]adenosine over the microdialysis membrane increased from 0.32 � 0.02 to 0.46 � 0.02 (n = 4, P < 0.01) during the study period. At baseline, interstitial adenosine was in the region of 10 nm which is significantly less than previously found myocardial concentrations. Hypoxia (PO2 30 mmHg for 60 min, n = 5) increased coronary diameters by 20.0 � 2.6% (versus continuous oxygenation ?3.1 � 2.4%, n = 6, P < 0.001) but interstitial adenosine concentration fell. Blockade of adenosine deaminase (with erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl-)-adenine, 5 ?m), adenosine kinase (with iodotubericidine, 10 ?m) and adenosine transport (with n-nitrobenzylthioinosine, 1 ?m) increased interstitial adenosine but the increase was unrelated to hypoxia or diameter. A coronary dilatation similar to that during hypoxia could be obtained with 30 ?m of adenosine in the organ bath and the resulting interstitial adenosine concentrations (n = 5) were 20 times higher than the adenosine concentration measured during hypoxia. Adenosine concentration�response experiments showed vasodilatation to be more pronounced during hypoxia (n = 9) than during normoxia (n = 9, P < 0.001) and the A2A receptor antagonist ZM241385 (20 nm, n = 5), attenuated hypoxia-induced vasodilatation while the selective A2B receptor antagonist MRS1754 (20 nm, n = 4), had no effect. The lactate/pyruvate ratio was significantly increased in hypoxic arteries but did not correlate with adenosine concentration. We conclude that hypoxia-induced coronary artery dilatation is not mediated by increased adenosine produced within the artery wall but might be facilitated by increased adenosine sensitivity at the A2A receptor level.
Fr?bert, Ole; Haink, Gesine; Simonsen, Ulf; Gravholt, Claus H; Levin, Max; Deussen, Andreas
SR-BI in Bone Marrow Derived Cells Protects Mice from Diet Induced Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis and Myocardial Infarction
SR-BI deficient mice that are also hypomorphic for apolipoprotein E expression develop diet induced occlusive coronary artery atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and early death. To test the role of SR-BI in bone marrow derived cells, we used bone marrow transplantation to generate SR-BI-null; apoE-hypomorphic mice in which SR-BI expression was restored solely in bone marrow derived cells. SR-BI-null; apoE-hypomorphic mice were transplanted with SR-BI+/+apoE-hypomorphic, or control, autologous SR-BI-null; apoE-hypomorphic bone marrow. Four weeks later, mice were fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol, cholate-containing diet to induce coronary artery atherosclerosis. Mice transplanted with autologous bone marrow developed extensive aortic atherosclerosis and severe occlusive coronary artery atherosclerosis after 4 weeks of feeding. This was accompanied by myocardial fibrosis and increased heart weights. In contrast, restoration of SR-BI expression in bone marrow derived-cells reduced diet induced aortic and coronary artery atherosclerosis, myocardial fibrosis and the increase in heart weights in SR-BI-null; apoE-hypomorphic mice. Restoration of SR-BI in bone marrow derived cells did not, however, affect steady state lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but did reduce plasma levels of IL-6. Monocytes from SR-BI-null mice exhibited a greater capacity to bind to VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 than those from SR-BI+/+ mice. Furthermore, restoration of SR-BI expression in bone marrow derived cells attenuated monocyte recruitment into atherosclerotic plaques in mice fed high fat, high cholesterol cholate containing diet. These data demonstrate directly that SR-BI in bone marrow-derived cells protects against both aortic and CA atherosclerosis.
Pei, Ying; Chen, Xing; Aboutouk, Dina; Fuller, Mark T.; Dadoo, Omid; Yu, Pei; White, Elizabeth J.; Igdoura, Suleiman A.; Trigatti, Bernardo L.
Prolonged left ventricular dysfunction occurs in patients with coronary artery disease after both dobutamine and exercise induced myocardial ischaemia
OBJECTIVE�To determine whether pharmacological stress leads to prolonged but reversible left ventricular dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease, similar to that seen after exercise.?DESIGN�A randomised crossover study of recovery time of systolic and diastolic left ventricular function after exercise and dobutamine induced ischaemia.?SUBJECTS�10 patients with stable angina, angiographically proven coronary artery disease, and normal left ventricular function.?INTERVENTIONS�Treadmill exercise and dobutamine stress were performed on different days. Quantitative assessment of systolic and diastolic left ventricular function was performed using transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and at regular intervals after each test.?RESULTS�Both forms of stress led to prolonged but reversible systolic and diastolic dysfunction. There was no difference in the maximum double product (p�=�0.53) or ST depression (p�=�0.63) with either form of stress. After exercise, ejection fraction was reduced at 15�and 30�minutes compared with baseline (mean (SEM), ?5.6 (1.5)%, p�<�0.05; and ?6.1 (2.2)%, p�<�0.01), and at 30�and 45�minutes after dobutamine (?10.8 (1.8)% and ?5.5 (1.8)%, both p <�0.01). Regional analysis showed a reduction in the worst affected segment 15�and 30�minutes after exercise (?27.9 (7.2)% and ?28.6 (5.7)%, both p�<�0.01), and at 30�minutes after dobutamine (?32 (5.3)%, p�<�0.01). The isovolumic relaxation period was prolonged 45�minutes after each form of stress (p�<�0.05).?CONCLUSIONS�In patients with coronary artery disease, dobutamine induced ischaemia results in prolonged reversible left ventricular dysfunction, presumed to be myocardial stunning, similar to that seen after exercise. Dobutamine induced ischaemia could therefore be used to study the pathophysiology of this phenomenon further in patients with coronary artery disease.???Keywords: myocardial stunning; echocardiography; exercise; dobutamine
Barnes, E; Baker, C; Dutka, D; Rimoldi, O; Rinaldi, C; Nihoyannopoulos, P; Camici, P; Hall, R
2-Chlorohexadecanal and 2-chlorohexadecanoic acid induce COX-2 expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells.
2-Chlorohexadecanal (2-ClHDA), a 16-carbon chain chlorinated fatty aldehyde that is produced by reactive chlorinating species attack of plasmalogens, is elevated in atherosclerotic plaques, infarcted myocardium, and activated leukocytes. We tested the hypothesis that 2-ClHDA and its metabolites, 2-chlorohexadecanoic acid (2-ClHA) and 2-chlorohexadecanol (2-ClHOH), induce COX-2 expression in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). COX-2 protein expression increased in response to 2-ClHDA treatments at 8 and 20 h. 2-ClHA also increased COX-2 expression following an 8 h treatment. Quantitative PCR showed that 2-ClHDA treatment increased COX-2 mRNA over 8 h, while 2-ClHA treatment led to a modest increase by 1 h and those levels remained constant over 8 h. 2-ClHDA led to a significant increase in 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) release (a measure of PGI(2) release) by HCAEC. These data suggest that 2-ClHDA and its metabolite 2-ClHA, which are produced during leukocyte activation, may alter vascular endothelial cell function by upregulation of COX-2 expression. PMID:18493808
Messner, Maria C; Albert, Carolyn J; Ford, David A
Association of Serum Bilirubin with Contrast-Induced Nephropathy and Future Cardiovascular Events in Patients Undergoing Coronary Intervention
Objectives Enhanced reactive oxygen species formation within the kidney following the administration of contrast media may play a key role in the development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). Bilirubin has emerged as an important endogenous antioxidant molecule. This study was undertaken to determine whether bilirubin is associated with CIN and future cardiovascular events in patients undergoing coronary intervention. Methods Totally, 544 consecutive patients received coronary intervention were enrolled. All patients were followed up for at least 3 years or until the occurrence of a major event. The primary endpoint was CIN, defined as a rise in serum creatinine (SCr) of 0.5 mg/dl or a 25% increase from the baseline value within 48 hours after the procedure. The secondary endpoint was the combined occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. Results Overall, CIN occurred in 85 (15.6%) patients. All patients were stratified into 3 groups (low/normal/high) according to the serum bilirubin levels. In a multivariate logistic analysis, the odds ratio for CIN with low-bilirubin levels relative to high-bilirubin levels was 11.82 (95% CI, 3.25�43.03). By Cox regression analysis, serum bilirubin levels was an independent predictor of MACE in patients undergoing coronary intervention (low vs. high hazard ratio 2.26; 95% CI, 1.05�4.90). Conclusions CIN is a serious complication of coronary intervention. Higher serum bilirubin concentrations were associated with lower risk of CIN and fewer cardiovascular events. The development of interventions that promote bilirubin levels may be a potential target to reduce CIN and future MACE in patients undergoing coronary intervention.
Huang, Shao-Sung; Huang, Po-Hsun; Wu, Tao-Cheng; Chen, Jaw-Wen; Lin, Shing-Jong
High glucose-induced apoptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells involves up-regulation of death receptors
Background High glucose can induce apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells, which may contribute to the development of vascular complications in diabetes. We evaluated the role of the death receptor pathway of apoptotic signaling in high glucose-induced apoptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Methods HCAECs were treated with media containing 5.6, 11.1, and 16.7 mM of glucose for 24 h in the presence or absence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-?. For detection of apoptosis, DNA fragmentation assay was used. HCAEC expression of death receptors were analyzed by the PCR and flow cytometry methods. Also, using immunohistochemical techniques, coronary expression of death receptors was assessed in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic mice. Results Exposure of HCAECs to high glucose resulted in a significant increase in TNF-R1 and Fas expression, compared with normal glucose. High glucose increased TNF-? production by HCAECs and exogenous TNF-? up-regulated TNF-R1 and Fas expression in HCAECs. High glucose-induced up-regulation of TNF-R1 and Fas expression was undetectable in the presence of TNF-?. Treatment with TNF-R1 neutralizing peptides significantly inhibited high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Type 2 diabetic mice displayed appreciable expression of TNF-R1 and Fas in coronary vessels. Conclusions In association with increased TNF-? levels, the death receptors, TNF-R1 and Fas, are up-regulated in HCAECs under high glucose conditions, which could in turn play a role in high glucose-induced endothelial cell apoptosis.
Periprocedural Hemoglobin Drop and Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Patients
Background and Objectives The development of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with an increased risk of death and late cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The relationship between CIN and hemoglobin drop has been controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of periprocedural hemoglobin drop as a nontraditional risk factor for CIN. Subjects and Methods Five-hundred thirty-seven patients who underwent PCI were divided into 2 groups: Group I (486 patients: patients who did not develop CIN) and Group II (51 patients: patients who developed CIN). All patients were administered iodixanol as contrast media during coronary angiography. CIN is defined as a rise in serum creatinine of ?25% or ?0.5 mg/dL above the baseline value within 48 hours after contrast administration. Results Baseline clinical and cardiovascular risk factors were not significantly different between the two groups, except for low abdominal circumference (Group I : Group II=87.9�9.0 cm : 81.2�15.1 cm, p=0.024), body weight (Group I : Group II=63.5�10.6 kg : 59.7�9.2 kg, p=0.008), body mass index (BMI) (Group I : Group II=24.4�3.4 kg/m2 : 23.4�2.8 kg/m2, p=0.032), pre-PCI hemoglobin (Group I : Group II=13.2�2.0 g/dL : 12.3�2.0 g/dL, p=0.003), and post-PCI hemoglobin (Group I : Group II=12.4�1.9 g/dL : 11.5�1.8 g/dL, p=0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a periprocedural drop in hemoglobin (>1 g/dL) was an independent predictor of CIN, like other known risk factors. Conclusion A periprocedural drop in hemoglobin of more than 1 g/dL is another important independent predictor for CIN, even in patients administered the lowest nephrotoxic contrast agent, iodixanol, during PCI.
Lee, Kang Hyu; Kang, Kyung Pyo; Kim, Huy Jung; Lee, Sun Hwa; Rhee, Kyoung-Suk; Chae, Jei Keon; Kim, Won Ho; Ko, Jae Ki
Recent advances in the pharmacotherapy of infantile spasms.
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), oral corticosteroids and vigabatrin are now first-line treatments for infantile spasms in the US and Europe. There is now increased knowledge regarding the role of ACTH, corticosteroids and vigabatrin (e.g. efficacy, doses, side effects, treatment in specific aetiological subtypes of infantile spasms), and other antiepileptic drugs (i.e. topiramate, valproate, zonisamide, sulthiame, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, pyridoxine, ganaxolone), as well as adjunctive flunarizine and novel drugs not yet in clinical use for infantile spasms (i.e. pulse rapamycin and melanocortin receptor agonists). The existence of a latent period, weeks to months following a precipitating brain insult, raises the possibility of preventive interventions. Recent experimental data emerging from animal models of infantile spasms have provided optimism that new and innovative treatments can be developed, and knowledge that drug treatment can affect long-term cognitive outcome is increasing. The aim of this article is to review recent developments in the pharmacotherapy of infantile spasms and to highlight the practical implications of the latest research. PMID:24504827
Riikonen, Raili
Hydrogen peroxide-induced vascular relaxation in porcine coronary arteries is mediated by Ca 2+ -activated K + channels
Summary��Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) elicited concentration-dependent relaxation of endothelium-denuded rings of porcine coronary arteries. The relaxation induced\\u000a by the H2O2 was markedly attenuated by 10?M 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo [4,3,a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase,\\u000a or by 100nM charybdotoxin, an inhibitor of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels. A combination of the ODQ and charybdotoxin abolished the H2O2-induced relaxation. Pretreatment with 25 ?M
Yasunobu Hayabuchi; Yutaka Nakaya; Suguru Matsuoka; Yasuhiro Kuroda
The effect of withdrawal of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers prior to coronary angiography on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy
Background��The effect of continuing or discontinuing chronic angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker\\u000a (ARB) therapy prior to coronary angiography on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is not clear. We undertook\\u000a a randomized trial to evaluate the effect of withdrawing ACEIs or ARBs 24�h prior to coronary angiography on the incidence\\u000a of CIN associated with coronary angiography.\\u000a \\u000a \\u000a \\u000a Methods��A
Jordan L. Rosenstock; Robert Bruno; Jin K. Kim; Lev Lubarsky; Robert Schaller; Georgia Panagopoulos; Maria V. DeVita; Michael F. Michelis
Clinical profile and treatment of infantile spasms using vigabatrin and ACTH - a developing country perspective
BACKGROUND: Infantile spasms represent a serious epileptic syndrome that occurs in the early infantile age. ACTH and Vigabatrin are actively investigated drugs in its treatment. This study describes the comparison of their efficacy in a large series of patients with infantile spasms from Pakistan. METHODS: All patients with infantile spasms who presented to Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from
Shahnaz Ibrahim; Shamshad Gulab; Sidra Ishaque; Taimur Saleem
Involvement of Rho-Kinase in Agonists-Induced Contractions of Arteriosclerotic Human Arteries
Coronary artery spasm plays an important role in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of ischemic heart diseases. We have recently demonstrated that Rho-kinase plays a key role in the spasm in our porcine model. However, it remains to be elucidated whether Rho-kinase-mediated pathway also contributes to vasoconstriction of human arteries. From 15 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass operation,
Tadashi Kandabashi; Hiroaki Shimokawa; Yasushi Mukai; Tetsuya Matoba; Ikuko Kunihiro; Keiko Morikawa; Masaaki Ito; Shosuke Takahashi; Kozo Kaibuchi; Akira Takeshita
Terrible Stent Thrombosis Induced by a Treadmill Test Performed Three Days after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Generally, early exercise after coronary stenting is considered safe, but isolated cases of acute stent thrombosis have been associated with the performance of a treadmill exercise test after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The treadmill exercise test is often used to noninvasively assess the functional result of PCI. In this report, we describe a case of terrible stent thrombosis related to an exercise test performed 3 days after stenting, and the patient died as the result of an intractable thrombus.
Kim, Hyun Soo; Kim, Se Yun; Lee, Un Joo
Soluble CD40 ligand induces endothelial dysfunction in human and porcine coronary artery endothelial cells
The purpose of this study was to deter- mine the effects and mechanisms of sCD40L on endothelial dysfunction in both human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and porcine coronary ar- tery rings. HCAECs treated with sCD40L showed significant reductions of endothe- lial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and protein levels, eNOS mRNA stability, eNOS enzyme activity, and cellular NO levels,
Changyi Chen; Hong Chai; Xinwen Wang; Jun Jiang; Saha Jamaluddin; Dan Liao; Yuqing Zhang; Hao Wang; Uddalak Bharadwaj; Sheng Zhang; Min Li; Peter Lin; Qizhi Yao
Tocotrienols-induced inhibition of platelet thrombus formation and platelet aggregation in stenosed canine coronary arteries
Background��Dietary supplementation with tocotrienols has been shown to decrease the risk of coronary artery disease. Tocotrienols are\\u000a plant-derived forms of vitamin E, which have potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, and neuroprotective\\u000a properties. Our objective in this study was to determine the extent to which tocotrienols inhibit platelet aggregation and\\u000a reduce coronary thrombosis, a major risk factor for stroke in humans.
Asaf A Qureshi; Charles W Karpen; Nilofer Qureshi; Christopher J Papasian; David C Morrison; John D Folts
Hemifacial Spasm Developed after Contralateral Vertebral Artery Ligation
Although the mechanism of hemifacial spasm (HFS) is not yet well established, vascular compression of the facial nerve root exit zone and hyperexcitability of the facial nucleus have been suggested. We report a case of HFS in the setting of coinciding intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) of the pons and proximal ligation of the contralateral vertebral artery (VA) for the treatment of a fusiform aneurysm of the distal VA and discuss the possible etiologies of HFS in this patient. A 51-year-old male with an ICH of the pons was admitted to our hospital. Neuroimaging studies revealed an incidental fusiform aneurysm of the right VA distal to the origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Eight months after proximal ligation of the VA the patient presented with intermittent spasm of the left side of his face. Pre- and post-ligation magnetic resonance angiography revealed an enlarged diameter of the VA. The spasm completely disappeared after microvascular decompression.
Choi, Hyuk Jai; Lee, Sung Ho; Rhee, Bong Arm
Simultaneous onset of infantile spasms in monozygotic twins.
The clinical, electroencephalographic, and genetic findings are reported for three pairs of monozygotic twins who developed infantile spasms in their first year. In all three pairs, the spasms started on the same day in each member of the pair. Neither sequencing of the ARX and CDKL5 (alias STK9) genes nor array comparative genomic hybridization assessment revealed any abnormalities. The long-term outcome was poor in all twins, although with different severity in individual pairs. These findings suggest that genes other than those currently known likely play a role in predisposition to infantile spasms, and that genetic susceptibility is linked to a variable phenotypic expression, ranging from quite benign to very severe, in monozygotic twins with no other apparent risk factors. PMID:20610124
Coppola, Giangennaro; Grosso, Salvatore; Verrotti, Alberto; D'Aniello, Alfredo; Pascotto, Antonio
Infantile Spasms: A Critical Review of Emerging Animal Models
Infantile spasms is a developmental epilepsy syndrome with unique clinical and EEG features, a specific pattern of pharmacological responsiveness, and poor outcome in terms of cognition and epilepsy. Despite the devastating nature of infantile spasms, little is known about its pathogenesis. Until recently, there has been no animal model available to investigate the pathophysiology of the syndrome or to generate and test novel therapies. Now, several promising animal models have emerged, spanning the etiological spectrum from genetic causes (e.g., Down syndrome or Aristaless-related homeobox [ARX] mutation) to acquired causes (e.g., endogenous and exogenous toxins or stress hormones with convulsant activity or blockade of neural activity). These new models are discussed in this review, with emphasis on the insights each can provide for understanding, treating, and preventing infantile spasms.
Stafstrom, Carl E
Isolated single coronary artery presenting as acute coronary syndrome: case report and review.
Congenital single coronary artery is commonly associated with complex congenital heart diseases and manifests in infancy or childhood. But isolated single coronary artery is a rare congenital anomaly which can present as acute coronary syndrome in adults. The aim of the work is to discuss on isolated single coronary artery in two adults presenting as acute coronary syndrome. The first case underwent coronary angiography (CAG) through right radial route, but switched over to femoral for confirmation of diagnosis and due to radial spasm. An aortic root angiogram was done to rule out presence of any other coronary ostia. It revealed a single coronary artery originating from right sinus of valsalva. After giving rise to posterior descending artery branch at crux, it continued in the atrioventricular groove to the anterior basal surface of the heart and traversed as anterior descending artery. There was no atheromatous occlusive stenosis. This is R-I type single coronary artery as per Lipton classification. In the second case, angiography was completed through right radial route. It revealed a single coronary artery arising from right aortic sinus. Anterior descending and circumflex branch were originating from proximal common trunk of the single coronary artery and supplying the left side of the heart. The right coronary artery has diffuse atheromatous disease without significant stenosis in any major branch. This is R-III C type as per Lipton classification. A coronary anomaly of both origin and course is very rare. It may be encountered in adults evaluated for atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. Knowledge and understanding of anatomical types of this congenital anomaly will reduce time, anxiety, complications during CAG and cardiac surgery. PMID:25075168
Mahapatro, Anil K; Patro, A Sarat K; Sujatha, Vipperala; Sinha, Sudhir C
[Incidence and pathomorphological characteristics of the development of sudden coronary death in coal miners].
The authors studied autopsy protocols, microscopic and histochemical data on the heart for miners who had died suddenly. No positive trend in the sudden coronary death incidence in miners was reported. A great number of sudden deaths were registered in mines. The deaths are attributed to severe atherosclerosis responsible for irreversible changes in the myocardium, coronary vascular spasms, emergence of pathological agitation triggering lethal ischemia. PMID:8303594
Kopytina, R A; Cherkesov, V V; Kobets, G P; Danilik, V M; Zorin, B N; Tsygankov, V A; Fufaeva, I G; Kamkov, V P
Nicotine induced changes in gene expression by human coronary artery endothelial cells.
The primary role of cigarette smoking in the development of coronary heart disease is to cause damage to the vascular endothelium, leading to endothelial cell dysfunction and initiating the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis. We studied the response of human coronary artery endothelial cells to nicotine exposure by examining the expression of a panel of genes encoding molecules that have been shown to be involved in atherogenesis. Treatment of primary human coronary artery endothelial cells with nicotine for 24 h at concentrations (10(-5) and 10(-7) M) similar to those in the blood of smokers resulted in increased mRNA levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, angiotensin-I converting enzyme, tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, von Willebrand factor, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. No change was detected in the expression levels of the genes encoding basic fibroblast growth factor, endothelin-1, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 under these conditions. These data indicate that nicotine alters the expression of a number of endothelial genes whose products play major roles in regulating the vascular tone and thrombogenicity, making a contribution to the understanding of the effects of cigarette smoking on the development of coronary atherosclerosis. PMID:11166759
Zhang, S; Day, I; Ye, S
A comparison of stent-induced stenosis in coronary and peripheral arteries
Background and objectives Restenosis is a complication of interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting, often limiting the success of these procedures. Knowledge regarding the relative behaviour of different arteries after these procedures is limited, despite the extensive use of different vascular models. Although the results from studies using different vessels are analysed to predict the behaviour of coronary arteries and other vasculature, direct controlled comparisons between different arteries are necessary for a better understanding of the differential response to restenosis. Methods This study examines the response to stenting in coronary and internal iliac arteries as characterised by intimal hyperplasia and restenosis. In a swine model of in?stent stenosis, coronary arteries exhibited higher levels of intimal hyperplasia and per cent stenosis than internal iliac arteries. Results After normalisation for injury score, coronary arteries were found to undergo 47% more intimal hyperplasia (p<0.05), whereas per cent stenosis normalised for injury score tended to be higher (p?=?0.01). Other measurements reflecting post?stenting intimal hyperplasia (maximal intimal thickness, medial area) did not exhibit significant differences between the artery groups. Conclusions These results show that coronary vessels are more prone to develop significant intimal hyperplasia and subsequent restenosis than internal iliac vessels. A better insight into how different arteries and arterial components behave is important in understanding and developing newer and better therapeutic measures for restenosis.
Krueger, K D; Mitra, A K; DelCore, M G; Hunter, W J; Agrawal, D K
Hemimasticatory Spasm: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature+
Background Hemimasticatory spasm is a very rare movement disorder characterized by unilateral, involuntary, paroxysmal contractions of the jaw-closing muscles, causing clinically brief twitches and/or spasms. Case Report A 62-year-old female consulted us with a 30-year history of unusual involuntary twitches in the preauricular region and spasms that hampered jaw opening. During these spasms, she could not open her mouth. On physical examination, we also observed hypertrophy of the masseter and temporalis muscles, which can be features of hemimasticatory spasm. She was treated with botulinum toxin type A, with excellent response. Here, we present her case and review the literature. Discussion Hemimasticatory spasm is a rare movement disorder. Given the excellent response to botulinum toxin type A treatment, it should be considered within the spectrum of facial spasms.
Christie, Corina; Rodriguez-Quiroga, Sergio Alejandro; Arakaki, Tomoko; Rey, Roberto Daniel; Garretto, Nelida Susana
Morphological and biochemical changes in propylthiouracil-diet induced coronary atherosclerosis under a regression regimen.
Many of the morphologic and biochemical features of porcine coronary atherosclerosis produced by high cholesterol, high fat diet and propoylthiouracil returned to control values after cessation of the atherogenic regimen. These include disappearance of foam cells and a decrease in lipid content, DNA concentration, and DNA and protein synthesis. The morpholigic and biochemical features of te atherosclerotic lesions described herein were similar to those produced in swine and other species by a variety of inciting agents during both the progression and regression phase of the disease. These results indicate that the porcine propylthiouracil-diet model may be useful for the study of coronary lesions. Second, the similarities of response of arterial tissue in several experimental animals suggest the possibility that human coronary lesions by analogy may regress under therapeutic regimens. PMID:554977
Daoud, A S; Fritz, K E; Augustyn, J M; Jarmolych, J
CPA induces a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i of endothelial cells in situ and relaxes porcine coronary artery.
Using fura 2 fluorometry, we investigated the effect of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), an inhibitor of Ca2+ pump adenosinetriphosphatase of the endoplasmic reticulum, on cystosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and tension in porcine aortic valvular endothelial cells and coronary arterial strips with endothelium. In normal physiological salt solution, CPA induced a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i in the valvular strips, whereas in Ca(2+)-free physiological salt solution, CPA elicited a transient elevation of [Ca2+]i. CPA(30 microM) relaxed coronary strips with endothelium precontracted by 100 nM U-46619; this relaxation was partially inhibited by N omega-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM). These results indicate that the CPA-induced increase in [Ca2+]i depends on the Ca2+ release and the Ca2+ influx in the endothelial cells in situ and that the CPA-induced endothelium-dependent decreases in [Ca2+]i and tension in the smooth muscle are due to the combined effect of N omega-nitro-L-arginine-sensitive and -resistant factors. PMID:8764255
Higuchi, Y; Nishimura, J; Kobayashi, S; Kanaide, H
Platelet-induced neurogenic coronary contractions due to accumulation of the false neurotransmitter, 5-hydroxytryptamine.
The purpose of this study was to determine if 5-hydroxytryptamine released from aggregating platelets could be accumulated and released by canine coronary adrenergic nerves, and if the false neurotransmitter resulted in an abnormal response of the smooth muscle to nerve stimulation. Isometric tension was measured in rings of epicardial coronary suspended in organ chambers filled with physiological salt solution. The response to electrical stimulation or exogenously added norepinephrine was elicited after contraction with prostaglandin F2 alpha. Electrical stimulation and exogenous norepinephrine caused beta-adrenergic relaxation of control rings. However, after rings were exposed for 2 h to aggregating platelets or 5-hydroxytryptamine, electrical stimulation caused frequency-dependent contractions. These contractions were prevented by the serotonergic antagonists, cyproheptadine or ketanserin, or by the neuronal uptake inhibitor, cocaine. The relaxation caused by exogenously added norepinephrine was unchanged after exposure to platelets or 5-hydroxytryptamine, indicating that smooth muscle alpha- and beta-adrenergic responsiveness was unchanged. The electrically stimulated overflow of radiolabeled norepinephrine from superfused strips of coronary artery was not altered by prior exposure to 5-hydroxytryptamine, indicating that the effect of exposure on the response to electrical stimulation is primarily at smooth muscle serotonergic receptors. Canine coronary arteries accumulated and metabolized radiolabeled 5-hydroxytryptamine in vitro. The accumulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine was inhibited by cocaine or by adrenergic denervation with 6-hydroxydopamine but unaffected by removal of endothelium, indicating that the adrenergic nerves were the primary site of accumulation. Electrical stimulation of superfused strips of coronary artery preincubated with radiolabeled 5-hydroxytryptamine caused the release of the intact indoleamine; this was blocked by the neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin. These studies suggest that 5-hydroxytryptamine liberated from aggregating platelets may be accumulated by coronary adrenergic nerve endings. Upon its release from the nerves as a false transmitter, the amine can activate serotonergic receptors on the smooth muscle and reverse the action of the adrenergic nerves from dilator to constrictor. Images
Cohen, R A
Computerized tomography of brain in infantile spasms (West syndrome)
Computerized tomographic scanning of the brain was performed in 26 infants with Infantile spasms. Majority of the patients, 18 (69%) had some abnormality. Changes noted were cerebral atrophy in 12, calcifications in 5 and dysgenesis of the corpus callosum in 3 patients. One infant each had porencephaly, hydrocephalus and cavum septum pellucidum. Five patients had more than one abnormality simultaneously.
A. H. Mahdi; M. D. Yohannan; P. J. Patel; T. M. Malabarey; T. M. Kolawole
Alexander disease with mild dorsal brainstem atrophy and infantile spasms.
We present the case of a Japanese male infant with Alexander disease who developed infantile spasms at 8 months of age. The patient had a cluster of partial seizures at 4 months of age. He presented with mild general hypotonia and developmental delay. Macrocephaly was not observed. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings fulfilled all MRI-based criteria for the diagnosis of Alexander disease and revealed mild atrophy of the dorsal pons and medulla oblongata with abnormal intensities. DNA analysis disclosed a novel heterozygous missense mutation (c.1154 C>T, p.S385F) in the glial fibrillary acidic protein gene. At 8 months of age, tonic spasms occurred, and electroencephalography (EEG) revealed hypsarrhythmia. Lamotrigine effectively controlled the infantile spasms and improved the abnormal EEG findings. Although most patients with infantile Alexander disease have epilepsy, infantile spasms are rare. This comorbid condition may be associated with the distribution of the brain lesions and the age at onset of Alexander disease. PMID:22818990
Torisu, Hiroyuki; Yoshikawa, Yoko; Yamaguchi-Takada, Yui; Yano, Tamami; Sanefuji, Masafumi; Ishizaki, Yoshito; Sawaishi, Yukio; Hara, Toshiro
Enterogenous cyst as a rare cause of hemifacial spasm.
Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is most frequently caused by vascular compression of the facial nerve at the root exit zone of the brain stem, but there are other rare causes. An enterogenous cyst (EC) is a rare congenital lesion which occurs rarely in the cerebellopontine angle. The authors report a patient with HFS from an EC and review unusual causes of HFS. PMID:21334209
Gu, Ye; Zhu, Wei; Zhang, Xiao-biao; Hou, Ying-yong; Xie, Tao
Part One: Infantile Spasms--The New Consensus
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
Infantile spasms (IS, West syndrome) represent a difficult to treat and sometimes not immediately recognized form of epilepsy which is relatively rare. West Syndrome or IS is one of the most recognized types of epileptic encephalopathy, a form of epilepsy usually associated with developmental regression and delay, frequently difficult to treat and�
Pellock, John
Clinical efficacy of transluminal extraction coronary atherectomy.
Mechanical revascularization has revolutionized the treatment of coronary artery disease. The transluminal extraction-endarterectomy catheter (TEC) system was developed recently and permits the excision and extraction of atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary artery and the bypass graft. The system includes a motor-driven flexible torque catheter with rotating conical shaped stainless steel blades distally. The proximal end of the TEC system consists of a mechanical housing which controls the vacuum, the rotating cutter (750 RPM) and the cutter excursion (4 cm). After safety testing of the TEC system in dogs and human peripheral arterial disease, percutaneous transluminal coronary atherectomies employing the TEC have been performed in 25 patients (six women, 19 men, mean age, 64 +/- 12 years) with the diameter of the stenosis greater than or equal to 75% in one or more coronary arteries. Twenty-eight atherosclerotic lesions were treated in 26 native coronary arteries. The overall success rate (less than 50% residual stenosis in all lesions) was 92%. There was one instance of hematoma proximal to the excised target lesion, and one instance of atherectomized debris embolization. There were no instances of dissection, perforation, coronary spasms or death related to the procedure. The results indicate that the TEC system can be used safely and effectively to treat coronary artery disease with a high success rate. PMID:1354696
Kuan, P
Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde-containing micelles induce relaxation of isolated porcine coronary arteries: role of nitric oxide and calcium
Background and purpose Cinnamaldehyde, a major component of cinnamon, induces the generation of reactive oxygen species and exerts vasodilator and anticancer effects, but its short half-life limits its clinical use. The present experiments were designed to compare the acute relaxing properties of cinnamaldehyde with those of self-assembling polymer micelles either loaded with cinnamaldehyde or consisting of a polymeric prodrug [poly(cinnamaldehyde)] that incorporates the compound in its backbone. Methods Rings of porcine coronary arteries were contracted with the thromboxane A2 receptor agonist U46619 or 40 mM KCl, and changes in isometric tension were recorded. Results Cinnamaldehyde induced concentration-dependent but endothelium-independent, nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-independent, cyclooxygenase-independent, soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)-independent, calcium-activated potassium-independent, and TRPA1 channel-independent relaxations. Cinnamaldehyde also inhibited the contractions induced by 40 mM KCl Ca2+ reintroduction in 40 mM KCl Ca2+-free solution or by the Ca2+ channel opener Bay K8644. Cinnamaldehyde-loaded control micelles induced complete, partly endothelium-dependent relaxations sensitive to catalase and inhibitors of NOS or sGC, but not cyclooxygenase or TRPA1, channels. Cinnamaldehyde-loaded micelles also inhibited contractions induced by 40 mM KCl Ca2+ reintroduction or Bay K8644. Poly(cinnamaldehyde) micelles induced only partial, endothelium-dependent relaxations that were reduced by inhibitors of NOS or sGC and by catalase and the antioxidant tiron, but not by indomethacin or TRPA1 channel blockers. Conclusion The present findings demonstrate that cinnamaldehyde-loaded and poly(cinnamaldehyde) micelles possess vasodilator properties, but that the mechanism underlying the relaxation that they cause differs from that of cinnamaldehyde, and thus could be used both to relieve coronary vasospasm and for therapeutic drug delivery.
Raffai, Gabor; Kim, Byungkuk; Park, Sanga; Khang, Gilson; Lee, Dongwon; Vanhoutte, Paul M
Voltage- and time-dependent inhibitory effects on rat aortic and porcine coronary artery contraction induced by propafenone and quinidine.
1. Class I antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g. Na+ channel blockers) such as propafenone and quinidine also inhibit voltage-gated Ca2+ and K+ channels. In the present paper the voltage- and time-dependent inhibitory effects of propafenone and quinidine were studied on depolarization-induced vascular contractions and 45Ca2+ uptake in isolated endothelium denuded rat aorta and pig left descending coronary artery. 2. Quinidine and propafenone (10(-7) M -5 x 10(-5) M) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of the contractions induced by 80 mM KCl. Propafenone was significantly more potent (P < 0.05) than quinidine in both rat aorta and pig coronary arteries but both drugs more potent (P < 0.05) in relaxing rat aorta than pig coronary arteries. In rat aortic rings, the relaxant effects of propafenone were unaffected by pretreatment with the Na+ channel blocker, tetrodotoxin. 3. The degree of inhibition produced after prolonged exposure (40 min) to propafenone and quinidine differed as the time of depolarization with 80 mM KCl was increased. Quinidine (3 x 10(-6) M, 10(-5) M and 3 x 10(-5) M) not only produced an inhibition at the very early stage of contraction, but also a time-dependent inhibition was observed. In contrast, propafenone (10(-6) M, 3 x 10(-6) M and 10(-5) M) produced a more marked concentration-dependent early block but only a mild time-dependent inhibition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Perez-Vizcaino, F; Fernandez del Pozo, B; Zaragoza, F; Tamargo, J
Acute myocardial infarction following scorpion sting in a case with obstructive coronary artery disease.
The occurrence of an acute myocardial infarction (MI) following a scorpion sting has been very rarely reported in the previous literature. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms include severe hypotension due to hypovolaemic shock and coronary spasm with subsequent thrombosis of coronary vessels developed after the release of vasoactive, inflammatory and thrombogenic substances contained in the scorpion venom. All of the previously reported cases had normal coronary angiogram. We report a case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with severe scorpion sting and was treated with prazosin. But a few hours later, she developed acute anterior wall MI. Coronary angiogram revealed the presence of significant stenosis in coronary arteries. As acute MI owing to significant coronary artery disease can be evident after severe scorpion envenomation, so every case of acute coronary syndrome following scorpion sting needs early diagnosis, thorough cardiovascular evaluation and appropriate treatment. PMID:23715842
Patra, Soumya; Satish, K; Singla, Vivek; Ravindranath, K S
Stress induced cardiomyopathy presenting as acute coronary syndrome: Tako-Tsubo in Mercogliano, Southern Italy
Background Tako-tsubo syndrome (TTS) in its typical (apical) and atypical (non-apical) forms is being increasingly recognized in the West owing to early systematic coronary angiography in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Aim of the study To assess the incidence, the clinical characteristics and the outcome of TTS in a single high volume cath lab in Southern Italy over the last 6 years. Methods Among 1674 consecutive patients (pts) referred to our coronary care units in the last 6 years (2001�2006) for ACS we selected 6 (0.5%) pts (6 women; age 57 � 6 years) who fulfilled the following 4 criteria: 1) transient left ventricular wall motion abnormalities resulting in ballooning at contrast ventricolographic or echocardiographic evaluation; 2) normal coronary artery on coronary angiography performed 5 � 9 hours from hospitalization; 3) new electrocardiographic ischemic-like abnormalities (either ST-segment elevation or T-wave inversion) and 4) emotional or physical trigger event. Results At admission all pts had presumptive diagnosis of ACS and ECG revealed ST elevation in 3 (50%) and T wave inversion with QT elongation in 3 (50%). In the acute phase cardiogenic shock occurred in 2 (33%) and heart failure in 1(16%). Presenting symptoms were chest pain in 6 (100%), dyspnoea in 2 (33%) and lipotimia in 1 (16%). At echocardiographic-ventricolographic assessment, the mechanical dysfunction (ballooning) was apical in all 6 pts ("classic" TTS). In all patients wall motion abnormalities completely reversed within 4.5 � 1.5 days. The region of initial recovery was the anterior and lateral wall in 4 cases and the lateral wall in 2 cases. Ejection fraction was 35 � 8% in the acute phase and increased progressively at discharge (55 � 6%) and at 41 � 20 months follow-up (60 � 4%, p < 0.001 vs. baseline). All patients remained asymptomatic with minimal (aspirin, beta blockers, antihypertensive and antidislipidemic therapy) treatment. Conclusion Classic TTS is a frequent serendipitous diagnosis after coronary angiography showed "surprisingly" normal findings in a clinical setting mimicking an ACS. Despite its long-term good prognosis life threatening complications in the acute phase can occur.
Cangella, F; Medolla, A; De Fazio, G; Iuliano, C; Curcio, N; Salemme, L; Mottola, G; Agrusta, Marco
Stent-induced coronary artery stenosis characterized by multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
We demonstrate for the first time the applicability of multimodal nonlinear optical (NLO) microscopy to the interrogation of stented coronary arteries under different diet and stent deployment conditions. Bare metal stents and Taxus drug-eluting stents (DES) were placed in coronary arteries of Ossabaw pigs of control and atherogenic diet groups. Multimodal NLO imaging was performed to inspect changes in arterial structures and compositions after stenting. Sum frequency generation, one of the multimodalities, was used for the quantitative analysis of collagen content in the peristent and in-stent artery segments of both pig groups. Atherogenic diet increased lipid and collagen in peristent segments. In-stent segments showed decreased collagen expression in neointima compared to media. Deployment of DES in atheromatous arteries inhibited collagen expression in the arterial media.
Wang, Han-Wei; Simianu, Vlad; Locker, Mattew J.; Cheng, Ji-Xin; Sturek, Michael
Stent-induced coronary artery stenosis characterized by multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy
We demonstrate for the first time the applicability of multimodal nonlinear optical (NLO) microscopy to the interrogation of stented coronary arteries under different diet and stent deployment conditions. Bare metal stents and Taxus drug-eluting stents (DES) were placed in coronary arteries of Ossabaw pigs of control and atherogenic diet groups. Multimodal NLO imaging was performed to inspect changes in arterial structures and compositions after stenting. Sum frequency generation, one of the multimodalities, was used for the quantitative analysis of collagen content in the peristent and in-stent artery segments of both pig groups. Atherogenic diet increased lipid and collagen in peristent segments. In-stent segments showed decreased collagen expression in neointima compared to media. Deployment of DES in atheromatous arteries inhibited collagen expression in the arterial media.
Wang, Han-Wei; Simianu, Vlad; Locker, Mattew J.; Cheng, Ji-Xin; Sturek, Michael
Lovastatin induces the expression of bradykinin type 2 receptors in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells
Cardioprotective bradykinin type-2 receptors (BK-2Rs) are downregulated in the myocardial endothelium of both human and rat failing hearts. Statins are cardioprotective drugs that reduce the level of plasma cholesterol but also exert cholesterol-independent pleiotropic effects. Here we examined the effect of lovastatin on BK-2R expression in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells. The effect of lovastatin on the expression of
Inka Liesmaa; Jorma O. Kokkonen; Petri T. Kovanen; Ken A. Lindstedt
Potentiation of phorbol ester-induced coronary vasoconstriction in dogs following endothelium disruption
In the present study, the effect of phorbol ester, 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), activation of protein kinase C on coronary vascular reactivity was studied in isolated dog coronary arteries. Addition of TPA (10-100 nM) produced a slow, time- and dose-dependent contraction reaching a maximum at approx 2-3 hrs and was essentially irreversible upon washing. Disruption of the endothelium(EC) greatly accelerated the development as well as increase the magnitude of TPA contraction (50-100%). Prior treatment of vessels with phentolamine (1..mu..M), cyproheptadine (1..mu..H) and ibuprofen (1..mu..g/ml) did not alter the TPA contraction. Furthermore, in contrast to previously reported calcium-dependence of TPA contraction in other vessels, complete removal of extracellular calcium (Ca/sub 0/) or addition of 1..mu..M nimodipine after TPA(30nM) resulted in only 32 +/- 4% and 25 +/- 3% reversal of TPA contraction, respectively. Addition of amiloride (10..mu..M to 1mM), however, resulted in a dose-dependent reversal of TPA contraction. The results of the present study indicate that a similar activation of protein kinase C by TPA leads to potent coronary vasoconstriction, which is not completely dependent on Ca/sub 0/. More importantly, these results further support their hypothesis that EC also functions as an inhibitory barrier to prevent circulating vasoconstrictors from exerting their deleterious constrictory effects.
Roberts, R.B.; Ku, D.D.
Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm Associated with Vertebrobasilar Artery
Objective Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is considered as a reversible pathophysiological condition mainly induced by continuous vascular compression of the facial nerve root exit zone (REZ) at the cerebellopontine angle. As an offending vessel, vertebrobasilar artery tends to compress much more heavily than others. The authors analyzed HFS caused by vertebrobasilar artery and described the relationships between microsurgical findings and clinical courses. Methods Out of 1,798 cases treated with microvascular decompression (MVD) from Jan. 1980 to Dec. 2004, the causative vessels were either vertebral artery or basilar artery in 87 patients. Seventy-nine patients were enrolled in this study. Preoperatively, computed tomography (CT) or brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with 3-dimentional short range MR technique was performed and CT was checked immediately or 2-3 days after anesthetic recovery. The authors retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, the compression patterns of the vessels at the time of surgery and treatment outcomes. Results There were 47 were male and 32 female patients. HFS developed on the left side in 52 cases and on the right side in 27. The mean age of onset was 52.3 years (range 19-60) and the mean duration of symptoms was 10.7 years. Many patients (39 cases; 49.1%) had past history of hypertension. HFS caused only by the vertebral artery was 8 cases although most of the other cases were caused by vertebral artery (VA) in combination with its branching arteries. Most frequently, the VA and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) were the simultaneous causative blood vessels comprising 32 cases (40.5%), and in 27 cases (34.2%) the VA and the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) were the offenders. Facial symptoms disappeared in 61 cases (77.2%) immediately after the operation and 68 cases (86.1%) showed good outcome after 6 months. Surgical outcome just after the operation was poor in whom the perforators arose from the offending vessels concurrently (p<0.05). Conclusion In case where the vertebral artery is a cause of HFS, commonly branching arteries associated with main arterial compression on facial REZ requires more definite treatment for proper decompression because of its relatively poor results compared to the condition caused by other vascular compressive origins.
Kim, Joo Pyung; Choi, Seok Keun; Rhee, Bong Arm; Lim, Young Jin
Does intrathecal baclofen have a place in the treatment of painful spasms in friedreich ataxia?
We present the case of a 50-year-old female patient with Friedreich ataxia (FA) who was treated successfully with an intrathecal baclofen (ITB)-delivering pump for painful spasms. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of FA where ITB relieved painful and disabling spasms. We suggest that ITB should be considered in the treatment of disabling spasms in patients with FA. PMID:24348400
Berntsson, Shala Ghaderi; Holtz, Anders; Melberg, Atle
Does Intrathecal Baclofen Have a Place in the Treatment of Painful Spasms in Friedreich Ataxia?
We present the case of a 50-year-old female patient with Friedreich ataxia (FA) who was treated successfully with an intrathecal baclofen (ITB)-delivering pump for painful spasms. To our knowledge, this is the second reported case of FA where ITB relieved painful and disabling spasms. We suggest that ITB should be considered in the treatment of disabling spasms in patients with FA.
Berntsson, Shala Ghaderi; Holtz, Anders; Melberg, Atle
Nisoldipine Selectively Induces Coronary Vasodilation and Improves Mild Myocardial Ischemia in Dogs: A Potential Role of Cellular Acidosis
We examined whether nisoldipine, a calcium (Ca) channel blocker, increases coronary blood flow (CBF) without decreasing aortic blood pressure (AoP) with ischemic and nonischemic hearts, and whether the presence of cellular acidosis in ischemic myocardium contributes to the augmentation of coronary vasodilation due to nisoldipine. In 42 dogs, coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) was reduced so that CBF decreased to 60%
Masafumi Kitakaze; Hiroharu Funaya; Kazuo Komamura; Koichi Node; Tetsuo Minamino; Hidezo Mori; Hiroshi Takeda; Tsunehiko Kuzuya; Masatsugu Hori
Keyhole microsurgery for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm and glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
The aim of the study was to describe and evaluate the efficacy of the keyhole microsurgery to manage patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN), hemifacial spasm (HFS) and glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN). Two hundred and seven patients underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) and neurotomy via retrosigmoid keyhole approach in our department clinic: MVD for trigeminal neuralgia 169 cases, hemifacial spasm 31 cases, glossopharyngeal neuralgia 4 cases and neurotomy for glossopharyngeal neuralgia 3 cases. There was no serious complication such as deaths or infarction in the cerebellum or the brainstem. Complete and partial symptoms relief was obtained in 160 (94.7%) cases and failure 9 (5.3%) cases with MVD for trigeminal neuralgia, postoperatively. Meanwhile, complications occurred in one case with cerebellar hematoma only. The postoperative results of MVD for hemifacial spasm with symptoms relief was noted in 29 (93.5%) cases and failure 2 (6.5%) cases. Postoperative complications occurred in one case with moderate hearing loss, another three cases complained of transient facial paralysis. Symptoms relief achieved in all 7 (100%) cases undergone MVD or neurotomy for glosspharyngeal neuralgia. Postoperative complications occurred in one case with moderate vocal paralysis. We think that microsurgery via retrosigmoid keyhole approach is safe and effective for CPA hyperactive cranial nerve dysfunction syndromes. PMID:19536556
Ma, Zhaoxin; Li, Ming; Cao, Yi; Chen, Xuhui
Inducible myocardial ischaemia and anomalous origin of the right coronary artery coursing between the aorta and pulmonary artery: a rare, sinister entity
The authors report the case of a 49-year-old man with episodes of chest discomfort. Exercise/rest single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) with technetium-99m sestamibi (MIBI) revealed inferior and septal myocardial ischaemia, and MIBI anterior reverse redistribution, representing damaged myocardium. Cardiac tomography documented anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (ARCA) arising from the left sinus of valsalva coursing between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Myocardial ischaemia and myocardial damage revealed by SPECT are related to the transient coronary flow reduction elicited by the compression of the ARCA that is produced by the great arteries during exercise. The ARCA is a rare condition, but may cause myocardial infarction and sudden death. ?-blockers and dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers may provide cardioprotection from inducible myocardial ischaemia. However, in case of failure of medical cardioprotection, relocation of the ARCA to the appropriate aortic sinus and coronary bypass grafting could be considered as the best options.
Carboni, Gian Piero; Sedati, Pietro
Inducible myocardial ischaemia and anomalous origin of the right coronary artery coursing between the aorta and pulmonary artery: a rare, sinister entity.
The authors report the case of a 49-year-old man with episodes of chest discomfort. Exercise/rest single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) with technetium-99m sestamibi (MIBI) revealed inferior and septal myocardial ischaemia, and MIBI anterior reverse redistribution, representing damaged myocardium. Cardiac tomography documented anomalous origin of the right coronary artery (ARCA) arising from the left sinus of valsalva coursing between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Myocardial ischaemia and myocardial damage revealed by SPECT are related to the transient coronary flow reduction elicited by the compression of the ARCA that is produced by the great arteries during exercise. The ARCA is a rare condition, but may cause myocardial infarction and sudden death. ?-blockers and dihydropyridine calcium-channel blockers may provide cardioprotection from inducible myocardial ischaemia. However, in case of failure of medical cardioprotection, relocation of the ARCA to the appropriate aortic sinus and coronary bypass grafting could be considered as the best options. PMID:22764157
Carboni, Gian Piero; Sedati, Pietro
Relation between exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial perfusion abnormalities in patients with intermediate pretest probability of coronary artery disease
. ��The significance of exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) is largely dependent on the clinical characteristics of\\u000a the studied population. The relation between exercise-induced VAs and myocardial perfusion abnormalities has not yet been\\u000a evaluated in a homogeneous patient population with intermediate probability of coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied 302\\u000a patients (mean age 54�9 years, 152 men and 150 women) with
Abdou Elhendy; Fabiola B. Sozzi; Ron T. van Domburg; Jeroen J. Bax; Roelf Valkema; Jos R. T. C. Roelandt
The role of endothelial cell-bound Jagged1 in Notch3-induced human coronary artery smooth muscle cell differentiation.
Phenotype regulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is an important requirement in both tissue engineering and balloon angioplasty strategies. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the Notch signalling pathway plays a critical role in regulating vascular morphogenesis during development and the transcription of differentiated VSMC and its maturation. In arteries, Notch3 is the predominant receptor on VSMC and, signalling is initiated upon binding to its ligand, Jagged1. However, little is known on how ligand presenting strategies affect Notch signalling and subsequently upregulation of smooth muscle cell differentiation. In this study, using human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC) and human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), we show several lines of evidence that direct heterocellular cell-cell contact is necessary for VSMC differentiation via Notch3 signalling. First, neither the addition of soluble Jagged1 nor Jagged1 immobilized to protein G beads induced HCASMC differentiation in culture. Second, despite the upregulation of Notch3 expression, EC-conditioned medium failed to induce HCASMC differentiation. However, when HCASMC and HCAEC were co-cultured either on opposite sides of porous membrane or when these cells were co-cultured directly, both Notch3 and VSMC differentiation marker proteins were upregulated. These upregulations were abrogated by Jagged1-specific siRNA. This study provides the first direct evidence that contact of HCASMC and HCAEC is required for regulating smooth muscle cell differentiation. These findings may have clinical importance and therapeutic potential for modulating vascular SMC phenotype during various cardiovascular disease states and in tissue engineering. PMID:22204979
Xia, Ying; Bhattacharyya, Aparna; Roszell, Eric E; Sandig, Martin; Mequanint, Kibret
Cardiac angiography; Angiography - heart; Angiogram - coronary ... Coronary angiography is usually done along with cardiac catheterization . Before the test starts, you will be given a mild sedative to help you relax. An area of your body, usually the ...
[JMIC-B study and its sub-analyses: effect of nifedipine in Japanese hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease].
It is thought that coronary artery spasm is involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease in a large proportion of Japanese patients. However, large-scale trial data in Japanese patients were lacking. The JMIC-B (Japan Multicenter Investigation for Cardiovascular Diseases-B) study conducted for Japanese hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease, compared the incidence of cardiac events (cardiac death or sudden death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for angina pectoris or heart failure, serious arrhythmia, and coronary interventions) in patients receiving twice-daily nifedipine or an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (enalapril, lisinopril or imidapril). There was a similar incidence of cardiac events in both treatment groups but exacerbation of angina pectoris in patients with a history of myocardial infarction was lower with nifedipine. Nifedipine appeared to be better than ACE inhibitor in inhibiting the progression of coronary atherosclerosis and the development of coronary artery stenosis as evidenced by quantitative coronary angiogram (QCA) analysis. PMID:18200776
Yui, Yoshiki
The Angiogenic Factor Secretoneurin Induces Coronary Angiogenesis in a Model of Myocardial Infarction by Stimulation of VEGF Signaling in Endothelial Cells
Background Secretoneurin is a neuropeptide located in nerve fibers along blood vessels, is up-regulated by hypoxia and induces angiogenesis. We tested the hypothesis that secretoneurin gene therapy exerts beneficial effects in a rat model of myocardial infarction and evaluated the mechanism of action on coronary endothelial cells. Methods and Results In-vivo secretoneurin improved left ventricular function, inhibited remodeling and reduced scar formation. In the infarct border zone secretoneurin induced coronary angiogenesis as shown by increased density of capillaries and arteries. In-vitro secretoneurin induced capillary tubes, stimulated proliferation, inhibited apoptosis and activated Akt and ERK in coronary endothelial cells. Effects were abrogated by a VEGF-antibody and secretoneurin stimulated VEGF receptors in these cells. Secretoneurin furthermore increased binding of VEGF to endothelial cells and binding was blocked by heparinase indicating that secretoneurin stimulates binding of VEGF to heparan sulfate proteoglycan binding sites. Additionally, secretoneurin increased binding of VEGF to its co-receptor neuropilin 1. In endothelial cells secretoneurin also stimulated FGF receptor-3 and IGF-1 receptor and in coronary vascular smooth muscle cells we observed stimulation of VEGF receptor-1 and FGF receptor-3. Exposure of cardiac myocytes to hypoxia and ischemic heart after myocardial infarction revealed increased secretoneurin m-RNA and protein. Conclusions Our data show that secretoneurin acts as an endogenous stimulator of VEGF signaling in coronary endothelial cells by enhancing binding of VEGF to low affinity binding sites and neuropilin 1 and stimulates further growth factor receptors like FGF receptor-3. Our in-vivo findings indicate that secretoneurin might be a promising therapeutic tool in ischemic heart disease.
Albrecht-Schgoer, Karin; Schgoer, Wilfried; Holfeld, Johannes; Theurl, Markus; Wiedemann, Dominik; Steger, Christina; Gupta, Rajesh; Semsroth, Severin; Fischer-Colbrie, Reiner; Beer, Arno G.E.; Stanzl, Ursula; Huber, Eva; Misener, Sol; Dejaco, Daniel; Kishore, Raj; Pachinger, Otmar; Grimm, Michael; Bonaros, Nikolaos; Kirchmair, Rudolf
Effect of atorvastatin on the angiogenic responsiveness of coronary endothelial cells in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.
Atorvastatin, a lipid lowering agent, possesses various pleiotropic vasculoprotective effects, but its role in coronary angiogenesis is still controversial. Our objective was to study the effects of atorvastatin on the angiogenic responsiveness of coronary endothelial cells (cEC) from normal and diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were distributed among 9 groups; (i) normal rats, (ii) 30 day diabetic rats, (iii) 60 day diabetic rats, (iv) normal rats administered a low dose of atorvastatin (1 mg/kg body mass, per oral (p.o.), for 15 days); (v) 30 day diabetic rats administered a low dose of atorvastatin; (vi) 60 day diabetic rats administered a low dose of atorvastatin; (vii) normal rats administered a high dose of atorvastatin (5 mg/kg, p.o., for 15 days); (viii) 30 day diabetic rats administered a high dose of atorvastatin; (ix) 60 day diabetic rats administered a high dose of atorvastatin. Each group was further divided into 2 subgroups, (i) sham ischemia-reperfusion and (ii) rats hearts that underwent ischemia-reperfusion. Angiogenic responsiveness the and nitric oxide (NO) releasing properties of the subgroups of cECs were studied using a chorioallantoic membrane assay and the Griess method, respectively. Atorvastatin treatment significantly increased VEGF-induced angiogenic responsiveness and the NO-releasing properties of cECs from all of the subgroups, compared with their respective non-treated subgroups except for the late-phase diabetic rat hearts that underwent ischemia-reperfusion, and the high dose of atorvastatin treatment groups. These effects of atorvastatin were significantly inhibited by pretreatment of cECs with l-NAME, wortmannin, and chelerythrine. Thus, treatment with a low dose of atorvastatin improves the angiogenic responsiveness of the cECs from normal and diabetic rats, in the presence of VEGF, via activation of eNOS-NO release. PMID:24708217
Chaudagar, Kiranj K; Mehta, Anita A
Role of subcortical structures in the pathogenesis of infantile spasms: What are possible subcortical mediators?
Infantile spasms present a constellation of symptoms and laboratory findings that suggest a role of subcortical circuits in the pathogenesis of this illness. The clinical features of spasms and the influence of subcortical circuits in the regulation of the electroencephologram, along with frequent abnormalities in subcortical structure and functional anatomy, brain stem electrophysiology, sleep regulation, and subcortical neurotransmitter levels, point
F. A. Lado; S. L. Mosh�
Treatment choices of 119 patients with hemifacial spasm over 11 years
A retrospective study of patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) was performed in order to determine long-term treatment choices: local botulinum toxin, type A, injections, oral pharmacologic agents, and surgery (neurosurgical decompression of the seventh nerve at the brainstem level and upper eyelid blepharoplasty). Of 119 patients with diagnosed hemifacial spasm in the Oculoplastics Division of the Department of UMD -
Joseph A. Mauriello; Tina Leone; Shamina Dhillon; Basil Pakeman; Ramin Mostafavi; Maria C. Yepez
Botulinum toxin treatment of cranial-cervical dystonia, spasmodic dysphonia, other focal dystonias and hemifacial spasm
In the past five years, 477 patients with various focal dystonias and hemifacial spasm received 3,806 injections of botulinum A toxin for relief of involuntary spasms. A definite improvement with a global rating greater than or equal to 2 on a 0-4 scale, was obtained in all 13 patients with spasmodic dysphonia, 94% of 70 patients with blepharospasm, 92% of
J Jankovic; K Schwartz; D T Donovan
Extensor spasms triggered by imposed knee extension in chronic human spinal cord injury
Extensor spasms, which are a significant component of spasticity in spinal cord injury (SCI), are still incompletely understood. In this study, contributions of knee proprioceptors to the origination of extensor spasms were examined in fifteen subjects with SCI. Ramp and hold knee extension perturbations were imposed to one leg while the hip and ankle were held in an isometric position
Ming Wu; T. George Hornby; Jennifer Hilb; Brian D. Schmit
Practice Parameter: Medical Treatment of Infantile Spasms Report of the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society
Objective: To determine the current best practice for treatment of infantile spasms in children. Methods: Database searches of MEDLINE from 1966 and EMBASE from 1980 and searches of reference lists of retrieved articles were performed. Inclusion criteria were the documented presence of infantile spasms and hypsarrhythmia. Outcome measures included complete cessation of spasms, resolution of hypsarrhythmia, relapse rate, developmental outcome,
M. T. Mackay; S. K. Weiss; T. Adams-Webber; S. Ashwal; D. Stephens; K. Ballaban-Gill; T. Z. Baram; M. Duchowny; D. Hirtz; J. M. Pellock; W. D. Shields; S. Shinnar; E. Wyllie; O. C. Snead III
Fully Endoscopic Vascular Decompression of the Facial Nerve for Hemifacial Spasm
Hemifacial spasm is an uncommon disorder manifesting as a unilateral, involuntary, sporadic contraction of the musculature innervated by the seventh cranial nerve. Although debated, the etiology of hemifacial spasm is generally accepted as compression of the facial nerve by vessels of the posterior circulation. Early surgical techniques were ineffective and fraught with morbidity. Over the past 25 years microvascular decompression surgery has allowed the safe and effective treatment of hemifacial spasm. Recent reports combining microsurgical and endoscopic techniques have documented the advantages of the endoscope in exposing the anatomy of this region. Enhanced visualization allows a less traumatic dissection and increases the surgeon's ability to locate nerve-vessel conflicts often difficult to identify through the limited view of the microscope. This article reviews the history of hemifacial spasm and describes the first three cases of fully endoscopic vascular decompression for hemifacial spasm, emphasizing the advantages of this novel surgical approach. ImagesFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3Figure 4
Eby, Joseph B.; Cha, Sung Tae; Shahinian, Hrayr K.
Marked Acceleration of Atherosclerosis following Lactobacillus casei induced Coronary Arteritis in a Mouse Model of Kawasaki Disease
Objective To investigate if Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE)-induced Kawasaki Disease (KD) accelerates atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic mice. Method and Resuslts Apoe?/? or Ldlr?/? mice were injected with LCWE (KD mice) or PBS, fed high fat diet for 8 weeks, and atherosclerotic lesions in aortic sinuses (AS), arch (AC) and whole aorta were assessed. KD mice had larger, more complex aortic lesions with abundant collagen, and both extracellular and intracellular lipid and foam cells, compared to lesions in control mice despite similar cholesterol levels. Both Apoe?/? KD and Ldlr?/? KD mice showed dramatic acceleration in atherosclerosis vs. controls, with increases in en face aortic atherosclerosis and plaque size in both the AS and AC plaques. Accelerated atherosclerosis was associated with increased circulating IL-12p40, IFN-?, TNF-?, and increased macrophage, DC, and T cell recruitment in lesions. Furthermore, daily injections of the IL-1Ra, which inhibits LCWE induced KD vasculitis, prevented the acceleration of atherosclerosis. Conclusions Our results suggest an important pathophysiologic link between coronary arteritis/vasculitis in the KD mouse model and subsequent atherosclerotic acceleration, supporting the concept that a similar relation may also be present in KD patients. These results also suggest that KD in childhood may predispose to accelerated and early atherosclerosis as adults.
Chen, Shuang; Lee, Young Ho; Crother, Timothy R.; Fishbein, Michael; Zhang, Wenxuan; Yilmaz, Atilla; Shimada, Kenichi; Schulte, Danica J; Lehman, Thomas J.A.; Shah, Prediman K.; Arditi, Moshe
Activation of group IVC phospholipase A(2) by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons induces apoptosis of human coronary artery endothelial cells.
Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in coal tar mixtures and tobacco sources, is considered a significant risk factor for the development of heart disease in humans. The goal of this study was to determine the influence of PAHs present at a Superfund site on human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAEC) phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity and apoptosis. Extremely high levels of 12 out of 15 EPA high-priority PAHs were present in both the streambed and floodplain sediments at a site where an urban creek and its adjacent floodplain were extensively contaminated by PAHs and other coal tar compounds. Nine of the 12 compounds and a coal tar mixture (SRM 1597A) activated group IVC PLA(2) in HCAECs, and activation of this enzyme was associated with histone fragmentation and poly (ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Genetic silencing of group IVC PLA(2) inhibited both (3)H-fatty acid release and histone fragmentation by PAHs and SRM 1597A, indicating that individual PAHs and a coal tar mixture induce apoptosis of HCAECs via a mechanism that involves group IVC PLA(2). Western blot analysis of aortas isolated from feral mice (Peromyscus leucopus) inhabiting the Superfund site showed increased PARP and caspase-3 cleavage when compared to reference mice. These data suggest that PAHs induce apoptosis of HCAECs via activation of group IVC PLA(2). PMID:21132278
Tithof, Patricia K; Richards, Sean M; Elgayyar, Mona A; Menn, Fu-Minn; Vulava, Vijay M; McKay, Larry; Sanseverino, John; Sayler, Gary; Tucker, Dawn E; Leslie, Christina C; Lu, Kim P; Ramos, Kenneth S
Artichoke, cynarin and cyanidin downregulate the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in human coronary smooth muscle cells.
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) is one of the world's oldest medicinal plants with multiple health benefits. We have previously shown that artichoke leaf extracts and artichoke flavonoids upregulate the gene expression of endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in human endothelial cells. Whereas NO produced by the eNOS is a vasoprotective molecule, NO derived from the inducible iNOS plays a pro-inflammatory role in the vasculature. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of artichoke on iNOS expression in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC). Incubation of HCASMC with a cytokine mixture led to an induction of iNOS mRNA expression. This iNOS induction was concentration- and time-dependently inhibited by an artichoke leaf extract (1-100 �g/mL, 6 h or 24 h). Consistently, the artichoke leaf extract also reduced cytokine-induced iNOS promoter activation and iNOS protein expression. In addition, treatment of HCASMC with four well-known artichoke compounds (cynarin > cyanidin > luteolin ? cynaroside) led to a downregulation iNOS mRNA and protein expression, with cynarin being the most potent one. In conclusion, artichoke contains both eNOS-upregulating and iNOS-downregulating compounds. Such compounds may contribute to the beneficial effects of artichoke and may per se have therapeutic potentials. PMID:24662080
Xia, Ning; Pautz, Andrea; Wollscheid, Ursula; Reifenberg, Gisela; F�rstermann, Ulrich; Li, Huige
The effect of tadalafil on the time to exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia in subjects with coronary artery disease
Objective To investigate the effect of tadalafil on the time to exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD). Background CAD and erectile dysfunction (ED) share similar risk factors. It is important to know the cardiovascular effects of tadalafil in patients with CAD during physical exertion that is comparable with sexual activity. Methods A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, two-period, crossover study comparing the effects of tadalafil 10 mg and placebo on the time to exercise treadmill test (ETT)-induced myocardial ischaemia in subjects with stable CAD (n = 23; age range: 53�75 years, all exhibited ST-segment depression >1.5 mm at screening ETT at >5METS). Haemodynamic responses to sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG) were assessed before and after ETT. Results Compared with placebo, tadalafil did not significantly affect the time to ETT-induced ischaemia (13 min/31 s vs. 13 min/36 s, respectively). Before exercise, NTG evoked decreases in sitting systolic blood pressure (SBP) that were significantly greater when subjects received tadalafil compared with placebo, and after exercise, more subjects experienced a decrease in SBP <85 mmHg in response to NTG after taking tadalafil vs. placebo. When subjects received tadalafil compared with placebo, SBP was lower at rest (?7 mmHg; ?12,-2), during ETT (?10 mmHg; ?16, ?3), and after ETT (?13 mmHg; ?19, ?7). Conclusion Tadalafil did not significantly alter the time to ETT-induced ischaemia compared with placebo in subjects with CAD. Tadalafil reduced resting and exercise SBP. Due to the potential for hypotension, the concomitant use of nitrates and tadalafil is contraindicated.
Patterson, Dean; Kloner, Robert; Effron, Mark; Emmick, Jeffrey; Bedding, Alun; Warner, Margaret; Mitchell, Malcolm; Braat, Simon; MacDonald, Thomas
Enhancement of voltage-gated k+ channels and depression of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels are involved in quercetin-induced vasorelaxation in rat coronary artery.
Quercetin is one of the most common flavonoids in the human daily diet. Its affects the coronary artery, especially L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and voltage-gated K+ channels in the arterial smooth muscle cells, which are poorly understood. The present experiments were designed to study the myogenic effect of quercetin and its possible underlying mechanisms in the rat coronary artery. A wire myograph was used to observe the myogenic effects. Arterial smooth muscle cells were freshly isolated from the rat coronary artery and the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration was measured with molecular probe fluo-4-AM. The effects of quercetin on L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and voltage-gated K+ channels were studied using a whole-cell patch clamp. Quercetin (3-30?�M) produced a depression and relaxation on the contraction induced by KCl or the thromboxane A2 analog 9,11-Dideoxy-9?,11?-methanoepoxy prostaglandin F 2? . The vasorelaxation was attenuated by 4-aminopyridine, a specific voltage-gated K+ channel inhibitor, but was not affected by the NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester ester (a nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor), glibenclamide (a ATP-activated K+ channel inhibitor), iberiotoxin (a Ca2+-activated K+ channel inhibitor), BaCl2 (an inward rectifier K+ channel inhibitor), or by endothelium denudation. At the same concentrations, quercetin reduced the KCl-induced elevation of the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration, inhibited the inward Ca2+ currents through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, and increased the outward K+ currents through voltage-gated K+ channels in the rat coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that quercetin possesses vasospasmolytic effects in RCA and suggest that depression of the Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and augmentation of voltage-gated K+ channel activity in the myocytes may underlie coronary relaxation. PMID:24710898
Hou, Xiaomin; Liu, Yu; Niu, Longgang; Cui, Lijuan; Zhang, Mingsheng
Ergonovine maleate testing during cardiac catheterization: a 10-year perspective in 3,447 patients without significant coronary artery disease or Prinzmetal's variant angina.
The utility of ergonovine testing for coronary artery spasm was assessed in 3,447 patients with angiographically insignificant (less than 50% diameter stenosis) or no coronary artery disease. No patients clinically had Prinzmetal's variant angina. Overall, 4% had a positive ergonovine test result, defined by spasm causing greater than or equal to 75% focal stenosis. Complications related to ergonovine use occurred in 11 patients (0.03%). In a training sample of 1,136 patients (studied between 1980 and 1984), two independent predictors of spasm were found by using multivariate analysis: the amount of visible coronary artery disease on the coronary angiogram (p less than 0.0001) and a smoking history (p = 0.001). A model to predict spasm based on these variables was validated in a test group of 2,311 patients who received ergonovine from 1985 to 1989. This model allowed the identification of a subset of 400 patients in the validation sample who had a 10% positive test rate compared with a 2% positive test rate in the remaining patients. These results should permit clinicians who use provocative testing in the catheterization laboratory to reserve testing for the subset of this group of patients most likely to have abnormal findings. PMID:1607510
Harding, M B; Leithe, M E; Mark, D B; Nelson, C L; Harrison, J K; Hermiller, J B; Davidson, C J; Pryor, D B; Bashore, T M
Low-fat diet and regular, supervised physical exercise in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease: reduction of stress-induced myocardial ischemia
The effects of physical exercise and normalization of serum lipoproteins on stress-induced myocardial ischemia were studied in 18 patients with coronary artery disease, stable angina pectoris, and mild hypercholesterolemia (total serum cholesterol 242 +\\/- 32 mg\\/dl). These patients underwent a combined regimen of low-fat\\/low-cholesterol diet and regular, supervised physical exercise at high intensity for 12 months. At 1 year serum
G. Schuler; G. Schlierf; A. Wirth; H. P. Mautner; H. Scheurlen; M. Thumm; H. Roth; F. Schwarz; M. Kohlmeier; H. C. Mehmel
Motoneuron Excitability and Muscle Spasms Are Regulated by 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C Receptor Activity
Immediately after spinal cord injury (SCI), a devastating paralysis results from the loss of brain stem and cortical innervation of spinal neurons that control movement, including a loss of serotonergic (5-HT) innervation of motoneurons. Over time, motoneurons recover from denervation and function autonomously, exhibiting large persistent calcium currents (Ca PICs) that both help with functional recovery and contribute to uncontrolled muscle spasms. Here we systematically evaluated which 5-HT receptor subtypes influence PICs and spasms after injury. Spasms were quantified by recording the long-lasting reflexes (LLRs) on ventral roots in response to dorsal root stimulation, in the chronic spinal rat, in vitro. Ca PICs were quantified by intracellular recording in synaptically isolated motoneurons. Application of agonists selective to 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors (including BW723C86) significantly increased the LLRs and associated Ca PICs, whereas application of agonists to 5-HT1, 5-HT2A, 5-HT3, or 5-HT4/5/6/7 receptors (e.g., 8-OH-DPAT) did not. The 5-HT2 receptor agonist�induced increases in LLRs were dose dependent, with doses for 50% effects (EC50) highly correlated with published doses for agonist receptor binding (Ki) at 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors. Application of selective antagonists to 5-HT2B (e.g., RS127445) and 5-HT2C (SB242084) receptors inhibited the agonist-induced increase in LLR. However, antagonists that are known to specifically be neutral antagonists at 5-HT2B/C receptors (e.g., RS127445) had no effect when given by themselves, indicating that these receptors were not activated by residual 5-HT in the spinal cord. In contrast, inverse agonists (such as SB206553) that block constitutive activity at 5-HT2B or 5-HT2C receptors markedly reduced the LLRs, indicating the presence of constitutive activity in these receptors. 5-HT2B or 5-HT2C receptors were confirmed to be on motoneurons by immunolabeling. In summary, 5-HT2B and 5-HT2C receptors on motoneurons become constitutively active after injury and ultimately contribute to recovery of motoneuron function and emergence of spasms.
Murray, Katherine C.; Stephens, Marilee J.; Ballou, Edmund W.; Heckman, Charles J.
Analysis of coronary collaterals in ischaemic heart disease by angiography during pacing induced ischaemia.
Studies were made using ordinary selective coronary angiography and angiography during ischaemia produced by right atrial pacing, on a series of 41 patients with ischaemic heart disease, to examine the response of the collaterals to the ischaemia stimulus. Regional myocardial perfusion was determined under the same circumstances by measuring regional 133Xenon washout curves. No collaterals were found in 8 patients, none of whom demonstrated collaterals when angiography was repeated during ischaemia. Eleven of the 33 patients with prepacing collaterals (33%) responded to ischaemia with an increase in the collaterals, 16 patients (49%) showed no change, 5 patients (15%) showed a decrease in the collaterals, and one patient exhibited a bidirectional change. Regional myocardial perfusion responses closely paralleled the angiographic changes, yielding suggestive evidence that the collaterals were intimately involved in the enhancement of the flow. Despite different collateral and flow responses to ischaemia, the data on exercise tolerance, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, ejection fraction, prevalence of left ventricular asynergy, and the topographic relation between synergy and collaterals, were largely similar. The data show that in some patients the collateral circulation reacts to ischaemia by enhancement, but the functional significance of this response is obscure. Images
Frick, M H; Valle, M; Korhola, O; Riihimaki, E; Wiljasalo, M
Restenosis and clinical outcome in patients treated with amlodipine after angioplasty: results from the coronary AngioPlasty Amlodipine REStenosis Study (CAPARES)
OBJECTIVESOur intent was to investigate the effect of the dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker amlodipine on restenosis and clinical outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).BACKGROUNDAmlodipine has sustained vasodilatory effects and relieves coronary spasm, which may reduce luminal loss and clinical complications after PTCA.METHODSIn a prospective, double-blind design, 635 patients were randomized to 10 mg of amlodipine or placebo.
Bj�rn J�rgensen; Svein Simonsen; Knut Endresen; Kolbj�rn Forfang; Karleif Vatne; James Hansen; John Webb; Christopher Buller; Gilles Goulet; Jan Erikssen; Erik Thaulow
eNOS Activation Induced by a Polyphenol-Rich Grape Skin Extract in Porcine Coronary Arteries
Background\\/Aims: Drinking red wine is associated with a decreased mortality from coronary heart diseases. This study examined whether polyphenols contained in a grape skin extract (GSE) triggered the endothelial formation of nitric oxide (NO) and investigated the underlying mechanism. Methods: Vascular reactivity was assessed in organ chambers using porcine coronary artery rings in the presence of indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor)
Socorro Vanesca Frota Madeira; Cyril Auger; Eric Anselm; Marta Chataigneau; Thierry Chataigneau; Roberto Soares de Moura; Val�rie B. Schini-Kerth
Microvascular Decompression for Familial Hemifacial Spasm : Single Institute Experience
Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and surgical outcomes of familial hemifacial spasm (HFS) and to discuss the role of genetic susceptibility. Methods Between 2001 and 2011, 20 familial HFS patients with ten different pedigrees visited our hospital. The data from comprehensive evaluation of these patients, including clinical, radiological and electrophysiological data and surgical outcomes were reviewed to characterize familial HFS and to compare the characteristics between familial HFS and sporadic HFS. Results According to the family tree, the inheritance pattern was difficult to define clearly using these data. Radiologic findings suggested that the vertebral artery (VA) was a more frequent offender in familial HFS than in sporadic cases (35.0% vs. 10.0%, p<0.001). Chi-square test showed that there were no correlation between VA tortuosity and underlying morbidity such as diabetes or hypertension (p=0.391). Eighteen out of 19 patients who underwent microvascular decompression showed no residual spasm. Other features of familial HFS overlap with sporadic cases. These findings suggest that certain genetic susceptibilities rather than hypertension or diabetes may influence vascular tortuosity and HFS development. Conclusion In this study, familial HFS seems not so different from sporadic cases. Authors thought familial HFS could have heterogeneous etiology. Further study of familial HFS including clinical, anatomic, genetic, and molecular information may help identify a gene or trait that can provide insight into the mechanisms of sporadic and familial HFS.
Park, Jae-Han; Jo, Kyung-Il; Lee, Hyun-Seok; Lee, Jung-A
Pediatric hemifacial spasm: the efficacy of microvascular decompression.
Hemifacial spasm (HFS), generally a disease of the elderly, is caused by vascular compression of the seventh nerve. Vascular compression is thought to result from atherosclerotic changes within the vessels of the posterior fossa, and therefore rarely presents in childhood. Here we describe our experience with 12 patients with onset of HFS during childhood (age 18 or less) and who had surgical exploration of the cerebellopontine angle. These patients represent less than 1.2% of the patient population with HFS operated upon at this institution during the study period. Nine patients had follow-up data extending over 83 months. All 12 patients were found to have microvascular compression of the seventh nerve at the time of surgery. The most common operative finding was compression of the seventh nerve by a vein, alone or in combination with a branch of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery. At the time of discharge and after a mean follow-up period of 125 months, microvascular decompression resulted in complete relief of spasm in 67% of the patients. PMID:9620000
Levy, E I; Resnick, D K; Jannetta, P J; Lovely, T; Bissonette, D J
A novel mechanism of vasoregulation: ADP-induced relaxation of the porcine isolated coronary artery is mediated via adenosine release.
In this study, we have investigated the mechanism of ADP-induced relaxation of porcine coronary artery (PCA) rings. The P2Y receptor agonists ADP and ADPbetaS produced concentration-dependent relaxation of endothelium-denuded PCA smooth muscle with pD2 values of 5.3 and 4.9, respectively. RT-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting demonstrated mRNA and protein expression of P2Y1 and A2A adenosine receptors in the PCA. The nonselective P2 antagonist PPADS or the P2Y1-selective antagonist MRS2179 failed to alter ADP- or ADPbetaS-induced relaxations. Relaxations to ADP were, however, blocked by the A2A adenosine receptor-selective antagonists ZM241385 and SCH58261 (apparent pK(B) values of 9.2 and 8.9, respectively). We excluded roles for direct occupancy of A2A adenosine receptors by ADP or ADPbetaS as well as metabolism to adenosine as mechanisms for ADP-evoked relaxations. However, ADP responses were significantly enhanced in the presence of the ENT1 nucleoside transporter inhibitors dipyridamole and NBTI and were significantly inhibited by adenosine deaminase, indicating a role for extracellular adenosine. Suprafusion of [3H]-adenine-labeled PCA segments showed that ADP induced the release of a number of purines, including adenosine. These data suggest that ADP mediates relaxation of the PCA via a novel mechanism that involves adenine nucleotide-evoked adenosine release and the subsequent activation of A2A receptors. PMID:17167068
Rayment, Sarah J; Ralevic, Vera; Barrett, David A; Cordell, Rebecca; Alexander, Stephen P H
Modification of the ischaemic-induced contraction in the sheep circumflex coronary artery by various pharmacological antagonists.
1. Sheep isolated circumflex coronary artery rings were exposed to simulated ischaemia (increased K+ reduced pH, hypoxia, reduced glucose and addition of lactate). Simulated ischaemia caused a transient relaxation lasting approximately 5 min followed by a sustained contraction that was reversible on washing with oxygenated Krebs solution. 2. Haemolysate caused a rise in baseline tension and augmented the ischaemic contraction. 3. The ischaemic contraction was abolished by BW 755C 5 microM and reduced by indomethacin 1 microM, quinacrine 50 microM or the thromboxane A2 antagonist BM 13177 10 microM. The leukotriene D4 antagonist, ICI 198615, had no effect. 4. The ischaemic-induced contraction was enhanced by propranolol 1 microM, methiothepin 1 microM and reduced by ketanserin 1 microM. 5. The ischaemic contraction was markedly inhibited by trypsin (1 mu ml-1) and by verapamil, cromakalim or sodium nitroprusside. 6. The following had no or little effect on the ischaemic contraction: Sar1-Thr8-angiotensin II, mepyramine, atropine, the spin trapping agent PBN or the free radical scavenger dimethylsulphoxide. Superoxide dismutase caused a slight enhancement. 7. The ischaemic-induced contraction was abolished by the simultaneous administration, at subthreshold concentrations, either of two vasodilators (iloprost and adenosine) or of a vasodilator and a vasoconstrictor (iloprost and U46619). 8. The ischaemic relaxation phase was reduced by propranolol and indomethacin, abolished by haemolysate and enhanced by quinacrine or cromakalim. 9. It is concluded that the ischaemic-induced contraction is caused by mediators released from the endothelium including a product of the lipoxygenase pathway. There is also evidence that simulated ischaemia causes the release of noradrenaline and 5-hydroxytryptamine.
Kwan, Y. W.; Wadsworth, R. M.; Kane, K. A.
p27-p16 Fusion Gene Inhibits Angioplasty-Induced Neointimal Hyperplasia and Coronary Artery Occlusion
Inhibition of proliferative neointima formed by vascular smooth muscle cells is a potential target in preventing angioplasty-induced restenosis. We have created a potent antiproliferative by fusing the active regions of the p27 and p16 cell cycle inhibitors. Intravascular delivery of a replication-deficient adenoviral vector (AV) encoding this p27-p16 fusion protein, named W9, inhibited balloon injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia in rabbit carotid
Lisa V. Tsui; Allan Camrud; Jean Mondesire; Paula Carlson; Nathalie Zayek; LaDonna Camrud; Brian Donahue; Scott Bauer; Andy Lin; David Frey; Marianne Rivkin; Ajit Subramanian; Robert Falotico; Jeno Gyuris; Robert Schwartz; James G. McArthur
Successful percutaneous stenting of a right gastroepiploic coronary bypass graft using monorail delivery system: a case report.
The right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) is being successfully used as an arterial conduit in a selected group of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. However, myocardial ischemia may result due to spasm, occlusion, and stenosis of this graft. The anastamosis site at distal right coronary artery (RCA) or posterior descending artery (PDA) is the most common location for stenosis of an in situ gastroepiploic coronary bypass graft. Balloon angioplasty of such stenoses has been reported with optimal short-term results. Stent deployment would decrease the restenosis rate, so that repeat procedures could be minimized for these technically challenging lesions. We describe a case of successful deployment of a stent with monorail delivery system at the anastamotic site stenosis of an in situ gastroepiploic right coronary artery bypass graft. This percutaneous coronary intervention could prevent redo coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 49:197-199, 2000. PMID:10642773
Alam, M; Safi, A M; Mandawat, M K; Anderson, J E; Kwan, T; Feit, A; Clark, L T
Pseudoinfarction pattern in a patient with hyperkalemia, diabetic ketoacidosis and normal coronary vessels: a case report
INTRODUCTION: A rare electrocardiographic finding of hyperkalemia is ST segment elevation or the so called 'pseudoinfarction' pattern. It has been suggested that hyperkalemia causes the 'pseudoinfarction' pattern not only through its direct myocardial effects, but also through other mechanisms, such as anoxia, acidosis, and coronary artery spasm. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old Caucasian woman with insulin-treated diabetes presented with continuous epigastric
Antonios Ziakas; Christos Basagiannis; Ioannis Stiliadis
Objective This study compares sensory-biological, cognitive-emotional, and cognitive-interpretational factors in predicting angina on an exercise treadmill test (ETT). Methods 163 patients with ETT-induced ischemia and coronary artery disease (CAD) in the NHLBI Psychophysiological Investigations of Myocardial Ischemia (PIMI) study were given an ETT, and 79 patients reported angina during the ETT. We assessed the following as predictors of self-reported anginal pain: sensory-biological factors (?-endorphin reactivity, hot pain threshold, and maximum ST-segment depression), cognitive-emotional factors (negative affect and symptom perception), and cognitive-interpretation (self-reported history of exercise-induced angina). Models were covariate-adjusted with predictors examined individually and as part of component blocks. Results Logistic regression revealed that history of angina (OR=17.41, 95% CI=7.16�42.34) and negative affect (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.17�2.34), but not maximum ST-segment depression, hot pain threshold, ?-endorphin reactivity, nor symptom perception were significant predictors of angina on the ETT. The component block of sensory-biological variables was not significantly predictive of anginal pain (chi2block = 5.15, p = 0.741). However, the cognitive-emotional block (chi2block = 11.19, p = 0.004) and history of angina (cognitive-interpretation) (chi2block = 54.87, p < 0.001) were predictive of ETT angina. A model including all variables revealed that only history of angina was predictive of ETT pain (OR = 16.39, p < 0.001), although negative affect approached significance (OR = 1.45, p = 0.07). Conclusion These data suggest that in patients with ischemia, cognitive-emotional and cognitive-interpretational factors are important predictors of exercise angina.
Bekkouche, Nadine S.; Wawrzyniak, Andrew J.; Whittaker, Kerry S.; Ketterer, Mark W.; Krantz, David S.
G protein-coupled receptors mediate coronary flow- and agonist-induced responses via lectin-oligosaccharide interactions.
Blood flow acts parallel to the coronary luminal endothelial surface layer (LESL) and modulates multiple parenchymal functions via the release of paracrine agents. Evidence indicates that the LESL may be a flow-sensing organelle and that perhaps through flow-induced lectin (L)�oligosaccharide (O) complex formation (L�O) participates in this process. LESL integrins and selectins are both lectinic and flow sensitive, but the L properties of flow-sensitive G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the presence of L in the LESL and hypothesized that if flow-sensitive GPCRs are L, flow and O will determine their response to receptor activation. The LESL protein fraction isolated from guinea pig hearts was passed through an affinity chromatography column made of three sugars, mannose, galactose, and N-acetylglucosamine, and the lectinic fraction was eluted. Immune dot blot was used to identify L proteins in the LESL fraction. Our results indicate the following. 1) Two-dimensional SDS-PAGE (2D-SDS-PAGE) of the LESL lectinic fraction revealed at least 167 Ls. 2) Among these Ls, we identified three selectins and the GPCRs: angiotensin II, bradykinin (B2-R), adenosine A1 and A2, prolactin, endothelin, ?1-adrenergic (?1A-R), thromboxane A2, ?1-adrenergic, ?3-adrenergic, and insulin receptors; the first six GPCRs are known to be flow sensitive. 3) The amplitude of receptor-induced vascular responses by ?1A-R and B2-R activation (phenylephrine or bradykinin, respectively) was a function of flow and O (hyaluronidate). Our results support a novel mechanism of GPCR-mediated responses to flow via L�O interaction. PMID:24363307
Perez-Aguilar, Sandra; Torres-Tirado, David; Martell-Gallegos, Guadalupe; Velarde-Salcedo, Jimena; Barba-de la Rosa, Ana Paulina; Knabb, Maureen; Rubio, Rafael
Modulatory effect of diclofenac on antispasmodic effect of pitofenone in cholinergic spasm.
Biliary, ureteric and intestinal colic are extremely common clinical conditions associated with smooth muscle spasm. In the present study, antispasmodic activity was carried out against acetylcholine (10-640 ng/ml)-induced contractions on guinea pig ileum. Acetylcholine (10-640 ng/ml) induced concentration-dependent contraction of smooth muscle. Diclofenac, in varying concentration (9.4 x 10(-5) mol/l and 14.1 x 10(-5) mol/l) shifted the concentration response curve of acetylcholine to the right without suppressing the maximal response. However, in higher concentration diclofenac (18.9 x 10(-5) mol/l) blocked the response in an unsurmountable fashion. Further, analgin (11.09 x 10(-5), 16.63 x 10(-5) and 22.18 x 10(-5) mol/l) in equimolar concentrations did not alter the concentration response curve of acetylcholine, but in higher concentration analgin (44.36 x 10(-5) mol/l) also blocked the response in an unsurmountable fashion. Pitofenone (2.5 x 10(-6) mol/l) also, shifted the concentration response curve of acetylcholine to right in a parallel fashion with no change in maximal response. The present study confirms the potent antispasmodic activity of diclofenac-pitofenone combination in comparison to analgin-pitofenone in molar equivalent concentration (in comparison to diclofenac) against acetylcholine-induced contractions of guinea pig ileum. PMID:15260106
Kulkarni, Shrinivas K; Patil, Chandrashekhar S; Jain, Naveen K; Singh, Amarjit
Excimer and holmium:YAG laser coronary angioplasty
NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)
Recently, access to the coronary arteries became available to laser angioplasty based upon a new concept which utilizes a pulsed laser source and multifiber, `over-the-wire' guided catheters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and long-term results and the side effects of coronary angioplasty using an excimer or a Holmium:YAG laser. Forty consecutive patients were treated with the Holmium:YAG laser (group I) and 46 consecutive patients were treated with the excimer laser (group II). The primary laser angioplasty success rate was 55% and 71.7% for group I and II, respectively. It was similar in calcified and in non-calcified lesions and in total occlusions and stenoses. Laser stand-alone therapy was obtained in 5.0% of group I patients versus 21.7% in group II patients (p < 0.05). Failures were due to the inability for the laser catheter tip to reach the lesion, to cross the obstruction, or to obtain a significant reduction in stenosis. They were more frequent in group I than in group II patients (45% versus 28.3%). Complications included acute closure in 7.5% of group I and 17.1% of group II patients and spasm in 10.0% and 13.0% of group I and group II patients, respectively. Dissection occurred more frequently in group II than in group I patients (28.3% versus 7.5%, p < 0.04). The angiographic patency rate at 6 month follow up was 33% and 29% for group I and group II patients, respectively. Multifiber, wire-guided catheters provide an easy access to the coronary arteries. Excimer laser angioplasty using large, densely packed catheters is effective but induces a high rate of dissections. Technical improvements are required to ablate more tissue to possibly reduce the restenosis rate. Further studies ar needed to elucidate the mechanism of side effects to reduce their impact on restenosis rate.
Geschwind, Herbert J.; Nakamura, Fumitaka; Kvasnicka, Jan; Dubois-Rande, Jean Luc
Fas induces apoptosis in human coronary artery endothelial cells in vitro
BACKGROUND: Published work suggests that some types of endothelial cells undergo apoptosis in response to ligation of the receptor Fas (CD95, APO1) but other types are resistant. Because heterogeneity among endothelial cells from different tissues, has been demonstrated, the purpose of this study was to determine, if Fas ligation and\\/or activation by human Fas ligand induces apoptosis and caspase activities,
Gerasimos Filippatos; Edmund Ang; Claudia Gidea; Erhan Dincer; Rongqi Wang; Bruce D Uhal
Frontotemporal abnormal gyration with infantile spasms in identical twins.
We describe the case of 10-year-old twin girls, who were born to nonconsanguineous parents and showed pes equinovarus, infantile spasms, and severe psychomotor retardation. Neither patient showed marked microcephaly. Neuroimaging revealed a simplified gyral pattern in the bilateral frontotemporal areas, a reduced volume of cerebral white matter, and a thin corpus callosum in both patients. The cerebral cortex presented with significant thickness in the anterior temporal region at the age of 10 years, which suggest that the simplified gyri can evolve into the pachygyria during postnatal period. These cases may represent a hereditary brain malformation with a distinct pattern of abnormal cortical gyration. The age-dependent change in appearance of dysgenetic cortex should be further explored in cases with brain malformations. PMID:17416476
Saito, Yoshiaki; Yokoyama, Atsushi; Shiraishi, Hideyuki; Maegaki, Yoshihiro; Ohno, Kousaku
Cholinergic induced coronary vasospasm: Treatment of organophosphate toxicity. Final report, 1 May 1988-31 October 1991
To evaluate the mechanism of organophosphate's possible acetylcholine (ACh) mediated vasospasm, studies were conducted on sixteen, Yorkshire swine. In one group of eight pigs, a dose of two LD-50s of soman (4.6 Kg/kg 205 JIG) was given at 102.5 microgram/second in the femoral vein. These experiments demonstrated that following soman injection coronary blood flow decreased, with an increase in acetylcholine levels and coronary vascular resistance. The fall in coronary blood flow was accompanied by concomitant decreases in acetyl-cholinesterase levels, hemodynamic function, S-T segment elevation and ventricular fibrillation. In eight additional pigs intracoronary saline or ACh (1.05 + or - 0.39 micrometers) infusions tested coronary vasoactivity in the resting condition. Following the sedentary experiments the same pigs underwent six treadmill exercise studies:(1) Exer. Cont., 1 ml/min saline, i.c.;(2) Exer.+ 0.10 + or - 0.02 micrometers ACh, i.c.; (3) Exer. + 0.52 + or - 0.20 micrometers ACh, i.c.; (4) Exer. + 1.05 + or - 0.39 micrometers ACh, i.c.; (5) Exer.+ ACh-atropine, 1.05 + or - 0.39 micrometers ACh, i.c., atropine 28 microgram/kg, i.v.; or (6) Atropine, 1 ml/min saline, i.c., atropine 28 microgram/kg i.v. At rest ACh decreased coronary blood flow by 28%. Exercise increased coronary blood flow by 77% while exercise plus ACh infusions reduced coronary blood flow by 19%, 261/, and 31% for Exer.+0.10, Exer.+0.5, and Ex+1.05 JIM ACh, respectively. In addition, ACh infusion during exercise decreased the lactate consumption and at Exer.+1.05 micrometer ACh there was a lactate production with a reduction in Mv02. These data support ACh mediated coronary vasospasm in the swine.
McKenzie, J.E.; Bellamy, R.F.
Identification of apoptosis-inducing factor in human coronary artery endothelial cells
Apoptosis has been observed in vascular tissues in response to pro-inflammatory and pro-atherosclerotic stimuli, such as oxidized low density lipoproteins (ox-LDL), angiotensin II (Ang II), and tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?). Apoptosis is believed to be mediated via caspase-dependent pathway. Recently, a 57kDa molecule, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), has been described as a basis for cell injury via a caspase-independent pathway. This
Wenguang Zhang; Madhu Shokeen; Dayuan Li; Jawahar L Mehta
Device induced thromboembolism in a bovine in vitro coronary stent model.
The potential of a new bovine in vitro model to evaluate various aspects of device induced thromboembolism was studied using two test modes. First, the effect of an antithrombotic drug on stent induced thromboembolism was assessed. The antithrombotic potential of an antiplatelet agent was compared with that of the other conventional antithrombotic agents (aspirin, dipyridamole) used in the past with this in vitro model. Stent associated thrombus was assessed gravimetrically at the end of the experiment. Emboli were assessed continuously using a light scattering microemboli detection system. Second, the sensitivity of the model to flow induced thromboembolism was studied using a combination of surface roughness and stenosis. Thrombus was assessed visually, and emboli were assessed as described earlier. The results show that 1) this in vitro model is sensitive to the action of antithrombotic drugs, and to the effect of hemodynamics on thromboembolism; 2) the antiplatelet drug used in this study was effective in attenuating thromboembolism; 3) a stenosis in combination with roughness produced more emboli than roughness alone; and 4) the model was useful for the study of physical and biochemical aspects of thromboembolism. PMID:9804458
Sukavaneshvar, S; Solen, K A; Mohammad, S F
Parry-Romberg syndrome with hemimasticatory spasm in pregnancy; A dystonia mimic
Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) with hemimasticatory spasm (HMS) is quite an uncommon overlapping phenomenon which very often mimics jaw closing dystonia. A previously healthy 35-year-old female, during her 5th month of pregnancy started developing intermittent unilateral painful spasms of jaw while conversation, clinching of teeth, or eating, which led to frequent tongue bites. The spasms were worsened during pregnancy. She used to do certain manoeuvre like sensory tricks in form of touching involved side of the face to relieve the symptoms. Apart from this, she developed progressive hemifacial and hemitongue atrophy. Other medical and neurological examinations were normal. Laboratory investigations as well as neuroimaging were noncontributory. The spasm responded to carbamazepine but hemifacial atrophy persists. To our best knowledge, onset and worsening of this syndrome in pregnancy has not been described earlier which might be correlated either with some hormonal imbalance or some unknown mechanisms.
Panda, Akhila Kumar; Gopinath, Godhavarma; Singh, Shaily
Ependymoma of the fourth ventricle presenting with hemifacial spasm. Report of a case.
According to Gardner's hypothesis (1962) later confirmed by Jannetta (1982, 1985), hemifacial spasm can usually be related to a "vascular conflict" which takes place inside the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Occasionally, the causative lesion can be identified as a mass encasing the facial nerve at its root exit zone (REZ) from the brain stem. The hemifacial spasm has been rarely reported in presence of a contralateral CPA mass ("false localising sign"). Hemifacial spasm in patients with masses in anatomical regions other than the CPA has to be considered exceptional. The case of an adult man harboring an ependymoma of the fourth ventricle whose only neurological sign was a left hemifacial spasm is reported. The rarity of such a condition prompted us to review the literature. Particular attention has been paid to the possible pathogenetic mechanisms and their therapeutic implications. PMID:10367329
Rapan�, A; Guida, F; Conti, C; Rizzo, G; Trincia, G
Arterial spasm and slowing of the cerebral circulation in the ischaemia of head injury
Carotid angiograms of 33 patients who had died during 1968 and 1969 from blunt head injury were reviewed and assessed for evidence of arterial spasm and slowing of the cerebral circulation. Spasm was found in 57�5%, a prolonged circulation time in 57�5%, and a combination of both features in 42�4% of cases. In the same group of patients there was
P. Macpherson; D. I. Graham
Meta-analysis of mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia and subsequent cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease.
Mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI) has been associated with adverse prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), but whether this is a uniform finding across different studies has not been described. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies examining the association between MSIMI and adverse outcome events in patients with stable CAD. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases for English language prospective studies of patients with CAD who underwent standardized mental stress testing to determine presence of MSIMI and were followed up for subsequent cardiac events or total mortality. Our outcomes of interest were CAD recurrence, CAD mortality, or total mortality. A summary effect estimate was derived using a fixed-effects meta-analysis model. Only 5 studies, each with a sample size of <200 patients and fewer than 50 outcome events, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled samples comprised 555 patients with CAD (85% male) and 117 events with a range of follow-up from 35�days to 8.8�years. Pooled analysis showed that MSIMI was associated with a twofold increased risk of a combined end point of cardiac events or total mortality (relative risk 2.24, 95% confidence interval 1.59 to 3.15). No heterogeneity was detected among the studies (Q�= 0.39, I(2)�= 0.0%, p�= 0.98). In conclusion, although few selected studies have examined the association between MSIMI and adverse events in patients with CAD, all existing investigations point to approximately a doubling of risk. Whether this increased risk is generalizable to the CAD population at large and varies in patient subgroups warrant further investigation. PMID:24856319
Wei, Jingkai; Rooks, Cherie; Ramadan, Ronnie; Shah, Amit J; Bremner, J Douglas; Quyyumi, Arshed A; Kutner, Michael; Vaccarino, Viola
Impact of the definition utilized on the rate of contrast-induced nephropathy in percutaneous coronary intervention.
Several definitions have been used to assess rates of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Whether the definition influences observed rates of CIN is unclear. The Oxilan Registry was the first-ever prospective analysis of the efficacy and safety of ioxilan (low-osmolar and low-viscosity contrast medium), including rates of CIN assessed by multiple definitions, in PCI. From July 2006 to June 2007, consecutive patients undergoing PCI using ioxilan were enrolled. Serum creatinine (SCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed at baseline and 3 to 5 days after PCI. CIN was defined as SCr increase >or=0.5 mg/dl, eGFR decrease >or=25%, SCr increase >or=25%, or the composite. Of 400 patients (age 62 +/- 11 years), 19% were women, 37% were diabetic, 22% were anemic, and 8% had a history of congestive heart failure. Baseline SCr was 1.12 +/- 0.3 mg/dl and 24% had an eGFR <60 ml/min. CIN rates were 3.3% (SCr increase >or=0.5 mg/dl), 7.6% (eGFR decrease >or=25%), 10.2% (SCr increase >or=25%), and 10.5% (composite). Hospitalization was prolonged in 3.4% of patients with CIN and none required dialysis. There were no deaths or severe allergic reactions. Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and repeat revascularization each occurred in 0.8%. In conclusion, in this unselected population undergoing PCI, CIN ranged in frequency from 3.3% to 10.5% depending on the definition used and was not associated with in-hospital mortality or substantial morbidity, such as dialysis. The wide variation in CIN and its lack of association with adverse outcomes underscore the need for a standardized, clinically relevant definition. PMID:19539072
Jabara, Refat; Gadesam, Radhika R; Pendyala, Lakshmana K; Knopf, William D; Chronos, Nicolas; Chen, Jack P; Viel, Kevin; King, Spencer B; Manoukian, Steven V
Androgens inhibit tumor necrosis factor-?-induced cell adhesion and promote tube formation of human coronary artery endothelial cells.
Endothelial cells contribute to the function and integrity of the vascular wall, and a functional aberration may lead to atherogenesis. There is increasing evidence on the atheroprotective role of androgens. Therefore, we studied the effect of the androgens-testosterone and dihydrotestosterone-and estradiol on human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAEC) function. We found by MTT assay that testosterone is not cytotoxic and enhances HCAEC proliferation. The effect of testosterone (10-50 nM), dihydrotestosterone (5-50 nM), and estradiol (0.1-0.4 nM) on the adhesion of tumor necrosis factor-? (TNF-?)-stimulated HCAECs was determined at different time points (12-96 h) by assessing their binding with human monocytic THP-1 cells. In addition, the expression of adhesion molecules, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), was determined by ELISA and Western blot analysis. Both testosterone and dihydrotestosterone attenuated cell adhesion and the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, androgen treatment for a longer duration inhibited cell migration, as demonstrated by wound-healing assay, and promoted tube formation on a Matrigel. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the expression of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) increased, whereas that of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) decreased following the 96-h steroid treatment of TNF-?-stimulated HCAECs. Our findings suggest that androgens modulate endothelial cell functions by suppressing the inflammatory process and enhancing wound-healing and regenerative angiogenesis, possibly through an androgen receptor (AR)-dependent mechanism. PMID:22504554
Liao, Chun-Hou; Lin, Feng-Yen; Wu, Yi-No; Chiang, Han-Sun
Acute myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries in a case of polyarteritis nodosa: possible role of coronary artery spasm
A 20 year old man with no previous history of heart disease presented with acute left ventricular failure following extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction. Selective angiography revealed multiple aneurysms in the renal, mesenteric and hepatic arteries with an infarct in the lower pole of the right kidney. These findings, along with the presence of circulating hepatitis B surface antigen favoured
R. M. Rajani; B. V. Dalvi; S. A. DSilva; Y. Y. Lokhandwala; P. A. Kale
Aronia melanocarpa juice, a rich source of polyphenols, induces endothelium-dependent relaxations in porcine coronary arteries via the redox-sensitive activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase.
This study examined the ability of Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) juice, a rich source of polyphenols, to cause NO-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxations of isolated coronary arteries and, if so, to determine the underlying mechanism and the active polyphenols. A. melanocarpa juice caused potent endothelium-dependent relaxations in porcine coronary artery rings. Relaxations to A. melanocarpa juice were minimally affected by inhibition of the formation of vasoactive prostanoids and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated responses, and markedly reduced by N(?)-nitro-l-arginine (endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) inhibitor), membrane permeant analogs of superoxide dismutase and catalase, PP2 (Src kinase inhibitor), and wortmannin (PI3-kinase inhibitor). In cultured endothelial cells, A. melanocarpa juice increased the formation of NO as assessed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy using the spin trap iron(II)diethyldithiocarbamate, and reactive oxygen species using dihydroethidium. These responses were associated with the redox-sensitive phosphorylation of Src, Akt and eNOS. A. melanocarpa juice-derived fractions containing conjugated cyanidins and chlorogenic acids induced the phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS. The present findings indicate that A. melanocarpa juice is a potent stimulator of the endothelial formation of NO in coronary arteries; this effect involves the phosphorylation of eNOS via the redox-sensitive activation of the Src/PI3-kinase/Akt pathway mostly by conjugated cyanidins and chlorogenic acids. PMID:23973200
Kim, Jong Hun; Auger, Cyril; Kurita, Ikuko; Anselm, Eric; Rivoarilala, Lalainasoa Odile; Lee, Hyong Joo; Lee, Ki Won; Schini-Kerth, Val�rie B
Coronary Vasospasm While Treating Supraventricular Tachycardia: Is Adenosine Really to Blame?
Coronary artery spasm has been reported during adenosine stress testing. Herein, we describe a transient ST-segment elevation following adenosine therapy for supraventricular tachycardia. A 38-year-old male presented to the emergency department with palpitations. Electrocardiogram showed supraventricular tachycardia with short RP interval. Vagal maneuvers were unsuccessful. Adenosine was then administered in two successive injections of 6 and 12?mg dosages, respectively. A subsequent 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation in inferior leads with reciprocal changes. Coronary angiography disclosed nonobstructive coronary disease. A postprocedure electrocardiogram exhibited normal sinus rhythm with nonspecific T wave abnormalities. Cardiac biomarkers were elevated with a peak troponin I of 0.32. Echocardiogram depicted bicuspid aortic valve and normal systolic function. Electrophysiological study revealed a concealed left accessory pathway and successful radiofrequency ablation was performed. Given the dynamic changes in the electrocardiogram, we hypothesize that this event was most likely a coronary vasospasm. The mechanism of coronary spasm following adenosine injection remains uncertain. Potential mediators include KATP channels and adenosine-2 receptors.
Quevedo, Henry C.; Pinto Miranda, Veronica; Sequeira, Rafael F.
Sequential thallium-201 myocardial perfusion studies after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary artery angioplasty: delayed resolution of exercise-induced scintigraphic abnormalities
To characterize the sequential changes of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after complete revascularization, 43 patients underwent exercise thallium-201 (/sup 201/Tl) myocardial perfusion scintigraphy before and at 9 +/- 5 days, 3.3 +/- 0.6, and 6.8 +/- 1.2 months after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Only patients with single-vessel CAD, without previous myocardial infarction, and without evidence of restenosis at 6 to 9 months after PTCA were included. Perfusion scans were analyzed blindly with the use of a new quantitative method to define regional myocardial perfusion in the topographic distribution of each coronary artery, which was shown to be reproducible (r = .94 or higher and SEE of 7% or less, between repeated measures by one and two operators). At 4 to 18 days after PTCA, the mean treadmill walking time increased by 123 +/- 42 sec, mean exercise-induced ST segment depression decreased by 0.6 +/- 0.3 mm, group maximal heart rate increased by 20 +/- 9 beats/min, and group systolic blood pressure at peak exercise increased by 24 +/- 10 mm Hg, compared with pre-PTCA values (p less than .001). However, no group differences were noted in these variables between the three post-PTCA stages. Myocardial perfusion in the distribution of the affected (dilated) coronary artery, on the other hand, improved progressively. In the 45 degree left anterior oblique view for instance, myocardial perfusion increased at 9 days after PTCA (from 68 +/- 24% before PTCA to 91 +/- 9%, p less than .001) and at 3.3 months after PTCA (101 +/- 8%, p less than .05 vs 9 days after PTCA), but no further significant changes were seen at 6.8 months after PTCA (102 +/- 8%). Similar changes were noted in the other two views. No relationship between minor complications during PTCA and delayed improvement on the /sup 201/Tl was observed.
Manyari, D.E.; Knudtson, M.; Kloiber, R.; Roth, D.
LOX-1 receptor blockade abrogates oxLDL-induced oxidative DNA damage and prevents activation of the transcriptional repressor Oct-1 in human coronary arterial endothelium.
Activation of the lectin-like oxLDL receptor (LOX-1) promotes atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL (oxLDL) increases production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and leads to the development of endothelial dysfunction. The molecular causes for oxLDL to induce oxidative DNA damage and metabolic dysfunction remain uncertain. Here we report treatment of cultured human coronary arterial endothelial cells (HCAEC) with oxLDL to cause oxidative DNA damage as determined by a 3-fold increase in 8-OH-desoxyguanosine adduct formation and a 4-fold induction of the growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible transcripts GADD45 and GADD153. Oxidative stress resulted in activation of Oct-1, a transcriptional repressor of various vascular cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenases. Activation of Oct-1 was protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated. Binding of Oct-1 to promoter sequences of CYP monooxygenases was increased upon treatment of HCAEC with oxLDL. This resulted in repressed production of endothelium-derived hyperpolarization factor 11,12-epoxyeicosatrieonic acid. Small interference RNA-mediated functional knockdown of Oct-1 prevented oxLDL-mediated silencing of CYP expression. Inhibition of LOX-1 attenuated oxLDL-mediated endothelial DNA damage, Oct-1/DNA binding, and reversed impaired production of EDHF. Taken collectively, oxLDL induced oxidative DNA damage and activation of Oct-1 to result in metabolic dysfunction of coronary arterial endothelium. PMID:18390905
Thum, Thomas; Borlak, J�rgen
Low-fat diet and regular, supervised physical exercise in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease: reduction of stress-induced myocardial ischemia
The effects of physical exercise and normalization of serum lipoproteins on stress-induced myocardial ischemia were studied in 18 patients with coronary artery disease, stable angina pectoris, and mild hypercholesterolemia (total serum cholesterol 242 +/- 32 mg/dl). These patients underwent a combined regimen of low-fat/low-cholesterol diet and regular, supervised physical exercise at high intensity for 12 months. At 1 year serum lipoproteins has been lowered to ideal levels (serum cholesterol 202 +/- 31 mg/dl, low-density lipoproteins 130 +/- 30 mg/dl, very low-density lipoproteins 22 +/- 15 mg/dl, serum triglycerides 105 (69 to 304) mg/dl) and physical work capacity was improved by 21% (p less than .01). No significant effect was noted on high-density lipoproteins, probably as a result of the low-fat/high-carbohydrate diet. Stress-induced myocardial ischemia, as assessed by thallium-201 scintigraphy, was decreased by 54% (p less than .05) despite higher myocardial oxygen consumption. Eighteen patients matched for age and severity of coronary artery disease served as a control group and ''usual medical care'' was rendered by their private physicians. No significant changes with respect to serum lipoproteins, physical work capacity, maximal rate-pressure product, or stress-induced myocardial ischemia were observed in this group. These data indicate that regular physical exercise at high intensity, lowered body weight, and normalization of serum lipoproteins may alleviate compromised myocardial perfusion during stress.
Schuler, G.; Schlierf, G.; Wirth, A.; Mautner, H.P.; Scheurlen, H.; Thumm, M.; Roth, H.; Schwarz, F.; Kohlmeier, M.; Mehmel, H.C.
... Risks Clinical Trials Links Spanish Version Related Topics Atherosclerosis Coronary Heart Disease Cardiac Catheterization Heart Attack Stents ... up inside your arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis (ath-er-o-skler-O-sis). Atherosclerosis can ...
... the NHLBI on Twitter. What Is a Coronary Calcium Scan? A coronary calcium scan is a test ... you have calcifications in your coronary arteries. Coronary Calcium Scan Figure A shows the position of the ...
Calcium channel blocking activity of Mentha longifolia L. explains its medicinal use in diarrhoea and gut spasm.
Mentha longifolia has a reputation in traditional medicine in the indications of diarrhoea and gut spasm. This study was carried out to provide a possible pharmacological basis for its medicinal use in hyperactive gut disorders. In a castor oil induced diarrhoeal model, the crude extract of Mentha longifolia (Ml.Cr), at doses of 100-1000 mg/kg, provided 31-80% protection, similar to loperamide. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, Ml.Cr caused inhibition of spontaneous and high K(+)-induced contractions, with respective EC50 values of 1.80 (1.34-2.24; n = 6-8) and 0.60 mg/mL (0.37-0.85; n = 6-8), which suggests spasmolytic activity, mediated possibly through calcium channel blockade (CCB). The CCB activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the tissue with Ml.Cr (0.3-1 mg/mL) caused a rightward shift in the Ca(++) concentration-response curves (CRCs), similar to verapamil. Loperamide also inhibited spontaneous and high K(+)-induced contractions and shifted the Ca(++) CRCs to the right. Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the petroleum spirit fraction was more potent than the parent crude extract and aqueous fraction. These data indicate that the antidiarrhoeal and spasmolytic effects of the crude extract of Mentha longifolia are mediated through the presence of CCB-like constituent(s), concentrated in the petroleum spirit fraction and this study provides indirect evidence for its medicinal use in diarrhoea and spasm. PMID:20669262
Shah, Abdul Jabbar; Bhulani, Nizar Noorali; Khan, Sara Haroon; Ur Rehman, Najeeb; Gilani, Anwarul Hassan
Co-administration of Grape Seed Extract and Exercise Training Improves Endothelial Dysfunction of Coronary Vascular Bed of STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats
Background One of the known complications of diabetes mellitus is vascular dysfunction. Inability of the coronary vascular response to cardiac hyperactivity might cause a higher incidence of ischemic heart disease in diabetic subjects. It has been indicated that regular exercise training and antioxidants could prevent diabetic cardiovascular problems enhanced by vascular damage. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effects of grape seed extract (as antioxidant), with and without exercise training on coronary vascular function in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods Fifty male Wistar rats weighing 200 � 232 grams were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each: sedentary control, sedentary diabetic, trained diabetic, grape seed extract (200 mg/kg) treated sedentary diabetic and, grape seed extract treated trained diabetic. Diabetes was induced by one intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After eight weeks, coronary vascular responses to vasoactive agents were determined. Results The endothelium dependent vasorelaxation to acetylcholine was reduced significantly in diabetic animals; exercise training or grape seed extract administration partially improves this response. However, exercise training in combination with grape seed extract restores endothelial function completely. The endothelium independent vasorelaxation to sodium nitroprusside was improved by combination of exercise training and grape seed extract. On the other hand, the basal perfusion pressure and vasoconstrictive response to phenylephrine did not change significantly. Conclusions The data indicated that co-administration of grape seed extract and exercise training had more significant effects than exercise training or grape seed extract alone; this may constitute a convenient and inexpensive therapeutic approach to diabetic vascular complications.
Badavi, Mohammad; Abedi, Hassan Ali; Sarkaki, Ali Reza; Dianat, Mahin
Established risk factors for coronary heart disease are unrelated to androgen-induced baldness in female-to-male transsexuals
A high scalp sensitivity to androgens is part of the pathophysiology of male-pattern baldness (MPB). Androgens affect established risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), and a supposedly heightened impact on these risk factors is hypothesized to explain the epidemio- logical association between MPB and CHD. In this retrospective, observational study we studied 81 female- to-male transsexual (FM) subjects, mean
E J Giltay; A R Sarabdjitsingh; L J G Gooren
Delayed Cranial Nerve Palsy after Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm
Objective Microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a safe and effective treatment with favorable outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of delayed cranirve ( VI, VII, and VIII ) palsy following MVD and its clinical courses. Methods Between January 1998 and December 2009, 1354 patients underwent MVD for HFS at our institution. Of them, 100 patients (7.4%) experienced delayed facial palsy (DFP), one developed sixth nerve palsy, and one patient had delayed hearing loss. Results DFP occurred between postoperative day number 2 and 23 (average 11 days). Ninety-two patients (92%) completely recovered; however, House-Brackmann grade II facial weakness remained in eight other patients (8%). The time to recovery averaged 64 days (range, 16 days to 9 months). Delayed isolated sixth nerve palsy recovered spontaneously without any medical or surgical treatment after 8 weeks, while delayed hearing loss did not improve. Conclusion Delayed cranial nerve (VI, VII, and VIII) palsies can occur following uncomplicated MVD for HFS. DFP is not an unusual complication after MVD, and prognosis is fairly good. Delayed sixth nerve palsy and delayed hearing loss are extremely rare complications after MVD for HFS. We should consider the possibility of development of these complications during the follow up for MVD.
Han, Jae-Suk; Lee, Jeong-Ah; Kong, Doo-Sik
Prognostic Factors of Hemifacial Spasm after Microvascular Decompression
Objective The factors that influence the prognosis of patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) treated by microvascular decompression (MVD) have not been definitely established. We report a prospective study evaluating the prognostic factors in patients undergoing MVD for HFS. Methods From January 2004 to September 2006, the authors prospectively studied a series of 293 patients who underwent MVD for HFS. We prospectively analyzed a number of variables in order to evaluate the predictive value of independent variables for the prognosis of patients undergoing MVD. The patients were followed-up at regular intervals and divided into as cured and unsatisfactory groups based on symptom relief. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models. Results A total 273 of 293 (94.2%) patients achieved symptom relief within one year after the operation. Intraoperatively, the indentation of the root exit zone was observed in 259 (88.5%) patients. Uni- and multivariate analyses revealed that the symptoms at postoperative 3 months (p<0.001) and indentation of the root exit zone (p=0.036) were associated with good outcomes. Conclusion The intraoperative finding of root exit zone indentation will help physicians determine the prognosis in patients with HFS. To predict the prognosis of HFS, a regular follow-up period of at least 3 months following MVD should be required.
Kim, Hong Rae; Rhee, Deok-Joo; Kong, Doo-Sik
Nitrite- and nitroxyl-induced relaxation in porcine coronary (micro-) arteries: underlying mechanisms and role as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor(s).
To investigate the vasorelaxant efficacy of nitrite and nitroxyl (HNO) in porcine coronary (micro)arteries (PC(M)As), evaluating their role as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs), preconstricted PCAs and PCMAs were exposed to UV light (a well-known inductor of nitrite; wave-length: 350-370nm), nitrite, the HNO donor Angeli's salt, or bradykinin. UV light-induced relaxation of PCAs increased identically after endothelium removal and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) blockade. UV light-induced relaxation diminished during Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase inhibition and S-nitrosothiol-depletion, and disappeared during NO scavenging with hydroxocobalamin or soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibition with ODQ. Nitrite-induced relaxation of PCAs required millimolar levels, i.e., >1000 times endogenous vascular nitrite. Angeli's salt relaxed PCMAs more potently than PCAs, and this was due to the fact that HNO directly activated sGC in PCMAs, whereas in PCAs this occurred following its conversion to NO only. sGC activation by NO/HNO resulted in Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase stimulation and K(v) channel activation. The HNO scavenger l-cysteine blocked bradykinin-induced relaxation in PCAs, and potentiated it in PCMAs. The latter did not occur in the presence of hydroxocobalamin, suggesting that it depended on l-cysteine-induced generation of vasorelaxant S-nitrosothiols. In all experimental setups, incubation with red wine extract mimicked the effects of ODQ. In conclusion, nitrite, via its conversion to NO and S-nitrosothiols, and HNO, either directly, or via its conversion to NO, mediate relaxant effects involving the sGC-cGMP pathway, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase and/or K(v) channels. Red wine extract counteracts these beneficial effects. NO blocks nitrite activation, and HNO, but not nitrite, may act as EDHF in the coronary vascular bed. PMID:22902525
Botden, Ilse P G; Batenburg, Wendy W; de Vries, Ren�; Langendonk, Janneke G; Sijbrands, Eric J G; Danser, A H Jan
Arachidonic Acid-Induced Dilation in Human Coronary Arterioles: Convergence of Signaling Mechanisms on Endothelial TRPV4-Mediated Ca2+ Entry
Background Arachidonic acid (AA) and/or its enzymatic metabolites are important lipid mediators contributing to endothelium?derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)�mediated dilation in multiple vascular beds, including human coronary arterioles (HCAs). However, the mechanisms of action of these lipid mediators in endothelial cells (ECs) remain incompletely defined. In this study, we investigated the role of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel in AA?induced endothelial Ca2+ response and dilation of HCAs. Methods and Results AA induced concentration?dependent dilation in isolated HCAs. The dilation was largely abolished by the TRPV4 antagonist RN?1734 and by inhibition of endothelial Ca2+?activated K+ channels. In native and TRPV4?overexpressing human coronary artery ECs (HCAECs), AA increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which was mediated by TRPV4?dependent Ca2+ entry. The AA?induced [Ca2+]i increase was inhibited by cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitors. Surprisingly, the CYP metabolites of AA, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), were much less potent activators of TRPV4, and CYP inhibitors did not affect EET production in HCAECs. Apart from its effect on [Ca2+]i, AA induced endothelial hyperpolarization, and this effect was required for Ca2+ entry through TRPV4. AA?induced and TRPV4?mediated Ca2+ entry was also inhibited by the protein kinase A inhibitor PKI. TRPV4 exhibited a basal level of phosphorylation, which was inhibited by PKI. Patch?clamp studies indicated that AA activated TRPV4 single?channel currents in cell?attached and inside?out patches of HCAECs. Conclusions AA dilates HCAs through a novel mechanism involving endothelial TRPV4 channel?dependent Ca2+ entry that requires endothelial hyperpolarization, PKA?mediated basal phosphorylation of TRPV4, and direct activation of TRPV4 channels by AA.
Zheng, Xiaodong; Zinkevich, Natalya S.; Gebremedhin, Debebe; Gauthier, Kathryn M.; Nishijima, Yoshinori; Fang, Juan; Wilcox, David A.; Campbell, William B.; Gutterman, David D.; Zhang, David X.
Fruit juice-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations in isolated porcine coronary arteries: evaluation of different fruit juices and purees and optimization of a red fruit juice blend.
Numerous studies have indicated that several polyphenol-rich sources such as red wine and green tea are potent inducers of endothelium-dependent relaxations in isolated arteries. As various fruits and berries are known to contain high levels of polyphenols, the aim of the present study was to assess the ability of selected pure fruit juices and purees as well as blends to cause endothelium-dependent relaxations in isolated arteries. Vascular reactivity was assessed using porcine coronary artery rings, and fruit juices, purees and blends were characterized for their content in vitamin C, total phenolic, sugar and antioxidant activity. Fruit juices and purees caused variable concentration-dependent relaxations, with blackcurrant, aronia, cranberry, blueberry, lingonberry, and grape being the most effective fruits. Several blends of red fruits caused endothelium-dependent relaxations. Relaxations to blend D involved both a NO- and an EDHF-mediated components. The present findings indicate that some berries and blends of red fruit juices are potent inducers of endothelium-dependent relaxations in the porcine coronary artery. This effect involves both endothelium-derived NO and EDHF, and appears to be dependent on their polyphenolic composition rather than on the polyphenolic content. PMID:21779562
Auger, Cyril; Kim, Jong-Hun; Trinh, Sandrine; Chataigneau, Thierry; Popken, Anne M; Schini-Kerth, Val�rie B
Epicardial Coronary Arteries in Khat Chewers Presenting with Myocardial Infarction
Background. Khat chewing is a common habit in Yemen despite increased evidence of its negative impact on the cardiovascular system. Aims. We aimed to study the epicardial coronary arteries in khat chewers presenting with myocardial infarction (AMI). Materials and Methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2008 and May 2009 in Yemen. AMI patients who underwent coronary angiogram were enrolled and divided into groups (gp): gp1 (diabetic and khat chewers), gp2 (khat chewers and nondiabetic), and gp3 (diabetic and non-khat users). Results. Of 347 AMI patients 63%, 21%, and 16% were in gp 2, 3, and 1, respectively. Khat chewers were younger in comparison to non-khat users. Group 3 patients were more likely to have multivessel disease, severe left anterior descending (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis and total RCA, and left circumflex (Lcx) occlusion compared to other groups. Group 1 patients were more likely to have total LAD occlusion and severe Lcx lesions. In multivariate analysis, age, diabetes mellitus, and smoking were significant independent predictors for significant coronary artery lesions; however, khat chewing did not show such association. Conclusions. Coronary spasm is the main mechanism of AMI in khat chewers. The impact of our finding for risk stratification and management warrants further studies.
Al-Motarreb, Ahmed; Shabana, Adel; El-Menyar, Ayman
Epicardial coronary arteries in khat chewers presenting with myocardial infarction.
Background. Khat chewing is a common habit in Yemen despite increased evidence of its negative impact on the cardiovascular system. Aims. We aimed to study the epicardial coronary arteries in khat chewers presenting with myocardial infarction (AMI). Materials and Methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2008 and May 2009 in Yemen. AMI patients who underwent coronary angiogram were enrolled and divided into groups (gp): gp1 (diabetic and khat chewers), gp2 (khat chewers and nondiabetic), and gp3 (diabetic and non-khat users). Results. Of 347 AMI patients 63%, 21%, and 16% were in gp 2, 3, and 1, respectively. Khat chewers were younger in comparison to non-khat users. Group 3 patients were more likely to have multivessel disease, severe left anterior descending (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis and total RCA, and left circumflex (Lcx) occlusion compared to other groups. Group 1 patients were more likely to have total LAD occlusion and severe Lcx lesions. In multivariate analysis, age, diabetes mellitus, and smoking were significant independent predictors for significant coronary artery lesions; however, khat chewing did not show such association. Conclusions. Coronary spasm is the main mechanism of AMI in khat chewers. The impact of our finding for risk stratification and management warrants further studies. PMID:24222853
Al-Motarreb, Ahmed; Shabana, Adel; El-Menyar, Ayman
p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase mediates palmitate-induced apoptosis but not inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB degradation in human coronary artery endothelial cells.
Plasma free fatty acids are elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes and contribute to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. The p38 MAPK mediates stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Whether free fatty acids induce apoptosis and/or activate nuclear factor-kappaB inflammatory pathway in human coronary artery endothelial cells (hCAECs) and, if so, whether this involves the p38 MAPK pathway is unknown. hCAECs (passages 4-6) were grown to 70% confluence and then incubated with palmitate at concentrations of 0-300 microm for 6-48 h. Palmitate at 100, 200, or 300 microm markedly increased apoptosis after 12 h of incubation. This apoptotic effect was time (P=0.008) and dose (P=0.006) dependent. Palmitate (100 microm for 24 h) induced a greater than 2-fold increase in apoptosis, which was accompanied with a 4-fold increase in p38 MAPK activity (P<0.001). Palmitate did not affect the phosphorylation of Akt1 or ERK1/2. SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK) alone did not affect cellular apoptosis; however, it abolished palmitate-induced apoptosis and p38 MAPK activation. Palmitate significantly reduced the level of inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB (IkappaB). However, treatment of cells with SB203580 did not restore IkappaB to baseline. We conclude that palmitate induces hCAEC apoptosis via a p38 MAPK-dependent mechanism and may participate in coronary endothelial injury in diabetes. However, palmitate-mediated IkappaB degradation in hCAECs is independent of p38 MAPK activity. PMID:17234706
Chai, Weidong; Liu, Zhenqi
An easy method for the intraluminal administration of peppermint oil before colonoscopy and its effectiveness in reducing colonic spasm
Background: Systemic administration of a cholinergic blocking agent or glucagon is used to reduce spasms, but it is inconvenient and sometimes causes side effects. This study is an evaluation of the intracolonic administration of peppermint oil during colonoscopy for the control of colonic spasm. Methods: Each patient in the treated group (n = 409) was given approximately 200 mL of
Takayuki Asao; Erito Mochiki; Hideki Suzuki; Jun-ichi Nakamura; Isao Hirayama; Nobuhiro Morinaga; Hisanori Shoji; Yoshinori Shitara; Hiroyuki Kuwano
LOX1 Mediates Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells
Background�Oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) accumulation in the atherosclerotic region may enhance plaque instability. Both accumulation of ox-LDL and expression of its lectin-like receptor, LOX-1, have been shown in atherosclerotic regions. This study was designed to examine the role of LOX-1 in the modulation of metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Methods and Results�HCAECs were incubated with
Dayuan Li; Ling Liu; Hongjiang Chen; Tatsuya Sawamura; Subramanian Ranganathan; Jawahar L. Mehta
Activation of group IVC phospholipase A 2 by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons induces apoptosis of human coronary artery endothelial cells
Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in coal tar mixtures and tobacco\\u000a sources, is considered a significant risk factor for the development of heart disease in humans. The goal of this study was\\u000a to determine the influence of PAHs present at a Superfund site on human coronary artery endothelial cell (HCAEC) phospholipase\\u000a A2 (PLA2) activity
Patricia K. TithofSean; Sean M. Richards; Mona A. Elgayyar; Fu-Minn Menn; Vijay M. Vulava; Larry McKay; John Sanseverino; Gary Sayler; Dawn E. Tucker; Christina C. Leslie; Kim P. Lu; Kenneth S. Ramos
LOX1, an Oxidized LDL Endothelial Receptor, Induces CD40\\/CD40L Signaling in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells
Background�Despite increasing appreciation that atherogenesis involves participation of inflammatory cells, information on mediators of communication between different constituents of atherosclerotic plaque remain incomplete. We examined the role of LOX-1, a receptor for oxidized (ox) LDL, in the expression of CD40\\/CD40L in cultured human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). Methods and Results�We observed that ox-LDL increased the expression of CD40 and
Dayuan Li; Ling Liu; Hongjiang Chen; Tatsuya Sawamura; Jawahar L. Mehta
Inflammatory responses associated with acute coronary syndrome up-regulate IRAK-M and induce endotoxin tolerance in circulating monocytes
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) groups different cardiac diseases whose development is associated with inflammation. Here we have analyzed the levels of inflammatory cytokines and of members of the TLR\\/IRAK pathway including IRAK-M in monocytes from ACS patients classified as either UA (unstable angina), STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) or NSTEMI (non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction). Circulating monocytes from all patients, but not from
Carlos del Fresno; Llanos Soler-Rangel; Alessandra Soares-Schanoski; Vanesa G�mez-Pi�a; Mar�a Carmen Gonz�lez-Le�n; Lourdes G�mez-Garc�a; Elena Mendoza-Barber�; Alexandro Rodr�guez-Rojas; Felipe Garc�a; Pablo Fuentes-Prior; Francisco Arnalich; Eduardo L�pez-Collazo
Jaw closing spasm--a form of focal dystonia? An electrophysiological study.
The case of a 36 year old man suffering from unilateral right jaw closing spasms over two years is reported. Permanent spasm with trismus severely impeding mouth-opening was combined with paroxysms triggered by various sensory stimuli. The diagnosis of temporo-mandibular joint syndrome was considered but treatment failed to improve the symptoms. Neurological investigation two years after onset of the spasms showed by electrophysiological studies excessive co-contraction of the antagonistic jaw-closers, mainly the right masseter during attempts at jaw opening and absence of the silent period in the right masseter and anterior temporalis following jaw tap and trigeminal exteroceptive stimulation. Jaw dystonia was therefore considered and Botulinum A toxin was injected into the right masseter and temporalis which dramatically improved the patient's condition.
Lagueny, A; Deliac, M M; Julien, J; Demotes-Mainard, J; Ferrer, X
Conduits for Coronary Bypass: Arteries Other Than the Internal Thoracic Artery's.
This is the third in a series on coronary artery bypass which reviews three alternative arterial conduits. The radial artery has become the most widely used of the three and accumulating experience demonstrates better patency at 10 years versus saphenous vein. Drawbacks are a long incision on the forearm, the propensity for spasm and persistent sensory disturbance in about 10%. The first is answered by endoscopic harvest which may yield a shorter conduit but reduces sensory nerve injury. Spasm is managed pharmacologically and by less harvest trauma. The gastroepiploic artery is used in situ and free and although the abdominal cavity is entered complications are minimal and patency compares favorably with the radial artery. Use of the inferior epigastric artery remains minimal and its similar length often requires composite use but limited patency data are supportive. Other arteries have had rare use and this is unlikely to change because the three presented here have significant advantages and acceptance. PMID:23772403
Barner, Hendrick B
Conduits for Coronary Bypass: Arteries Other Than the Internal Thoracic Artery's
This is the third in a series on coronary artery bypass which reviews three alternative arterial conduits. The radial artery has become the most widely used of the three and accumulating experience demonstrates better patency at 10 years versus saphenous vein. Drawbacks are a long incision on the forearm, the propensity for spasm and persistent sensory disturbance in about 10%. The first is answered by endoscopic harvest which may yield a shorter conduit but reduces sensory nerve injury. Spasm is managed pharmacologically and by less harvest trauma. The gastroepiploic artery is used in situ and free and although the abdominal cavity is entered complications are minimal and patency compares favorably with the radial artery. Use of the inferior epigastric artery remains minimal and its similar length often requires composite use but limited patency data are supportive. Other arteries have had rare use and this is unlikely to change because the three presented here have significant advantages and acceptance.
Cold pressor /sup 201/Tl myocardial scintigraphy in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease
/sup 201/Tl myocardial scintigraphy was performed during cold pressor stimulation in 36 patients aged 36 to 69 years. Thirty-one patients had coronary artery disease and 5 patients did not, as confirmed by coronary cineangiography. /sup 201/Tl (1.5 to 2 mCi) was injected at 30 seconds of the cold pressor stimulation. The product of systolic pressure X heart rate increased from a baseline of 77.4 +/- 16 (standard deviation (SD)) to 103.6 +/- 17 at 30 seconds of the cold pressor test (p less than 0.0005). Transient perfusion deficits developed in 24 of 31 patients with coronary artery disease (sensitivity 77%), and all 5 patients without coronary artery disease had normal scintigrams. The sensitivity in detecting coronary artery disease was 40% in patients with 1 vessel disease, 91% in patients with 2 vessel disease, and 100% in patients with 3 vessel disease. Exercise electrocardiograms (available in 29 of 36 patients) were positive for ischemia in 18 of 24 patients with coronary artery disease and in 1 of 5 patients without coronary artery disease (sensitivity 75% and specificity less than 80%). Exercise /sup 201/Tl scintigrams, obtained in 16 patients, were positive in 11 patients with coronary artery disease and positive cold pressor /sup 201/Tl scintigrams. Five patients without coronary artery disease and with normal cold pressor /sup 201/Tl scintigrams had normal exercise /sup 201/Tl scintigrams. Coronary cineangiography performed during cold pressor stimulation in 6 patients who had positive cold pressor and exercise /sup 201/Tl scintigrams did not show coronary spasm. Our data indicate that cold pressor thallium-201 scintigraphy offers promise as a noninvasive test in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and may be used in patients in whom exercise testing is not feasible.
Ahmad, M.; Dubiel, J.P.; Haibach, H.
Statistical mapping of ictal high-frequency oscillations in epileptic spasms
SUMMARY Purpose We assessed 636 epileptic spasms seen in 11 children (median: 44 spasms per child) and determined the spatial and temporal characteristics of ictal high-frequency oscillations (HFOs) in relation to the onset of spasms. Methods Electrocorticography (ECoG) signals were sampled from 104 to 148 cortical sites per child, and the dynamic changes of ictal HFOs were animated on each individual's three-dimensional MR image surface. Results Visual assessment of ictal ECoG recordings revealed that each spasm event was characterized by augmentation of HFOs. Time-frequency analysis demonstrated that ictal augmentation of HFOs at 80�200Hz was most prominent and generally preceded those at 210�300Hz and at 70Hz and slower. Recruitment of HFOs in the Rolandic cortex preceded the clinical onset objectively visualized as electromyographic deflection. The presence or absence of ictal motor symptoms was related more to the amplitude of HFOs in the Rolandic cortex than in the seizure onset zone. In a substantial proportion of epileptic spasms, seizure termination began at the seizure onset zone and propagated to the surrounding areas; we referred to this observation as the �ictal doughnut phenomenon�. Univariate analysis suggested that complete resection of the sites showing the earliest augmentation of ictal HFOs was associated with a good surgical outcome. Discussion Recruitment of HFOs at 80�200Hz in the Rolandic area may play a role in determining seizure semiology in epileptic spasms. Our study using macro-electrodes demonstrated that ictal HFOs at 80�200Hz preceded those at 210�300Hz.
Nariai, Hiroki; Nagasawa, Tetsuro; Juhasz, Csaba; Sood, Sandeep; Chugani, Harry T; Asano, Eishi
Anatomical variations affect radial artery spasm and procedural achievement of transradial cardiac catheterization.
Transradial cardiac catheterization (TRCC) has unique technical challenges such as access difficulty related to anatomical variations and/or radial artery (RA) spasm. We sought to evaluate the incidence of anatomical variations of the RA and whether they would affect RA spasm and procedural achievement of TRCC. A total of 744 consecutive patients who underwent TRCC were analyzed by routine radial arteriography. Anatomical variations were defined as abnormal origin of the RA and/or radioulnar loop and/or tortuous configuration. RA spasm was defined as >75 % stenosis at first radial arteriography. Overall, anatomical variations were noted in 68 patients (9.1 %), including 39 cases of abnormal origin (5.2 %), 11 cases of radioulnar loop (1.5 %), and 42 cases of tortuous configuration (5.6 %). Transradial procedures failed in 26 patients (3.5 %), and more frequently in patients with anatomical variation than in those with normal anatomy (23.5 % vs 1.5 %, P < 0.001). Importantly, on multivariate analysis the presence of anatomical variation was a distinct predictor of transradial procedure failure (odds ratio (OR) 17.80; 95 % CI 7.55-43.73; P < 0.001). RA spasm was observed in 83 patients (11.2 %), and more frequently in patients with anatomical variation than in those with normal anatomy (35.3 % vs 8.7 %, P < 0.001). Anatomical variation (OR 4.74; 95 % CI 2.61-8.47; P < 0.001) and female gender (OR 2.23; 95 % CI 1.01-4.73; P�=�0.041) were distinct predictors of RA spasm. Anatomical variations were observed in 9.1 % of the patients, and strongly correlated with RA spasm and procedural achievement of TRCC. PMID:23430268
Numasawa, Yohei; Kawamura, Akio; Kohsaka, Shun; Takahashi, Masashi; Endo, Ayaka; Arai, Takahide; Ohno, Yohei; Yuasa, Shinsuke; Maekawa, Yuichiro; Fukuda, Keiichi
Influence of age on the association between primary hemifacial spasm and arterial hypertension
Subjects: 114 patients with primary hemifacial spasm and 228 neurological controls, matched for age, sex, and referral centre, were recruited during an 18 month period from consecutive outpatients attending two neurological institutions. Design: The association between exposure variables and case/control status was examined in conditional logistic regression models, adjusting simultaneously for disease duration and education level. Results: Hypertension was more common among the patients with primary hemifacial spasm than among the controls. The association was independent of age, disease duration, years of schooling, and other diseases (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.76 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.43 to 5.33); p = 0.002). Hypertension was associated with hemifacial spasm in both the left sided group (adjusted OR, 2.76 (1.18 to 6.44); p = 0.02) and the right sided group (adjusted OR, 3.02 (1.13 to 8.1); p = 0.03). The association of hypertension with hemifacial spasm was apparently greater in the age group < 60 years (adjusted OR, 4.2 (1.4 to 12); p = 0.008) than in the age group ? 60 years (adjusted OR, 2.5 (CI 1.3 to 4.6); p = 0.005), but the difference in the OR estimates between the two age groups was not significant. Among hypertensive patients, mean age at the diagnosis of hypertension was significantly lower than mean age at the onset of hemifacial spasm in the age group ? 60 years, but not significantly different in the age group < 60 years. Conclusions: The findings support the hypothesised association of primary hemifacial spasm with hypertension and raise the possibility that a different mechanism underlies the association in different age groups.
Defazio, G; Martino, D; Aniello, M; Masi, G; Logroscino, G; Manobianca, G; La Stilla, M; Livrea, P
Synchronized Coronary Venous Retroperfusion During Coronary Angioplasty
\\u000a Synchronized diastolic coronary venous retroperfusion is a technique by which autologous arterial blood is shunted from the\\u000a femoral artery into the coronary veins. Phasic diastolic occlusion of the coronary sinus by a balloon catheter compartmentalizes\\u000a the coronary venous system, preventing regurgitation of arterial blood into the right atrium. Triggered collapse of the balloon\\u000a during systole facilitates normal physiologic coronary venous
Sheila Kar; Alice K. Jacobs; David P. Faxon
Coronary CT angiography: Dose reduction strategies
With the introduction of 64- and post-64 slice computed tomography (CT) technology, coronary CT angiography has been increasingly used as a less invasive modality for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Despite its high diagnostic value and promising results compared to invasive coronary angiography, coronary CT angiography is associated with high radiation dose, leading to potential risk of radiation-induced cancer. A variety of dose-reduction strategies have been reported recently to reduce radiation dose with effective outcomes having been achieved. This article presents an overview of the various methods currently used for radiation dose reduction.
Sabarudin, Akmal; Sun, Zhonghua
Continuous intrathecal baclofen treatment of severe spasms in two children with spinal-cord injury.
This study reports the use of intrathecal baclofen in two ventilator-dependent children with severe spasms secondary to spinal-cord injury. Baclofen was delivered via a subcutaneously implanted, programmable pump. The children were followed for 12 and 24 months. Baclofen dramatically reduced spasms, resulting in more stable ventilation, improved ease of care, reduced distress and better integration into the community. Although effective, intrathecal baclofen represents a significant intervention; careful consideration must be given to potential complications and the need for long-term management. Full effectiveness was dependent on free CSF flow. PMID:1644234
Armstrong, R W; Steinbok, P; Farrell, K; Cochrane, D; Norman, M G; Kube, S
Reperfusion-induced sustained ventricular tachycardia, leading to ventricular fibrillation, in chronically instrumented, intact, conscious mice.
Reperfusion-induced lethal ventricular arrhythmias are observed during relief of coronary artery spasm, with unstable angina, exercise-induced ischemia, and silent ischemia. Accordingly, significant efforts are underway to understand the mechanisms responsible for reperfusion-induced lethal arrhythmias and mice have become increasingly important in these efforts. However, although reperfusion-induced sustained ventricular tachycardia leading to ventricular fibrillation (VF) has been recorded in many models, reports in mice are sparse and of limited success. Importantly, none of these studies were conducted in intact, conscious mice. Accordingly, a chronically instrumented, intact, conscious murine model of reperfusion-induced lethal arrhythmias has the potential to be of major importance for advancing the concepts and methods that drive cardiovascular therapies. Therefore, we describe, for the first time, the use of an intact, conscious, murine model of reperfusion-induced lethal arrhythmias. Male mice (n = 9) were instrumented to record cardiac output and the electrocardiogram. In addition, a snare was placed around the left main coronary artery. Following recovery, the susceptibility to sustained ventricular tachycardia produced by 3 min of occlusion and reperfusion of the left main coronary artery was determined in conscious mice by pulling on the snare. Reperfusion culminated in sustained ventricular tachycardia, leading to VF, in all nine conscious mice. The procedures conducted in conscious C57BL/6J mice, a strain commonly used in transgenic studies, can be utilized in genetically modified models to enhance our understanding of single gene defects on reperfusion-induced lethal ventricular arrhythmias in intact, conscious, and complex animals. PMID:24973331
Lujan, Heidi L; DiCarlo, Stephen E
Evidence of a novel site mediating anandamide-induced negative inotropic and coronary vasodilatator responses in rat isolated hearts
Cannabinoids are known to cause coronary vasodilatation and reduce left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) in isolated hearts although the identity of the receptor(s) mediating these responses is unknown. Our objective was to pharmacologically characterize cannabinoid receptors mediating cardiac responses to the endocannabinoid, anandamide. Dose-response curves for coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) and LVDP were constructed to anandamide, R-(+)-methanandamide, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and JWH015 in isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. Anandamide dose-response curves were also constructed in the presence of antagonists selective for CB1, CB2 or VR1 receptors. Anandamide and methanadamide significantly reduced CPP and LVDP but the selective CB2 receptor agonists, PEA and JWH015 had no significant effect, compared with equivalent vehicle doses. Single bolus additions of the selective CB1-receptor agonist, ACEA (5?nmol), decreased LVDP and CPP. When combined with JWH015 (5?nmol) these responses were not augmented. Anandamide-mediated reductions in CPP were significantly blocked by the selective CB1 receptor antagonists SR 141716A (1??M) and AM251 (1??M) and the selective CB2 receptor antagonist SR 144528 (1??M) but not by another selective CB2 receptor antagonist AM630 (10??M) nor the vanilloid VR1 receptor antagonist capsazepine (10??M). SR 141716A, AM281 and SR 144528 significantly blocked negative inotropic responses to anandamide that were not significantly affected by AM251, AM630 and capsazepine. One or more novel sites mediate negative inotropic and coronary vasodilatatory responses to anandamide. These sites can be distinguished from classical CB1 and CB2 receptors, as responses are sensitive to both SR 141716A and SR 144528.
Ford, William R; Honan, Stuart A; White, Richard; Hiley, C Robin
Coronary artery fistula (image)
A coronary artery fistula generally occurs when one of the coronary arteries fails to form properly during the development of the baby. Coronary artery fistula is an abnormal connection between one of ...
Full-length human chromogranin-A cardioactivity: myocardial, coronary, and stimulus-induced processing evidence in normotensive and hypertensive male rat hearts.
Plasma chromogranin-A (CgA) concentrations correlate with severe cardiovascular diseases, whereas CgA-derived vasostatin-I and catestatin elicit cardiosuppression via an antiadrenergic/nitric oxide-cGMP mediated mechanism. Whether these phenomena are related is unknown. We here investigated whether and to what extent full-length CgA directly influences heart performance and may be subjected to stimulus-elicited intracardiac processing. Using normotensive and hypertensive rats, we evaluated the following: 1) direct myocardial and coronary effects of full-length CgA; 2) the signal-transduction pathway involved in its action mechanism; and 3) CgA intracardiac processing after ?-adrenergic [isoproterenol (Iso)]- and endothelin-1(ET-1)-dependent stimulation. The study was performed by using a Langendorff perfusion apparatus, Western blotting, affinity chromatography, and ELISA. We found that CgA (1-4 nM) dilated coronaries and induced negative inotropism and lusitropism, which disappeared at higher concentrations (10-16 nM). In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), negative inotropism and lusitropism were more potent than in young normotensive rats. We found that perfusion itself, Iso-, and endothelin-1 stimulation induced intracardiac CgA processing in low-molecular-weight fragments in young, Wistar Kyoto, and SHR rats. In young normotensive and adult hypertensive rats, CgA increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation and cGMP levels. Analysis of the perfusate from both Wistar rats and SHRs of untreated and treated (Iso) hearts revealed CgA absence. In conclusion, in normotensive and hypertensive rats, we evidenced the following: 1) full-length CgA directly affects myocardial and coronary function by AkT/nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide/cGMP/protein kinase G pathway; and 2) the heart generates intracardiac CgA fragments in response to hemodynamic and excitatory challenges. For the first time at the cardiovascular level, our data provide a conceptual link between systemic and intracardiac actions of full-length CgA and its fragments, expanding the knowledge on the sympathochromaffin/CgA axis under normal and physiopathological conditions. PMID:23751870
Pasqua, Teresa; Corti, Angelo; Gentile, Stefano; Pochini, Lorena; Bianco, Mimma; Metz-Boutigue, Marie-H�l�ne; Cerra, Maria Carmela; Tota, Bruno; Angelone, Tommaso
Known players, new interplay in atherogenesis: Chronic shear stress and carbamylated-LDL induce and modulate expression of atherogenic LR11 in human coronary artery endothelium.
In this study we examined whether low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family members represent a link between blood flow characteristics and modified low-density lipoproteins involved in endothelial injury, a pivotal factor in atherogenesis. We demonstrated the expression of pro-atherogenic LDL receptor relative (LR11) for the first time in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) in vitro and in vivo. Next, LR11 expression and regulation were explored in HCAEC cultured conventionally or on the inner surface of hollow fiber capillaries under exposure to shear stress for 10 days in the presence or absence of LDL. There was no LR11 expression under static conditions. When exposed to chronic low shear stress (2.5 dynes/cm�) transmembrane and soluble endothelial-LR11 were detected in high levels irrespective of the type of LDL added (carbamylated or native). In contrast, chronic high shear stress (25 dynes/cm�) inhibited the LR11-inducing effect of LDL such that transmembrane and soluble LR11 expression became non-detectable with native LDL. Carbamylated LDL significantly counteracted this atheroprotective effect of high shear stress as shown by lower, yet sustained expression of soluble and transmembrane LR11. Oxidised LDL showed similar effects compared to carbamylated LDL but caused significantly lower LR11 expression under chronic high shear stress. Medium from HCAEC under LR11-inducing conditions enhanced vascular smooth muscle cell migration, which was abrogated by the anti-LR11 antibody. Expression of LR11 depended entirely on p38MAPK phosphorylation. We conclude that coronary endothelial LR11 expression modulated by LDL and chronic shear stress contributes to atherogenesis. LR11 and p38MAPK are potential targets for prevention of atherosclerosis. PMID:24284991
Bajari, Tarek M; Winnicki, Wolfgang; Gensberger, Eva-Theres; Scharrer, Susanna I; Regele, Heinz; Aumayr, Klaus; Kopecky, Chantal; Gmeiner, Bernhard M; Hermann, Marcela; Zeillinger, Robert; Seng�lge, G�rkan
Receptors mediating CGRP-induced relaxation in the rat isolated thoracic aorta and porcine isolated coronary artery differentiated by h? CGRP8�37
Receptors mediating CGRP-induced vasorelaxation were investigated in rat thoracic aorta and porcine left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and anterior interventricular artery (AIA), using CGRP agonists, homologues and the antagonist h? CGRP8�37.In the endothelium-intact rat aorta, h? CGRP, h? CGRP, rat ? CGRP and human adrenomedullin caused relaxation with similar potencies. Compared with h? CGRP, rat amylin was about 25 fold less potent, while [Cys(ACM2,7)] h? CGRP and salmon calcitonin were at least 1000 fold weaker.H? CGRP8�37 (up to 10?5?M) did not antagonize responses to h? CGRP, h? CGRP or rat ? CGRP (apparent pKB <5). Peptidase inhibitors did not increase either the effect of h? CGRP or [Cys(ACM,2,7)] h? CGRP, while h? CGRP8�37 remained inactive. Endothelium-dependent relaxation produced by h? CGRP was accompanied by increases in cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, that were not inhibited by h? CGRP8�37 (10?5?M).In porcine LAD and AIA, h? CGRP produced relaxation in an endothelium-independent manner. H? CGRP8-37 competitively antagonized h? CGRP responses (pA2 6.3 and 6.7 (Schild slope 0.9�0.1, each), in LAD and AIA, respectively). In LAD artery, h? CGRP-induced relaxation was accompanied by increases in cyclic AMP that were inhibited by h? CGRP8�37 (10?7�10?5?M).In conclusion, the antagonist affinity for h? CGRP8�37 in porcine coronary artery is consistent with a CGRP1 receptor, while the lack of h? CGRP8�37 antagonism in rat aorta could suggest either a CGRP receptor different from CGRP1 and CGRP2 type, or a non-CGRP receptor.
Wisskirchen, F M; Gray, D W; Marshall, I
[Acute coronary syndrome. Clinical and therapeuthics patterns].
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) are classified by the mechanisms of thrombosis that induce the complete of partial occlusion of coronary artery, with two tipes of ST changes in ECG. ACS with ST segment elevation (ACSSTE) is induced by a completed thrombotic occlusion by a red thrombus, it need a rapid and complete restoration of coronary artery blood flow with myocardial reperfusion in the first six hours after starting with pain. This is the mechanism by which reperfusion therapy reduces morbidity and mortality. In ACS with Non ST segment elevation (ACSNSTE) the occlusion mechanism it is a platelet trombosis with partial coronary occlusion. Treatment with antiagregant and anticoagulant drugs avoid complete coronary occlusion, and risk stratification for percutaneous treatment. PMID:22263347
de Berrazueta Fern�ndez, Jos� Ram�n
Cilnidipine, a slow-acting Ca2+ channel blocker, induces relaxation in porcine coronary artery: role of endothelial nitric oxide and [Ca2+]i
Cilnidipine is a dual blocker of L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle and N-type Ca2+ channels in sympathetic nerve terminals that supply blood vessels. However, the clinical benefits of cilnidipine and underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. This study was designed to compare the time course of relaxant responses to cilnidipine and nifedipine, and to examine the role of endothelial NO and [Ca2+]i in the vasorelaxation. Porcine left circumflex coronary arteries were isolated and isometric tension was measured with Grass force transducers. Endothelial [Ca2+]i in intact arteries was determined by a calcium fluorescence imaging technique. The free radical scavenging capacity was also assayed. Cilnidipine and nifedipine induced concentration-dependent relaxations in high KCl-precontracted artery rings, while the former-induced relaxation was slower as compared to the latter. Treatment with L-NAME or ODQ reduced relaxations to cilnidipine or nifedipine to the same extent as in rings without endothelium. Indomethacin or ?-conotoxin had no effects. L-Arginine antagonized the effect of L-NAME on cilnidipine-induced relaxations. Cilnidipine did not affect sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation in rings with and without endothelium. Cilnidipine and nifedipine caused extracellular Ca2+-dependent increases in endothelial [Ca2+]i in intact arteries and cilnidipine's action had a slower onset, similar to that of cilnidipine-induced relaxation. Neither cilnidipine nor nifedipine exhibited a free radical scavenging property. The present results demonstrate that cilnidipine can produce endothelium-dependent relaxation in porcine coronary arteries in vitro in addition to blocking Ca2+ channels. Like short-acting nifedipine, cilnidipine-dependent relaxation, albeit to a slower onset, is partly mediated by endothelial NO but not by prostacyclin. The increased release or bioavailability of NO may causally result from elevated endothelial [Ca2+]i in arteries. The Ca2+ channel-independent effect suggests the usefulness of cilnidipine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases associated with diminished NO release, such as atherosclerosis.
Leung, Hok Sum; Yao, Xiaoqiang; Leung, Fung Ping; Ko, Wing Hung; Chen, Zhen-Yu; Gollasch, Maik; Huang, Yu
Hemifacial spasm due to cerebellopontine angle meningiomas--two case reports.
A 54-year-old female and a 49-year-old female presented with complaints of hemifacial spasm. Both patients underwent surgery to remove cerebellopontine angle meningiomas. In one case, no vascular compression was observed at the root exit zone. The tumor was removed subtotally leaving residual tumor adhered to the lower cranial nerves. The hemifacial spasm disappeared immediately after the operation. The residual tumor was treated using gamma knife radiosurgery. In the other case, the root exit zone of the facial nerve was compressed by both the tumor and anterior inferior cerebellar artery and the tumor was removed totally. Postoperatively, the hemifacial spasm disappeared, but the patient suffered facial nerve paresis and deafness that was probably due to intraoperative manipulation. However, the facial nerve paresis gradually improved. Cerebellopontine angle meningioma with hemifacial spasm must be treated by surgical resection limited to preserve cranial nerve function. Subtotal removal with subsequent radiosurgery to treat the remaining tumor tissue is one option for the treatment of cerebellopontine angle meningioma. PMID:11255633
Iwai, Y; Yamanaka, K; Nakajima, H
[Efficacy of topiramate for relapsed epileptic spasms with tuberous sclerosis: report of three cases].
Topiramate (TPM) has been shown to be effective for epileptic spasms (ES) in children, but there is little clinical experience with TPM use in Japan. We report three tuberous sclerosis (TS) patients with relapsed ES, who became spasm-free while receiving TPM treatment. All three patients were treated with a starting dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day. The dosage was increased by 0.5 mg/kg/day every 2 weeks. Although the dose of TPM and the period until the relapsed ES subsided differed among these patients, spasm frequency was clearly reduced by a 1 mg/kg/day dose of TPM. Therefore, efficacy against relapsed ES appeared within one month in all three patients. All three became spasm-free, and there have been no ES relapses for more than 5 months to date. In case 2, seizures were well controlled by TPM alone. Cases 2 and 3 were able to discontinue zonisamide treatment. No adverse effects occurred in any of these patients. PMID:22180964
Nomura, Shohei; Shimakawa, Shuichi; Tanabe, Takuya; Fukui, Miho; Kashiwagi, Mitsuru; Tamai, Hiroshi
[Response mechanisms of the airway smooth muscle tissue in experimental bronchial spasm].
This investigation was aimed at the complex evaluation of the reactivity mechanisms of bronchial smooth muscle tissue (SMT) in experimental bronchial spasm. Morphometric, cytospectrophotometric and electron microscopical analysis demonstrated the presence of three types of smooth muscle cells (SMC) within the bronchial SMT (small, medium, large), that differed in their linear and metabolic parameters. The findings of this study indicate that under the conditions of experimental bronchial spasm development, the ratios of SMC in bronchial SMT are changed with the increase in proportion of small SMC and the elimination of large SMC. In the dynamics of experimental bronchial spasm development, the activation of cytoplasmic synthesis as well as of DNA synthesis was detected mainly in group of small SMC. The reactive-dystrophic changes were marked at the subcellular level, that were most often identified in large SMC resulting in their elimination from population in the dynamics of an experiment. The data obtained suggest that one of the important mechanisms of airway SMT adaptation to the bronchial spasm development is a dynamic reorganization of SMC population. PMID:20358777
Zashikhin, A L; Agafonov, Iu V; Barmina, A O
Massive expansion of SCA2 with autonomic dysfunction, retinitis pigmentosa, and infantile spasms
Objective: To provide clinical data on a cohort of 6 patients with massive expansion (>200 CAG repeats) of spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and investigate possible pathways of pathogenesis using bioinformatics analysis of ATXN2 networks. Methods: We present data on 6 patients with massive expansion of SCA2 who presented in infancy with variable combinations of hypotonia, global developmental delay, infantile spasms, and retinitis pigmentosa. ATXN2 is known to interact with a network of synaptic proteins. To investigate pathways of pathogenesis, we performed bioinformatics analysis on ATXN2 combined with known genes associated with infantile spasms, retinitis pigmentosa, and synaptic function. Results: All patients had a progressive encephalopathy with autonomic dysfunction, 4 had retinitis pigmentosa, and 3 had infantile spasms. The bioinformatics analysis led to several interesting findings. First, an interaction between ATXN2 and SYNJ1 may account for the development of retinitis pigmentosa. Second, dysfunction of postsynaptic vesicle endocytosis may be important in children with this progressive encephalopathy. Infantile spasms may be associated with interactions between ATXN2 and the postsynaptic structural proteins MAGI2 and SPTAN1. Conclusions: Severe phenotype in children with massive expansion of SCA2 may be due to a functional deficit in protein networks in the postsynapse, specifically involving vesicle endocytosis.
Shafrir, Y.; Hrivnak, J.; Patterson, M.C.; Tennison, M.B.; Clark, H.B.; Gomez, C.M.
[Iliopsoas muscle syndrome. Functional disorders: shortening, spasm and weakness of a structurally unchanged muscle].
Functional (non-organic) disorders of the iliopsoas muscle (IPM), i.e. the shortening, spasm and weakness of the structurally unchanged IPM, can be manifested as abdominal and/or pelvic pain, pain in areas of the thoracolumbar (ThL) and lumbosacral (LS) spine, sacroiliac (SI) joint, hip, groin and anterior thigh on the side of the affected muscle as well as gait disturbances (iliopsoas muscle syndrome). By clinical examination of the IPM, including the transabdominal palpation, stretch and strength tests, pathological masses, shortening, painful spasm, weakness and tendon tenderness of that muscle can be diagnosed. The IPM is, like other postural muscles, inclined to shortening. The weakness of the IPM can be a consequence of the lesion of the lumbar plexus or femoral nerve that innervate the IPM, as well as a consequence of certain organic diseases of the IPM. Painful stimuli coming from somatic and visceral structures that are innervated from Th12-L4 nerve roots, from which the IPM segmental innervation also originates, can cause a reflex spasm of the IPM. A painful spasm of the IPM caused by disorders of the ThL and LS spine, SI and hip joint, can mimic diseases of the abdominal and pelvic organs. In the differential diagnosis of the IPM painful spasm, organic diseases of that muscle should be considered foremost (abscess, hematoma, tumor, metastase), as they can result in spasm, and the diseases of the abdominal and pelvic organs that can cause an IPM reflex spasm. The IPM functional disorders, which are not rare, are often overlooked during a clinical examination of a patient. Reasons for overlooking these disorders are: 1) a nonspecific and variable clinical picture presenting the IPM functional disorders, 2) the IPM functional disorders are a neglected source of pain, 3) the inaccessibility of the IPM for inspection, 4) the lack of knowledge of the IPM examination techniques and 5) the IPM functional disorders cannot be discovered by radiological examinations of the abdomen. From a therapeutic point of view, it is important to recognise the IPM functional disorders since these disorders respond very well to appropriate therapy. Etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapy of the IPM functional disorders are described in the article. PMID:19514254
Grgi?, Vjekoslav
Mitral annular calcium, inducible myocardial ischemia, and cardiovascular events in outpatients with coronary heart disease (from the Heart and Soul Study).
We sought to determine whether mitral annular calcium (MAC) is associated with inducible myocardial ischemia and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in ambulatory patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). MAC is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population, but its association with CVD outcomes in patients with CAD has not been evaluated. We examined the association of MAC with inducible ischemia and subsequent cardiovascular events in 1,020 ambulatory patients with CAD who were enrolled in the Heart and Soul Study. We used logistic regression to determine the association of MAC with inducible ischemia and Cox proportional hazards models to determine the association with CVD events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, transient ischemic attack or death). Models were adjusted for age, gender, race, smoking, history of heart failure, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Of the 1,020 participants 192 (19%) had MAC. Participants with MAC were more likely than those without MAC to have inducible ischemia (adjusted odds ratio 2.06, 95% confidence interval 1.41 to 3.01, p = 0.0002). During an average of 6.26 � 2.11 years of follow-up, there were 310 deaths, 161 hospitalizations for heart failure, 118 myocardial infarctions, and 55 cerebrovascular events. MAC was associated with an increased rate of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.79, p = 0.01). In conclusion, we found that MAC was associated with inducible ischemia and subsequent CVD events in ambulatory patients with CAD. MAC may indicate a high atherosclerotic burden and identify patients at increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. PMID:22245404
Holtz, Jonathan E; Upadhyaya, Deepa S; Cohen, Beth E; Na, Beeya; Schiller, Nelson B; Whooley, Mary A
Coronary accordion effect mimicking coronary dissection
The coronary �accordion� effect is a rare pseudo-complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It is usually observed due to straightening and shortening of tortuous vessels with stiff guidewires during PCI. In this case report, we present an interesting case of the coronary accordion effect observed in a 52-year-old woman undergoing PCI.
Balli, Mehmet; Akilli, Rabia Eker; Tekin, Kamuran; Cayli, Murat
Coronary accordion effect mimicking coronary dissection.
The coronary "accordion" effect is a rare pseudo-complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It is usually observed due to straightening and shortening of tortuous vessels with stiff guidewires during PCI. In this case report, we present an interesting case of the coronary accordion effect observed in a 52-year-old woman undergoing PCI. PMID:24570759
Cagliyan, Caglar Emre; Balli, Mehmet; Akilli, Rabia Eker; Tekin, Kamuran; Cayli, Murat
Cholinergic mechanisms in human coronary artery preparations: implications of species differences.
Acetylcholine dilates most arteries, including dog coronaries, if the endothelium is intact. The present study has shown only contraction of human coronary arteries to acetylcholine. Both strip and ring preparations of human coronary epicardial vessels, the latter done particularly to protect the intimal surface from unintentional denudation, contracted to acetylcholine at low to high concentrations (6.84 X 10(-9)-2.05 X 10(-5) M). These responses were blocked by atropine (3.45 X 10(-6) M). Acetylcholine contracted the arteries about as much as ergonovine and considerably more than noradrenaline. Field stimulation of coronary artery strips caused a vasoconstriction which was partially antagonized by atropine (3.45 X 10(-6) M). The release of [3H]noradrenaline from superfused coronary artery preparations during field stimulation was inhibited by methacholine (6.24 X 10(-6) M), a stable muscarinic analogue of acetylcholine. Dog coronary arteries relaxed to acetylcholine but not if the endothelium was intentionally denuded, in which case there was either no response at all or a weak relaxation. Coronary arteries of sheep, pig and cattle always contracted to acetylcholine, and those of monkey contracted in two out of three responsive preparations. Histological examination of the intimal surface of human coronary vascular segments confirmed the presence of an intact endothelial cell layer. Rabbit aorta gave dilator responses to acetylcholine even after being left in the animal for as long after death as the human arteries had been; they did not give dilator responses after the endothelium was rubbed off. It is concluded that cholinergic vasoconstriction of coronary arteries occurs in humans, though not in the dog, and is probably important in some cases of coronary artery spasm. Images Plate 1
Kalsner, S
Almanac 2013: Acute coronary syndromes.
Unstable coronary artery plaque is the most common underlying cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and can manifest as unstable angina, non-ST segment elevation infarction (NSTE-ACS), and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but can also manifest as sudden cardiac arrest due to ischaemia induced tachyarrhythmias. ACS mortality ha decreased significantly over the last few years, especially from the more extreme manifestations of ACS, STEMI, and cardiac arrest. This trend is likely to continue based on recent therapeutic progress which includes novel antiplatelet agents such as prasugrel, ticagrelor, and cangrelor. PMID:24640527
Meier, Pascal; Lansky, Alexandra J; Baumbach, Andreas
Almanac 2013: acute coronary syndromes.
Unstable coronary artery plaque is the most common underlying cause of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and can manifest as unstable angina, non-ST segment elevation infarction (NSTE-ACS), and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but can also manifest as sudden cardiac arrest due to ischaemia induced tachyarrhythmias. ACS mortality has decreased significantly over the last few years, especially from the more extreme manifestations of ACS, STEMI, and cardiac arrest. This trend is likely to continue based on recent therapeutic progress which includes novel antiplatelet agents such as prasugrel, ticagrelor, and cangrelor. PMID:24622880
Meier, Pascal; Lansky, Alexandra J; Baumbach, Andreas
Cyclic Phosphatidic Acid Inhibits Alkyl-Glycerophosphate-Induced Downregulation of Histone Deacetylase 2 Expression and Suppresses the Inflammatory Response in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells
Activation of the endothelium by alkyl-glycerophosphate (AGP) has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis. Our previous study suggested that cyclic phosphatidic acid (cPA) inhibits arterial wall remodeling in a rat model in vivo. However, the mechanisms through which specific target genes are regulated during this process remain unclear. Here, we examined whether cPA inhibited AGP-induced expression of class I histone deacetylases (HDACs, namely HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3, and HDAC8), which may affect subsequent transcriptional activity of target genes. Our experimental results showed that human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) expressed high levels of HDAC2 and low levels HDAC1, HDAC3, and HDAC8. Moreover, AGP treatment induced downregulation of HDAC2 expression in HCAECs. However, cotreatment with cPA inhibited this downregulation of HDAC2 expression. Interestingly, treatment with AGP increased the expression and secretion of endogenous interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8; however, this effect was inhibited when HCAECs were cotreated with cPA or the synthetic peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor gamma (PPAR?) antagonist T0070907. Thus, our data suggested that cPA may have beneficial effects in inflammation-related cardiovascular disease by controlling HDAC2 regulation.
Tsukahara, Tamotsu; Haniu, Hisao; Matsuda, Yoshikazu
Efficacy of transvaginal biofeedback and electrical stimulation in women with urinary urgency and frequency and associated pelvic floor muscle spasm.
Women with urinary urgency and frequency may also have pelvic floor muscle spasm. Transvaginal biofeedback (TVBF) and electrical stimulation (EStim) is a treatment modality that has been used to treat vaginismus and chronic pelvic pain. In this study, TVBF/EStim was evaluated in women with pelvic floor muscle spasm associated with urinary symptoms. Fifty-two women underwent therapy with TVBF/EStim and reported a mean symptom improvement of 64.5%. PMID:19579410
Benda�a, Emma E; Belarmino, James M; Dinh, Jenny H; Cook, Cynthia L; Murray, Brian P; Feustel, Paul J; De, Elise J B
Comparative vascular responses three months after paclitaxel and everolimus-eluting stent implantation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic porcine coronary arteries
Background Diabetes remains a significant risk factor for restenosis/thrombosis following stenting. Although vascular healing responses following drug-eluting stent (DES) treatment have been characterized previously in healthy animals, comparative assessments of different DES in a large animal model with isolated features of diabetes remains limited. We aimed to comparatively assess the vascular response to paclitaxel-eluting (PES) and everolimus-eluting (EES) stents in a porcine coronary model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetes. Method Twelve Yucatan swine were induced hyperglycemic with a single STZ dose intravenously to ablate pancreatic ?-cells. After two months, each animal received one XIENCE V� (EES) and one Taxus Liberte (PES) stent, respectively, in each coronary artery. After three months, vascular healing was assessed by angiography and histomorphometry. Comparative in vitro effects of everolimus and paclitaxel (10-5?M�10-12?M) after 24 hours on carotid endothelial (EC) and smooth muscle (SMC) cell viability under hyperglycemic (42?mM) conditions were assayed by ELISA. Caspase-3 fluorescent assay was used to quantify caspase-3 activity of EC treated with everolimus or paclitaxel (10-5?M, 10-7?M) for 24 hours. Results After 3?months, EES reduced neointimal area (1.60?�?0.41?mm, p?0.001) with trends toward reduced % diameter stenosis (11.2?�?9.8%, p?=?0.12) and angiographic late-loss (0.28?�?0.30?mm, p?=?0.058) compared to PES (neointimal area: 2.74?�?0.58?mm, % diameter stenosis: 19.3?�?14.7%, late loss: 0.55?�?0.53?mm). Histopathology revealed increased inflammation scores (0.54?�?0.21 vs. 0.08?�?0.05), greater medial necrosis grade (0.52?�?0.26 vs. 0.0?�?0.0), and persistently elevated fibrin scores (1.60?�?0.60 vs. 0.63?�?0.41) with PES compared to EES (p?0.05). In vitro, paclitaxel significantly increased (p?0.05) EC/SMC apoptosis/necrosis at high concentrations (?10-7?M), while everolimus did not affect EC/SMC apoptosis/necrosis within the dose range tested. In ECs, paclitaxel (10-5?M) significantly increased caspase-3 activity (p?0.05) while everolimus had no effect. Conclusion After 3?months, both DES exhibited signs of delayed healing in a STZ-induced diabetic swine model. PES exhibited greater neointimal area, increased inflammation, greater medial necrosis, and persistent fibrin compared to EES. Differential effects of everolimus and paclitaxel on vascular cell viability may potentially be a factor in regulating delayed healing observed with PES. Further investigation of molecular mechanisms may aid future development of stent-based therapies in treating coronary artery disease in diabetic patients.
Could Neutrophil-Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin and Cystatin C Predict the Development of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy after Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in Patients with Stable Angina and Normal Serum Creatinine Values?
The value of neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was highlighted as a novel biomarker for the detection of acute renal failure. We tested the hypothesis whether NGAL could represent an early biomarker of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in 100 patients with normal serum creatinine values undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). In addition, we assessed serum and urinary NGAL in relation to cystatin C,
H. Bachorzewska-Gajewska; J. Malyszko; E. Sitniewska; K. Pawlak; M. Mysliwiec; S. Lawnicki; M. Szmitkowski; S. Dobrzycki
Clinical profile of vigabatrin as monotherapy for treatment of infantile spasms
Vigabatrin, the first therapeutic agent to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of infantile spasms, as well as for adjunctive use in the treatment of refractory complex partial epilepsy, represents an important advance for patients with difficult-to-manage epilepsy. This review summarizes the complex history, chemistry, and pharmacology, as well as the clinical data leading to the approval of vigabatrin for infantile spasms in the US. The long path to its approval reflects the visual system and white matter toxicity concerns with this agent. This review provides a brief description of these concerns, and the regulatory safety monitoring and mitigation systems that have been put in place to enhance benefit over risk.
Lerner, Jason T; Salamon, Noriko; Sankar, Raman
Delayed Unilateral Soft Palate Palsy without Vocal Cord Involvement after Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm
Microvascular decompression is a very effective and relatively safe surgical modality in the treatment of hemifacial spasm. But rare debilitating complications have been reported such as cranial nerve dysfunctions. We have experienced a very rare case of unilateral soft palate palsy without the involvement of vocal cord following microvascular decompression. A 33-year-old female presented to our out-patient clinic with a history of left hemifacial spasm for 5 years. On postoperative 5th day, patient started to exhibit hoarsness with swallowing difficulty. Symptoms persisted despite rehabilitation. Various laboratory work up with magnetic resonance image showed no abnormal lesions. Two years after surgery patient showed complete recovery of unitaleral soft palate palsy. Various etiologies of unilateral soft palate palsy are reviewed as the treatment and prognosis differs greatly on the cause. Although rare, it is important to keep in mind that such complication could occur after microvascular decompression.
Park, Jae Han; Jo, Kyung Il
A Case of Painful Hemimasticatory Spasm with Masseter Muscle Hypertrophy Responsive to Botulinum Toxin
Hemimasticatory spasm (HMS) is a rare disorder of the trigeminal nerve characterized by paroxysmal involuntary contractions of the unilateral jaw-closing muscles. HMS has been frequently described in association with facial hemiatrophy or localized scleroderma. A 42-year-old female presented with involuntary paroxysmal spasms of the left face, of 6 months duration. Her lower face on the left was markedly hypertrophied without skin lesions. An electrophysiological study indicated that the masseter reflexes and masseteric silent period were attenuated on the affected side. Surface electromyography demonstrated irregular bursts of motor unit potentials at high frequencies up to 200 Hz. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed marked hypertrophy of the left masseter muscle. Biopsy of the hypertrophied masseter muscle was normal. Repeated local injections of botulinum toxin noticeably reduced the size of the hypertrophied muscle as well as improved the patient�s symptoms.
Kim, Jin-Hyuck; Han, Seok-Won; Kim, Yun Joong; Kim, Jooyong; Oh, Mi-Suh; Ma, Hyeo-Il; Lee, Byung-Chul
Thrombin-induced platelet-fibrin clot strength: relation to high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity, genotype, and post-percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes.
The relationship between thrombin-induced platelet-fibrin clot strength (MATHROMBIN), genotype and high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of MATHROMBIN measured by thrombelastography on HPR and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-treated patients during aspirin and clopidogrel therapy. MATHROMBIN, platelet aggregation, genotype, and two-year MACE were assessed in 197 PCI-treated patients. HPR was defined as 5 �M ADP-induced PR ? 46% measured by conventional aggregometry. Both high MATHROMBIN(? 68 mm) and CYP2C19*2 allele carriage were independently associated with ADP-induced platelet aggregation (? coefficient: 8.3% and 12.0%, respectively). The combination of CYP2C19*2 allele carriage and high MATHROMBIN increased the predictive value for the risk of HPR (odds ratio: 13.89; 95% confidence interval: 3.41 to 55.56; p < 0.001). MACE occurred in 25 patients (12.7%). HPR and high MATHROMBIN were both associated with MACE (hazard ratio: 3.09 and 2.24, respectively), and patients with both HPR and high MATHROMBIN showed an increased risk for MACE (adjusted hazard ratio: 5.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.85 to 16.67; p = 0.002). In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that high platelet-fibrin clot strength is an independent determinant of HPR in PCI-treated patients. Combining the measurements of platelet aggregation and platelet-fibrin clot strength may enhance post-PCI risk stratification and deserves further study. PMID:24336898
Jeong, Young-Hoon; Bliden, Kevin P; Shuldiner, Alan R; Tantry, Udaya S; Gurbel, Paul A
Chronic Prostatitis\\/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Pelvic Floor Spasm: Can We Diagnose and Treat?
National Institutes of Health category III prostatitis, also known as chronic prostatitis\\/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is\\u000a a common condition with significant impact on quality of life. This clinically defined syndrome has a multifactorial etiology\\u000a and seems to respond best to multimodal therapy. At least half of these patients have pelvic floor spasm. There are several\\u000a approaches to therapy including biofeedback,
Karin E. Westesson; Daniel A. Shoskes
Time Course of Symptom Disappearance after Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm
Objective This study is to investigate time course of symptom disappearance in patients whose spasm relieved completely after microvascular decompression (MVD). Methods Of 115 patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) who underwent MVD from April 2003 to December 2006, 89 patients who had no facial paralysis after operation and showed no spasm at last follow-up more than 1.5 years after operation were selected. Symptom disappearance with time after MVD was classified into type 1 (symptom disappearance right after operation), type 2 (delayed symptom disappearance) and type 3 (unusual symptom disappearance). Type 2 was classified into type 2a (with postoperative silent period) and type 2b (without silent period). Results Type 1, type 2a, type 2b and type 3 were 38.2%, 48.37%, 12.4% and 1.1%, respectively. Delayed disappearance group (type 2) was 60.7%. Post-operative symptom duration in all cases ranged from 0 to 900 days, average was 74.6 days and median was 14 days. In case of type 2, average post-operative symptom duration was 115.1 days and median was 42 days. Five and 3 patients required more than 1 year and 2 years, respectively, until complete disappearance of spasm. In type 2a, postoperative silent period ranged from 1 to 10 days, with an average of 2.4 days. Conclusion Surgeons should be aware that delayed symptom disappearance after MVD for HFS is more common than it has been reported, silent period can be as long as 10 days and time course of symptom disappearance is various as well as unpredictable.
Oh, Eun-Tak; Hyun, Dong-Keun; Yoon, Seung Hwan; Park, Hyeonseon; Park, Hyung-Chun
SCN2A mutation is associated with infantile spasms and bitemporal glucose hypometabolism
BACKGROUND Genetic mutations play crucial role in the etiology of cryptogenic infantile spasms but the cause is still unknown in a significant proportion of patients. Whole exome sequencing technology shows great promise in identifying genetic causes of infantile spasms. METHODS We performed whole exome sequencing and 2-deoxy-2-(18F)fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography scan of a male child with infantile spasms. Exome sequencing was also performed in parents to identify any de novo mutations. RESULTS The positron emission tomography scan showed a pattern of bilateral symmetric temporal lobe glucose hypometabolism. A total of 8171 non-synonymous variants were identified in the child. Despite the large number of nonsynonymous variants, there was only a single de novo missense mutation in SCN2A in the child (NCBI hg19 assembly, position: Chr2:166234116, K1422E). Subsequent Sanger sequencing confirmed the de novo status of this variant. This mutation has never been reported in 6500 individuals of the exome variant server database. Similarly, this variant is not reported in online mendelian inheritance in man database or human gene mutation database. It has previously been shown that SCN2A mutations are associated with hippocampal hyperexcitability. Therefore, we speculate that IS and bitemporal hypometabolism in our patient might have been caused by hippocampal hyperexcitability due to SCN2A mutation. CONCLUSIONS The simultaneous presence of an SCN2A mutation and bitemporal hypometabolism in this patient with infantile spasms suggests a plausible hippocampal origin. However, additional mechanistic and clinical studies are required to validate this link.
Sundaram, Senthil K; Chugani, Harry T; Tiwari, Vijay N; Huq, AHM M
Infantile spasms as an adverse outcome of neonatal cortical sinovenous thrombosis.
Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis is a rare but potentially serious condition often occurring in children with nonspecific presenting features. Much remains to be learned about the long-term outcome of infants with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis. We report a series of four patients taken from a prospective database of neonates with sinovenous thrombosis who subsequently developed infantile spasms, three with hypsarrythmia on electroencephalography and one with multiple independent spike foci. The first patient presented at 2 weeks of age with hypernatremia, dehydration, and seizures. He was found to have extensive thrombosis and hemorrhagic infarction of the right basal ganglia. The second patient presented at 5 weeks of life and was found to have sagittal sinus thrombosis with bilateral intracranial hemorrhage. The third patient presented with seizures on day 1 of life and was found to have venous thrombosis involving the torcular, extending into the sagittal sinus. The fourth patient presented at 3 weeks with lethargy and seizures. He was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and also had extensive sinus thrombosis. All patients developed infantile spasms at ages 9, 7, 11, and 10 months, respectively. This is the first report in the English literature describing infantile spasms as a possible outcome of sinovenous thrombosis in early infancy. PMID:16566876
Soman, Teesta B; Moharir, Mahendranath; DeVeber, Gabrielle; Weiss, Shelly
Myocardial infarction with normal coronary angiogram. Possible mechanism of smoking risk in coronary artery disease.
The coronary angiograms of 120 consecutive patients under 40 years of age were examined. Ten new cases of myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteriogram were identified (group 1) and compared with 30 cases of myocardial infarction and obstructive coronary disease (group 2). Heavy cigarette smoking was the sole major risk factor in group 1. Patients in group 2 smoked as well but most also had hypercholesterolaemia or hypertension. Pre- and postinfarction angina was rare among the patients with myocardial infarction and normal coronary arteriogram, and recanalisation after smoking-induced thrombotic occlusion is thought to be the most likely mechanism. Smoking-induced thrombosis is only likely to be recognised in special circumstances, when it develops in apparently normal coronary arteries, is followed by recanalisation, and is complicated by infarction as a permanent marker of previous obstruction to regional myocardial blood flow. Thrombotic occlusion of a "normal" coronary artery without recanalisation will only be recognised when infarction is fatal. If smoking can predispose to thrombosis in "normal" coronary arteries, it may be even more likely to accelerate thrombosis in atheromatous coronary arteries. The importance of recognising group 1 may well be in relation to the much commoner group 2. Images
McKenna, W J; Chew, C Y; Oakley, C M
CDKL5 mutations cause infantile spasms, early onset seizures, and severe mental retardation in female patients
Objective To determine the frequency of mutations in CDKL5 in both male and female patients with infantile spasms or early onset epilepsy of unknown cause, and to consider whether the breadth of the reported phenotype would be extended by studying a different patient group. Methods Two groups of patients were investigated for CDKL5 mutations. Group 1 comprised 73 patients (57 female, 16 male) referred to Cardiff for CDKL5 analysis, of whom 49 (42 female, 7 male) had epileptic seizure onset in the first six months of life. Group 2 comprised 26 patients (11 female, 15 male) with infantile spasms previously recruited to a clinical trial, the UK Infantile Spasms Study. Where a likely pathogenic mutation was identified, further clinical data were reviewed. Results Seven likely pathogenic mutations were found among female patients from group 1 with epileptic seizure onset in the first six months of life, accounting for seven of the 42 in this group (17%). No mutations other than the already published mutation were found in female patients from group 2, or in any male patient from either study group. All patients with mutations had early signs of developmental delay and most had made little developmental progress. Further clinical information was available for six patients: autistic features and tactile hypersensitivity were common but only one had suggestive Rett?like features. All had a severe epileptic seizure disorder, all but one of whom had myoclonic jerks. The EEG showed focal or generalised changes and in those with infantile spasms, hypsarrhythmia. Slow frequencies were seen frequently with a frontal or fronto?temporal predominance and high amplitudes. Conclusions The spectrum of the epileptic seizure disorder, and associated EEG changes, in those with CDKL5 mutations is broader than previously reported. CDKL5 mutations are a significant cause of infantile spasms and early epileptic seizures in female patients, and of a later intractable seizure disorder, irrespective of whether they have suspected Rett syndrome. Analysis should be considered in these patients in the clinical setting.
Archer, H L; Evans, J; Edwards, S; Colley, J; Newbury-Ecob, R; O'Callaghan, F; Huyton, M; O'Regan, M; Tolmie, J; Sampson, J; Clarke, A; Osborne, J
Impact of trimetazidine on incidence of myocardial injury and contrast-induced nephropathy in diabetic patients with renal dysfunction undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.
Trimetazidine is an anti-ischemic agent with antioxidant activity. This study evaluated the effect of periprocedural administration of trimetazidine on the incidence of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-induced myocardial injury and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in diabetic patients with mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction. One hundred patients with a mean glomerular filtration rate of 48 � 16 (ml/min/1.73�m(2)) were prospectively enrolled, then randomly assigned to receive (50 patients; trimetazidine group) or not receive (50 patients; control group) periprocedural trimetazidine (70�mg/day) for 72�hours. The serum creatinine level was measured pre-PCI, 72�hours, and 10�days thereafter. An increase in the serum creatinine level by >0.5�mg/dl or 0.25% of the baseline value is considered as CIN. Cardiac troponin I levels were measured before and 6, 12, and 24�hours after PCI. Mean age of the study cohort was 59 � 6�years (men 68%). The serum creatinine level in the control group increased significantly 3�days after PCI and decreased on the tenth day. However, it showed no significant change in the trimetazidine group. Incidence of CIN was 12% in the trimetazidine group and 28% in the control group (p <0.05). Cardiac troponin I levels were significantly reduced in the trimetazidine group (6�hours: 8 � 0.3 vs 16 � 0.2 pg/ml, 12�hours: 13 � 0.9 vs 24 � 0.8 pg/ml, 24�hours: 7 � 0.7 vs 14 � 0.3 pg/ml, p <0.001). In�conclusion, trimetazidine intake before elective PCI in diabetic patients with mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction is associated with decreased incidence of CIN and myocardial injury. PMID:24927970
Shehata, Mohamed
Coronary artery disease (image)
... through these arteries is critical for the heart. Coronary artery disease usually results from the build-up of fatty material and plaque, a condition called atherosclerosis. As the coronary arteries narrow, the flow of blood to the ...
Counseling the Coronary Patient
ERIC Educational Resources Information Center
The article discusses counseling sessions designed to a) help the coronary patient adjust to cardiovascular disease, b) diminish patient anxieties and fears, and c) educate the patient and family members on controlling risk factors to deter another coronary attack. (JS)
Semmler, Caryl; Semmler, Maynard
[Assessment of microcirculation disturbance with nuclear cardiology in a patient with coronary ectasia: a case report].
A 69-year-old woman presented with dyspnea on exertion. Echocardiography showed dilatation and diffuse hypokinesis of the left ventricle. 99mTc-tetrofosmin myocardial SPECT showed moderately reduced uptake in the anteroseptal wall and the inferior wall on the rest images, but was improved on the ATP loading images. 123I-BMIPP myocardial SPECT showed severely reduced uptake in the anterior wall and the inferior wall. These SPECT findings suggested ischemic heart disease rather than dilated cardiomyopathy. Coronary angiography showed no organic stenosis, but diffuse coronary ectasia was noted in three vessels. Intravascular ultrasound revealed remarkable coronary ectasia, with a maximal diameter of 8.2 mm. Coronary flow velocity as measured by Doppler blood flow guide wire was remarkably reduced. Coronary spasms were not provocated by ergonovine loading test. These findings suggested that microvascular thrombi and disturbance of dilatation caused myocardial ischemia in this patient. We treated the patient with ticlopidine and nicorandil. Following treatment left ventricle wall motion, 99mTc-tetrofosmin and 123I-BMIPP myocardial SPECT findings were improved. PMID:12701203
Nishikawa, Susumu; Ito, Kazuki; Takata, Hiroki; Tsubakimoto, Yoshinori; Yuba, Tatsuya; Adachi, Yoshihiko; Kato, Shuji; Azuma, Akihiro; Sugihara, Hiroki; Nakagawa, Masao
[Effect of diltiazem on cold-induced left ventricular dysfunction in patients with systemic sclerosis].
Patients with systemic sclerosis (SS) have cardiac dysfunction induced by cold exposure. We and others have demonstrated this finding after corporal chilling, suggesting a "coronary Raynaud phenomenon" mediated by intermittent vascular spasm. In this study we evaluated the effect of diltiazem (DTZ) in cardiac dysfunction induced by cold test in patients with SS without clinical evidence of heart disease. Twelve patients with SS were studied. One patient was excluded because he did not fulfill the prescribed treatment. Eleven patients (age of 49.9 +/- 3.8 years and illness duration of 9.3 +/- 4.8 years) were included. Gated equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography was recorded after red blood cells were labeled in vivo using an intravenous injection of stannous pirophosphate followed by 20 mc of 99 Tc (gamma camera with electrocardiographic R wave gating was used). Left ventricular injection fraction (LVEF) was calculated using computer analysis and wall motion abnormalities by visual interpretation. Patients were cooled using a thermic blanket set at 5 degrees centigrade. They were evaluated before and after a period of cooling. After corporal chilling LVEF decreased more than 10% in all of them. DTZ 270 mg a day was administered to the same patients during 48 hs. Basal and cold LVEF were repeated in all patients. The results with and without DTZ were compared by Student's t Test. The basal LVEF with and without DTZ was not different (64.8 +/- 2.6 and 63.1 +/- 1.8). After corporal chilling LVEF decreased (64.8 +/- 2.6 to 54.8 +/- 2.5 p < 0.00001) and reversible abnormalities in wall motion were noticed in patients without DTZ. When they received DTZ neither difference in LVEF (63.1 +/- 1.8 to 62.1 +/- 2.4) nor wall motion abnormalities were observed. We compared the LVEF after chilling (62.1 +/- 2.4 and 54.8 +/- 2.5) and we found an important difference with the use of DTZ (p < 0.005). It can be concluded that in patients with SS and no overt heart disease, DTZ prevents the early cardiac dysfunction induced by cold test. Probably this drug blunts the coronary spasm induced by cold test in this group of patients. PMID:9435369
Rey, R H; Marrero, G; Chwojnik, A; Mart�nez Mart�nez, J A; Maldonado Cocco, J; Rodrigu�, S; Casab�, H
Diagnostic Ultrasound Induced Inertial Cavitation to Non-Invasively Restore Coronary and Microvascular Flow in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Ultrasound induced cavitation has been explored as a method of dissolving intravascular and microvascular thrombi in acute myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to determine the type of cavitation required for success, and whether longer pulse duration therapeutic impulses (sustaining the duration of cavitation) could restore both microvascular and epicardial flow with this technique. Accordingly, in 36 hyperlipidemic atherosclerotic pigs, thrombotic occlusions were induced in the mid-left anterior descending artery. Pigs were then randomized to either a) � dose tissue plasminogen activator (0.5 mg/kg) alone; or same dose plasminogen activator and an intravenous microbubble infusion with either b) guided high mechanical index short pulse (2.0 MI; 5 usec) therapeutic ultrasound impulses; or c) guided 1.0 mechanical index long pulse (20 usec) impulses. Passive cavitation detectors indicated the high mechanical index impulses (both long and short pulse duration) induced inertial cavitation within the microvasculature. Epicardial recanalization rates following randomized treatments were highest in pigs treated with the long pulse duration therapeutic impulses (83% versus 59% for short pulse, and 49% for tissue plasminogen activator alone; p<0.05). Even without epicardial recanalization, however, early microvascular recovery occurred with both short and long pulse therapeutic impulses (p<0.005 compared to tissue plasminogen activator alone), and wall thickening improved within the risk area only in pigs treated with ultrasound and microbubbles. We conclude that although short pulse duration guided therapeutic impulses from a diagnostic transducer transiently improve microvascular flow, long pulse duration therapeutic impulses produce sustained epicardial and microvascular re-flow in acute myocardial infarction.
Xie, Feng; Gao, Shunji; Wu, Juefei; Lof, John; Radio, Stanley; Vignon, Francois; Shi, William; Powers, Jeffry; Unger, Evan; Everbach, E. Carr; Liu, Jinjin; Porter, Thomas R.
Defining the at risk patients for contrast induced nephropathy after coronary angiography; 24-h urine creatinine versus Cockcroft-Gault equation or serum creatinine level
Background: Definitions of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in many catheterization laboratories have relied on the serum creatinine (Scr) rather than glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Regarding that CKD is the primary predisposing factor for contrast induced nephropathy (CIN), we compared the sensitivity of calculated GFR by 24-h Urine creatinine with Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation and Scr level to define at risk patients for CIN who were undergone coronary angiography (CAG). Materials and Methods: Two hundred fifty four subjects who were candidate for CAG and had normal creatinine level were enrolled. Before CAG, GFR was calculated from a 24-h urine collection, CG equation and a single Scr sample regarding to previously described protocol. Contrast volume used for each case <100 ml. CIN was defined as a 0.5 mg/dL or 25% elevation in the Scr. Results: CIN occurred in 10.6%. Baseline GFR, the volume of contrast agent, and diabetes were the independent risk factors for CIN. GFR was less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 in 28% and 23.2% of patients regarding to 24-h urine creatinine and CG equation, respectively. In CIN prediction, 24-h urine creatinine estimated GFR had 85.2%, 59.3% and CG equation GFR had 78.9%, 81.1% sensitivity and specificity, respectively. Conclusion: Although, GFR estimated by CG equation has less sensitivity than GFR calculated from 24-h creatinine in CIN probability, but it is better than Scr alone and because of cost-effectiveness and convenience using of this method, we suggest at least using CG equation for GFR calculation before CIN, especially in diabetic and/or older than 60 years cases.
Assareh, Ahmadreza; Yazdankhah, Saeed; Ahmadzadeh, Ahmad; Yadollahzadeh, Mahdi; Nasehi, Nasim; Haybar, Habib
Standardization of Flow Velocities with Respect to Age and Sex Improves the Accuracy of Transcranial Color Doppler Sonography of Middle Cerebral Artery Spasm
OBJECTIVE. The overall accuracy of transcranial Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of middle cerebral artery spasm has not been established. Moreover, the factors of age and sex have not been addressed in most studies. In this article, we present receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the accuracy of transcranial color Doppler sonography in diagnosing middle cerebral artery spasm on
Jaroslaw Krejza; Zenon Mariak; Janusz Lewko
Expansion of the first polyalanine tract of the ARX gene in a boy presenting with generalized dystonia in the absence of infantile spasms
Mutations in the Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) gene are associated with pleiotropic phenotypes including infantile spasms, mental retardation and dystonia. However, relatively consistent genotype�phenotype correlations have been emphasized in prior reports. We report a boy presenting with mental retardation, tonic seizures and dystonia but without infantile spasms. Gene sequencing detected an additional seven GCG repeats in the first polyalanine tract of
Yuko Shinozaki; Maki Osawa; Hiroshi Sakuma; Hirofumi Komaki; Eiji Nakagawa; Kenji Sugai; Masayuki Sasaki; Yuichi Goto
Mechanisms of myocardium-coronary vessel interaction
The mechanisms by which the contracting myocardium exerts extravascular forces (intramyocardial pressure, IMP) on coronary blood vessels and by which it affects the coronary flow remain incompletely understood. Several myocardium-vessel interaction (MVI) mechanisms have been proposed, but none can account for all the major flow features. In the present study, we hypothesized that only a specific combination of MVI mechanisms can account for all observed coronary flow features. Three basic interaction mechanisms (time-varying elasticity, myocardial shortening-induced intracellular pressure, and ventricular cavity-induced extracellular pressure) and their combinations were analyzed based on physical principles (conservation of mass and force equilibrium) in a realistic data-based vascular network. Mechanical properties of both vessel wall and myocardium were coupled through stress analysis to simulate the response of vessels to internal blood pressure and external (myocardial) mechanical loading. Predictions of transmural dynamic vascular pressure, diameter, and flow velocity were determined under each MVI mechanism and compared with reported data. The results show that none of the three basic mechanisms alone can account for the measured data. Only the combined effect of the cavity-induced extracellular pressure and the shortening-induced intramyocyte pressure provides good agreement with the majority of measurements. These findings have important implications for elucidating the physical basis of IMP and for understanding coronary phasic flow and coronary artery and microcirculatory disease.
Algranati, Dotan; Kassab, Ghassan S.
Symptomatic diffuse esophageal spasm as a major ictal manifestation of post-traumatic epilepsy: a case report.
Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) can create diagnostic confusion when typical epileptic seizures are not manifest. Abdominal symptoms as a manifestation of PTE are rare in this setting. We present a 43-year-old female with paroxysmal chest and abdominal pain, nausea, salivation, and intermittent dysphagia. Esophageal testing demonstrated diffuse esophageal spasm, but smooth muscle relaxants provided no relief. Finally, after history revealed that a motor vehicle accident temporally preceded symptom onset, video electroencephalography confirmed PTE. Therapy with anti-epileptic drug completely resolved symptoms, and the esophageal motor pattern normalized. We speculate that abnormal epileptiform discharges from the seizure focus altered cerebral input to intrinsic esophageal innervation, resulting in inhibitory dysfunction and a picture resembling diffuse esophageal spasm. This is the first report of symptomatic esophageal spasm as a major ictal manifestation of PTE. PMID:23121455
He, Y-Q; Sheng, J-Q; Wang, J-H; An, H-J; Wang, X; Li, A-Q; Wang, X-W; Gyawali, C P
Regression of calcified coronary artery plaque assessed by electron beam computed tomography
Summary Lipid lowering therapies and aggressive life style modifications can induce regression of coronary artery disease as demonstrated by several angiographic studies. Such regression has also been associated with greatly reduced cardiovascular event rates. However, coronary angiography is invasive and expensive and other non-invasive diagnostic approaches would be preferable. Electron beam computed tomography imaging is used to detect coronary artery
P. Raggi
Trapped Microcatheter from Vessel Spasm: Safe Removal after Double Microcatheter Technique and Local Papaverine Infusion
Summary In a child undergoing combined transarterial and direct percutaneous puncture embolization of an extensive and complex facial arteriovenous malformation, severe arterial spasm fixed a flow-directed microcatheter in an ethmoidal branch of the left ophthalmic artery. Multiple traction attempts failed to remove the microcatheter. After catheterization of the distal, post central retinal artery part of the same ophthalmic artery, with a second flow-directed microcatheter and following intraarterial papaverine injection through this second microcatheter, the fixed microcatheter could be removed without complication. This case demonstrates a technique that can be attempted before deciding to leave the microcatheter in the patient or to remove it surgically.
Celedin, S.; Song, J.K.; Valavanis, A.
Interstitial deletion of chromosome 7q in a patient with Williams syndrome and infantile spasms
Interstitial deletion of 7q11.23�q21.11 was identified by cytogenetic methods in a 4-year-old boy with Williams syndrome\\u000a (WS) and infantile spasms. Deletion of the elastin (ELN) gene and the DNA polymorphic markers, D7S1870, D7S2490, D7S2518, and D7S2421, were identified in the patient, but the loci\\u000a for D7S653 and D7S675 were not involved. Zackowski et al. (1990) reported that 6 of 16
Kiyomi Mizugishi; Keiko Yamanaka; Katsuko Kuwajima; Ikuko Kondo
Coronary artery constriction in rats: necrotic and apoptotic myocyte death
The purpose of this study was to determine whether coronary artery narrowing was associated with the activation of necrotic and apoptotic myocyte cell death in the myocardium and whether these 2 forms of cell death were restricted to the left ventricle, or involved the other portions of the heart. Coronary artery narrowing was surgically induced in rats, and the animals
Jan Kajstura; Yu Liu; Alessandra Baldini; Boasheng Li; Giorgio Olivetti; Annarosa Leri; Piero Anversa
Effects of exercise training on coronary transport capacity
Coronary transport capacity was estimated in eight sedentary control and eight exercise-trained anesthetized dogs by determining the differences between base line and the highest coronary blood flow and permeability-surface area product (PS) obtained during maximal adenosine vasodilation with coronary perfusion pressure constant. The anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery was cannulated and pump- perfused under constant-pressure conditions (approximately equal to 100 Torr) while aortic, central venous, and coronary perfusion pressures, heart rate, electrocardiogram, and coronary flow were monitored. Myocardial extraction and PS of /sup 51/Cr-labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid were determined with the single-injection indicator-diffusion method. The efficacy of the 16 +/- 1 wk exercise training program was shown by significant increases in the succinate dehydrogenase activities of the gastrocnemius, gluteus medialis, and long head of triceps brachii muscles. There were no differences between control and trained dogs for either resting coronary blood flow or PS. During maximal vasodilation with adenosine, the trained dogs had significantly lower perfusion pressures with constant flow and, with constant-pressure vasodilation, greater coronary blood flow and PS. It is concluded that exercise training in dogs induces an increased coronary transport capacity that includes increases in coronary blood flow capacity (26% of control) and capillary diffusion capacity (82% of control).
Laughlin, M.H.
Impaired coronary microvascular endothelial function in men with metabolic syndrome
AIM: To assess coronary endothelial function of conduit and resistance vessels in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: Seventy-eight men (mean age, 57 years) with chest pain and angiographically normal coronary arteries were included in the study. Patients with coronary spastic angina were excluded. Changes in coronary artery diameter and coronary blood flow (CBF) in response to acetylcholine (ACh) were determined using quantitative coronary angiography and Doppler velocity measurements. Coronary flow reserve was calculated as the ratio of coronary blood velocity after adenosine triphosphate infusion relative to baseline values. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of MS. RESULTS: There were 24 patients in the MS group (31%). The increase in CBF in response to ACh infusion was impaired in the MS group (P < 0.0001) compared to the non-MS group, whereas changes in coronary artery diameter in response to ACh infusion did not differ between the two groups. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that MS was a significant factor associated with the lesser change in CBF induced by ACh infusion at 30 ?g/min (P < 0.0001, r2 = 0.46). CONCLUSION: Coronary endothelial dysfunction was present at the level of resistance vessels but not conduit vessels in the MS patients included in our study.
Teragawa, Hiroki; Mitsuba, Naoya; Nishioka, Kenji; Ueda, Kentaro; Kono, Shingo; Higashi, Yukihito; Chayama, Kazuaki; Kihara, Yasuki
The X-linked infantile spasms syndrome (MIM 308350) maps to Xp11.4-Xpter in two pedigrees.
We report 2 families with X-linked infantile spasms syndrome (X-linked West syndrome). Data from clinical examination, biochemical analysis, neuroimaging, and neuropathology are discussed. In these families, genetic linkage analysis was able to locate the disease gene to the distal part of the short arm of the X chromosome, between Xpter and Xp11.4. This is the first report of linkage with genetic markers in this disorder. Although most cases are sporadic, further unraveling of the genetic background of the familial cases might greatly improve our understanding of infantile spasms. PMID:9307258
Claes, S; Devriendt, K; Lagae, L; Ceulemans, B; Dom, L; Casaer, P; Raeymaekers, P; Cassiman, J J; Fryns, J P
Preconditioning improves cardioplegia-related coronary microvascular smooth muscle hypercontractility: Role of KATP channels
Objectives: The effect of preconditioning before hyperkalemic cardioplegia on the coronary smooth muscle remains to be elucidated. We tested the hypothesis that hypoxic preconditioning could protect coronary smooth muscle against subsequent hyperkalemic cardioplegia-induced coronary vasospasm and that this preconditioning effect could be mediated by KATP channels. Methods: Rat coronary arterioles (endothelium-denuded) were studied in a pressurized, no-flow, normothermic state. Simultaneous
Naruto Matsuda; Kathleen G. Morgan; Frank W. Sellke
Functional end-plate recovery in long-term botulinum toxin therapy of hemifacial spasm: a nerve conduction study.
Botulinum toxin type-A is currently thought to be effective and safe for hemifacial spasm (HFS). The pre-synaptic block of acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction induces depression of orbicularis oculi muscle compound motor action potential (CMAP). The aim of our study was to evaluate at what extent end-plate functional recovery is possible even in botulinum toxin treatments lasting up to 15 years. We examined 81 outpatients with primary HFS (mean treatment duration = 7.2 � 4.2 years) who underwent neurophysiologic study, once clinical effect of the previous treatment had vanished. The mean CMAP amplitude, mean rectified amplitude of response 1 (R1) of the blink reflex and area of response 2 (R2) of treated orbicularis oculi muscle were measured in comparison to the controlateral side. Mean amplitude of the above mentioned parameters was slightly lower (about 20%; p < 0.001) in the treated side at the end of the follow-up period (4.7 � 1.7 months). The CMAP amplitude reduction weakly correlated with the interval from last treatment, while other neurophysiologic parameters did not change due to treatment duration or total toxin amount. Our study demonstrates that botulinum toxin affects compound motor action potential and blink-reflex responses for at least 4-5 months in HFS patients. The residual block is slight and does not increase with repeated injections after several years of treatment. Our study, beside confirming the long-term efficacy of botulinum toxin treatment for HFS, provides neurophysiologic evidence that therapeutic effect may be obtained without hindering the regenerative potential of the nerve-muscle complex. PMID:22367224
Butera, C; Guerriero, R; Amadio, S; Ungaro, D; Tesfaghebriel, H; Bianchi, F; Comi, G; Del Carro, U
A triplet repeat expansion genetic mouse model of infantile spasms syndrome, Arx(GCG)10+7, with interneuronopathy, spasms in infancy, persistent seizures, and adult cognitive and behavioral impairment.
Infantile spasms syndrome (ISS) is a catastrophic pediatric epilepsy with motor spasms, persistent seizures, mental retardation, and in some cases, autism. One of its monogenic causes is an insertion mutation [c.304ins (GCG)(7)] on the X chromosome, expanding the first polyalanine tract of the interneuron-specific transcription factor Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) from 16 to 23 alanine codons. Null mutation of the Arx gene impairs GABA and cholinergic interneuronal migration but results in a neonatal lethal phenotype. We developed the first viable genetic mouse model of ISS that spontaneously recapitulates salient phenotypic features of the human triplet repeat expansion mutation. Arx((GCG)10+7) ("Arx plus 7") pups display abnormal spasm-like myoclonus and other key EEG features, including multifocal spikes, electrodecremental episodes, and spontaneous seizures persisting into maturity. The neurobehavioral profile of Arx mutants was remarkable for lowered anxiety, impaired associative learning, and abnormal social interaction. Laminar decreases of Arx+ cortical interneurons and a selective reduction of calbindin-, but not parvalbumin- or calretinin-expressing interneurons in neocortical layers and hippocampus indicate that specific classes of synaptic inhibition are missing from the adult forebrain, providing a basis for the seizures and cognitive disorder. A significant reduction of calbindin-, NPY (neuropeptide Y)-expressing, and cholinergic interneurons in the mutant striatum suggest that dysinhibition within this network may contribute to the dyskinetic motor spasms. This mouse model narrows the range of critical pathogenic elements within brain inhibitory networks essential to recreate this complex neurodevelopmental syndrome. PMID:19587282
Price, Maureen G; Yoo, Jong W; Burgess, Daniel L; Deng, Fang; Hrachovy, Richard A; Frost, James D; Noebels, Jeffrey L
A Triplet Repeat Expansion Genetic Mouse Model of Infantile Spasms Syndrome, Arx(GCG)10+7, with Interneuronopathy, Spasms in Infancy, Persistent Seizures, and Adult Cognitive and Behavioral Impairment
Infantile spasms syndrome (ISS) is a catastrophic pediatric epilepsy with motor spasms, persistent seizures, mental retardation, and in some cases, autism. One of its monogenic causes is an insertion mutation (c.304ins (GCG)7) on the X chromosome, expanding the first polyalanine tract of the interneuron-specific transcription factor ARX from 16 to 23 alanine codons. Null mutation of the Arx gene impairs GABA- and cholinergic interneuronal migration but results in a neonatal lethal phenotype. We developed the first viable genetic mouse model of ISS that spontaneously recapitulates salient phenotypic features of the human triplet-repeat expansion mutation. Arx (GCG)10+7 (�Arx Plus7�) pups display abnormal spasm-like myoclonus and other key EEG features, including multifocal spikes, electrodecremental episodes, and spontaneous seizures persisting into maturity. The neurobehavioral profile of Arx mutants was remarkable for lowered anxiety, impaired associative learning, and abnormal social interaction. Laminar decreases of Arx+ cortical interneurons and a selective reduction of calbindin-, but not parvalbumin- or calretinin-expressing interneurons in neocortical layers and hippocampus indicate that specific classes of synaptic inhibition are missing from the adult forebrain, providing a basis for the seizures and cognitive disorder. A significant reduction of calbindin, NPY-expressing and cholinergic interneurons in the mutant striatum suggest that dysinhibition within this network may contribute to the dyskinetic motor spasms. This mouse model narrows the range of critical pathogenic elements within brain inhibitory networks essential to recreate this complex neurodevelopmental syndrome.
Price, Maureen G.; Yoo, Jong W.; Burgess, Daniel L.; Deng, Fang; Hrachovy, Richard A.; Frost, James D.; Noebels, Jeffrey L.
Anesthetic management of a patient undergoing liver transplantation who had previous coronary artery bypass grafting using an in situ right gastroepiploic artery.
We describe successful anesthetic management during living-donor liver transplantation in a 63-year-old man with previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) that employed an in situ right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA). Anesthesia was maintained with 1.5% isoflurane in air/oxygen and fentanyl. A five-lead electrocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiogram, and pacing pulmonary artery catheter evaluated cardiac function. A pacing wire was inserted through the catheter to prepare for intraoperative severe bradyarrhythmia. Olprinone and nicorandil were continuously infused to prevent decrease in coronary arterial blood flow and the collapse of cardiac function. Avoiding disruption of circulation to coronary arteries through injury or spasm of the RGEA graft and preparing for cardiac insufficiency during liver transplantation of a patient with previous CABG using an in situ RGEA is critical. PMID:20191293
Murata, Hiroaki; Inoue, Haruka; Sumikawa, Koji
Postpartum coronary artery dissection.
A 27-year-old woman experienced anterior myocardial infarction three weeks after the delivery of her second child. Coronary arteriography subsequently showed primary dissection of the left coronary artery. This patient is believed to be the second reported survivor of angiographically proven peripartal left coronary artery dissection and the only such patient to achieve and maintain asymptomatic status for a prolonged period without operative intervention. Images
Shaver, P J; Carrig, T F; Baker, W P
Short-term withdrawal of simvastatin induces endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease: A dose�response effect dependent on endothelial nitric oxide synthase
BackgroundPatients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have impaired endothelial function. Simvastatin therapy has been demonstrated to significantly improve endothelial function in these patients. Although withdrawal of statins is a frequent problem in clinical practice, the effects after discontinuation of statins treatment on endothelial function in patients with CAD are largely unknown.
Hong Chen; Jing-Yi Ren; Yan Xing; Wan-Lei Zhang; Xin Liu; Pei Wu; Ruo-Jie Wang; Yu Luo
Selective Coronary Arteriography
The technique of selective coronary arteriography, as described originally by Sones, was employed in 255 patients. Successful catheterization of both coronary arteries was carried out in 88% of these patients, and in the last 100 examinations both coronary arteries were entered in 95 patients. Selective coronary arteriography is a useful diagnostic tool but is a potentially hazardous form of examination as we encountered four episodes of ventricular fibrillation in the present series. ImagesFig. 1Fig. 2Figs. 3A-DFig. 3EFig. 3FFig. 4Fig. 5Fig. 6Fig. 7Fig. 8Fig. 9
Parker, John O.; Challis, Thomas W.; West, Roxroy O.
Colonic spasm and pseudo-obstruction in an elongated colon secondary to physical exertion: diagnosis by stress barium enema
Anatomic and functional abnormalities of the colon are known to cause a variety of abdominal complaints, including constipation, diarrhea, and pain. We describe a patient with dolichocolon (elongated colon) with transient spasm (pseudo-obstruction) associated with exertion. The diagnosis in this case rested with a novel approach and less invasive evaluation of the colon.
John M McMahon; Edgar S Underwood; William E Kirby
Double left anterior descending coronary artery originating from left main coronary stem and right coronary artery.
Double left anterior descending coronary artery originating from left main coronary stem and right coronary artery is a rare congenital coronary anomaly. In this case report, we are describing a patient with double left anterior descending coronary artery, one with normal origin, and the other originating from the right coronary artery. To the best of our knowledge, there are only a few reports resembling such case. PMID:24251016
Akbarzadeh, Fariborz; Shadravan, Sepide; Ghorbanian, Maryam; Piri, Reza; Naghavi-Behzad, Mohammad
Double Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Originating from Left Main Coronary Stem and Right Coronary Artery
Double left anterior descending coronary artery originating from left main coronary stem and right coronary artery is a rare congenital coronary anomaly. In this case report, we are describing a patient with double left anterior descending coronary artery, one with normal origin, and the other originating from the right coronary artery. To the best of our knowledge, there are only a few reports resembling such case.
Akbarzadeh, Fariborz; Shadravan, Sepide; Ghorbanian, Maryam; Piri, Reza; Naghavi-Behzad, Mohammad
Subepicardial endothelial cells invade the embryonic ventricle wall to form coronary arteries
Coronary arteries bring blood flow to the heart muscle. Understanding the developmental program of the coronary arteries provides insights into the treatment of coronary artery diseases. Multiple sources have been described as contributing to coronary arteries including the proepicardium, sinus venosus (SV), and endocardium. However, the developmental origins of coronary vessels are still under intense study. We have produced a new genetic tool for studying coronary development, an AplnCreER mouse line, which expresses an inducible Cre recombinase specifically in developing coronary vessels. Quantitative analysis of coronary development and timed induction of AplnCreER fate tracing showed that the progenies of subepicardial endothelial cells (ECs) both invade the compact myocardium to form coronary arteries and remain on the surface to produce veins. We found that these subepicardial ECs are the major sources of intramyocardial coronary vessels in the developing heart. In vitro explant assays indicate that the majority of these subepicardial ECs arise from endocardium of the SV and atrium, but not from ventricular endocardium. Clonal analysis of Apln-positive cells indicates that a single subepicardial EC contributes equally to both coronary arteries and veins. Collectively, these data suggested that subepicardial ECs are the major source of intramyocardial coronary arteries in the ventricle wall, and that coronary arteries and veins have a common origin in the developing heart.
Tian, Xueying; Hu, Tianyuan; Zhang, Hui; He, Lingjuan; Huang, Xiuzhen; Liu, Qiaozhen; Yu, Wei; He, Liang; Yang, Zhongzhou; Zhang, Zhen; Zhong, Tao P; Yang, Xiao; Yang, Zhen; Yan, Yan; Baldini, Antonio; Sun, Yunfu; Lu, Jie; Schwartz, Robert J; Evans, Sylvia M; Gittenberger-de Groot, Adriana C; Red-Horse, Kristy; Zhou, Bin
In vivo effects of contrast media on coronary thrombolysis
Objectives. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of radiographic contrast media (CM) on alteplase-induced coronary thrombolysis.Background. Contrast media inhibit fibrinolysis in vitro and interact with endothelial cells, platelets and the coagulation system. The in vivo effects of CM on thrombolysis are not known.Methods. Occlusive coronary artery thrombosis was induced in 4 groups of 10 dogs
Sorin Pislaru; Cristina Pislaru; Monika Szilard; Jef Arnout; Frans Van de Werf
The role of coronary artery calcifications in coronary artery disease
Coronary atherosclerosis � Introduction Calcification within the wall of a coronary artery is a recognized marker of atherosclerosis. Imaging modalities used in detection of coronary calcification are the chest film, fluoroscopy, and conventional, electron beam and helical CT. The faster electron beam CT (EBT) and helical CT (HCT) scanners are especially sensitive in detecting coronary artery calcification. Thus, these imaging
William Stanford
... a specific type of seizure seen in an epilepsy syndrome of infancy and childhood known as West ... supports broad and varied programs of research on epilepsy and other seizure disorders. This research is aimed ...
... 11/2014 Celebrating American Heart Month: NIH Advancing Heart Research 02/07/2014 The NHLBI "Grand Opportunity" Exome Sequencing Project 05/16/2012 Living With and Managing Coronary Artery Disease 08/13/2011 Coronary Heart Disease Clinical Trials Clinical trials are research studies ...
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
... plaque narrows the coronary arteries and reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This can cause ... coronary artery. This creates a new path for oxygen-rich blood to flow to the heart muscle. Surgeons can bypass multiple ...
Coronary Microvascular Disease (MVD)
... narrows the heart's large arteries and reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. The buildup of plaque also makes it more likely that blood clots will form in your arteries. Blood clots can mostly or completely block blood flow through a coronary artery. In coronary MVD, however, ...
Coronary plaque imaging by coronary computed tomography angiography
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has become the useful noninvasive imaging modality alternative to the invasive coronary angiography for detecting coronary artery stenoses in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). With the development of technical aspects of coronary CTA, clinical practice and research are increasingly shifting toward defining the clinical implication of plaque morphology and patients outcomes by coronary CTA. In this review we discuss the coronary plaque morphology estimated by CTA beyond coronary angiography including the comparison to the currently available other imaging modalities used to examine morphological characteristics of the atherosclerotic plaque. Furthermore, this review underlies the value of a combined assessment of coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion in patients with CAD, and adds to an increasing body of evidence suggesting an added diagnostic value when combining both modalities. We hope that an integrated, multi-modality imaging approach will become the gold standard for noninvasive evaluation of coronary plaque morphology and outcome data in clinical practice.
Sato, Akira
Hemifacial spasm and trigeminal neuralgia in Chiari's I malformation with hydrocephalus: Case report and literature review.
Chiari's I malformation with hydrocephalus is commonly seen in clinical experience. Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and hemifacial spasm (HFS) are most commonly related to vascular compression of the root entry/enter zone (REZ). Until now, TN and HFS associated with hydrocephalus caused by Chiari's malformation have not been reported. The patient was a 24-year old male with left HFS and ipsilateral TN. Arnold-Chiari's I malformation with hydrocephalus and platybasia were found in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain. We underwent a programmable ventriculoperitoneal shunt with complete resolution of all symptoms. This is the first report of one case only presenting as coexistent ipsilateral TN and HFS secondary to Chiari's I malformation with hydrocephalus. PMID:24908219
Liu, Jiang; Yuan, Yue; Zang, Li; Fang, Ying; Liu, Hongjun; Yu, Yanbing
Endovascular Treatment of Hemifacial Spasm Associated with a Petrosal DAVF Using Transarterial Onyx Embolization
Summary This paper reports that decompression of the facial nerve by transarterial Onyx embolization may relieve hemifacial spasm (HFS) caused by dilated veins due to a right petrosal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF). A 56-year-old man suffered severe chronic right HFS associated with a dilated right petrosal vein lying in the vicinity of the facial nerve. The right petrosal DAVF was reached through the middle meningeal artery using a transfemoral arterial approach and was occluded with Onyx 18 (M.T.I.- ev3, Irvine, CA, USA). There was complete remission of HFS without recurrence after two months of follow-up. This case supports vascular compression in the pathogenesis of HFS and suggests that facial nerve injury caused by a DAVF could be treated with transarterial Onyx embolization.
Li, T.; Lv, X.; Wu, Z.
Esmail Jorjani (1042-1137) and his descriptions of trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and bell's palsy.
Esmail Jorjani was a prominent Persian physician of the 11th and 12th centuries. We present Jorjani's descriptions of probable trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and Bell's palsy. Additionally, on the basis of our translations of his original text, we believe that Jorjani may have been the first to implicate an artery-nerve conflict as an etiology of trigeminal neuralgia. This theory, documented in Jorjani's Treasure of the Khawarazm Shah and elaborated on by Dandy and Jannetta, constitutes the basis of a modern surgical approach to trigeminal neuralgia. The authors also describe the life and works of Esmail Jorjani and review his Treasure for its descriptions related to the aforementioned cranial nerve pathologies. PMID:20644430
Shoja, Mohammadali M; Tubbs, R Shane; Khalili, Majid; Khodadoost, Kazem; Loukas, Marios; Cohen-Gadol, Aaron A
Critical Single Proximal Left Arterial Descending Coronary Artery Stenosis to Mimic Chronic Myocardial Ischemia: A New Model Induced by Minimal Invasive Technology
Background\\/Aims: The present report examines a new pig model for progressive induction of high-grade stenosis, for the study of chronic myocardial ischemia and the dynamics of collateral vessel growth. Methods: Thirty-nine Landrace pigs were instrumented with a novel experimental stent (GVD stent) in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Eight animals underwent transthoracic echocardiography at rest and under low-dose dobutamine.
Georg Horstick; Benjamin Bierbach; Nico Abegunewardene; Stefan Both; Sebastian Kuhn; Dirk Manefeld; Hans-J�rgen Reinecke; Markus Vosseler; Andreas Helisch; Dietmar Becker; Michael Lauterbach; Oliver Kempski; Hans-Anton Lehr
Attenuation of angiotensin II-mediated coronary vasoconstriction and vasodilatory action of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in pacing-induced heart failure in dogs
OBJECTIVESWe investigated the changes in coronary vascular resistance caused by angiotensin II, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and angiotensin II type 1 or 2 receptor (AT1R and AT2R, respectively) antagonists in chronic heart failure (CHF).BACKGROUNDAngiotensin II is an intense vasoconstrictor, and increased angiotensin II in CHF might exert significant vasoconstriction.METHODSEleven dogs were studied. Before and after three and five weeks of
Yuji Oikawa; Kazuhira Maehara; Tomiyoshi Saito; Kazuaki Tamagawa; Yukio Maruyama
Histamine-Induced Production of Interleukin6 and Interleukin8 by Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells Is Enhanced by Endotoxin and Tumor Necrosis Factor-?
In this study, we tested the synergy between histamine and LPS, and histamine and TNF-?, on endothelial cell production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were cultured in vitro with histamine (0.1 to 1000 ?M) in the presence or absence of LPS or TNF-? for 24 h, and the secreted
Yuai Li; Luqi Chi; Daniel J. Stechschulte; Kottarappat N. Dileepan
HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors Reduce Nicotine-Induced Expression of Cellular Adhesion Molecules in Cultured Human Coronary Endothelial Cells
Background: Smoking predisposes to the development of atherosclerosis and of its complications. The mechanisms responsible for these effects are not completely understood. We have investigated whether nicotine might promote a proatherosclerotic state in human coronary endothelial cells (HCAECs), studying the role of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors in preventing these phenomena. Methods and Results: Real-time PCR showed that nicotine
Plinio Cirillo; Mario Pacileo; Salvatore De Rosa; Paolo Calabr�; Annarita Gargiulo; Valeria Angri; Nella Prevete; Isabella Fiorentino; Grazia Ucci; Laura Sasso; Gianluca Petrillo; Sergio Musto D�Amore; Massimo Chiariello
Experimental coronary vein obstruction in sheep: changes in haematological and inflammatory markers
It has been suggested that obstruction of coronary veins can induce myocardial infarction similar to coronary artery obstruction.\\u000a In this study, the coronary veins of the sheep heart were blocked experimentally and haematological and inflammatory indices\\u000a (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, tumour necrosis factor-? and interferon-?) alterations were studied. Twenty sheep were used\\u000a for this study. Anaesthesia was induced by ketamine
Fatemeh Dehghani Nazhvani; M. B. Sharifkazemi; S. N. Dehghani; S. Nazifi; M. Shafa
Coronary artery magnetic resonance angiography.
Coronary magnetic resonance angiography (coronary MRA) continues to advance rapidly from both a technical and clinical perspective. Coronary MRA has benefited directly from improvements in spatial resolution, contrast definition, and advances in motion correction, which have furthered its routine use in evaluating coronary artery bypass grafts and anomalous coronary arteries. Work in refining the techniques for more accurate identification of coronary artery disease (CAD) continues, with advances in navigator-gated and breath-hold motion correction techniques, novel k-space strategies (e.g., spiral and radial k-space filling), development and application of intravascular contrast agents, and imaging at higher field strengths. Ultimately, these developments may lead to the routine application of coronary MRA as a screening tool for CAD. This article reviews the development of coronary MRA, discusses the requirements and tools necessary for optimal visualization of the coronary arteries, and describes the application of coronary MRA to acquired and congenital CAD. PMID:15170777
Flamm, Scott D; Muthupillai, Raja
Eosinophilic coronary monoarteritis.
Eosinophilic coronary monoarteritis is an unfamiliar cause of acute myocardial ischemia. Most commonly, it presents as a left-sided chest pain or sudden death in middle-aged women with no traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease. Because the abrupt onset leaves almost no time for intervention, the symptoms readily lead to death, and most cases are diagnosed at necropsy. Dissection of the coronary artery wall with resultant occlusion of the lumen, which commonly affects the left anterior descending artery, is a consistent gross finding. An inflammatory infiltrate, which is predominantly composed of eosinophils in the tunica adventitia and tunica media and is often accompanied by a hematoma in between these 2 layers, is observed histologically. The etiology remains unclear, but an increase in the activity of eosinophils because of hormonal interactions during pregnancy has been suggested. Interplay of hormones is thought to culminate in the release of histolytic agents by the eosinophils, which initiate the dissection process. Currently, there is no specific treatment for eosinophilic coronary monoarteritis, but cyclophosphamide and prednisone have shown positive results in the treatment of spontaneous coronary artery dissection with unspecified periadventitial inflammation. Percutaneous coronary procedures have also resulted in favorable outcomes in a subset of patients. Because of the high, sudden death rate in eosinophilic coronary monoarteritis, deciphering the underlying pathophysiology of this almost invariably fatal disease remains both a challenge and a key to developing screening methods that will allow timely detection and thus treatment. PMID:24978927
Carreon, Chrystalle Katte; Esposito, Michael J
Impact of Coronary Risk Factors on Contribution of Nitric Oxide and Adenosine to Metabolic Coronary Vasodilation in Humans 1 1 This study was supported by Grant-in-Aid for JSPS Fellows from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture and by the Japan Heart Foundation�Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Grant for Research on Coronary Artery Disease, Tokyo, Japan
Objectives. The contribution of nitric oxide (NO) and adenosine to the increase in coronary blood flow (CBF) induced by cardiac pacing was investigated in 28 subjects with angiographically normal coronary arteries with and without one or more risk factors for atherosclerosis.Background. NO and adenosine are important in the regulation of coronary circulation, and the inhibition of NO synthesis increases adenosine
Tetsuo Minamino; Masafumi Kitakaze; Yasushi Matsumura; Kazuhiko Nishida; Yoji Kato; Kazuhiko Hashimura; Yasuhiko Matsu-ura; Hiroharu Funaya; Hiroshi Sato; Tsunehiko Kuzuya; Masatsugu Hori
Chronic total coronary occlusions.
Chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO) occur in up to one-third of patients undergoing coronary angiography. Indications for opening CTOs include relief of angina, improving left ventricular function, decreasing the need for coronary artery bypass surgery, and improved long-term survival. Newer technology, wire-based and non-wired-based, has improved the ability to cross these previously uncrossable lesions, thereby improving the acute success rates of opening these lesions. Also, the advent of drug-eluting stents has markedly increased the long-term patency of these complex lesions. Therefore, the clinical demand for opening these chronically occluded arteries has increased. PMID:16781941
Braden, Gregory A
[A case of coronary perforation after directional coronary atherectomy].
Directional coronary atherectomy was performed on a 69-year-old female with angina pectoris. She suffered from coronary perforation as a result of cardiac tamponade and shock. Pericardial drainage and hemostasis were performed immediately using a perfusion catheter. The patient was transferred to the operating room for perforation repair and coronary artery bypass grafting to the distal portion of the left anterior descending artery. The procedure was performed successfully. Although acute coronary perforation associated with directional coronary atherectomy is rare, it can be managed temporarily by a perfusion catheter and we successfully performed coronary artery bypass grafting. PMID:8990888
Baba, H; Okawa, Y; Hashimoto, M; Koike, S; Matsumoto, K
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. CAD happens when the arteries that supply blood to ...
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
... t help, you may need coronary artery bypass surgery. The surgery creates a new path for blood to flow ... more than one bypass. The results of the surgery usually are excellent. Many people remain symptom-free ...
Coronary fistulas: a case series.
Coronary artery fistula is an uncommon finding during angiographic exams. We report a case series of five patients with congenital coronary fistulas. The first patient was 56 years old and had a coronary fistula associated with a partial atrio ventricular defect, the second patient was 54 years old and had two fistulas originating from the right coronary artery with a severe atherosclerotic coronary disease, the third patient was 57 years old with a fistula originating from the circumflex artery associated with a rheumatic mitral stenosis, the fourth patient was 50 years old and had a fistulous communication between the right coronary artery and the right bronchial artery, and the last patient was 12 years old who had bilateral coronary fistulas draining into the right ventricle with an aneurismal dilatation of the coronary arteries. Angiographic aspects of coronary fistulas are various; management is controversial and depends on the presence of symptoms. PMID:24501660
Nada, Fennich; Fedoua, Elouali; Ghita, Saghi; Nadia, Bouzammour; Leila, Haddour; Jamila, Zarzur; Mohamed, Cherti
Comparison between intra-venous versus intra-arterial heparin during transradial coronary artery catheterization
Background Trans-radial coronary artery catheterization is gaining popularity, heparin has been proven to reduce the rate of radial artery occlusion, intra-venous or intra-arterial heparin have no effect on the radial artery occlusion, we investigate the effect of route of heparin administration on different procedure related parameters. Methods We randomized 150 consecutive patients to receive intra-venous (75 patients) or intra-arterial (75 patients) heparin; the two groups were compared regarding different procedure related parameters. Results The success rate was over 99% and rate of radial artery spasm was about 5%. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the parameters tested. Conclusion The trans-radial angiography can be performed successfully in the Saudi population, Studies with larger sample size are needed to show a significant difference between intra-arterial and intra-venous heparin administration.
Almansori, Mohammed; Ouf, Shady
Infantile Spasms: Hypothesis-Driven Therapy and Pilot Human Infant Experiments Using Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Antagonists
Background and Rationale: Infantile spasms (IS) are an age-specific seizure disorder occurring in 1:2,000 infants and associated with mental retardation in ?90% of affected individuals. The costs of IS in terms of loss of lifetime productivity and emotional and financial burdens on families are enormous. It is generally agreed that the seizures associated with IS respond poorly to most conventional
Tallie Z. Baram; Wendy G. Mitchell; Kristen Brunson; Elizabeth Haden
Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm: A Long-Term Follow-Up of 1,169 Consecutive Cases
We analyzed the records of 1,169 patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) who underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) and were followed up for more than 6 months from January 1987. The mean follow-up duration was 23.8 months (6�145 months). Excellent surgical outcome was obtained in 90.5% and good in 4.5%, giving an overall success rate of 95.0%. There was statistically significant relationship
Sang Sup Chung; Jong Hee Chang; Jae Young Choi; Jin Woo Chang; Young Gou Park
Coronary dilators and cardioplegia
The distribution in the myocardium of cardioplegic solution is demonstrated in dog hearts with the aid of indocyanine green. When papaverine or nitroglycerin are added to the solution, a much improved diffusion is observed. Papaverine appears to be a better coronary dilator. We deduce from this observation that myocardial protection during ischemic arrest for open-heart surgery is enhanced considerably when coronary dilation is assured. Images
Romagnoli, Alexander; Koska, Adolph J.
In vitro effects of L-carnitine on coronary artery bypass grafts
BACKGROUND: The gold standard treatment for multivessel coronary revascularization is coronary artery bypass grafting. The internal mammary artery and saphenous vein grafts are the conduits most frequently used for these operations. Spasm of arterial and venous grafts is a significant problem during the operation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the acute in vitro effects of L-carnitine on internal mammary artery and saphenous vein grafts using a tissue bath. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled in the present study (nine men, one woman; mean [� SD] age 62�9.1 years). Samples from left internal mammary artery and saphenous vein grafts were collected from each patient. Submaximal smooth muscle contraction was achieved by adding 1 ?M phenylephrine, and L-carnitine was then added to the solution. The concentration-response curves of the vasodilation response were obtained. RESULTS: In the internal mammary graft samples, the vasodilation response to L-carnitine was 64.3�11.1% at a concentration of 5 mM. In the saphenous vein graft samples, the vasodilation response to L-carnitine was 41.5�11.4% at a concentration of 5 mM. There was a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) between the response of the internal mammary artery and saphenous vein grafts in the in vitro tissue bath system. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that L-carnitine is a potential vasodilatory drug for internal mammary artery and saphenous vein grafts.
Guclu, Orkut; Yuksel, Volkan; Huseyin, Serhat; Ege, Turan; Canbaz, Suat; Sungun, Mutasim
Asymptomatic ST segment elevation in the recovery phase of the exercise stress test due to slow coronary flow.
Exercise-induced ST segment elevation without Q wave formation is rarely observed. Frequent causes are significant coronary stenosis, myocardial bridge and coronary vasospasm. Both exercise-induced ST segment elevation due to slow coronary flow and ST segment elevation in the recovery phase of the exercise stress test are very rare. We present a 49-year-old man with asymptomatic inferolateral ST segment elevation in the recovery phase of the exercise stress test due to slow coronary flow, which has not been reported previously. The learning points of the present paper are as follows: a) although significant coronary stenosis, myocardial bridge and coronary vasospasm are frequent causes of exercise-induced ST segment elevation, slow coronary flow might also cause it; b) one should keep in mind that ST segment elevation might also occur in the recovery phase; and c) ST segment elevation might be asymptomatic, as in the present case. PMID:24799931
Sunbul, Murat; Erdogan, Okan; Sari, Ibrahim
Asymptomatic ST segment elevation in the recovery phase of the exercise stress test due to slow coronary flow
Exercise-induced ST segment elevation without Q wave formation is rarely observed. Frequent causes are significant coronary stenosis, myocardial bridge and coronary vasospasm. Both exercise-induced ST segment elevation due to slow coronary flow and ST segment elevation in the recovery phase of the exercise stress test are very rare. We present a 49-year-old man with asymptomatic inferolateral ST segment elevation in the recovery phase of the exercise stress test due to slow coronary flow, which has not been reported previously. The learning points of the present paper are as follows: a) although significant coronary stenosis, myocardial bridge and coronary vasospasm are frequent causes of exercise-induced ST segment elevation, slow coronary flow might also cause it; b) one should keep in mind that ST segment elevation might also occur in the recovery phase; and c) ST segment elevation might be asymptomatic, as in the present case.
Erdogan, Okan; Sari, Ibrahim
Side effects of the use of botulinum toxin for treatment of benign essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm.
From April 1983 to April 1988, 381 botulinum toxin injections for lid spasms were administered to 106 patients. Sixty-nine had bilateral blepharospasm and 37 had hemifacial spasm. Of the 381 injections, 308 had been given to patients who returned for follow-up examinations. No systemic effects were noted at any of these visits; all side effects were temporary; there were no serious complications. Ptosis, the most frequently encountered problem, occurred after 26 (8.4%) of the injections. Other complications included: corneal exposure (after eight injections, 2.59%); face droop (after 11 injections, 3.57%); diplopia (after five injections, 1.62%); and subtle visual blurring (after eight injections, 2.59%). One patient noted jaw tenseness, another mentioned tearing, one reported brow droop, and another complained of crossed eyes. Ten injections had minimal effect; in these cases a repeat injection usually was effective. Only four patients chose surgery after beginning injections. We conclude that botulinum toxin injections are a safe, effective means of treating lid spasms. PMID:2381655
Kalra, H K; Magoon, E H
Combination of infantile spasms, non-epileptic seizures and complex movement disorder: a new case of ARX-related epilepsy.
Mutations in the ARX gene are responsible for a wide variety of mental retardation conditions including X-linked infantile spasms (ISSX) and generalized dystonia. However, electroclinical descriptions in patients with ISSX carrying ARX mutations are scarce. Here, we report on the electroclinical features of a 4-year-old boy with an expansion of the trinucleotide repeat in the ARX gene. Epilepsy started at 2 months of age with subclinical spasms that consisted of episodes of eye rolling combined with atypical hypsarrhythmia. Later, the condition evolved into severe mental retardation with polymorphic ictal episodes that consisted of nocturnal brief axial contractions followed by dyskinetic movement of all four limbs and diurnal clusters of chaotic movements combined with myoclonic jerks. EEG recording of these episodes lead to the diagnosis of non-ictal dyskinetic movements. This combination of early infantile spasms followed by a complex movement disorder contributes further to extent the pleiotropy of the ARX-linked "interneuronopathy" and should lead the clinician to ARX mutation screening. PMID:18468866
Poirier, Karine; Eisermann, Monika; Caubel, Isabelle; Kaminska, Anna; Peudonnier, Sylviane; Boddaert, Nathalie; Saillour, Yoann; Dulac, Olivier; Souville, Isabelle; Beldjord, Ch�rif; Lascelles, Karine; Plouin, Perrine; Chelly, Jamel; Bahi-Buisson, Nadia
The influence of etiology upon ictal semiology, treatment decisions and long-term outcomes in infantile spasms and West syndrome.
Studying infantile spasms is challenging because there are so many aspects of variation that introduce potential bias. These might relate to the many underlying etiologies, and variations in clinical semiology and electroencephalographic features that relate more to age or timing of investigation than to the underlying epilepsy or seizures type. New gene defects associated with the CDKL5/STK9 and ARX genes are associated with infantile spasms, but these illustrate that, when studying neurodevelopmental outcomes, it is necessary to deal also with heterogeneity at the level of genotype-phenotype correlation. We discuss these design issues with consideration of data from the United Kingdom infantile spasms study (UKISS)--in which neurodevelopmental outcomes show evidence of an interaction between underlying etiologic classification and randomised treatment--and with consideration to proposals on study design from the recent consensus statement of the West Delphi group. In the continual debate about whether we should "lump" or "split" when studying epilepsy syndromes, we propose the adoption of study designs using valid and consistent methods that permit both lumping and splitting. PMID:16828260
Lux, Andrew L; Osborne, John P
Disruption of the Serine/Threonine Kinase 9 Gene Causes Severe X-Linked Infantile Spasms and Mental Retardation
X-linked West syndrome, also called �X-linked infantile spasms� (ISSX), is characterized by early-onset generalized seizures, hypsarrhythmia, and mental retardation. Recently, we have shown that the majority of the X-linked families with infantile spasms carry mutations in the aristaless-related homeobox gene (ARX), which maps to the Xp21.3-p22.1 interval, and that the clinical picture in these patients can vary from mild mental retardation to severe ISSX with additional neurological abnormalities. Here, we report a study of two severely affected female patients with apparently de novo balanced X;autosome translocations, both disrupting the serine-threonine kinase 9 (STK9) gene, which maps distal to ARX in the Xp22.3 region. We show that STK9 is subject to X-inactivation in normal female somatic cells and is functionally absent in the two patients, because of preferential inactivation of the normal X. Disruption of the same gene in two unrelated patients who have identical phenotypes (consisting of early-onset severe infantile spasms, profound global developmental arrest, hypsarrhythmia, and severe mental retardation) strongly suggests that lack of functional STK9 protein causes severe ISSX and that STK9 is a second X-chromosomal locus for this disorder.
Kalscheuer, Vera M.; Tao, Jiong; Donnelly, Andrew; Hollway, Georgina; Schwinger, Eberhard; Kubart, Sabine; Menzel, Corinna; Hoeltzenbein, Maria; Tommerup, Niels; Eyre, Helen; Harbord, Michael; Haan, Eric; Sutherland, Grant R.; Ropers, Hans-Hilger; Gecz, Jozef
Disruption of the serine/threonine kinase 9 gene causes severe X-linked infantile spasms and mental retardation.
X-linked West syndrome, also called "X-linked infantile spasms" (ISSX), is characterized by early-onset generalized seizures, hypsarrhythmia, and mental retardation. Recently, we have shown that the majority of the X-linked families with infantile spasms carry mutations in the aristaless-related homeobox gene (ARX), which maps to the Xp21.3-p22.1 interval, and that the clinical picture in these patients can vary from mild mental retardation to severe ISSX with additional neurological abnormalities. Here, we report a study of two severely affected female patients with apparently de novo balanced X;autosome translocations, both disrupting the serine-threonine kinase 9 (STK9) gene, which maps distal to ARX in the Xp22.3 region. We show that STK9 is subject to X-inactivation in normal female somatic cells and is functionally absent in the two patients, because of preferential inactivation of the normal X. Disruption of the same gene in two unrelated patients who have identical phenotypes (consisting of early-onset severe infantile spasms, profound global developmental arrest, hypsarrhythmia, and severe mental retardation) strongly suggests that lack of functional STK9 protein causes severe ISSX and that STK9 is a second X-chromosomal locus for this disorder. PMID:12736870
Kalscheuer, Vera M; Tao, Jiong; Donnelly, Andrew; Hollway, Georgina; Schwinger, Eberhard; K�bart, Sabine; Menzel, Corinna; Hoeltzenbein, Maria; Tommerup, Niels; Eyre, Helen; Harbord, Michael; Haan, Eric; Sutherland, Grant R; Ropers, Hans-Hilger; G�cz, Jozef
[Age-related transformation of infantile spasms into drug-resistant forms of epilepsy].
An objective of this paper was to study treatment outcomes in patients with infantile spasms (IS) in the evolutionary aspects and from the point of view of drug resistance. We have treated 124 children with IS. Standard therapy included hormones synacthen depot (0.03-0.05 mg/kg) or dexasone (0.3-0.5 mg.kg). The drug regimen was as follows: 10 injections daily initially, following with 5 injections every other day, then 5 injections every two days, plus a valproate in dose 30-40 mg/kg/day. Seventy-three patients were followed up: 21 patients continued to manifest spasms despite the use of several adequate and well-tolerated antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) as a monotherapy, as well as a combination therapy. The patients were divided into 2 groups. In Group 1 (n=12) the remission period was from 0 to 4 months, while in Group 2 (n=9) remission lasted from 7 months up to 4 years. The patients demonstrated all types of IS and modified hypsarrhythmia. In Group 1, the patients were relieved of IS in 66% of the cases and the EEGs showed no epileptic activity in 58%. 83% of the patients then experienced a return of IS and 50% of the patients had hypsarrhythmia. Adding 2 and 3 AEDs to the treatment did not bring any change. A transformation of hypsarrhythmia was observed as the patients grew older. All patients in Group 2 had a cessation of IS, and 77% of the patients had no hypsarrhythmia. In one third of the cases, the IS returned while the other two thirds had focal seizures. EEGs predominantly demonstrated the focal epileptic activity. Adding 2 AEDs had positive effect on seizures in 66% of the cases and EEGs improved in 88% of the cases. Adding 3 AEDs had no effect on the course of the condition in one third of the cases, and in most cases the EEGs did not change. In Group 1, the condition was of drug-resistant nature, and in Group 2 we saw a remission in the condition. After the hormone regimen was completed, a relief of the epileptic activity was achieved for most patients in Group 2. In Group 1, the recurrence of IS was in correlation with the persistence of hypsarrhythmia. We have not found any obvious benefit from the use of any one AED or a combination of AEDs. 78% of the patients in Group 1 demonstrated further persistence of IS for several years. In Group 2, the return of seizures and the EEGs were age-dependent and the treatment had a more positive outcome. PMID:23388587
Volkov, I V; Volkova, O K
Adventitial vasa vasorum in balloon-injured coronary arteries
Objectives. The objective of this study was to examine the quantitative response of the adventitial vasa vasorum to balloon-induced coronary injury.Background. Recent attention has focused on the role of vasa vasorum in atherosclerotic and restenotic coronary artery disease. However, the three-dimensional anatomy of these complex vessels is largely unknown, especially after angioplasty injury. The purpose of this study was to
Hyuck Moon Kwon; Giuseppe Sangiorgi; Erik L Ritman; Amir Lerman; Charles McKenna; Renu Virmani; William D Edwards; David R Holmes; Robert S Schwartz
Coronary vascular volume remodelling in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.
The 34% increase in relative ventricular mass (Mrv) resulting from chronic anaemia (induced by an intraperitoneal injection of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride) was accompanied by a 117% increase in coronary vascular volume of diploid rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Coronary vascular volume of normocythemic triploid fish was similar to that of normocythemic diploid fish despite a larger Mrv. These observations, in combination with previous studies, suggest that the vascularity of compact myocardium in O. mykiss can vary independently of Mrv. PMID:20738647
Simonot, D L; Farrell, A P
Coronary Anomalies: Left Main Coronary Artery Aneurysm
Coronary artery aneurysm is one of the rarest anomalies that we see in our medical practice and they are mostly associated with obstructive lesions due to atherosclerotic changes. Management of these aneurysm patients (conservative or surgical repair) usually depends on obstructive lesions and associated symptoms. We are presenting a case of left main aneurysm measuring around 14 � 28?mm with other obstructive leisons. It was treated with surgical repair in view of obstructive lesions and symptoms.
Varda, Rajsekhar; Chitimilla, Santosh Kumar; Lalani, Aslam
Coronary calcium screening and coronary risk stratification
Current vital statistics clearly indicate a continuing epidemic of cardiovascular disease in the Western hemisphere and strongly\\u000a suggest that the most desirable approach to this ailment is prevention rather than delayed treatment. Over 7 million people\\u000a in the United States suffer from coronary artery disease and more than 500,000 die from its complications annually. In the\\u000a majority of cases, the
Paolo Raggi; George James
Coronary artery bypass grafting to a calcified right coronary artery
A severely calcified coronary artery demands a special technique in coronary artery bypass surgery. We have successfully developed\\u000a a �punch-out� technique for a calcified right coronary artery in a dialysis patient. After an incision into the target coronary\\u000a artery, the calcified arterial wall was resected using a punch to make an oval hole for anastomosis. Limited endarterectomy,\\u000a which consisted of
Masaru Yoshikai; Keiji Kamohara; Junji Yunoki
P2-purinoceptors mediating spasm of the isolated uterus of the non-pregnant guinea-pig.
1. The isolated uterus of the non-pregnant guinea-pig has been suggested to contain P1-, and possibly P2-purinoceptors mediating spasm. The presence of P1-purinoceptors has been confirmed and these receptors have been further characterized. 2. In the presence of the adenosine uptake inhibitor, S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBTI, 300 nM) and a pA100 concentration of the P1-purinoceptor antagonist 8-sulphophenyltheophylline (140 microM), the potency order of agonists as spasmogens was: 2 methylthio ATP >> alpha,beta methylene ATP = UTP = ATP >> beta,gamma methylene ATP. This order is not consistent with any single recognised P2-purinoceptor subtype. 3. Indomethacin (1 microM) treatment abolished responses to 2 methylthio ATP, alpha,beta methylene ATP and UTP, while spasm to ATP was significantly inhibited. When the endometrial and circular smooth muscle cell layers were removed, spasmogenic responses to ATP, 2 methylthio ATP, alpha,beta methylene ATP and UTP were significantly reduced. 4. 2-methylthio ATP was able to cause desensitization to itself, but not to UTP, indicating that these agonists act at different receptor sites. 5. The P2-purinoceptor antagonist, suramin antagonized 2 methylthio ATP with a PA2 of 5.9 +/- 0.3. Suramin was also an antagonist of ATP and UTP. In the case of ATP, the antagonism was not dependent on suramin concentration, while for UTP the interaction appeared to be non-equilibrium. Pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS, 10 microM) had no effect on spasm to ATP, UTP or 2 methythio ATP. 6. In the presence of indomethacin, responses to ATP were unaffected by 8-sulphophenyltheophylline (140 microM) or by suramin (100 microM), but PPADS (10 microM) antagonized ATP. 7. These results suggest that the isolated uterus of the non-pregnant guinea-pig contains a mixture of P2-purinoceptors. P2U- (or UTP-selective pyrimidinoceptors) and P2Y-purinoceptors appear to be present, probably mainly located on the endometrial or circular smooth muscle layer. Activation of these receptors leads to spasm via increases in prostanoid generation. There appears also to be a third class of non-P2X-, non p2Y-purinoceptor present, at which ATP is an agonist and PPADS is an antagonist, located on the longitudinal smooth muscle, activation of which causes spasm independent of changes in prostanoids.
Piper, A. S.; Hollingsworth, M.
Relation between the Persistence of an Abnormal Muscle Response and the Long-Term Clinical Course after Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm.
Mentalis muscle responses to electrical stimulation of the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve are considered abnormal muscle responses (AMRs) and can be used to monitor the success of decompression in microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of MVD surgery in which the AMR disappeared to the outcome of surgery in which the AMR persisted. From 2005 to 2009, 131 patients with hemifacial spasm received MVD surgery with intraoperative monitoring of AMR. At 1 week postsurgery, spasms had resolved in 82% of cases in the AMR-disappearance group and 46% of cases in the persistent-AMR group, mild spasms were present in 10% of cases in the AMR-disappearance group and 31% of cases in the persistent-AMR group, and moderate were present spasms in 8% of cases in the AMR-disappearance group and 23% of cases in the persistent-AMR group (P < 0.05). At 1 year postsurgery, spasms had resolved in 92% of cases in the AMR-disappearance group and 84% of cases in the persistent-AMR group, mild spasms were present in 6% of cases in the AMR-disappearance group and 8% of cases in the persistent-AMR group, and moderate spasms were present in 3% of cases in the AMR-disappearance group and 8% of the cases in the persistent-AMR group (P = 0.56). These results indicate that the long-term outcome of MVD surgery in which the AMR persisted was no different to that of MVD surgery in which the AMR disappeared. PMID:24305017
Tobishima, Hana; Hatayama, Toru; Ohkuma, Hiroki
Induction of Purkinje fiber differentiation by coronary arterialization
A synchronized heart beat is controlled by pacemaking impulses conducted through Purkinje fibers. In chicks, these impulse-conducting cells are recruited during embryogenesis from myocytes in direct association with developing coronary arteries. In culture, the vascular cytokine endothelin converts embryonic myocytes to Purkinje cells, implying that selection of conduction phenotype may be mediated by an instructive cue from arteries. To investigate this hypothesis, coronary arterial development in the chicken embryo was either inhibited by neural crest ablation or activated by ectopic expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Ablation of cardiac neural crest resulted in ?70% reductions (P < 0.01) in the density of intramural coronary arteries and associated Purkinje fibers. Activation of coronary arterial branching was induced by retrovirus-mediated overexpression of FGF. At sites of FGF-induced hypervascularization, ectopic Purkinje fibers differentiated adjacent to newly induced coronary arteries. Our data indicate the necessity and sufficiency of developing arterial bed for converting a juxtaposed myocyte into a Purkinje fiber cell and provide evidence for an inductive function for arteriogenesis in heart development distinct from its role in establishing coronary blood circulation.
Hyer, Jeanette; Johansen, Mikkel; Prasad, Aparna; Wessels, Andy; Kirby, Margaret L.; Gourdie, Robert G.; Mikawa, Takashi
What Is Coronary Bypass Surgery?
... and the other end is attached to the coronary artery below the point where it�s blocked. Blood can ... the heart. You may have more than one coronary artery bypass done at a time, depending on how ...
Recent developments in coronary atherectomy.
Percutaneous coronary atherectomy (PCA) is one of the newest treatments for coronary artery disease. In this technique, arterial plaque is mechanically removed from the interior of the artery by a tool located on the tip of a catheter placed inside the coronary artery nonsurgically. Clinical studies of several coronary atherectomy devices are in process in the United States and abroad. As atherosclerotic material is removed or debulked, abrupt reclosure or restenosis rates may potentially be lower compared with conventional percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). PCA m