Cor et Vasa, 2004 (vol. 45), issue 3
Original research articles
Catheter radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation performed with the support of electroanatomical mapping
Petr Neužil, Vivek Reddy, Miloš Táborský, Lucie Šedivá, Roman Vopálka, Jan Petrů, Dan Gross, Štěpán Královec, Petr Niederle
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(3):103-109
Aim of study:In recent years, the role of catheter ablation as a curative procedure in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become increasingly important. Our study was designed to assess our initial experience with performing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with various forms of atrial AS (paroxysmal, persistent, permanent). Method:A total of 35 catheter ablation procedures for AF were performed in our department over the years 2001-2002. All procedures were undertaken using electroanatomical mapping with a CARTO system, and with the help of activation or voltage left atrial mapping. A circular catheter...
The effect of moderate alcohol consumption on lipoprotein metabolism
Jan Kovář, Rudolf Poledne
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(3):110-114
Introduction:About half of the protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is due to increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. Our study was designed to determine whether changes in the activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL), enzymes responsible for the catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, could contribute to alcohol-induced HDL-C increase. Method:Eighteen healthy men consumed alcohol (36 g/day) for 3 weeks while abstaining from alcohol consumption for another 3 weeks. Concentrations of cholesterol and TG in plasma...
Review articles
Echocardiography in acute pulmonary embolism
Pavel Franc
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(3):115-122
Rapid and correct diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) can identify the subgroup of patients at increased risk of in-hospital mortality and improves their short-term prognosis. Of particular importance is the ability of the ultrasound investigation to recognize the relatively specific signs of right ventricular dysfunction in PE (characteristic hypokinesis of the free wall of the right ventricle). Differential diagnosis of other diseases potentially responsible for the symptom of presenting patients (e. g., acute myocardial infarction, aortic dissection or septic shock) as well as a proven patent foramen ovale or a thrombus in the right atrium can...
Is subclinical hypothyroidism a risk factor for cardiovascular disease?
Otto Mayer jr.
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(3):123-127
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is defined as elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, but still in the presence of normal free thyroxine levels. A recent retrospective case-control study reported SH was associated with a doubling in the relative risk of myocardial infarction. Similar to overt hypothyroidism, SH has been reported to be associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. Beside the well-established ones such as total and LDL-cholesterol, it was associated with some of the new risk factors such as homocysteine, C-reactive protein, lipoprotein Lp(a), or endothelial dysfunction. Hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac output...
Case reports
Cytomegalovirus disease in heart transplant recipients
Mariana Podzimková, Ivan Málek, Markéta Hegarová, Lenka Hošková
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(3):129-131
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major pathogen occurring in patients after solid organ transplantation and continues to pose a serious problem of transplant medicine. In addition to establishing correct diagnosis and initiation of adequate therapy, the issue of preventive ganciclovir administration has not been settled conclusively. CMV disease can follow completely different courses, as documented by the two case reports described below. Every effort is now being made to reach consensus over prevention. Ganciclovir administration is indicated in selected patients at increased risk for developing overt CMV disease.
Short communication
201Tl and 99mTc-MIBI gated SPECT in patients with large perfusion defects: comparison of 4D-MSPECT software with contrast left ventriculography
Milan Kamínek, Marcela Škvařilová, Jiří Ostřanský, Václav Hušák, Iva Metelková, Miroslav Mysliveček
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(3):133-136
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of new quantitative software, 4D-MSPECT, in assessing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with large perfusion defects. The difference in LVEF, as determined using 201Tl and 99mTc-MIBI gated SPECT, was also evaluated.A total of 125 consecutive patients (98 men, 27 women, 59 with a history of myocardial infarction, mean age 63 ± 8 yrs) who underwent rest 99mTc-MIBI (n = 78) and 201Tl (n = 47) gated SPECT and contrast left ventriculography (LVG) were studied. The summed rest perfusion score (SRS) and the LVEF were...