Cor et Vasa, 2005 (vol. 46), issue 7-8
Original research articles
Modulating progression of advanced atherosclerosis in the carotid bifurcation and the risk of vascular events by fluvastatin and fenofibrate-Results of the Neurological Ultrasound Study (NUS
David Školoudík, Michal Bar, Daniel Václavík, Ondřej Škoda, Jaroslav Korsa, Pavel Hradílek, Karla Šimíčková, Vladimír Kosek, Věra Ploticová, Kateřina Urbancová
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(7-8):269-275
Multicentric studies have demonstrated statins and fibrates reduce the risk for cardiovascular events, with statins additionally slowing down progression of intima-media thickness (IMT) in the carotid arteries. However, statins and fibrates have not been shown to have an effect on atherosclerotic plaques bigger than 1.5 mm in carotids. The Neurological Ultrasound Study (NUS) is an open-label randomized, multicenteric study currently in progress in four centers of neurosonography in the Czech Republic. Aim of study:The study was designed to determine whether or not there is a difference in the rate of progression of advanced atherosclerosis...
Effect of socio-demographic characteristics on the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension: a population study in seven Czech towns
Martin Bobák, Petr Vojtíšek, Hynek Pikhart, Naďa Čapková, Růžena Kubínová
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(7-8):276-282
Introduction:Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor but only a minority of patients is successfully controlled. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the Czech population, and to identify personal characteristics that influence the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension. Methods:A random sample of 6395 subjects aged 45-69 years was examined in a cross-sectional study in 7 Czech towns. Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent a short examination. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≤ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic...
Experimental pulmonary embolism (PE) did not change brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in a rat model
Peter Scheer, Petr Svoboda, Dita Kosáková, Jozef Tomandl, Jaroslav Doubek
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(7-8):283-288
Aims:The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma levels of rat BNP-32 at 60 minutes after pulmonary embolism (PE) induction in an newly developed animal model of sublethal massive non-thrombotic acute PE, and to describe alterations in the evaluated clinical parameters. Material and methods:Thirty nine (male, outbreed, 480-530 g) Wistar rats were randomized into two groups: PE (pure non-thrombotic acute massive PE induced by intravenous administration of 2 ml of the microsphere suspension Embo-sphere 40-120 mm; n = 23) and a control group (C; sham procedure, 2 ml of isotonic saline solution; n = 16). Sixty min-utes...
Review articles
Catheter-based left atrial auricle closure (PLAATO) in patients with atrial fibrillation and at high risk for thromboembolic complications
Petr Neužil, Vivek Reddy, Tomáš Mráz, Pavel Formánek, Heyder Omran, Miloš Táborský, Pavel Michálek, Zuzana Beldová, Daniel Gross, Jan Petrů, Lucie Šedivá, Petr Niederle
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(7-8):289-292
Thromboembolic complications and, in particular, stroke belong to the most frequent complications associated with atrial fibrillation. Most thrombi during atrial fibrillation will usually occur in the left atrial auricle. Although long-term anticoagulation therapy has been demonstrated to reduce the risk for these complications, its application is currently estimated at some 60% of patients at a high risk for thromboembolism. Our paper discusses the potential utilization of catheter-based left atrial auricle closure as a new method for patients at a high risk for thromboembolism who are either ineligible for long-term anticoagulation therapy (e. g.,...
Case reports
Percutaneous intraventricular septal defect closure with the Amplatzer occluder
Jan Indrák, Jaroslav Januška, Marian Branny, Svatava Pešatová
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(7-8):295-299
We present our experience with interventricular septal defect percutaneous closure using the Amplatzer Occluder device in a 28-year-old female patient. We dealt with an isolated perimembranous defect. Given the absence of severe symptoms, the main reason for closing the defect was the presence of moderate left ventricular dilation as a marker of potentially worsen-ing left ventricular performance. Complete closure was achieved without major complications. Our case report shows percutaneous management of an isolated, hemodynamically moderate ventricular septal defect in adults.
A fatal course of heart failure in a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome
Hana Froňková, Petr Ošťádal, David Alan, Jiří Vejvoda, David Zemánek, Libor Fila, Ludmila Hornofová, Vladimír Vondra
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(7-8):300-307
Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a rare systemic disease, characterized by bronchial asthma, hypereosinophilia, and necrotizing vasculitis of small-and medium-size vessels with extravascular eosinophilic granulommas. While, in most cases, it is the lungs, peripheral nervous system, and skin, which become affected, involvement of the heart, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and the central nervous system is associated with a very poor prognosis. The onset of vasculitis is usually preceded by bronchial asthma by several years.This case report describes the course of hospitalization of a 37-year-old patient, admitted for symptoms of myocarditis rapidly...
Epicardiac and paracardiac lipoma
Alexandra Vodzinská, Jaroslav Januška, Petr Krupa, Petra Kvášová, Ivana Ziková, Marian Branny
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(7-8):312-314
We present the case of a patient with a history of exertional dyspnea due to slowly growing epicardiac and paracardiac lipoma. This pathology was found on planar chest X-ray and the diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography, CT scan and MRI. This patient would normally be followed and managed conservatively only in case of severe dyspnea will she be referred for cardiac surgery.
Short communication
Ezetimibe - a step forward in the treatment of dyslipidemia
Václav Chaloupka
Cor Vasa 2005, 46(7-8):315-318
Ezetimibe is a highly effective selective cholesterol inhibitor reducing cholesterol by an approx. 54%. Ezetimibe alone at a dose of 10 mg/day reduces mean plasma LDL-cholesterol levels by 18-20% in hypercholesterolemic patients. A combination of ezetimibe with a statin results in an additive reduction in LDL-cholesterol by as much as 25% compared with a statin alone. Administration of ezetimibe 10 mg daily combined with a statin 10 mg daily resulted in a reduction in LDL-cholesterol comparable to that obtained with the highest dose of a statin, including 80 mg atorvastatin and simvastatin. Ezetimibe is well tolerated both in monotherapy and as combination...