Cor et Vasa, 2004 (vol. 45), issue 4
Original research articles
Acute Q-wave myocardial infarction and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction in patients with ST-segment elevation
Stanislav Cagáň, Soňa Wimmerová, Ivana Besedová, Tomáš Trnovec
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(4):157-166
Aim of study:The aim of the study was to compare, in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the demographic, medical history and clinical data of patients with acute Q-wave and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) and to examine the rationale for such classification. Group of patients and method:The project was carried out as a prospective multicenter study. Independent audit and data collection involved a total of 3,123 AMI patients in 66 centers from 16 September 1997 through 15 September 1998. Results:When comparing a subgroup of patients with acute Q-wave and non-Q-wave MI,...
Arg 25 ® Pro polymorphism in transforming growth factor-β1 influence plasma cholesterol levels but not the risk of myocardial infarction
Jaroslav A. Hubáček, Jan Piťha, Zdena Škodová, Rudolf Poledne
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(4):167-170
Background:Cytokine, a transforming growth factor-β1, plays an important role in many physiological processes including atherosclerotic lesion development. The effect of TGF-β1 on ABCG-1 (which plays an important role in cholesterol transport) expression has been described. As regards TGF-β1, two polymorphisms associated with TGF-β1 activity (Leu 10 ® Pro and Arg 25 ® Pro) in the signal peptide have been described. Methods and examined individuals:Using PCR and restriction analysis, we analyzed these TGF-β1 polymorphisms in a representative selected sample of 122 males and 146 females and sought...
Review articles
The role of carvedilol in heart failure. Translating findings into clinical practice
Jan Šochman
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(4):171-176
The significance of heart failure has recently been on the increase, particularly with respect to the broadening of the diagnosis and its unsatisfactory management. Beta-blockers have been recognized, and established themselves, as the mainstay in the treatment of heart failure, and are an important addition to diuretics and renin-angiotensin convertase inhibitors. However, extending the range of indications is often associated with unjustified concerns. Among the beta-blocker class of drugs, carvedilol seems to be the key player today.The review provides the main findings from the literature in an effort to translate them into clinical practice....
Inflammatory cardiomyopathy: current concepts regarding its etiopathogenesis, diagnostic and therapeutic options
Markéta Hegarová, Eva Honsová, Alena Lodererová, Ivan Málek
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(4):177-182
The most prevalent entity in the spectrum of conditions progressing into chronic heart failure in younger patients is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP). The term refers to a heterogeneous group of conditions resulting in left ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction. A major role in the etiopathogenesis of DCMP is played by previous viral myocarditis. The most frequently identified pathogens are enteroviruses and adenoviruses. Once acute infection has subsided, a virus-induced autoimmune process may occur. Patients presenting with systolic ventricular dysfunction are referred to as those with inflammatory cardiomyopathy. In this stage, the process...
Case reports
A rare combination of a significant aortic bioprosthesis stenosis with Gerbode's defect of iatrogenic etiology
Tomáš Paleček, Aleš Linhart, Jan Horák, Lubor Goláň, Miloš Dobiáš, Ivan Vaněk, Michael Aschermann
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(4):183-186
The authors present an interesting case report of a combination of significant, rapidly developing degenerative aortic bioprosthesis stenosis with a left ventricle-to-right atrium shunt, referred to as Gerbode's defect, following cardiac surgery. The possible causes of degenerative changes in bioprostheses and Gerbode's defect are discussed. A careful echocardiographic examination plays a major role in diagnosing both pathologies.
Short communication
Transient postischemic left ventricular stunning as measured by gated SPECT helps to identify patients with multivessel coronary artery disease
Milan Kamínek, Marcela Škvařilová, Jiří Ostřanský, Václav Hušák, Iva Metelková, Miroslav Mysliveček, Otto Lang
Cor Vasa 2004, 45(4):188-192
To analyze the diagnostic potential of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), as measured by gated SPECT using 4D-MSPECT, a new quantitative software, to identify patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD); 205 consecutive patients (139 men and 66 women, mean age 61 ± 8 years) underwent stress 201Tl or 99mTc-MIBI gated SPECT studies and coronary angiography. A summed stress score (SSS) of myocardial perfusion, and poststress and rest LVEF were obtained using 4D-MSPECT. SSS rose with the number of diseased vessels:SSS was equal to 8 in patients with one-vessel disease vs. SSS 15 and 16 in patients with two-and...