International Cardiovascular Research Journal
Volume:16 Issue: 2, Jun 2022

Infective Endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening disease. Regardless of improved healthcare, the incidence of IE has increased over time. A variety of microorganisms have been found to be associated with IE.

This study aimed to determine the incidence of various microorganisms in patients admitted with IE and to assess their relationships with in-hospital complications.

This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with definite or possible IE based on the Duke criteria at a tertiary referral center between 2016 and 2021. Blood cultures were performed for all the patients to document the positive or negative blood cultures as well as the types of microorganism. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 18 software.

The study population consisted of 286 patients (181 males (63.3%) and 105 females (36.7%)) with the mean age of 49.67 ± 17.11 years. The most common cardiac predisposing factor was the prosthetic valve (n = 110, 38.5%) followed by a history of congenital heart disease (n = 68, 23.8%), while the most frequent non-cardiac predisposing factors were a history of chronic kidney disease (n = 75, 26.2%) and diabetes mellitus (n = 53, 18.5%). The most frequent causative microorganisms were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (n = 37, 12.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 31, 10.4%), Enterococcus (n = 29, 10.1%), and Streptococcus viridans (n = 14, 4.9%). The most common complications were acute renal failure (26.6%), heart failure (17.5%), and pulmonary involvement (8.4%).

The frequencies of microorganisms related to IE, especially culturenegative IE, vary in different countries, precluding the practical use of a specific guideline around the world. Further research is, therefore, required to determine the epidemiology and microbiology of IE in different countries with a view to eventually devising an individualized guideline appropriate to the epidemiology and microbiology of IE in every country.

The prevalence of coronavirus and its health-related psychological consequences such as fear and anxiety has been one of the most important health concerns in the 21st century.

This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of fear of COVID-19 and lockdown fatigue in coronavirus anxiety among patients with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).

This descriptive-correlational study was conducted through path analysis. The statistical population included the patients with CHD referred to Shahid Rajaei Hospital and Tehran Heart Center, 105 of whom were selected using convenience sampling. The data were collected using the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV19S), and Lockdown Fatigue Scale (LFS). The reliability and validity of these scales were approved in the previous studies. After all, the data were entered into the SPSS 21 software and were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation test and step-wise regression analysis.

The study was conducted on 105 participants (6% males and 94% females) aged 20 to above 41 years. Considering marital status, 5% of the participants were single, 94% were married, and 1% were divorced. In addition, the participants’ education levels ranged from diploma and lower degrees to postgraduate and higher degrees. According to the findings, coronavirus anxiety was positively correlated to the fear of COVID-19 (r = 0.509, P = 0.000) and lockdown fatigue (r = 0.466, P = 0.000) in patients with CHD. The results of step-wise regression analysis showed that based on the calculated coefficient of determination, 31% of the variability of coronavirus anxiety could be explained by the fear of COVID-19 and lockdown fatigue.

The study findings indicated that the fear of COVID-19 and lockdown fatigue could predict coronavirus anxiety. Therefore, interventions are recommended to be designed based on the introduction of programs concerning coronavirus anxiety, which may help reduce the anxiety and fear experienced by these patients. They can also be used as prevention programs to help prevent the onset of coronavirus anxiety in patients with CHD.

Due to the importance of identifying and preventing non-communicable diseases, especially obesity and overweight, this study was performed to investigate the relationship between A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and dyslipidemia.

This study was performed to investigate the relationship between A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and dyslipidemia.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 patients. Eligible individuals were selected using convenience sampling. The participants’ height and waist circumference were measured. The results of these measurements as well as other demographic information, reason for referral, blood sugar, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Triglyceride (TG), and cholesterol levels, and blood pressure were recorded in a checklist that was designed based on the research objectives. The obtained data were then entered into the SPSS 11 software and analyzed using independent sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient at the 0.05 significance level.

This study was conducted on 300 patients with the mean age of 41.6 ± 7.17 years. The means of body mass index and ABSI were 27.10 ± 4.40 kg/m2 and 0.082 ± 0.006, respectively. The mean of ABSI was significantly higher in the patients who had high TG levels as well as sugar levels higher than 100 mg/dL compared to those with low TG and blood sugar levels (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). However, this parameter was significantly lower in the patients with low HDL levels compared to those with high HDL levels (P = 0.02). ABSI was significantly correlated to fasting blood sugar (r = 0.15, P = 0.008) and TG (r = 0.12, P = 0.02).

The study results indicated that ABSI was correlated to the serum levels of TG and fasting blood sugar. Additionally, the mean of ABSI was higher among the patients with diabetes compared to the others.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common type of cardiovascular disorders. Despite being costly and invasive, coronary angiography is a reliable method for diagnosing CAD. Therefore, it is crucial to use non-invasive methods to screen candidates for angiography to accelerate the process of decision-making. Two powerful Machine Learning (ML) methods are Random Forest (RF) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN).

The present study aimed to compare RF and ANN to define the most important features for positive CAD results and predict the need for angiography as a screening method.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 1128 patients referred for angiography. The data were divided into test and train sets. The models (RF and ANN) were fitted with the angiographic outcome variable (positive or negative) as the dependent variable and five features as predictors. Then, the performances of the models were compared by considering the Area Under the Rock Curve (AUC). All statistical analyses were done using the R software, version 4.1.2.

Out of the 1128 patients, 752 (66.7%) had positive angiography results. The AUC values were 0.75 and 0.52 for the test data set in ANN and RF models, respectively.

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking habit were important in predicting the results of an angiography for CAD. Applying these factors in ML approaches can be considered a screen for angiography to accelerate the process of diagnosis.

Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) is a rare form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with sarcomere protein gene mutations, which predominantly affects the apex of the left ventricle. Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) and cardiovascular morbidity are less likely to occur in patients with isolated ApHCM. However, recent data suggested annual cardiac death rates of 0.5 - 4%, approaching those for classic HCM.

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of burned-out ApHCM and its predictors.

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, echocardiographic data and electrocardiography features of 230 patients with ApHCM including premature ventricular contraction and atrial fibrillation were gathered and analyzed at baseline and after a mean follow-up of five years. All data were obtained from the data registry of Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Tehran, Iran. The data were included in a retrospective study, which was approved by the local Ethics Committee. The patients were divided into two groups as follows: 1- Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% and 2- LVEF < 50% known as burned-out ApHCM. Data analysis was also based on LVEF. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) regression was performed to assess the association between the patients’ characteristics and burned-out ApHCM. The clinical features demonstrating P < 0.05 in the univariate GEE analysis were included in a multivariate model to identify the independent predictors.

The prevalence of burned-out ApHCM, defined as LVEF < 50%, was 13.9%. There was no significant difference between males and females in this regard (P = 0.48). After a mean follow-up of five years, atrial fibrillation was significantly more common in the patients with LVEF < 50% (48.7% vs. 24.4%, P = 0.007). Additionally, left atrial enlargement was identified as the most important predictor of BO-ApHCM (odds ratio = 2.4, P = 0.003). Moreover, right ventricular dysfunction was more severe in the patients with burned-out ApHCM (P < 0.001).

The prevalence of burned-out HCM was higher in the present study than in the previous studies (13.9%). Besides, right ventricular systolic dysfunction and left atrial enlargement were two main predictors of the ApHCM progression.

Coronary perforation can occur as a complication of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) even in the contemporary era of new tools and techniques. Severe proximal perforation can potentially be lethal if not diagnosed or left untreated. This dreaded complication can occur due to the mismatch between the balloon and vessel size. However, it may happen with an appropriately sized balloon or stent in case of eccentric coronary calcification or negative vessel remodeling. The current study aimed to present a case of severe type III perforation, which was managed successfully using the double guide catheter technique for stent graft implantation.

A 61-year-old man with the history of stenting in the Right Coronary Artery (RCA) presented with acute inferior ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Emergent coronary angiography revealed acute instent thrombotic occlusion of the RCA. After wiring, predilatation of the previous stent was carried out. Test injection showed Ellis type III coronary perforation. A 3.5*15 mm balloon was inserted promptly and was inflated at the perforation site. Right femoral artery access was obtained and a stent graft was deployed using the double guide catheter or the ping pong technique. The perforation was sealed and extravasation was ceased. Echocardiography showed moderate pericardial effusion without any sign of chamber collapse. Heparin was not reversed in order to prevent stent thrombosis. Further echocardiography 3, 24, and 48 hours after the procedure showed noticeable reduction of the pericardial fluid and the patient was discharged home in favorable conditions. He participated in regular followup visits and did well after about 18 months.

The double guide catheter technique was found to be a safe and effective method in treating Ellis type III coronary perforation.