Arterial Compliance is an Independent Factor Predicting Acute Hemodynamic Performance of Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation

Data concerning the effect of arterial compliance (AC) on hemodynamics during intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) are lacking. This study examines the effect of AC on acute hemodynamics induced by IABC in 15 patients with post-infarction cardiogenic shock. AC was estimated by aortic pulse wave analysis using the reflection time index (RTI). Measurements were obtained once per day during IABC. The % reduction in systolic aortic pressure (ΔSAP), end-diastolic aortic pressure (ΔEDAP) and the peak aortic diastolic augmentation (PADA) were used as performance indices of IABC; 107 sets of measurements were obtained. Multivariate analysis indicated an independent association of each IABC performance index with AC (p<0.05). A high AC group (RTI≤20.6%, n=40) and a low AC group (RTI>20.6%, n=67) were obtained. ΔSAP, ΔEDAP and PADA were significantly higher in the low AC group by almost 75%, 54.6% and 11,3% (p<0.03), while arterial blood pressure did not significantly differ. Arterial compliance is an independent factor affecting hemodynamics during IABC. RTI values higher than 20.6% may predict a better acute hemodynamic response to IABC.

Pneumonia due to Candida krusei

A case of post-transplantation pneumonia due to Candida krusei is reported. A 42-year-old man was admitted 28 days after heart transplantation with cough, pleuritic pain and fever. A chest computed tomograph showed multiple alveolar infiltrates bilaterally. He received broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluconazole for oral candidiasis, and cotrimoxazole for possible Pneumocystis carinii. A short-lived period of improvement was followed by respiratory failure. Cultures of bronchial washings grew C. krusei and C. albicans. The infection was documented by histology and culture obtained by transthoracic aspiration. Treatment with amphotericin B was initiated, but the patient died. Histology and culture of a pulmonary specimen, obtained immediately post mortem, further documented the infection with C. krusei.

Early recovery of oxygen kinetics after submaximal exercise test predicts functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

Oxygen (O2) uptake at peak exercise (VO2 peak) is an objective measurement of functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The significance of recovery O2 kinetics parameters in predicting exercise capacity, and the parameters of submaximal exercise testing have not been thoroughly examined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-six patients (mean age = 48+/-14 years) with CHF and New York Heart Association functional class I, II, or III, and eight healthy volunteers (mean age = 39+/-13 years) were studied with maximal and submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The first degree slope of O2 uptake decay during early recovery from maximal (VO2/t-slope), and submaximal exercise (VO2/t-slope)(sub), were calculated, along with VO2 half-time (T(1/2)VO2). Patients with CHF had a longer recovery of O2 uptake after exercise than healthy volunteers, expressed by a lower VO2/t-slope (0.616+/-0.317 vs. 0.956+/-0.347 l min(-1) min(-1), P=0.029) and greater T(1/2)VO2 (1.28+/-0.30 vs. 1.05+/-0.15 min, P = 0.005). VO2/t-slope correlated with the VO2 peak (r = 0.84, P<0.001), anaerobic threshold (r = 0.79, P<0.001), and T(1/2)VO2, a previously established estimate of recovery O2 kinetics (r = -0.59, P<0.001). (VO2/t-slope)(sub) was highly correlated with VO2/t-slope after maximal exercise (r=0.87, P<0.001), with the VO2 peak (r=0.87, P<0.001) and with T(1/2)VO2 after maximal exercise (r=-0.62, P<0.001). VO2/t-slope after maximal and submaximal exercise was reduced in patients with severe exercise intolerance (F=9.3, P<0.001 and F=12.8, P<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Early recovery O2 kinetics parameters after maximal and submaximal exercise correlate closely with established indices of exercise capacity in patients with CHF and in healthy volunteers. These findings support the use of early recovery O2 kinetics after submaximal exercise testing as an index of functional capacity in patients with CHF.

Arterial compliance is an independent factor predicting acute hemodynamic performance of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation

Data concerning the effect of arterial compliance (AC) on hemodynamics during intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) are lacking. This study examines the effect of AC on acute hemodynamics induced by IABC in 15 patients with post-infarction cardiogenic shock. AC was estimated by aortic pulse wave analysis using the reflection time index (RTI). Measurements were obtained once per day during IABC. The % reduction in systolic aortic pressure (ASAP), end-diastolic aortic pressure (AEDAP) and the peak aortic diastolic augmentation (PADA) were used as performance indices of IABC; 107 sets of measurements were obtained. Multivariate analysis indicated an independent association of each IABC performance index with AC (p<0.05). A high AC group (RTI< or =20.6%, n=40) and a low AC group (RTI>20.6%, n=67) were obtained. DeltaSAP deltaEDAP and PADA were significantly higher in the low AC group by almost 75%, 54.6% and 11.3% (p<0.03), while arterial blood pressure did not significantly differ. Arterial compliance is an independent factor affecting hemodynamics during IABC. RTI values higher than 20.6% may predict a better acute hemodynamic response to IABC.

Non-cryopreserved peripheral blood progenitor cells collected by a single very large-volume leukapheresis: a simplified and effective procedure for support of high-dose chemotherapy

High-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) support has become a widely used treatment strategy. In order to simplify the procedure, a single very large-volume leukapheresis programme combined with short-term refrigerated storage of the PBPC was developed. Seventy-two patients suffering from various relatively chemosensitive malignancies received high-dose chemotherapy, consisting of agents with short in vivo half-lives and 24 to 48 hours later, the refrigerated PBPC were reinfused. A single very large-volume apheresis was sufficient to obtain at least 2 x 10(6)/kg CD34+ cells in 58 patients (81%), and 63% had at least 2.5 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. Only two patients (3%) were transplanted with less than 1 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg. In three patients (4%) leukapheresis was repeated because of insufficient number of PBPC. The median CD34+ cell count was 3 x 10(6)/kg. A median of 38.5 L blood (range, 21 to 59) was processed, which accounted for a median of 9 x patient's total blood volume. Very large-volume leukapharesis was well tolerated with symptomatic hypocalcemia being the most common (18%) side-effect. The median time to neutrophils >1.5 x 10(9)/L, and to self-supporting platelet count >25 x 10(9)/L, was 10 and 12 days after reinfusion of PBPC graft, respectively. There were no treatment-related deaths. Our results indicate that this simplified approach of PBPC transplantation can be associated with prompt hematologic recovery in most patients and that it can be useful in settings where facilities are limited or for certain diseases where conditioning regimens with short half-life are appropriate. J. Clin. Apheresis, 15:236-241, 2000.

Ras oncogenes and p53 tumor suppressor gene analysis in cardiac myxomas

Although ras oncogenes and p53 tumor suppressor gene mutations are implicated in the development of several human tumors, little is known about their role in the pathogenesis of primary cardiac tumors. Paraffin-embedded tissue from 19 cardiac myxomas were investigated for the presence of ras oncogenes and p53 tumor suppressor gene abnormalities. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to identify the accumulation of p21-ras and p53 proteins. A polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify exons 1 and 2 of the ras genes and exons 5 to 8 of the p53 gene. The PCR products were analyzed by single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and by direct DNA sequencing. Three of 19 myxomas showed strong positive staining for the ras p21 protein. In contrast, nuclear p53 was not detectable in any of the myxomas. Among the ras p21 immunopositive myxomas, 2 were heterozygous for a missense point mutation of the K-ras, Gly 12Asp. Further screening of the remaining myxomas showed no mutation or even silent polymorphism in any exon of the ras and p53. The results suggest that although genetic alterations of ras oncogenes and p53 are uncommon events in cardiac myxomas, ras mutations may be involved in the pathogenesis of a subgroup of this type of tumor.

Histological assessment of apoptotic cell death in cardiomyopathies

Apoptosis in the myocardium is complex and often difficult to recognise. Myocyte apoptosis is scattered across the myocardial wall and is restricted to individual cells. In the present study, we describe the amount of apoptosis in 50 endomyocardial biopsies taken from 50 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, in 14 hearts with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and in five hearts with arrhythmogenic dysplasia of the right ventricle. As a control group, 15 endomyocardial biopsies from 15 transplanted hearts (of live patients) were used. Apoptosis was immunohistochemically determined in paraffin sections with the TUNEL method. In each specimen the TUNEL index was calculated as the percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei among a total number of 200 counted nuclei. Cellular morphology was assessed in conjunction with TUNEL staining. The mean percentage of TUNEL-positive myocardial cells varied from 4% for dilated cardiomyopathy to 17.5% for arrhythmogenic right ventricle dysplasia and 18.5% for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, whereas no signs of apoptotic myocardial cell death were found in normal subjects. The numbers of apoptotic cells in dilated cardiomyopathy specimens were significantly lower by comparison with both those of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and those of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia specimens. It is evident that apoptosis constitutes a major biological phenomenon in the development of at least some heart diseases, but its role in their pathophysiology has yet to be delineated.

Respiratory muscles performance is related to oxygen kinetics during maximal exercise and early recovery in patients with congestive heart failure

BACKGROUND

Dyspnea and fatigue are the main causes of exercise limitation in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, whose peak inspiratory (Pi(max)) and expiratory pressures (Pe(max)) are often reduced. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between respiratory muscle performance and oxygen kinetics.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 55 patients (NYHA class I to III) and 11 healthy subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) on a treadmill. In 45 of the 55 patients (group I) and in healthy subjects (group II), pulmonary function tests, Pi(max), and Pe(max) were measured before and 10 minutes after exercise, and oxygen kinetics were monitored throughout and during early recovery from CPET. The first degree slope of oxygen consumption (VO(2)) decline during early recovery (VO(2)/t-slope) and VO(2) half-time (T(1/2)) were calculated. In 10 of the 55 CHF patients (group III), the measurements of Pi(max) were repeated 2, 5, and 10 minutes after CPET. A >10% reduction in Pi(max) after CPET (subgroup IA) was measured in 11 of 45 patients. In contrast, 34 of 45 CHF patients (subgroup IB) and all control subjects (group II) had Pi(max)>90% of baseline value after CPET. Subgroup IA patients had significantly lower peak VO(2) (13.5+/-2.1 versus 17.8+/-5.6 mL. kg(-1). min(-1); P<0.001), lower anaerobic thresholds (10.1+/-2.4 versus 13.6+/-4.6 mL. kg(-1). min(-1); P=0.003) and lower VO(2)/t-slopes (0.365+/-0.126 versus 0.519+/-0.227 L. min(-1). min(-1); P=0.008) than subgroup IB patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduction of Pi(max) after exercise is associated with prolonged early recovery of oxygen kinetics, which may explain, in part, the role played by respiratory muscles in exercise intolerance in CHF patients.

The application of image analysis in the measurement of the myocardial infarct area in an experimental model

BACKGROUND

Thrombolytic therapy improves left ventricular ejection fraction and survival. Using the image analysis method, the study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of intraaortic balloon pump used in conjunction with reperfusion in reducing infarct size by measuring the infarct area. Also, the usefulness of image analysis as an objective method for the measurement of myocardial infarct area is evaluated.

METHODS

22 dogs were subjected to proximal left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. The dogs were classified into 3 groups. In group I (n = 7), occlusion lasted for 6 hours. In group II (n = 6), 2 hours of occlusion were followed by reperfusion. In group III, (n = 9) after 2 hours of occlusion, the dogs were assisted with the intraaortic balloon pump throughout the 4 hours of reperfusion. The measurement of the infarcted area components (fragmentation, edema, hemorrhage and polymorphonuclear infiltrations) was followed by a semiautomatic method including in connection a microscope photographic camera, a scanner and a computer with the appropriate software. The results were analyzed statistically using the t-test.

RESULT

In group I, the mean value of fragmentation was 28.2%, in group II, 10.1% (p < 0.01 versus group I) and in group III, 3.9% (p < 0.01 versus I and p < 0.05 versus group II).

CONCLUSION

Reperfusion and intraaortic balloon pump increased the salvage of the ischemic myocardium over that achieved by reperfusion alone in a canine occlusion - reperfusion model. Image analysis could be considered as an accurate and objective method for the measurement of the myocardial infarct area in the experimental model of our study and it could be used in any other experimental study in which the accurate measurement of myocardial infarct area is needed.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma of brain occurring after cardiac transplantation

This case report concerns a case of NHL which affected a 56 year-old patient after cardiac transplantation. The patient was hospitalized because of worsening congestive failure. Despite maximal medical treatment the patient continued to be in NYHA Class III-IV and underwent orthotopic cardiac allograft transplantation. The NHL developed in the CNS eighteen months after surgery and had a very quick lethal progression.

Antimyosin scintigraphy for detection of cardiac amyloidosis

The diagnostic value of antimyosin scanning in 7 patients with biopsy-proven cardiac amyloidosis was examined in this study. Antimyosin imaging was positive in all amyloid patients, with more intense uptake in patients with heart failure.

Effect of acute cigarette smoking on endothelium-dependent brachial artery dilatation in healthy individuals

The effect of short-term smoking on endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent dilatation of the brachial artery was tested in 27 healthy volunteers using high-resolution ultrasound imaging. Short-term smoking led to a significant decrease in endothelium-dependent dilatation.

The myocardial fibrosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. The application of image analysis in the myocardial biopsies

BACKGROUND

The aim of our study is to investigate whether myocardial fibrosis measured by image analysis may be considered as an important and accurate index of dilated cardiomyopathy and its prognosis.

METHODS

The study group consisted of 24 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, which was diagnosed by echocardiography, radionuclide ventriculography, cardiac catheterization, and left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy. The patients' overall disability was conventionally expressed with the criteria for functional capacity. Using image analysis, the percentage of fibrosis in a total of 35 myocardial biopsies was accurately measured, followed by a study comparing the percentage of myocardial fibrosis and the clinical parameters (left ventricular ejection fraction and overall functional capacity), showing the degree of each patient's heart failure.

RESULTS

A correlation was found among fibrosis, left ventricular ejection fraction, and overall functional capacity. The cases with small values of fibrosis (< 10%) have big values of ejection fraction and belong to Class I of overall functional capacity. The cases with big values of fibrosis (> 10%) belong to Classes III and IV of overall functional capacity and have small values of ejection fraction. The results of the comparative study were graphically presented and considered significant.

CONCLUSION

Myocardial fibrosis measured by image analysis might be considered an important prognostic index of dilated cardiomyopathy.

Natural evolution of antimyosin scan and cardiac function in patients with acute myocarditis

Indium-111 monoclonal antimyosin antibody imaging is a convenient method to diagnose acute myocarditis. The present study examined the natural evolution of a positive antimyosin scan in 10 patients with acute myocarditis, in relation to left ventricular ejection fraction. All patients underwent myosin-specific monoclonal antibody imaging and radionuclide ventriculography; in all patients endomyocardial biopsy was performed. Repeat assessment of left ventricular function and antimyosin uptake was performed 1, 2 and 6 months later. A heart-to-lung ratio was used to quantify antimyosin uptake. Heart-to-lung ratio in patients with myocarditis was 2.12 +/- 0.31, significantly higher than that observed in eight controls (1.35 +/- 0.08, P < 0.001). During follow-up 2.2 repeat scans per patient were performed. Heart-to-lung ratio normalized (< 1.6) within 1 month in four patients, within 2 months in one patient and within 6 months in two patients; three patients continued to have a positive antimyosin uptake at 6 months, suggesting ongoing myocardial necrosis. At the end of follow-up, ejection fraction improved by > 5% in four patients; normalization or persistence of tracer uptake could not predict an improvement of ejection fraction. It is concluded that antimyosin scintigraphy is useful for diagnosing myocarditis in its subacute or chronic stage during which unknown or immune mechanisms may be in operation. An improvement in left ventricular function cannot be predicted on the basis of persistence or not of tracer uptake.

Antimyosin scintigraphy for detection of myocarditis. Scintigraphic follow-up

To examine the value of antimyosin-indium 111 imaging in relation to endomyocardial biopsy in patients with suspected myocarditis, as well as the natural evolution of abnormal findings on the antimyosin scan, 12 patients with suspected myocarditis underwent endomyocardial biopsy and antimyosin scan. The heart-to-lung ratio (H/L) was used to quantify the antimyosin scan. All 12 patients had abnormal results on the scan (H/L, 1.7 to 2.9; mean, 2.1 +/- 0.3); 8 of the 12 patients also had a diagnostic endomyocardial biopsy. In four patients with abnormal findings on antimyosin scan and normal findings on biopsy, the H/L ratio did not differ from eight patients with abnormal findings on antimyosin scan and a diagnostic biopsy; also, the ejection fraction did not differ between the two groups. One patient died, and 8 patients had a repeat antimyosin scan within 2 months after the initial study. The H/L ratio returned to normal in two out of three patients with normal results on biopsy and in three out of five patients with a diagnostic biopsy; the ejection fraction improved by 8 percent or more in one out of three patients with a nondiagnostic biopsy and in two out of five patients with a biopsy diagnostic for myocarditis. We conclude that the antimyosin scan is more frequently diagnostic than biopsy in suspected myocarditis. Patients with abnormal results on antimyosin scan and a nondiagnostic biopsy, as well as those with abnormal results on antimyosin scan and a diagnostic biopsy, tend to return to normal results on scan within 2 months and improve their ejection fraction.

Detection of viable tissue in healed infarcted myocardium by dipyridamole thallium-201 reinjection and regional wall motion studies

Reinjection imaging with thallium-201 (Tl-201) may provide a convenient method of assessing myocardial viability. Twenty patients with a previous Q-wave healed myocardial infarction were examined to evaluate the detection of viable tissue in infarcted segments. All patients underwent to evaluate the detection of viable tissue in infarcted segments. All patients underwent dipyridamole Tl-201 tomographic imaging with reinjection of 1 mCi of Tl-201 after redistribution. Radionuclide ventriculography was performed before and after administration of 5 mg of dinitrate isosorbide sublingually for regional wall motion analysis. Patients presented with 38 fixed defects, 12 of which demonstrated improved Tl-201 uptake on reinjection; 10 of 12 reinjection-reversible segments were hypokinetic or normal after administration of nitrates, whereas 22 of 26 nonreversible segments remained akinetic or dyskinetic (p < 0.001). Of 20 patients, 9 had reinjection-reversible segments; coronary angiography revealed a patent infarct-related artery or collaterals, or both, in 7 of these patients. The infarct-related artery was patent or collaterals were present, or both, in 4 of 11 patients who did not improve with reinjection. It is concluded that reinjection of Tl-201 during dipyridamole Tl-201 scintigraphy may frequently detect viable tissue in infarcted segments in patients with a Q-wave infarction. Segments with reinjection reversibility usually do not remain dyskinetic or akinetic after administration of nitrates and have some residual flow on coronary angiography.

Experimental antifibrillatory effects of calcium channel blockade with diltiazem: comparison with beta-blockade and nitroglycerin

Calcium channel blockade appears to be at least as effective as beta-blockade in the treatment of anginal syndromes, but whether a similar protective effect is afforded against sudden death is unknown. In order to compare experimental antifibrillatory effects of calcium channel blockade (diltiazem), beta-adrenoceptor blockade (timolol), and nitroglycerin, we measured ventricular fibrillation (VF) thresholds in anesthetized, open-chest dogs before and after 3 min of coronary ischemia before and after i.v. administration of each of these drugs or saline. In control studies, VF occurred after delivery of 11.8 +/- 5.3 mA (X +/- SD) in the nonischemic state and 9.4 +/- 4.6 mA during ischemia (n = 25). During saline administration, no significant change in VF threshold occurred during ischemia, and a minimal increase over time occurred in the nonischemic state. Diltiazem (0.04-0.08 mg/kg/min; n = 10) increased VF thresholds under both ischemic (by 7.7 mA, p less than .01) and nonischemic (by 5.5-5.8 mA, p less than .05) conditions. Timolol (0.03 mg/kg; n = 8) caused substantially greater increases in VFT during nonischemia and ischemia: 11.2 +/- 2.8 mA to 51.6 +/- 38.5 mA (nonischemia) and 8.4 +/- 3.8 mA to 28.7 +/- 16.4 mA (ischemia), both p less than 0.02. VF thresholds were not changed after nitroglycerin (n = 8). Differing experimental effects of these drugs emphasize the need for clinical studies to establish the relative potential of calcium channel blockade and nitroglycerin to reduce mortality in ischemic heart disease.

A cardiac output monitor and diagnostic unit for pneumatically driven artificial hearts

The pneumatic artificial heart uses a flexible diaphragm to separate blood from air. The air space behind the diaphragm is connected to the atmosphere during diastole. Blood entering the heart during diastole displaces an equal volume of air into the atmosphere. A pneumotachograph is used to sense this flow of air. Integration of the airflow signal with respect to time yields the volume of air displaced during diastole, which is equal to the volume of blood entering the heart over the same period. This measured filling volume is equal to the cardiac output when averaged over a number of cardiac cycles. Allowance is made for regurgitant losses owing to the prosthetic heart valves. The output of the pneumotachograph is independent of absolute pressure, and so the device may also be used during the systolic (air compression) phase of the cardiac cycle. Analysis of the display of the airflow curves during diastole and systole has great diagnostic value. This device is accurate, easy to calibrate, stable, noninvasive, and does not require modification of any existing air-driven artificial hearts.