Cardiac involvement in patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and normal renal function after six years of follow-up

The aim of the follow-up study was to compare the changes of M-mode echocardiographic parameters in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients and controls without renal failure during six years of observation and to explore the associations of these parameters with metabolic syndrome components and kidney function. We performed a follow-up examination in 37 ADPKD patients and 40 controls. Anthropometric parameters were measured and fasting venous blood sample from each patient was tested for glucose, insulin, C-peptide, HbA1c, creatinine, and urea concentrations. All subjects underwent standard two-dimensional M-mode echocardiography. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was diagnosed based on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) adjusted for body surface area (LVMI- -S, LVH-S) or for height (LVMI-H, LVH-H). The prevalence of LVH was significantly greater in ADPKD patients than in controls (35% vs. 10%, p=0.012) according to the ESH/ESC criteria from 2013, and (27.0% vs. 7.5%, p=0.032) according to criteria from 2017. In patients with ADPKD, no significant increase of the echocardiographic parameters was observed in the 6 years between the initial examination and the follow-up examination. Cardiac involvement in women with ADPKD occurs at an earlier stage of the disease than in men. In patients with ADPKD treated for hypertension in accordance with the 2013 ESH/ESC Guidelines the progression of LVH was not observed during the 6-year follow-up, despite the deterioration of renal function. Obesity, blood pressure and renal function do not affect LVMI changes.

Retrograde dissection of the ascending aorta during diagnostic coronary angiography in a patient who previously had resection of the aortic adventitia tumor and coronary bypass grafting

Retrograde dissection of ascending aorta is a very rare but life threating complication of coronary catheterization. Despite the seriousness of the complication, there is little data on the subject. Majority of case reports in literature includes patients without comorbidities that may affect the management. We experienced the retrograde dissection of the ascending aorta in a patient who previously had resection of the tumor originating from aortic root and coronary bypass grafting. No similar case has been reported in literature. The data from literature does not include the patients with comorbidities like previous coronary bypass grafting. For that reason we had hesitation in decision making. Wherefore, the aim of this article is to share our experience in this matter.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and hypertension are associated with left ventricular mass in a gender-dependent manner

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare echocardiographic parameters in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and in controls with normal kidney function taking into account gender and the presence of hypertension.

METHODS

47 patients with ADPKD (age 36.3 ± 11.0 years) and 49 healthy controls (36.8 ± 9.2 years) were enrolled. M-mode echocardiography was performed in all subjects. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was diagnosed when the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was greater than or equal to 125 g/m2 in males and 110 g/m2 in females.

RESULTS

The prevalence of LVH was greater in ADPKD patients than in controls (13% vs. 2%; p=0.05). Among females, ADPKD patients demonstrated greater LVMI (87.9 ± 18.5 vs. 68.8 ± 15 g/m2, p=0.00009) than controls. There was a positive correlation between LVMI and blood pressure in ADPKD females (Rs=0.54, p=0.027 for systole blood pressure-SBP and Rs=0.50, p=0.0053 for diastole blood pressure-DBP) but not in males.

CONCLUSION

Left ventricular mass is increased in ADPKD females with normal renal function. A positive correlation between SBP and DBP and LVMI was found in ADPKD females but not in ADPKD males.

The influence of low dose atorvastatin on inflammatory marker levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome and its potential clinical value

BACKGROUND

High-dose statins are used in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) to reduce inflammation. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the influence of low-dose atorvastatin (20 mg) on selected inflammatory parameters and clinical outcomes after ACS.

METHODS

Seventy eight patients (pts) with ACS were randomly divided into group A (39 pts) taking atorvastatin, and group NA (39 pts) not taking any statin for the following six weeks. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) levels were measured on the first and the fifth days and six weeks after ACS.

RESULTS

There was no significant CRP and IL-6 level decrease in group A (CRP--62%; IL-6-73%) or group NA (CRP-44%; IL-6-62%). There was also no significant change in TNFa levels. The MCP-1 level finally reached the level of significant difference (p < 0.04). Cardiovascular events (MACE) and the restenosis rates did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose atorvastatin does not have a significant influence on cooling down inflammation in ACS, and MCP-1 can be used as an early indicator of statin anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, it does not reduce MACE or restenosis rates despite its influence on MCP-1 levels.

[Severe pulmonary hypertension caused by untreated mitral stenosis. It still happens in the XXI century]

We present a case of a 58 years old patient with extremely severe mitral stenosis. Several years ago she denied surgical treatment despite qualification by cardiologists. At present hospitalisation mitral valve area was calculated as 0.5 cm(2) with systolic right ventricular systolic pressure of 125 mmHg. Right ventricle was hypertrophied and extremely enlarged as well as both atria. Surprisingly she was still in sinus rhythm and had no thrombi in the left atrium. Patient died before scheduled surgery because of cardiac decompensation and renal insufficiency.