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Biomedical subjects

A Spring

Publications and source records attributed to A Spring.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

[Ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mitral valve prolapse and spurious cords in heart ventricles].

The aim of the work to assess the frequency of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with isolated mitral valve prolapse isolated spurious cords in heart ventricles as well as in those patients who had both, mitral valve prolapse and spurious cord in heart ventricle. Out of 4156 successive electrocardiographic investigations carried out at the Department and Clinic of Cardiology, Medical Academy in Wroclaw, coexistence of spurious cords in heart ventricle and mitral valve prolapse was diagnosed in 32 patients (0.8% of all subjects), isolated mitral valve prolapse--in 184 patients (4.4%) and presence of isolated spurious cords not accompanied by mitral valve prolapse--in 91 patients (2.2%). In 20 patients with coexistence of spurious cords in heart ventricles and mitral valve prolapse, ventricular arrhythmias occurred in 12 subjects (60.0%) and in 5 of them they were significant. In the group of 29 patients with isolated spurious cords, disturbances of the ventricular rhythm occurred in 13 subjects (44.8%), while significant ventricular arrhythmias were found in 6 patients (20.7%). Out of 60 subjects with isolated mitral valve prolapse disturbances of the ventricular rhythm were found in 20 patients (33.3%) and significant arrhythmias--in 12 subjects (20.0%). The observations did not reveal increased prevalence of significant ventricular disturbances of the heart rhythm in patients with coexisting mitral valve prolapse and spurious cords in the heart ventricles.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Massive pericardial effusion during the course of hematological diseases].

7 patients, 4F/3M aged 20-63 years (x = 39.5 yrs) with high grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (4 pts), Hodgkin's disease (1), acute leukaemia (1) and blastic crisis of CML (1), complicated by massive pericardial effusion with impending cardiac tamponade were presented. Symptoms of neoplastic pericardium infiltration have appeared at the diagnosis of underlying disease in 2 pts, in the remaining 5.5-24.5 months (mean = 12.5 months) since the diagnosis and onset of cytostatic treatment was established. In 6 pts pericadiocentesis or pericardium drainage have been applied, resulting in evacuation of 100-1450 ml (mean = 680 ml) of fluid. In 3 pts pericardial effusion was bloody and in two some neoplastic cells were found. In 4 pts intrapericardially 5-20 mg mitoxantrone, 5-20 mg, was administered 7 times. The survival time since the diagnosis of a massive pericardial effusion ranged 0.5-10 months. One person remains alive 7 months after diagnosis of cardiac effusion and 19 months from the diagnosis of n-HL. The authors conclude that pericardiac involvement in the course of haematologic malignancies is a very unfavorable event.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[The influence of electrical cardioversion on left ventricular systolic function, left atrial size, ANP levels and enzymatic activity of CPK and CD-MB in serum of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the influence of electrical cardioversion on the left ventricular systolic function, left atrial size, the plasma activity of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and its myocardial fraction (CK-MB) and plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation caused by coronary artery disease, hypertension or mitral valve disease. PATIENTS: The study underwent 36 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation of mean duration 24.5 hours in which sinus rhythm was restored by electrical cardioversion. METHODS: Plasma activity of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and its myocardial fraction (CK-MB), plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and echocardiographic examination were obtained before and 24 hour after electrical cardioversion. During echocardiographic examination were measured left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial size (LA) and early diastolic velocity(E) and velocity with atrial contraction (A) of left ventricular inflow. Electrical cardioversion was initiated with impulse of 100 J. If it failed to convert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm next impulse of 200 J and 360 J were consequently applied. RESULTS: In all subgroups of patients formed dependently on a number of electrical shocks, 24 hour after cardioversion significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and decrease in plasma level of ANP were noted. In subgroup of patients treated with 1 (100 J) and 2 (100 + 200 J) impulse significant decrease in left atrial size was found out. The increase in plasma activity of creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and its myocardial fraction (CK-MB) was confined to the subgroup treated with 3 (100 + 200 + 360 J) impulses. No changes in left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and early velocity (E) of left ventricular inflow 24 hours after cardioversion were observed. In all patients electrical cardioversion brought about the appearance of atrial wave of left ventricular inflow. No differences in estimated parameters between patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension and mitral valve disease were observed. Significant positive correlation between plasma level of ANP and left atrial size before (r = 0.69, p < 0.001) and after cardioversion (r = 0.68, p < 0.0001) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Restoration of the sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation leads to the increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and to the decrease in left atrial size (LA) and the plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide. Left atrial size and plasma level of ANP are related. The cardioversion with impulses of high energy increases the plasma activity of creatinine phosphokinase and its myocardial fraction.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Relationship between systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle in patients with impaired relaxation of the left ventricle without symptoms of heart failure. Attempt at quantitative estimation of diastolic function in the impaired relaxation stage].

UNLABELLED: Diastolic dysfunction of left ventricle appears very often in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and hypertension (HT) and is a main cause of heart failure in 30-40% of all cases. Relation between systolic and diastolic function of left ventricle (LV) is commonly known but not documented well enough. Moreover, no quantitative classification of diastolic dysfunction is still available. AIM OF THE STUDY: To find out the relations between the parameters of systolic and diastolic function of LV in patients with CAD or HT with impaired relaxation of LV without symptoms of heart failure and to make up the quantitative classification of diastolic dysfunction in the stage of impaired relaxation of LV. METHODS: Investigations were carried out in 57 patients (mean age 55.5 +/- 11.5) with angiographically proven CAD and in 91 patients (mean age 56.3 +/- 10.6) with HT and angiographically excluded CAD, all without regional myocardial contractility abnormalities and valvular heart diseases. Control group consisted of 54 healthy subjects (mean age 55.4 +/- 11.4). During 2D echocardiography examination left ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDD) and end-systolic diameters (LVESD) and left atrial dimension (LA) were obtained. Using Doppler method transmitral inflow indices: E velocity (E), A velocity (A), E velocity integral (E-VTI), A velocity integral (A-VTI), total velocity integral (T-VTI), E deceleration time (DT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and aortic flow velocity integral (Ao-VTI) were measured. Only patients with E/A < or = 1 and--to exclude pseudonormalization of mitral inflow--with DT > or = 140 ms were qualified to the study. We proposed diastolic dysfunction ratio (DDR) calculated from formula: DDR = E/A x E-VTI/T-VTI. Using AFVI, LV outflow diameter, heart rate (HR) and body surface area cardiac index (CI) was calculated. RESULTS: In studied group there were significantly higher values of LA, A, IVRT, DT and lower values of E, E/A, E-VTI and DDR compared to controls. There were no significant differences between these groups in HR, LVEDD, LVESD, T-VTI and CI. No significant differences in any of studied parameters were found between subgroups with CAD and HT. Among healthy subjects in subgroup with abnormal mitral inflow pattern (E/A < or = 1) there were significantly higher values of LA, IVRT, DT and lower values of DDR than in sugroup with normal one. Both subgroups did not differ in LVEDD, LVESD, CI. In the studied group there was positive correlation between DDR and CI (r = 0.69, p < 0.001), DDR and IVRT (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), DDR and DT (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), CI and E (r = 0.34, p < 0.01), CI and IVRT (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), CI and DT (r = 0.42, p < 0.001), CI and E/A (r = 0.54, p < 0.001), CI and E-VTI (r = 0.43, p < 0.001). In the control group significant correlation was found only between DDR and IVRT (r = 0.64, p < 0.02) and between DDR and DT (r = 0.52, p < 0.02) but not between DDR and CI. Using DDR DD was divided into 3 classes: class I with DDR > 0.47, class II with 0.47 > or = 0.30, and class III with DDR < 0.30. Applying of such intervals of values of DDR determined the groups which significantly differed between themselves in CI, IVRT and DT. CONCLUSIONS: (1) In patients with CAD or HT with impaired relaxation of LV without symptoms of heart failure there is relation between parameters of systolic and diastolic function of LV: the more advanced diastolic dysfunction, the more impaired systolic function. (2) In healthy subjects there is no relation between parameters of systolic and diastolic function of LV. (3) DDR is a good indicator of quantitative estimation of diastolic dysfunction in the stage of impaired relaxation of LV.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Barlow's syndrome--personal studies].

Symptoms of Barlow's syndrome were analysed in 60 patients. The diagnosis is described as a plenty of disturbances in the circulatory system. Observed arrhythmias were often one of the important symptoms.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Probable Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease after a cadaveric dural graft.

A 26-year old female who had received a cervical cadaveric dural graft 7 years earlier developed psychotic behavior and generalized myoclonic jerks. Following rapid deterioration and appearance of high-charge sharp periodic waves on electroencephalography she died within two months. We believe that this patient is the first German who acquired Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease by dural implant.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[The effect of hypotensive drugs on left ventricular mass and diastolic function].

Chronic left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with depressed contractile performance, abnormal compliance of the chamber, and ultimately, the development of a left ventricular failure. Thus the presence of LVH carries a particularly ominous prognosis in patients with essential hypertension. Finally, regression of LVH appears to be a worthwhile goal of an antihypertensive therapy along with blood pressure control. Of particular importance, is whether the functional derangements associated with hypertrophy will also be reversed. The present study was undertaken to determine whether antihypertensive therapy reduced ventricular mass, and whether these changes were accompanied by improved diastolic function. 47 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension were divided into two groups. Group I--included 21 patients whose blood pressure responded to nifedipine monotherapy. Group II--included 26 patients whose normalization of blood pressure required combined therapy with nifedipine and metoprolol. 40 healthy volunteers comprised a control group. To assess the effects of antihypertensive therapy on the heart, left ventricular mas (LVM), systolic and diastolic function, by M-mode, 2-D and pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography had been evaluated. Measurements were performed before therapy and every 3rd month during first year, and every 40th month during the second year of observation. RESULTS. At baseline all hypertensive patients had significantly increased LVM compared to the controls. Indexes of systolic function in studied patients were normal, while indexes of LV diastolic filling were significantly abnormal compared to the controls. In the group treated with nifedipine, starting from the 9th month of observation, small but significant decrease in posterior wall thickness was noted but LVM did not change during the whole time of the observation. Similarly, there was no significant change in indexes of left ventricular diastolic filling. Contrary to patients treated with nifedipine, in group of patients treated with combination of nifedipine and metoprolol, significant reduction of LVM and improvement of LV diastolic filling was observed. Of particular interest was the fact, that improvement in diastolic, performance appeared earlier, and preceded regression of LVM. Most striking was the improvement in Ev/Av ratio which increased by 16% after 6 months and by 35% after 24 months of the therapy. CONCLUSION. 1. Combined therapy with nifedipine and metoprolol contrary to monotherapy with nifedipine alone, results in the regression of left ventricular mass and the improvement of left ventricular diastolic function. 2. Improvement of left ventricular diastolic function appears earlier, preceding the regression of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Effect of enalapril and terazosin on lipid metabolism in patients with essential arterial hypertension and accompanying hypercholesterolemia].

The effect of enalapril and terazosin on serum lipid profile was investigated in 36 patients with primary hypertension and hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol 5.2 mmol l). 6- and 12-week monotherapy with these drugs did not produce any unfavourable changes in: total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A1 and B as well as in serum lipids. Enalapril and terazosin seem to be very useful as a first step monotherapy especially in patients with hypertension and lipid disturbances.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗
PubMed1993

[Effect of propranolol on arrhythmia in individuals with false chordae in heart ventricles].

In 4156 echocardiographic examinations, false chordae were observed in 91 persons (2.2%). It was shown that false chordae without evidence of traction caused no increase of the risk of development of ventricular arrhythmia (class II and over according to Lown). In 50% of persons with false chordae and the evidence of traction significant ventricular arrhythmia occurred. It was found that administration of the drugs with negative inotropic action may increase arrhythmia in persons with false chordae in the heart ventricles.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[Effect of treatment with propranolol or pindolol on the left ventricular myocardium mass in patients with slight essential arterial hypertension].

The effect was studied of 8 weeks of treatment with propranolol and pindolol on the left-ventricular myocardium mass, left-ventricular myocardium mass index, plasma renin activity, and serum aldosterone and total catecholamine concentrations. The studies were carried out in 72 patients with essential arterial hypertension of slight degree. A statistically significant decrease was shown of the left-ventricular myocardium mass, left-ventricular myocardium mass index, plasma renin activity, and aldosterone concentration in all studied patients. A decrease of total catecholamine concentration appeared in patients treated with propranolol. Weaker effect of pindolol on the studied parameters may be connected with its intrinsic sympathicomimetic activity. A correlation was shown between the decrease of the left-ventricular myocardium mass, and the decrease of systolic arterial blood pressure.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Echocardiographic test of dipyridamole in recognition of coronary artery disease].

To assess the feasibility, safety and usefulness of dipyridamole stress echocardiography for the detection of coronary artery disease we evaluated 194 patients (124 men, 70 women) with effort chest pain. All patients underwent electrocardiographic submaximal bicycle exercise testing and 2-dimensional echocardiography after dipyridamole injection. Echocardiographic test was considered positive when new wall motion abnormalities were observed after dipyridamole i.v. injection (0.56 mg/kg b.m.). Sensitivity and specificity of electrocardiographic exercise test and dipyridamole stress echocardiography were assessed in 37 persons who underwent selective coronary angiography. The sensitivity and specificity of dipyridamole stress echocardiography, were respectively 85.0% and 91.7% and were higher than those of exercise electrocardiography. 2-dimensional echocardiography after dipyridamole injection is a well tolerated, feasible and effective test in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Effect of long term systemic steroid therapy on the cardiac muscle].

In asthmatic patients treated on a long term basis with steroids echocardiographic examination of the heart disclosed morphological and functional changes in the heart muscle. Such changes were not found in asthmatic treated occasionally with steroids. Differences between both groups depended on decreased contractibility of the heart muscle and concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle present in asthmatic treated on a long term basis with systemic steroids.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1992

[Echocardiographic evaluation of the size and systolic and diastolic function of heart muscle i patients with acromegaly].

In 20 patients with acromegaly, morphology of the heart and its systolic and diastolic function were studied by echocardiography, and growth hormone concentration was examined in the serum. Increased muscle mass of the left ventricle was found and that increase depended on disease duration and the growth hormone serum concentration. An increase was also shown of the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, and the dimensions of left ventricle posterior wall and intraventricular septum, as well as an increase of end-systolic left ventricular dimension and of the size of the left atrium. Out of systolic function parameters, an increase was shown of stroke volume, cardiac output and cardiac index. In 40% of the studied patients an impairment was shown of left ventricular diastolic function but in a half of them no diseases other than acromegaly were found which could have been its cause.

Acromegaly↗
PubMed1992

[Examination of the usefulness of echocardiography with dobutamine for diagnosis of coronary disease].

To assess the feasibility, safety and usefulness of dobutamine stress echocardiography for the detection of coronary artery disease we evaluated 63 patients (45 men, 18 women) with effort chest pain. All patients underwent electrocardiographic submaximal bicycle exercise testing and 2-dimensional echocardiography during dobutamine infusion. Echocardiographic dobutamine test response was considered positive when new wall motion abnormalities were observed during dobutamine infusion. Sensitivity and specificity of electrocardiographic exercise test and dobutamine stress echocardiography were assessed in 25 patients who underwent selective coronary angiography. The sensitivity and specificity of dobutamine stress echocardiography, respectively 93.3% and 83.3%, were higher than those of exercise electrocardiography. 2-dimensional echocardiography during dobutamine infusion is a well tolerated, feasible and effective test for detecting coronary artery disease.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Hormonal and hemodynamic changes caused by whole body cooling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

A limited number of experiments have shown that treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by means of cooling the entire body in cryogenic chamber reduces the pain in joints affected by inflammatory process and increases their mobility. The aim of the present thesis was to try explain the mechanisms responsible for the observed improvement of the patients' condition, and an investigation of the treatment's effect on selected hemodynamic indices. Tests were carried out on 63 patients with rheumatoid arthritis mainly in the 3rd and 4th stage of illness, all of whom had been treated for 14 days, once daily, by cooling the body for two-minute periods in cryogenic chamber with temperatures ranging from -110 degrees C to -160 degrees C, followed by kinesitherapy. It was demonstrated that after a single session in the cryogenic chamber, after 7 and 14 days the level of ACTH, cortisol and beta-endorphins in blood serum rises. The level of TSH, T4, T3, GH and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha+, however, remains unchanged. The cryogenic chamber treatment does not affect the heart rate, arterial blood pressure nor the value of the left ventricle fractional shortening index and its ejection, neither does it cause of arrhythmias and ischemic changes of the heart.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗