No abstract available.
Bicuspid* ; Echocardiography*

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma is a very rare disease with a poor prognosis. We report a case of a patient with a primary cardiac angiosarcoma who presented with cardiac tamponade; the angiosarcoma was successfully resected surgically.
Cardiac Tamponade ; Heart Neoplasms ; Hemangiosarcoma ; Humans ; Pericardial Effusion ; Prognosis ; Rare Diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are multipotent in nature and believed to facilitate the engraftment of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) when transplanted simultaneously in animal studies and even in human trials. In this study, we transfected culture-expanded MSC with granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) and stem cell factor (SCF) cytokine genes and then cotransplanted with mononuclear cells (MNC) to further promote HSC engraftment. MNC were harvested from cord blood and seeded in long-term culture for ex vivo MSC expansion. A total of 1 x 10(7) MNC plus MSC/microliter were introduced to the tail vein of nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice. After 6-8 weeks later, homing and engraftment of human cells were determined by flow cytometry and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies. The total nucleated cell count and the engraftment of CD45+/CD34+ cells and XX or XY positive human cells were significantly increased in cotransplanted mice and even higher with the cytokine gene-transfected MSC (GM-CSF>SCF, p<0.05) than in transplantation of MNC alone. These results suggest that MSC transfected with hematopoietic growth factor genes are capable of enhancing the hematopoietic engraftment. Delivering genes involved in homing and cell adhesions, CXCR4 or VLA, would further increase the efficiency of stem cell transplantation in the future.
Transfection/*methods ; Stem Cell Factor/genetics/*metabolism ; Mice, SCID ; Mice ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/*metabolism ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/*methods ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/*methods ; Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factors, Recombinant/*metabolism ; Graft Survival/*immunology ; Genetic Enhancement/methods ; Animals

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aspiration thrombectomy (AT) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective adjunctive therapy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). An elevated neutrophil count in STEMI is associated with microvascular dysfunction and adverse outcomes. We evaluated whether AT can improve microvascular dysfunction in patients with STEMI and an elevated neutrophil count. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI from August 2007 to February 2009 in our institution were classified by tertiles of neutrophil count on admission (<5,300/mm3, 5,300-7,600/mm3, and >7,600/mm3). The angiographic outcome was post-procedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade. Microvascular dysfunction was assessed by TIMI myocardial perfusion (TMP) grade and ST-segment resolution on electrocardiography 90 minutes after PCI. The clinical outcome was major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as cardiac death, re-infarction, and target lesion revascularization at 9 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics and pre- and post-procedural TIMI flow grades between the neutrophil tertiles. As the neutrophil count increased, a lower tendency toward TMP grade 3 (83% vs. 52% vs. 54%, p=0.06) and more persistent residual ST-segment elevation (>4 mm: 13% vs. 26% vs. 58%, p=0.005) was observed. The 9-month MACE rate was similar between the groups. On subgroup analysis of AT patients (n=52) classified by neutrophil tertiles, the same tendency toward less frequent TMP grade 3 (77% vs. 56% vs. 47%, p=0.06) and persistent residual ST-segment elevation (>4 mm: 12% vs. 28% vs. 53%, p=0.05) was observed as neutrophil count increased. CONCLUSION: A higher neutrophil count at presentation in STEMI is associated with more severe microvascular dysfunction after primary PCI, which is not improved with AT.
Death ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction ; Neutrophils ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Perfusion ; Thrombectomy ; Thymidine Monophosphate

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aspiration thrombectomy (AT) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective adjunctive therapy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). An elevated neutrophil count in STEMI is associated with microvascular dysfunction and adverse outcomes. We evaluated whether AT can improve microvascular dysfunction in patients with STEMI and an elevated neutrophil count. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI from August 2007 to February 2009 in our institution were classified by tertiles of neutrophil count on admission (<5,300/mm3, 5,300-7,600/mm3, and >7,600/mm3). The angiographic outcome was post-procedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade. Microvascular dysfunction was assessed by TIMI myocardial perfusion (TMP) grade and ST-segment resolution on electrocardiography 90 minutes after PCI. The clinical outcome was major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as cardiac death, re-infarction, and target lesion revascularization at 9 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics and pre- and post-procedural TIMI flow grades between the neutrophil tertiles. As the neutrophil count increased, a lower tendency toward TMP grade 3 (83% vs. 52% vs. 54%, p=0.06) and more persistent residual ST-segment elevation (>4 mm: 13% vs. 26% vs. 58%, p=0.005) was observed. The 9-month MACE rate was similar between the groups. On subgroup analysis of AT patients (n=52) classified by neutrophil tertiles, the same tendency toward less frequent TMP grade 3 (77% vs. 56% vs. 47%, p=0.06) and persistent residual ST-segment elevation (>4 mm: 12% vs. 28% vs. 53%, p=0.05) was observed as neutrophil count increased. CONCLUSION: A higher neutrophil count at presentation in STEMI is associated with more severe microvascular dysfunction after primary PCI, which is not improved with AT.
Death ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction ; Neutrophils ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Perfusion ; Thrombectomy ; Thymidine Monophosphate

Primary cardiac lymphomas (PCL) are extremely rare. Clinical manifestations may be variable and are attributed to location. Here, we report on a case of PCL presenting with atrioventricular (AV) block. A 55 year-old male had experienced chest discomfort with unexplained dyspnea and night sweating. His initial electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed a first degree AV block. Along with worsening chest discomfort and dyspnea, his ECG changed to show second degree AV block (Mobitz type I). Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a cardiac mass (about 7 cm) and biopsy was performed. Pathologic finding confirmed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient was treated with multi-drug combination chemotherapy (R-CHOP: Rituximab, cyclophoshamide, anthracycline, vincristine, and prednisone). After treatment, ECG changed to show normal sinus rhythm with complete remission on follow-up CT scan.
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; Atrioventricular Block ; Biopsy ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Dyspnea ; Electrocardiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Neoplasms ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse ; Male ; Sweat ; Sweating ; Thorax ; Vincristine ; Rituximab

Acute total obstruction of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a serious emergency condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Unless properly treated, it will likely progress to cardiogenic shock and a high mortality rate. We report a case of acute LMCA total obstruction presenting with atypical momentary electrocardiogram (ECG) changes including right bundle branch block with left axis deviation, and ST-segment elevation in aVR and aVL. We focus on the unusual ECG changes associated with LMCA obstruction which should be noted in order to ensure revascularization without delay, especially when this condition is accompanied by cardiogenic shock.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Bundle-Branch Block ; Coronary Vessels ; Dietary Sucrose ; Electrocardiography ; Emergencies ; Shock, Cardiogenic

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare disorder, but the incidence is increasing and its clinical manifestations are various. We report a case of PCL, which mimics an acute coronary and aortic syndrome. A 51 year-old female was presented with chest pain radiating to the back. Her initial electrocardiogram revealed T wave inversion in the leads of V 5-6, II, III and aVF. Additionally, cardiac troponin-T was slightly elevated. Chest radiography showed marked mediastinal widening. Computed tomography scan showed a huge pericardial mass. The histopathologic findings of the mass were compatible with diffuse large B cell lymphoma. She died of refractory ventricular tachycardia, probably, due to an extensive infiltration of PCL to the myocardium.
Acute Coronary Syndrome ; Chest Pain ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Heart Neoplasms ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lymphoma ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; Myocardium ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; Thorax ; Troponin T

Ventricular perforation is a rare complication of permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation. We report here on a 68-year-old woman with a dual chamber permanent pacemaker that had been implanted one month earlier, and she suffered cardiac perforation from the pacemaker lead. Frequent follow-up via12-lead surface electrocardiography and chest radiography and the proper work-up for pacemaker implantation are needed for detecting rare complications after pacemaker implantation.
Aged ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Ventricles* ; Humans ; Radiography ; Thorax

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES It is being increasing recognized that the morbidities of migraine and balance disorders are interrelated. In fact, migrainous vertigo (MV) is one of frequent causes of recurrent vertigo in patients presenting to specialized dizziness clinics. Nevertheless, not many studies have reported clinical manifestations and treatment. Therefore, the aim of study was designed to assess clinical features and treatment patterns by a nationwide multicenter study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients between 9 and 74 years of age who visited 17 Korean tertiary referral centers and 1 clinic from February to March 2009 were investigated using two forms of questionnaires. RESULTS Overall, 318 patients with MV were enrolled. MV was responsible for ~8.45% of visits to the specialized dizziness clinics. One hundred seventy-five of these patients had definite MV and were included in assessing the clinical features. Vertigo characteristics of patients with definite MV were various. Vertigo was regularly as sociated with headache in 87% of the patients. The duration of vertigo ranged from seconds to days. For the treatment patterns, an acute and prophylactic therapies were carried in most clinics. There were no differences in either acute or prophylactic therapies between department of neurology and otorhinolaryngology. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that MV the clinical features of MV also varies in Korea. In addition, most clinics provide similar patterns of practice in treatment for MV. The syndrome of MV deserves further research activity as it is relatively common and clinically relevant.
Dizziness ; Headache ; Humans ; Korea ; Migraine Disorders ; Neurology ; Prospective Studies ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Vertigo