Background and Aim: Aortic root dilation is one of the common complications in patients with a history of tetralogy of Fallot total correction (TFTC). We evaluate the frequency of aortic root dilation in adult TFTC patients and analyze probable risk factors related to the dilated aortic root. Materials and Methods and Results: We reviewed echocardiography images of 146 adult TFTC patients who admitted at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center from 1383 to 1399 in an observational retrospective cohort study. Sinus of Valsalva (SOV) was measured in parasternal long-axis view. Aortic root dilation was determined by two definitions. When we adjusted SOV diameter for body surface area and sex, the frequency of aortic root dilation was 68%, with a mean SOV diameter of 3.5 ± 0.7 cm and when we used absolute diameter ≥4 cm for dilated SOV, 22% showed aortic root dilation. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, male sex (odds ratio (OR) = 3.47, P = 0.003), age at the time of TFTC (OR = 1.06, P = 0.009), and aortic regurgitation (OR = 3.97, P = 0.003) were associated with increased adds of dilated aortic root. Three patients underwent aortic surgery, including one case of type A aortic dissection. Conclusion: Although aortic root dilation was common, aneurysmal dilation and adverse events were not so frequent. Serial evaluation of all segments of the ascending aorta, including the aortic root, is important but not more frequent than previously suggested.

Background: Oximetry is a method for measuring the arterial hemoglobin saturation (SpO2) using pulse oximeter and is essential in any type of anesthetic procedures. The growing population of geriatrics in the recent decades in combination with an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases including diabetes and hypertension are some of the leading causes for an increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The definite treatment for ESRD is renal transplant but unfortunately, it may take a long time to find a suitable kidney and continuing the patient's life may depend on dialysis. Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) formation is one of the first steps to prepare the patient for hemodialysis. ESRD itself is a reason for physical and psychosocial issues. Preparing a favorable condition for AVF surgery is essential to decrease the burden of the underlying disease. An efficient respiratory supply is necessary in all parts of an anesthetic procedures. Aims and Objectives: This study is a double-blind clinical trial to compare two anesthetic agents, dexmedetomidine and remifentanil in patients with ESRD who underwent AVF formation. Materials and Methods: SpO2 was measured on different phases including the time of initial incision, and after 10, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min of finishing the surgery. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, two-way repeated measures (ANOVA), and independent t-test. Results: This study showed that there was no any significant difference in using any of these two agents with regard to SpO2 in the different times of measurements during the anesthetic procedure and after the surgery in the recovery phase. Conclusion: This study showed that there is not any superiority in using DEX or REM in the patients undergo AVF formation. More studies on the other groups of the patients with different surgeries.

Background: Several microorganisms are associated with infective endocarditis (IE), but the most common IE causes are staphylococci and streptococci. Among streptococci, the viridans group streptococci are responsible for a considerable percentage of all IE cases. Methods: Since 2006, the Iranian Registry of Infective Endocarditis has recorded information regarding all adult patients with a definite or possible IE diagnosis according to the modified Duke criteria. Patients with viridans streptococcal endocarditis were detected through three blood culture sets. The patients' demographic characteristics, predisposing factors, clinical presentations, and echocardiographic findings were recorded. Results: Of 731 patients diagnosed with endocarditis, viridans streptococci were found in 46 (6.3%) patients, consisting of 28 (60.9%) men and 18 (39.1%) women at a mean age of 42.56 ± 15.46 years, who were subsequently included in the study. Among the 46 patients with viridans streptococcal endocarditis, 26 had a subacute course, whereas 20 had an acute course. Vegetation was detected in 35 patients. All the patients were treated with the standard antibiotic regimen for viridans streptococcal endocarditis, and cardiac surgery was performed on 16 patients. Conclusions: Clinicians should pay sufficient heed to the following points in all cases of viridans streptococcal endocarditis: firstly, an appropriate antibiotic regimen must be based on a precise minimal inhibitory concentration determination for the usual antibiotics. Secondly, since prolonged antibiotic therapy is crucial to the eradication of microorganisms within vegetation, all patients with viridans streptococcal endocarditis must receive an adequate therapy course.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a fatal disease where on-time treatment can change the prognosis. The selection of treatment is dictated by the severity of PH. The cardiac index (CI) is a robust indicator of PH severity. This trial aimed to find out the association between electrocardiogram (ECG) data and CI as a prognostic factor of PH. Methods: Ninety-five patients with precapillary PH were included in the study. The cardiac output of patients was calculated using the right heart catheterization and the Fick formula. Patients were categorized into low- and high-risk groups based on the CI. Their ECGs were interpreted by an expert cardiologist. The association between ECG parameters and severity of PH was evaluated based on the CI. Results: The median age of patients was 36 years. The mean of CI was 2.35 L/min/m² with a standard deviation of 0.74. About 36% of patients were in the high-risk category based on the CI. Among ECG parameters, ST segment depression in V₁-V₆ and R/S ratio ≥1 in V₁ were found significantly correlated with CI for high-risk category (P = 0.026). Conclusion: ST segment depression in V₁-V₆ and R/S ratio ≥1 in V₁ had a significant association with CI in the range lower than 2 L/min/m², which is an indicator of poor PH prognosis. Therefore, these variables can be used as an inexpensive and available prognostic factor in patients with precapillary PH.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder characterized by significantly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and is usually diagnosed after the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular event. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate FH existence, increase awareness of this disorder, and highlight the importance of early treatment which leads to a reduction of premature cardiovascular events and death. Methods: The research had a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical character, and included 6881 (n = 6881) patients who were hospitalized in the Clinic for Heart, Blood Vessel and Rheumatic Diseases, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the period from January 2019 to January 2021. LDL values were analyzed, and all patients with LDL ≥4 mmol/L were included in the study. The Dutch Lipid Score was calculated for all patients, and the findings of invasive coronary angiography were taken into account in those patients for whom it was performed. Results: From 6881 patients, 74 patients had LDL ≥4 mmol/L. Possible FH (score: 3–5) was found in 25 patients, probable FH (score: 6–8) in 2 patients, while the diagnosis of definite FH was not made in any patient. A ST-elevation myocardial infarction was an indication for hospitalization in 44.60% (n = 33), hypertension in 14.87% (n = 11), and angina pectoris in 14.87% (n = 11) of patients. Patients under the age of 65 had higher Dutch Lipid Score compared to the patients above the age of 65, regardless of male or female. Correlational analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between Dutch Lipid Score and level of cholesterol (r =0.385; P < 0.01) and LDL (r = 0.401; P < 0.001). Statistically significant predictors in the explanation of FH were age (β = −0.45; P < 0.001) and LDL (β = 0.52; P < 0.001). Conclusion: LDL values and age are the main determinants of the FH existence, and the effect on LDL values should be imperative in clinical practice.

True idiopathic radial artery aneurysm is a rare entity. There are only a few cases reported in the literature. Asymptomatic radial arterial aneurysm in young patients is even rarer. Here, we present a successfully managed case report of a left radial artery aneurysm in a young female who presented to us with a painless, pulsatile swelling at the wrist.

Sawtooth cardiomyopathy (STC) is a kind of left ventricular (LV) dysplasia which was falsely classified as a variant of LV noncompaction. Here, we report a young man case with presyncope and dyspnea during exercise. Echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance features showed multiple ridge-like projections of compacted myocardium in the inferior and lateral wall which was compatible with diagnosis of STC.