Background: Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPAH) is a rare, debilitating, and fatal disease. Late-onset treatment can lead to right heart failure, multiple organ damage, and death. Since the thyroid plays a major role in the metabolism and hemodynamics in humans, the screening of thyroid function is crucial. Thyroid dysfunction has been reported to cause pulmonary hypertension, but the thyroid is also involved in IPAH. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate thyroid function in IPAH patients. Patients and Methods: Fifty-three IPAH patients aged 16 - 75 years-old were enrolled in this cross sectional study, and their right ventricular functions, hemodynamics, and six minute walk tests (SMWTs) were evaluated. Thyroid function tests were conducted, and their associations with the patients’ pulmonary arterial pressures (PAPs) and functional capacities were assessed. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 15 statistical software. Results: In this research, 84.8% of the participants were women. The mean PAP was 51.6 mmHg (31-87) and mean thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level was 4.2 mIU/ml (0.7 - 10). Subclinical hypothyroidism was detected in 26 patients (49.1%). There were significant correlations of the TSH level with the right ventricular (RV) end diastolic dimension (P value = 0.05) and triiodothyronine (T3) with the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (P value = 0.04), an inverse relationship between the SMWT and the TSH level (P value = 0.004), but no significant relationship between these parameters and the thyroxine (T4) level. Conclusions: IPAH is associated with subclinical hypothyroidism and low patient functional capacity, and is more common in RV failure.

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Background: Patients with high levels of total cholesterol (TCH), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-CH), and triglyceride (TG) are at increased risk of coronary heart disease. Studies have shown that flavonoids and antioxidant compounds have beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of extract of Hypericum perforatum (EHP) on the serum lipid profile (TCH, TG, and LDL-CH), aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemic rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male rats weighting 200 ± 10 g were randomly divided into four experimental groups: 1) control, 2) control + EHP, 3) hyperlipidemia, and 4) hyperlipidemia + EHP. The rats in the hyperlipidemic groups were fed a high-fat diet for 60 days, and EHP (300 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for 2 weeks in the rats in the second and fourth groups. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples from each group were analyzed. Results: There was a significant reduction in LDL-CH in the control + EHP group and the hyperlipidemia + EHP group (P < 0.05). TCH was significantly reduced in the control + EHP group (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the levels of TG and HDL-CH. Malondialdehyde, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were significantly reduced in the hyperlipidemia + EHP group (P < 0.05), with no significant change in alkaline phosphatase. Conclusions: EHP was able to both reduce LDL-CH and to significantly decrease markers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation induced by hyperlipidemia. Therefore, this herb, as a new pharmacological component, could be used to reduce certain blood lipids, lipid peroxidation, and aminotransferase markers.

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Background: There is a paucity of data regarding the role of side branch (SB) predilation during the provisional stenting of bifurcation lesions. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effects of SB predilation on the outcomes of true bifurcation interventions. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with true bifurcation lesions according to the Medina classification were included in the study and randomly assigned to receive SB predilation before stenting the main branch (n = 30) or no predilation as the control group (n = 30). Results: There was a trend toward the higher occurrence of dissection in the predilated ostial lesions of the SB compared to the non- predilated group (16.7% vs. 0, P = 0.07). Performance of the SB predilation was not associated with improved flow of the SB or fewer degrees of ostial stenosis after stenting the main branch, the need to rewire, rewiring time, or the rate of use of the final kissing balloon dilation and double stents procedures. Conclusions: Routine predilation of the SB in provisional stenting of true bifurcation lesions seems to be ineffective and might be associated with some undesirable consequences. Still, there are some complex ostial lesions of the SB which could benefit from predilation.

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Background: Prolongation of the QT interval is considered a risk factor for cardiac adverse events and mortality. Left bundle branch block (LBBB) lengthens the QT interval. The corrected QT interval (QTc) is most likely overestimated because its prolongation is caused by increases in depolarization duration and not in repolarization. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to apply corrected JT interval (JTc) as an appropriate measure of ventricular repolarization for predicting QTc in a formula. Patients and Methods: The study population consisted of 101 patients with sinus rhythm (SR) and narrow QRS complexes (< 120 milliseconds). All patients underwent electrophysiology studies or ablation. A diagnostic catheter was positioned in the right ventricular apex (RVA) to induce LBBB at two different cycle lengths (CLs; 600 and 700 mv). The intrinsic QRS complex, QT time, and JT time were measured during SR and subsequent RVA pacing. The JTc was derived simply by subtracting the QRS duration from the QTc. Results: Stimulation from the RVA increased the QTc from 456.20 ± 38.63 ms to 530.67 ± 47.73 ms at a CL of 600 (P < 0.0001) and to 502.32 ± 47.26 ms at 700 CL (P < 0.0001). JTc showed no significant changes with stimulation from the RVA (102.97 ± 11.35 ms vs. 103.59 ± 10.67 ms, P = 0.24). There was no significant correlation between JTc and QRS complex duration. A significant correlation was seen between QRS and QTc at both CLs. The ROC curve indicated that sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 67% were obtained with JTc duration of 92.6 ms. Conclusions: Right ventricular pacing increases the QT interval without increasing the JT interval. Our results confirm that JTc, as an index of repolarization, is independent of ventricular depolarization. Therefore, it can be applied for predicting QTc in patients with LBBB.

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Introduction: Endoleaks remains one of the primary concerns of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and is routinely followed with CT angiography (CTA). However, certain imaging findings can mimic endoleaks. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old woman who had endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with Endologix Powerlink system developed marked new circumferential cauliflower-like bulging of contrast-filled sacs at mid-stent-graft with enlargement of the excluded aneurysm at 3-year follow-up. Conclusions: Considering the unique construct of the Powerlink stents, this is thought to represent aneurysmal degeneration of the outer fabric material from the metal struts and may potentially pressurize the excluded sac with risk for rupture.

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Introduction: Coronary vessel perforation is one of the most feared complications of coronary angioplasty. The treatment of this complication relies mostly on the implantation of covered stents. However, due to their design, covered stents are difficult to advance in a tortuous or calcified vessel. Case Presentation: We present a case of a grade III coronary perforation in which the double guiding catheter technique helped us to deliver the graft stent. Conclusions: The double-guiding technique is useful in emergency situations to increase the safety and efficacy of sealing a coronary perforation.

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Background: Patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) after aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the subject of continuing debate in the cardiac surgery field. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and severity of patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) and the functional status of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) using a CarboMedics prosthesis in the mid-term follow up. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively studied 66 consecutive patients who were referred to AVR with a CarboMedics prosthesis at the Rajaie cardiovascular medical and research center, a university referral hospital in Tehran, Iran. The severity of PPM as well as clinical and echocardiographic parameters and the patients’ New York heat association (NYHA) functional classification status, operative data and postoperative complications, and mortality in a mid-term (4 - 5 months) follow up period was assessed. Severe PPM was defined as the effective orifice area (EOA) indexed to the patient’s body surface area (BSA) < 0.65 cm²/m² and moderate PPM was defined as the indexed effective orifice area (IEOA) between 0.65 and 0.85 cm²/m². Results: Of the 66 studied patients, 39 were male and 27 were female. The mean age of the patients was 43 ± 17 with a range of 6 - 76 years. Implanted sizes of the CarboMedics AV prosthesis in 22 patients were 19 and 21 mm, and in 44 patients were 23 and 25 mm. Eleven patients had moderate PPM (IEOA < 0.85 cm²/m²) and 55 of them did not have PPM (IEOA> 0.85 cm²/m²). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the echocardiographic trans-aortic pressure gradients (35.6 ± 19 vs. 23.2 ± 16 mmHg; P = 0.061) and the mean NYHA functional classification (1.10 ± 0.3 vs. 1.01 ± 0.10; P = 0.074) after AVR in the mid-term follow up. Conclusions: Moderate PPM has no negative effect on echocardiographic trans-aortic pressure gradients or the patients’ NYHA functional status after AVR with a CarboMedics prosthesis in the mid-term follow up.

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Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia diagnosed in humans and therefore causes a high socioeconomic burden. The Cox-Maze IV procedure is the gold standard treatment for atrial fibrillation. Minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of AF is also promising. Objectives: Our aim is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and immediate plus medium-term results of concomitant AF ablation therapy in patients undergoing minimally invasive valve surgery through right-sided minithoracotomy. Patients and Methods: Retrospective data were collected from January 2012 to December 2013. Seventy-five consecutive patients underwent radiofrequency ablation during valve surgery through a right-sided minithoracotomy. Results: All 75 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation. The pulmonary vein was isolated in 6 (8%) by encircling the left and right pulmonary veins. In 9 (12%) patients, endocardial box lesions were created using a monopolar probe, while in 47 (62.7%), epicardial box lesions were produced with a monopolar probe. Thirteen (17.3%) patients received a box lesion created with a bipolar probe. Finally, in 22 (293%) patients, a line of lesions was produced leading up to the posterior mitral annulus. Only 1 (1.3%) perioperative death was observed. At discharge, 43 (57.3%) patients were in sinus rhythm and 30 (40%) were in AF. After a mean follow-up of 21.6 ± 10.1 months, 46 patients (63%) were in a stable sinus rhythm and 27 were in (37%) in AF; 26 (56.5%) patients were free from antiarrhythmic therapy, while 19 (42.2%) were still taking at least one drug. Conclusions: We can conclude that treatment of AF using a right-sided minithoracotomy approach and RF energy in patients undergoing cardiac surgery for various valve diseases is feasible, safe, and reproducible.

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Introduction: Cardiac resynchronization devices are part of modern heart failure management. After implantation, we analyze and program devices in an attempt to ensure their success. Biventricular pacing should be 98% or more for the lowest mortality and best symptom improvement. Case Presentation: In this case series, we present a combination of far field sensing and automatic mode switching (AMS) in six patients. It is found that this combination causes ventricular sensing (VS) episodes with wide QRS and no synchronization. We turn off the AMS and alleviate the problem. Conclusions: Switching AMS off may increase biventricular pacing in some patients.

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Introduction: In Turner syndrome, cardiovascular complications are the most important causes of early mortality. Congenital cardiovascular abnormalities are found in approximately one third of Turner syndrome patients. Developments in diagnosis and treatment have decreased the rate of mortality related to these abnormalities. In recent years, many papers have mentioned that coronary artery disease developing at early ages in patients with Turner syndrome causes sudden deaths. Case Presentation: The patient, a 27-year-old female was admitted to the emergency room with chest pain at rest. She was diagnosed with Turner Syndrome in her teenage years due to amenorrhea. Patients with ECG changes and cardiac enzyme elevations were treated with acute coronary syndrome. Conclusions: The young woman with Turner Syndrome have several risk factors for early Coronary Artery Disease development. In such cases, dramatic results like sudden death or heart attack at an early age may occur in cases of insufficient follow-up and treatment.

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