Cardiology Commons^™

Outcome And Factors Associated With Hospital Mortality In Patients With Impaired Left Ventricular Function Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Where Do We Stand?, Mubashir Zareen Khan, S Perveen, Ja Ansari, Sa Sami, S Furnaz, Saulat H. Fatimi

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Objective: Impaired ventricular function is a known risk factor for mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting however increasingly more patients with impaired ventricular function are referred for surgery. Currently no large data is available from Pakistan regarding this aspect of coronary surgery. Our objectives were to find out the hospital mortality and mid term functional improvement in patients with impaired ventricular function undergoing coronary artery by pass grafting and identify the risk factors for mortality.
Methodology: Retrospective analysis of preoperative, operative and postoperative variables of patients with impaired ventricular function who were operated for isolated first time coronary artery …

Letter By Jeilan Et Al Regarding Article, "Longitudinal Strain Delay Index By Speckle Tracking Imaging: A New Marker Of Response To Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy"., Jeilan Mohamed, Jiun H. Tuan, G. Andre' Ng

Internal Medicine, East Africa

We read with interest the recent article by Lim et al.1 This article demonstrated a strong correlation between a novel longitudinal strain delay index and left ventricular end-systolic volume reduction in both ischemic and nonischemic patients.

The principle outlined by the authors is that an increased longitudinal strain delay index requires both dyssynchrony (defined in their article as a discrepancy between the time of end-systolic contraction and the time to peak strain) and residual contractility. Their concept elegantly considers the problem of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) nonresponse in heart failure patients who have myocardial segments with delayed contraction due …

Fatal Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury Following Coronary Artery By-Pass Surgery: A Case Report., Fauzia Ahmad Bawany, Hasanat Sharif

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Background:Transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a potentially fatal Acute Lung Injury following transfusion of blood components. Hypotheses implicate donor-derived anti-human leukocyte antigen or granulocyte antibodies reacting with recipients' leukocytes, releasing inflammatory mediators. Lack of agreement on underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms renders improving transfusion safety difficult and expensive.

Case Presentation:

Literature search has not revealed any case of TRALI from Pakistan. We report the case of fatal TRALI in a 68 year old male who received blood products after coronary artery by-pass surgery.

Conclusion:

This article aims to create awareness about this complication and suggests that post …

Awareness Of The Risk Factors, Presenting Features And Complications Of Hypertension Amongst Hypertensives And Normotensives, Syed Nabeel Zafar, Saqib A. Gowani, Faria Amber Irani, Mohammad Ishaq

Section of Cardiology

OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of awareness with regards to risk factors, presenting features and complications of hypertension. Moreover, to Compare the level of awareness amongst patients (hypertensives) and nonpatients (normotensives) in Karachi, Pakistan.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a random sample of 440 people (220-normotensives/220-hypertensives) using an interview based questionnaire. Data entry was performed on Epi-info v 6 and managed and analyzed on SPSS v 14. Proportions were calculated for categorical data, means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous data.RESULTS: Hypertensives had a higher mean awareness score than the normotensives (p

Pacemaker Patients' Perception Of Unsafe Activities: A Survey, Masooma Aqeel, Azam Shafquat, Nawal Salahuddin

Section of Cardiology

Background: Cardiac pacing is a recognized and widely used treatment for Patients presenting with bradycardia. Physicians expect Patients to return to normal activities almost immediately post implantation. However, Patients themselves may perceive interference to pacemaker function by various routine activities and devices, and hence continue to lead restricted, disabled lives. The aim of this study is to determine if routine activities are perceived by pacemaker Patients to interfere with their device function. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional survey was carried out on consecutive Patients at the pacemaker clinic at a public hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A 47-question tool was developed …

Blood Pressure Lowering And Vasomodulator Effects Of Piperine, Syed Intasar Husain Taqvi, Abdul Jabbar Shah, Anwar Gilani

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

This study was aimed to explore underlying mechanism(s) of cardiovascular effects of piperine. Intravenous administration of piperine caused a dose-dependent (1 to 10 mg/kg) decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in normotensive anesthetized rats, the next higher dose (30 mg/kg) did not cause any further change in MAP. The fall in blood pressure (BP) was followed by small increase in MAP after each dose. In Langendorrf's rabbit heart preparation, piperine caused partial inhibition and verapamil caused complete inhibition of force and rate of ventricular contractions and coronary flow. In rabbit aortic rings, piperine inhibited high K(+) (80 mM) precontractions and …

Hiv-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension: Case Report, Jay Shavadia, S. Das, Gerald Yonga

Internal Medicine, East Africa

With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, there has been a significant change in the epidemiology of pulmonary disease in HIV/AIDS. The relative prevalence of non-infectious manifestations is likely to rise. HIV associated pulmonary hypertension (HIV-PH), albeit low prevalence, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Presently, despite having scanty evidence on the management modalities of HIV-PH, evidence extrapolated from idiopathic pulmonary hypertension is being utilised to effectively manage some of these patients. Efforts should therefore be made to screen, diagnose and treat these patients. A case of a thirty year old female with HIV disease and severe pulmonary …

Knowledge Of Coronary Artery Disease (Cad) Risk Factors And Coronary Intervention Among University Students, Aysha Almas, Aamir Hameed, Fateh Ali Tipoo Sultan

Section of Cardiology

Objective: To elucidate knowledge of coronary artery disease (CAD) risks factors and coronary intervention in adult students of Karachi East. To calculate the mean knowledge score about CAD risk factors among them.
Methods: A multi center crossectional study was conducted in Universities and colleges of Karachi East from April-September 2005. Questionnaires were distributed to 200 adult students of different non-medical universities and colleges. The questionnaire contained assessment of knowledge of risk factors on CAD and awareness about coronary angiography. Those belonging to medical colleges and universities were excluded from the study. Knowledge was assessed as a continuous variable. Risk factors …

Extrapleural Hydatid Disease Of Chest: A Case Of Recurrent Hydatid Disease, Ameer Ali Khowaja, Saqib Ali Gowani, Asmatullah Khan, Saulat H. Fatimi

Section of Cardiology

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation by a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus. We present the case of 34-year-old female who complained of chest pain and had a past history of hydatid cyst resection four times in last 15 years. She was found to have extrapleural hyatid cysts of chest that were removed via thoracotomy. The patient fully recovered and experienced an uneventful follow-up.

Knowledge Of Coronary Artery Disease (Cad) Risk Factors And Coronary Intervention Among University Students, Aysha Almas, Aamir Hameed, Fateh Ali Tipoo Sultan

Department of Medicine

Objective: To elucidate knowledge of coronary artery disease (CAD) risks factors and coronary intervention in adult students of Karachi East. To calculate the mean knowledge score about CAD risk factors among them.
Methods: A multi center crossectional study was conducted in Universities and colleges of Karachi East from April-September 2005. Questionnaires were distributed to 200 adult students of different non-medical universities and colleges. The questionnaire contained assessment of knowledge of risk factors on CAD and awareness about coronary angiography. Those belonging to medical colleges and universities were excluded from the study. Knowledge was assessed as a continuous variable. Risk factors …

Rhabdomyosarcoma Embryonal Type: In A Three And A Half Year Old Girl, Ameer A Khowaja, Saqib Ali Gowani, Asmatullah Khan, Saulat H. Fatimi

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Rhadomyosarcoma is the most common tumour of the soft tissues in infants and children. We report a case of a 3 1/2 year old girl who presented with a swelling over the neck. Swelling was diagnosed as Rhabdomyosarcoma (embryonal type). Tumour mass was found to be unresectable initially. The patient was subjected to multiple courses of checmotherapy, which shrunk the tumour significantly. There was simultaneous development of cystic lesions in upper lobe of right lung. Excision of the remnant rhabdomyosarcoma mass and biopsy of right lung with cystectomy of right upper lobe cystic lesion was performed. The patient fully recovered …

Clinical Outcomes Of Sirolimus With Eluting Stent Implantation In Coronary Artery Disease, Munsif Ali, Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah, Zaman Shah, Islam Hussain, Khezar Shahzada Syed, Hadi Mohammad Khan

Section of Cardiology

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate post procedure, thirty-days, and six-months clinical outcomes of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) implantation in patients with single and multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS: A case series of all consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) with SES implantation at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, were evaluated at early post-procedure, 30-days and six-months clinical follow-up for the incidence of major adverse cardiac event (MACE). This included death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) and repeat revascularization.

RESULTS: Out of 206 consecutive patients, 324 had SES implanted. Cumulative MACE rate was 2.93% and 6% at 30-days and six-months follow-ups respectively. …

Diagnostic Yield Of Transthoracic Echocardiography For Stroke Patients In A Developing Country, Muhib Alam Khan, Bhojo A Khealani, Bilal Hameed, Ayeesha Kamal, Mohammad Wasay, Nadir Ali Syed

Section of Neurology

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility and cost effectiveness of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as part of stroke workup in a developing country.

METHODS: All patients over the age of 14 years with acute stroke were prospectively enrolled in Aga Khan University stroke databank from August 1999 to May 2001 (22 month period). All patients were evaluated by a consultant neurologist and underwent standard stroke work up such as neuroimaging, TTE, carotid doppler sonography and blood tests e.g. serum glucose, lipid profile, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. For the purpose of this study, patients with ischemic stroke were identified and their …

St Segment Resolution Post Mi--A Predictor Of Better Outcomes, Shuja-Ur-Rehman, Sidrah Sheikh, Mohsin Nazeer

Section of Cardiology

OBJECTIVE: To compare, the post Myocardial Infarction in-patient outcome of patients with early ST resolution to those without ST resolution on ECG, in a South Asian population.METHODS: This was a prospective study done at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore. Consecutive patients of ST elevation myocardial infarction, who were not treated with primary angioplasty but were thrombolysed were recruited at the time of arrival in the emergency department. Streptokinase was administered to all patients as the agent of thrombolysis. ECG was acquired at baseline and at 60 minutes post streptokinase administration. Patients were subsequently divided into two groups (A) Patients …

Knowledge And Practice Of Radiation Safety Among Invasive Cardiologists, Nasir Rahman, Sajid H. Dhakam, Azam Shafqut, Sadia Qadir, Fateh Ali Tipoo

Section of Cardiology

OBJECTIVE: To assess the availability, practices and knowledge of radiation safety measures among invasive cardiologists in a tertiary care hospital.

METHOD: A cross sectional survey of invasive cardiologists working in academic institutions was conducted using a questionnaire.

RESULTS: A total of 28 cardiologists completed the questionnaire with a mean working experience of 10.5 + 7.6 years. All were of the opinion that radiation safety is extremely important and 93% always used lead aprons. Less than half of them used other radiation protective measures including thyroid collar, lead eyeglasses and lead shields. Only 7% regularly utilized a radiation dose badge to …

Images In Cardiovascular Medicine. Cardiac Tuberculoma., Jeilan Mohamed, Matthias Schmitt, Gerry Mccann, Joan Davies, Joseph Leverment, Derek Chin

Internal Medicine, East Africa

A 43-year–old man with a 6-month history of cough, dyspnea, nocturnal sweats, and weight loss was reviewed in the clinic. Clinical examination revealed cervical lymphadenopathy and indicated constrictive physiology. Initial tests, including chest radiography, sputum examination, QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, and lymph node biopsy, were unyielding. HIV serology was nonreactive.

Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis Despite Seemingly-Adequate Anticoagulation: The Dangers Of Transient Lapses In Anticoagulation, Fahim H. Jafary, K. Hassan

Section of Cardiology

We report a 19-year-old woman with thrombosis of a prosthetic mitral valve that was most likely due to a short dip in anticoagulation in the days preceding the event. Interestingly, at presentation the Patient was super-therapeutic, most likely a result of hepatic congestion as the heart began to fail, creating an illusion of thrombosis despite adequate anti coagulation.

Prognosis Of Hospitalized New-Onset Systolic Heart Failure In Indo-Asians--A Lethal Problem, Fahim H. Jafary, Mahesh Kumar, Irfan E. Chandna

Section of Cardiology

Background: Systolic heart failure (SHF), particularly when requiring hospital admission carries a poor prognosis. There is a paucity of data in Indo-Asians on outcomes of SHF, among whom the burden of cardiovascular disease is consistently rising. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and predictors of mortality and morbidity amongst patients admitted with new-onset SHF at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Methods and Results: Hospital charts of 196 patients with a diagnosis of new or recent onset (!3 months) SHF (ejection fraction [EF] !40%) were reviewed. Patients who died during the admission, those with life-limiting concomitant …

Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome: Case Report, Mzee Ngunga, R. Harania, K. Hameed, J. O. Jowi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

We present a 40 year old man who was admitted to the hospital with convulsions. His final diagnosis was osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS).We discuss the diagnostic and management challenges and the possible complications of this rare diagnosis.

Three Pregnancies With Mechanical Heart Valve And No Follow-Up In 10 Years, Raja Parvez Akhtar, Abdul Rehman Abid, Hasnain Zafar

Section of General Surgery

Anticoagulation and proper INR (International Normalized Ratio) monitoring is essential for patients having mechanical heart valves; it is vital in these patients in order to prevent lethal complications such as valve thrombosis and systemic embolism. In pregnancy, it becomes even more important as pregnancy itself is a hypercoagulable state. This report describes a female patient having undergone mitral valve replacement with a Starr Edward metallic prosthesis. She came back to the operating surgeon after 10 years of valve replacement with a history of three uneventful healthy deliveries and no follow-up and INR monitoring during this period.

The "Incidental" Episode Of Ventricular Fibrillation: A Case Report, Fahim H. Jafary

Section of Cardiology

Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VF) carry important prognostic implications, especially in the post myocardial infarction period. However, artifact on the electrocardiographic tracing can mimic VF particularly on routinely recorded rhythm strips in hospitals. Such misinterpretation can lead to expensive (and potentially risky) diagnostic and therapeutic steps. We report on such a case and highlight the need for careful inspection of the tracing.

Rare Relapsed Extrapulmonary Hydatid Disease, Saulat H. Fatimi, Mj Schuuring, S. Sheikh

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Hydatid cysts are rarely seen at the extrapulmonary sites. We report relapsed hydatid cysts with abdominal origin in a 25 years old woman. Over 1000 Hydatid cysts were removed through right posterolateral thoracotomy without any complications. Only very few cases are reported in the literature.

Knowledge Of Modifiable Risk Factors Of Heart Disease Among Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction In Karachi, Pakistan: A Cross Sectional Study, Muhammad S. Khan, Fahim H. Jafary, Tazeen H. Jafar, Azhar M. Faruqui, Syed I. Rasool, Juanita Hatcher, Nish Chaturvedi

Community Health Sciences

Background: Knowledge is an important pre-requisite for implementing both primary as well as secondary preventive strategies for cardiovascular disease (CVD). There are no estimates of the level of knowledge of risk factor of heart disease in patients with CVD. We estimated the level of knowledge of modifiable risk factors and determined the factors associated with good level of knowledge among patients presenting with their first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, a major tertiary care hospital in Karachi Pakistan. Patients …

5 Year Survival Of A Patient With Malignant Thymoma With Superior Vena Caval Syndrome, Saulat H. Fatimi, Sadaf Sheikh, Saba Mansoor

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

No abstract provided.

Tracheal Inujry Due To Blunt Chest Trauma: A Rare Surgical Emergency, Usman Ahmad, Muhammad A Javed, Saulat H. Fatimi, Fahad Shuja

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Tracheal injury is a rare complication of blunt chest trauma. The patients usually present with signs of respiratory distress. Primary repair is the treatment of choice in case of large defects, while small tears can be managed conservatively. Immediate operation is recommended to improve deteriorating pulmonary function. The decrease in mortality and long-term morbidity depends on early diagnosis. We report a case of tracheal injury due to non-penetrating thoracic trauma which was successfully managed with surgery.

Minimally Symptomatic Severe Hypercalcaemia In A Patient With Parathyroid Carcinoma., Aisha Sheikh, Najmul Islam

Department of Medicine

The case of a 38 years old man with generalized pains fatigue, anorexia, constipation, polyuria serum calcium level of 20.6mg/dl in paired renal function parathyroid hormone is presented. Sestamibi scan showed a functioning left inferior parathyroid tumor, which was successfully removed. Before surgery he was managed with rehydration, diuretics and pamidronate infusion. Five months post surgery the serum calcium levels are normal and renal function has improved.

Clinical And Echocardiographic Characteristics Of Patients With Significant Pericardial Effusion Requiring Pericardiocentesis, Ata Ur Rehman Quraishi, Arif Anis Khan, Khawar Abbas Kazmi, Syed Muhammad Najaf, M Najib Basir, Azam Shafquat, Fahim Jafary, Sajid Dhakan

Section of Cardiology

Objective: Clinical and echocardiographic features of significant pericardial effusion (PE) have been reported from the west. Currently there is lack of published data from this part of the world, we reviewed all consecutive cases of significant PE requiring echocardiographic assisted pericardiocentesis to analyze the clinical and echocardiographic features of these patients.Methods: Forty four consecutive patients who underwent echocardiography assisted pericardiocentesis at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) between January 1988 and May 2001" re included in this review.Results: Most common presenting symptoms were dyspnea (89%) and fever (36%). Elevated JVP and pulsus paradoxus were documented in 59% and 41% of …

Non-Traumatic Aortic Emergencies - Experience From A Tertiary Care Centre In, Nadeem Khan Ullah Khan, Junaid A. Razzak, Hasanat Sharif, Saqib Hamid Qazi

Department of Emergency Medicine

Objective: To review the incidence, clinical presentation and outcome of Non traumatic Aortic emergencies in a tertiary care hospital and its evaluation in the Emergency department (ED).
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of cases presented to the ED at Aga Khan University Hospital during 15 year period (1988 - 2002) who had final diagnosis of Aortic Dissection or Ruptured Aortic Aneurysm. Patients without confirmatory investigations were excluded. We aimed at looking for the incidence, clinical presentation, evaluation in the ED and final outcome.
Results: Of the 12 cases, 7 had aortic dissection while the remaining 5 had ruptured aortic …

Predicting Postoperative Cardio-Pulmonary Complications By A Test Of Stair Climbing, Nawal Salahuddin, Saulat H. Fatimi, Shehzad Huda, Mohammad Islam, Azam Shafquat

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a test of stair climbing ability could be used to predict the risk of developing postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in patients undergoing general anesthesia.
DESIGN: Cohort study.
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. The duration of the study was from December 2003 to December 2004. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on consecutive, adult patients presenting for elective thoracic or abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. Pre-operatively, patients were asked to climb a standard staircase. Number of steps climbed was recorded. Those unable to climb stairs due to debilitating …

Cardiogenic Shock After Dipyridamole Administration For Myocardial Perfusion Imaging, Fahim H. Jafary, Nageeb Basir, Adnan Amin, Nasiruddin Ahmed

Section of Cardiology

No abstract provided.