MicroRNA dysregulation in diabetic ischemic heart failure patients

Increased morbidity and mortality associated with ischemic heart failure (HF) in type 2 diabetic patients requires a deeper understanding of the underpinning pathogenetic mechanisms. Given the implication of microRNAs (miRNAs) in HF, we investigated their regulation and potential role. miRNA expression profiles were measured in left ventricle biopsies from 10 diabetic HF (D-HF) and 19 nondiabetic HF (ND-HF) patients affected by non-end stage dilated ischemic cardiomyopathy. The HF groups were compared with each other and with 16 matched nondiabetic, non-HF control subjects. A total of 17 miRNAs were modulated in D-HF and/or ND-HF patients when compared with control subjects. miR-216a, strongly increased in both D-HF and ND-HF patients, negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction. Six miRNAs were differently expressed when comparing D-HF and ND-HF patients: miR-34b, miR-34c, miR-199b, miR-210, miR-650, and miR-223. Bioinformatic analysis of their modulated targets showed the enrichment of cardiac dysfunctions and HF categories. Moreover, the hypoxia-inducible factor pathway was activated in the noninfarcted, vital myocardium of D-HF compared with ND-HF patients, indicating a dysregulation of the hypoxia response mechanisms. Accordingly, miR-199a, miR-199b, and miR-210 were modulated by hypoxia and high glucose in cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells cultured in vitro. In conclusion, these findings show a dysregulation of miRNAs in HF, shedding light on the specific disease mechanisms differentiating diabetic patients.     

Atresia of the left main coronary artery: clinical recognition and surgical treatment.

Atresia of the left main coronary artery is an extremely rare anomaly with very few cases presented in the literature. Even more uncommon are reports of successful surgical repair. This article concerns two cases of atresia of the left main coronary artery treated surgically with a favourable outcome. The two patients (a 16 year-old boy and a 43 year-old woman) had a different clinical presentation but identical angiographic and morphologic features. The authors examine the embryogenetic defect underlying this anomaly. The differential diagnosis involves two congenital malformations (single coronary artery and anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary trunk) and acquired atherosclerotic disease of the left main coronary artery; the distinguishing features of these conditions are reviewed. Surgical management by means of internal mammary artery revascularization is discussed in light of recent reports about adequacy of blood flow in internal mammary artery bypass grafts.     

Contemporary results of surgery in acute type A aortic dissection: The International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection experience

BACKGROUND: Surgical mortality for acute type A aortic dissection reported in different experiences from single centers or surgeons varies from 7% to 30%. The International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection, collecting patients from 18 referral centers worldwide, identifies a preoperative risk stratification scheme and a real average surgical mortality for acute type A aortic dissection in the current era. METHODS: A comprehensive analysis was completed of 290 clinical variables and their relationship to surgical outcomes in 526 of 1032 patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection from 1996 through 2001. Extracted cases, categorized according to risk profile, were defined as unstable (group I) in the presence of cardiac tamponade; shock; congestive heart failure; cerebrovascular accident; stroke; coma; myocardial ischemia, infarction, or both; electrocardiograms with new Q waves or ST elevation; acute renal failure; or mesenteric ischemia-infarction at the time of the operation. Outside of an unstable condition, patients were categorized as stable (group II). RESULTS: The overall in-hospital mortality was 25.1%. Mortality in group I was 31.4% compared with 16.7% in group II ( P < .001). Independent preoperative predictors of operative mortality were history of aortic valve replacement (odds ratio = 3.12), migrating chest pain (odds ratio = 2.77), hypotension as sign of acute type A aortic dissection (odds ratio = 1.95), shock or tamponade (odds ratio = 2.69), preoperative cardiac tamponade (odds ratio = 2.22), and preoperative limb ischemia (odds ratio = 2.10). CONCLUSIONS: The International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection experience confirms that patient selection plays an important role in determining surgical outcomes in patients with acute type A aortic dissection. Knowledge of significant risk factors for operative mortality can contribute to better management and a more defined risk assessment in patients affected by acute type A aortic dissection.     

Left ventricular fibroma in childhood: 2-dimensional echocardiographic diagnosis and surgical treatment. Description of a case

We describe the case of a patient 4 months old transferred to our hospital for evaluation of occasionally detected cardiac alterations: ecg showed abnormal Q and negative T waves in D1 - aVL leads and chest x-ray was consistent with enlargement of the left ventricular cavity. After admission, 2D echocardiographic examination disclosed, in the left ventricular cavity, a large mass extending from the papillary muscles to the outflow tract. The mass was of uniform density and easily recognizable as a tumor. Although asymptomatic, the patient underwent operation 10 months later because of the risk of occurrence of severe conduction disturbances or arrhythmias. Histological examination demonstrated that the mass was a fibroma. At post-op echocardiographic and angiographic evaluation the left ventricle appeared abnormally dilated with a large aneurysm of the lateral wall and very poor pump function. Nevertheless the patient did well in the following months until a ventricular fibrillation occurred at home. He was immediately brought to hospital and resuscitation was attempted unsuccessfully. We discuss the role of 2D echocardiography in the diagnosis of cardiac tumors, the indication of the early surgical removal and the possible limitations of the technique we used in this case.