Lichen myxoedematosus with associated cardiac abnormalities

We describe a 42-year-old woman who developed lichen myxoedematosus. Twenty years after the onset of the disease she became breathless and hypertensive, and an echocardiogram showed a mass on the mitral valve, which was thought to be a mucin deposit. Her hypertension was resistant to treatment with combination antihypertensives. To our knowledge, this is the first report to link lichen myxoedematosus with a valvular mucinous mass. This case also demonstrates the slow clinical progression of the disease over 20 years.     

Evaluation of left ventricular function and mass after Medtronic Freestyle versus homograft aortic root replacement using cardiovascular magnetic resonance

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Regression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) after aortic valve replacement has traditionally been measured by echocardiography. However, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can be used to measure left ventricular function and mass more accurately and reproducibly. This translates into fewer patients being needed to demonstrate significant changes. The study aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of using CMR to measure left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and function in patients from a prospective randomized trial, and to compare homografts with the Medtronic Freestyle root replacement. METHODS: Among 23 patients recruited, 17 had LVMI and function (end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV) and ejection fraction (EF)) measured pre- and postoperatively using CMR (eight homograft, nine Freestyle). RESULTS: Significant regression of LVH was seen in both groups one year postoperatively (homograft LVMI 145+/-44 g/m2 preoperative versus 83+/-23 g/m2 one year postoperatively; Freestyle LVMI 140+/-28 g/m2 versus 93+/-21 g/m2, respectively). At six months there was significant regression in the xenograft group (from 140+/-28 to 106+/-22 g/m2; p <0.05) and a trend towards regression in the homograft group (from 145+/-44 to 103+/-25 g/m2; p = NS). There was also a trend towards a reduction in EDV, ESV and SV, and an increase in EF over one year in both groups. CONCLUSION: Regression of LVH was measured using CMR in patients after aortic root replacement and coronary implantation with the homograft and Medtronic Freestyle root replacement. Despite the small number of patients studied, it was possible to demonstrate the extent and pattern of regression of left ventricular mass in the two groups.     

Assessment of frequency of micronucleated exfoliated buccal cells in relation to oxidative stress in oral lichen planus in coastal Karnataka,India

ObjectiveTo assess the frequency of micronucleus in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) in relation to free radical toxicity since OLP is considered to be a precancerous lesion.MethodsThe micronucleus frequency in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells of patients with OLP was assessed and compared to those in healthy subjects.ResultsA significant increase (P<0.004) in frequency of micronucleated exfoliated cells (MEC) was observed in patients with OLP when compared to normal subjects.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that DNA damage in MEC of OLP patients may be a consequence of increased free radical toxicity.     

The impact of CT image integration into an electroanatomic mapping system on clinical outcomes of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background: A detailed appreciation of left atrial/pulmonary vein (LA/PV) anatomy may be important in improving the safety and success of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF).
Objectives: The aim of this nonrandomized study was to determine the impact of computerized tomography (CT) image integration into a 3-dimensional (3D) mapping system on the clinical outcome of patients undergoing CA for AF.
Methods: Ninety-four patients (age: 56 ± 10 years) with AF (paroxysmal 46, persistent 48) underwent wide encirclement of ipsilateral PV pairs using irrigated radiofrequency ablation with the endpoint of electrical isolation. Ablation was guided by 3D mapping alone (electroanatomic 24, noncontact 23) in 47 (3DM group) patients and by CT image integration (Cartomerge®) in 47 (CT group). In persistent AF, a combination of linear ablation and targeted ablation of complex fractionated electrograms was also performed.
Results: Successful PV electrical isolation did not differ between the two groups. A significant reduction in fluoroscopy times was demonstrated in the CT group (49 ± 27 minutes vs 3DM group 62 ± 26 minutes, P = 0.03). Arrhythmia recurrence was reduced in the CT group (32% vs 51% in the 3DM group, P < 0.01). In 30 symptomatic patients (12 CT and 18 3DM), repeat procedures for AF (13 in 3DM and 5 CT, P ≤ 0.10) and AT (5 in 3DM and 7 CT, P = NS) were performed. Overall success on 7-day monitor off antiarrhythmic drugs was achieved in 60% in the 3DM group when compared with 83% in the CT group (P < 0.05) at a follow-up of 25 ± 5 weeks.
Conclusion: CA for AF guided by CT integration was associated with reduced fluoroscopy times, arrhythmia recurrence, and increased restoration of sinus rhythm. Improved visualization of complex LA geometries might improve the safety and success of CA for AF.