International journal of cardiology
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Letter Case Reports
ST-elevation myocardial infarction associated with acute ischemic stroke.
Randomized clinical studies have demonstrated that tissue plasminogen activator thrombolytic therapy improves functional outcomes. Recently the time window for tissue plasminogen activator thrombolytic therapy has been extended from 3 to 4.5 h after ischemic stroke onset, which will allow more ischemic stroke patients to benefit from this treatment. ⋯ We present a case of tissue plasminogen activator thrombolytic therapy in a 68-year-old Italian man admitted to the Emergency Department with heart failure, ischemic stroke and ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Also this case focuses attention on regression of ischemic stroke symptoms in STEMI patient treated with tissue plasminogen activator thrombolytic therapy.
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Letter Comparative Study
Aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) is associated with ascending aortic aneurysm growth rate.
Plasma levels of PIIINP a marker of extracellular matrix metabolism activity have been linked to abdominal aortic aneurysm growth rate, but its relationship with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) growth has never previously been studied. ⋯ Our results suggest that it may in the future be possible to monitor TAA growth by means of PIIINP levels.
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Comparative Study
BNP at discharge in acute heart failure patients: is it all about volemia? A study using impedance cardiography to assess fluid and hemodynamic status.
Besides hemodynamic parameters, several other variables have been associated to B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Limited knowledge on BNP determinants in acute heart failure (HF) can undermine the interpretation of BNP levels. ⋯ Discharge BNP levels in acute HF patients reflected volemia and disease severity. Persistently high BNP levels during hospitalization should raise the possibility of remaining congestion, which could negatively influence prognosis. The utility of BNP as prognostic marker in HF may reside on its ability to reflect multiple underlying pathophysiological disturbances.