ד' זלצר, ש' ברלינר, י' שפירא

המח' לרפואה פנימית ד' והיח' לטיפול בנוגדי-קרישה, מרכז רפואי סוראסקי והפקולט הלרפואה סאקלר, אוניברסיטת תל-אביב

לטיפול ההורמונלי החלופי מספר מטרות, ביניהן מניעה של מחלת לב איסכמית בנשים בתקופה שלאחר חידלון וסת. הקשר שבין טיפול הורמוני חלופי למניעה של מחלת לב נבדק במספר מחקרים. אולם יעילותו של טיפול זה במניעת מחלת לב איסכמית בנשים לאחר חידלון-וסת, אינו ברור. מבחינת המניעה הראשונית מלמדים המחקרים השונים על תוצאות לא עקביות, וקיימים חילוקי דעות בין הטוענים להיעדר השפעה מונעת ראשונית לבין הטוענים, כי ניתוח תוצאות המחקרים השונים אינו מדויק, וכי לטיפול אכן יש השפעה המונעת מחלת לב איסכמית. במחקר HERS בנושא מניעה שניונית של מחלת לב איסכמית הודגמה דווקא עלייה בשכיחות האירועים בעקבות טיפול הורמוני, אם כי עלייה זו חלה בעיקר בשנה הראשונה לטיפול, ובהמשך הסתמנה ירידה בשכיחות אירועים אלה. הסיבות לעלייה בשכיחות האירועים מצד הלב אינן ברורות, אם כי אפשר שהדבר כרוך בהתגברות התהליכים הפקקתיים, הדלקתיים והאיסכמיים בתת-אוכלוסיות מסוימות של נשים עם מחלת לב איסכמית.

אריאל רוגין, שלמה עמיקם

המח' לקרדיולוגיה, מרכז רפואי רמב"ם, הפקולטה לרפואה, הטכניון, חיפה

מטרת הטיפול בהשתלת קוצב-לב מטרתו לתקן את ההפרעה של דופק לב איטי תסמיני, הנגרם בעיקר עקב חסם פרוזדורי-חדרי או תיסמונת הסינוס החולה (sick sinus syndrome). קוצבי-הלב הראשונים הושתלו בסוף שנות החמישים של המאה הקודמת, ומאז חלה התפתחות ניכרת בטכנולוגיה שלהם: משקלם וניפחם קטן בהרבה, הם ניתנים לתיכנות חיצוני, יש בהם חיישנים המשנים את קיצבם לפי דרגת המאמץ,  ניתן לקבל מהם מידע על מצב הסוללות והאלקטרודות ועוד. בשנות השישים והשיבעים היה הקוצב החדרי (סימונו – VVI) הפיתוח היחיד בנמצא. בהמשך פותחו קוצבים פרוזדוריים (סימונם – AAI), שגם הם חד-לישכתיים, אך מפעילים את הלב דרך הפרוזדורים.  בתחילת שנות השמונים נכנס לשימוש הקוצב הדו-לישכתי DDD)), המווסת את הקצב הן בפרוזדורים והן בחדרים, באמצעות שתי אלקטרודות מושתלות (פרוזדורית וחדרית).  קוצב זה נחשב לקוצב "פיסיולוגי", מאחר ששיטת פעולתו היא הקרובה ביותר לפעילות החשמלית הטבעית בלב.

ארז סקפה, אלכסנדר בטלר, דוד חסדאי

המערך לקרדיולוגיה, מרכז רפואי רבין, קמפוס בילינסון, פתח תקוה

הלם שמקורו בלב (cardiogenic shock) (המ"ל) הוא תיסמונת קלינית, הנגרמת מירידה בתפוקת-הלב המערכתית בנוכחות נפח תוך-כלי תקין. כתוצאה מכך, נגרמות ירידה בזילוח רקמות והפרעה באספקת חמצן לרקמות. בסקירה זו נתייחס למאמרים העיקריים שפורסמו בנושא זה וננסה לגבש עמדה לגבי אפשרויות הטיפול בחולים אלה.

אביטל פורטר, אלכסנדר בטלר, דוד חסדאי

המערך לקרדיולוגיה, מרכז רפואי רבין, קמפוס בילינסון, פתח תקוה

מחלת לב כלילית מהווה את הגורם העיקרי לתמותה בעולם המערבי בכלל ובאוכלוסיית הקשישים בפרט. באופן כללי, הטיפול הניתן לחולה הקשיש הלוקה בתיסמונת כלילית חדה, הן בשלב החד והן כטיפול ממושך, נרחב פחות ופולשני פחות מזה הניתן לחולה הצעיר ואינו תואם את ההנחיות המקובלות.

חריגויות אלה מבטאות כנראה את תחושת הרופאים, שסיכויי הצלחת הטיפול נמוכים בחולה הקשיש, נוכח מחלות רקע רבות, שכיחות גבוהה של מחלה כלילית רב-כלית, וזמן ממושך יותר, יחסית לצעירים, עד קבלת סיוע רפואי.

המטרות בסקירה זו הן: 1) לבחון את הידוע כיום בספרות אודות טיפול תרופתי ופולשני בחולה הקשיש הלוקה בתיסמונת כלילית חדה; 2) לנסות לענות על השאלה, האם גיל צריך להוות שיקול בגיבוש העמדה הטיפול בתיסמונות כליליות חדות.

עמירה קן-דרור, חנן שניידר, נעמה קונסטנטיני

שירותי בריאות כללית, מחוז חיפה, היח' לטיפול נמרץ לב, בי"ח כרמל, המרכז לרפואת ספורט ולמחקר ע"ש ריבשטיין, מכון וינגייט

פגיעה קהה (blunt) בבית החזה של ספורטאי צעיר עם לב בריא לחלוטין, עלולה לגרום למוות פתאומי כתוצאה מדום לב. למי שנכח באירוע כזה החוויה קשה, מתסכלת ובלתי נשכחת. מצאנו לנכון לסקור תופעה זו, ולהביאה לידיעת ציבור הרופאים; ראשית, כדי לעורר מודעות לקיומה, להכיר אותה ולנסות ללמוד להתמודד עם מניעתה ואופן הטיפול הנכון בעת התרחשותה. שנית, כהזדמנות נוספת לריענון הידע אודות הסיבות הקרדיו-ואסקולריות למוות פתאומי בהקשר עם פעילות גופנית ולסקירת הספרות העדכנית.
 

Anticoagulant Treatment in Pericardial Effusion - A Therapeutic Dilemma 

Marina Katsman, Elie Shiloah, Micha Rappoport

Dept. of Medicine C, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin

Anticoagulant treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and pericardial effusion is controversial, since the treatment might cause hemopericardium and tamponade. On the other hand, anticoagulants are strongly indicated in many situations in AMI, including: left ventricular thrombus, unstable angina, severe heart failure, deep vein thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, atrial fibrillation, as part of thrombolytic treatment, and during cardiac catheterization.

We describe a 70-year-old man who presented with both pericardial effusion and a left ventricular thrombus 3 weeks after an extensive, anterior wall AMI. Anticoagulants and corticosteroids were administered simultaneously under hem-odynamic and echocardiographic monitoring, without complications.

It is our impression that anticoagulant treatment is safe in patients with pericardial effusion.

Thrombolytic Therapy or Primary Coronary Angioplasty in Acute Myocardial Infarction?

David Pereg, Shlomo Behar, Alexander Battler, Valentina Boyko, Shmuel Gottlieb, Jonathan Leor: Israel Thrombolytic Survey Group

Cardiology Division, Soroka Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba; Neufeld Cardiac Research Institute, Tel Hashomer and Tel Aviv University; and Cardiology Dept., Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva

There has been continuous debate over the superiority of primary percutaneous, transluminal, coronary angioplasty (PTCA) over thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It was questioned whether this advantage of primary PTCA reported in selected populations by experienced centers can be replicated in our clinical practice.

We compared demographic and clinical variables, therapies and outcome in AMI treated with primary PTCA vs thrombolytic therapy. Clinical and demographic variables of 1,678 unselected AMI patients (admitted January/February and May/July 1996) were analyzed in 16 cardiac care units with on-site catheterization facilities and ability to perform PTCA. Of these 803 (48%) were treated by thrombolysis and 99 (6%) by primary PTCA.

The prevalence of adverse prognostic variables, such as anterior wall MI, heart failure on admission or during hospital stay, pulmonary edema, and ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, was higher in the PTCA group. The 7-day, 30-day and 1-year mortality rates were similar in the 2 groups: 4%, 7.2% and 12.8%, respectively, in the PTCA group and 5%, 7.2% and 11.1% in the thrombolysis group. There was a trend toward lower mortality in subgroups of high-risk patients: those with heart failure on admission (Killip class >1), the elderly (>65 years), and those with previous MI treated with PTCA. After adjusting for confounders, treatment with primary PTCA was not found to be associated with lower mortality.

Only a small proportion of AMI patients in Israel were treated with primary PTCA in 1996. The frequency of adverse prognostic factors among them was higher but their short and long term outcomes were similar to those of high risk patients treated with thrombolysis.

Concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Pulmonary Lobectomy 

Amit Korach, Uzzi Izhar, Ehud Rudis, Amir Elami

Dept. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem

Coronary artery disease amenable to percutaneous interventions or coronary artery bypass grafting, and resectable lung cancer are major causes of morbidity and mortality. We present our experience in the treatment of 3 patients (men aged 64 and 66 and a woman of 77) who each had significant coronary artery disease and a resectable lung tumor. They underwent combined coronary artery bypass grafting and pulmonary lobectomy.

We conclude from our experience and review of the literature that concomitant surgery in such cases is safe and effective, decreases suffering, and decreases the cost of 2 separate invasive procedures.

Preflight Assessment by Hypoxic Inhalation Test in Cardio-Pulmonary Patients 

J. Lebzelter, G. Fink, E. Kleinman, I. Rosenberg, M.R. Kramer

Pulmonology Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tikva

Flying may expose passengers to hypoxic conditions, which may induce hypoxemia, particularly in those with chronic heart and/or lung disease. Onset of dyspnea, wheezing, chest pain, cyanosis and right heart failure can lead to urgent need for oxygen during flight. The hypoxia inhalation test (HIT) provides a safe and simple means of identifying those who may develop hypoxemia during flight.

We report our experience with 48 self-reporting patients who underwent HIT prior to pre-planned air travel. They inhaled for 15-minute periods a reduced oxygen concentration (F₁O₂ 15%) under normobaric conditions, during which O₂ saturation was monitored by pulse oximeter; electrocardiogram, blood pressure and symptoms were also monitored. O₂ saturation of 85% (PaO₂ 50 mm Hg) was considered a positive test. In the 8 cases (17%) with a positive test, 5 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 3 had cardiovascular and/or combined heart-lung disease.

We calculated predicted O₂ partial pressure in altitude (PaO₂ ALT) and compared it to actual results in the 8 patients with a positive HIT. In 5, use of the predicted formula would have under-diagnosed the hypoxemia that developed during the HIT. Thus, the results of the HIT changed treatment strategy in these patients. We recommend that patients with positive tests use O₂ (2LPM or 4LPM) during flight.

HIT is practical and of potential benefit in the objective assessment of patients with various degrees of heart, lung or combined heart-lung disease. Clinicians should be aware of the relative risk of hypoxia during flight in such patients, and of the value of HIT in identifying them, leading to increase in its use.

Transient Ischemic ECG Changes in Acute Cholecystitis without History of Ischemic Heart Disease

Lior Lowenstein, Amer Hussein

Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Bruce Rapport Faculty of Medicine, Haifa

That abdominal distention, nausea, and chest pain may be accompanied by ischemic ECG changes is well known and has been described in the literature. However, very few cases have been reported with acute cholecystitis and ECG changes not due to cardiac ischemia.

We present a previously healthy 20-year-old woman admitted with acute cholecystitis. Prior to surgery routine ECG showed ST-depression and T-wave inversion. The day following cholecystectomy the ECG returned to normal. 1 month later, ergometry and echocardiography were both negative.

Based on the literature and our personal experience, although ECG changes may occur in acute cholecystitis, the possibility of cardiac ischemia must be excluded. However, when no cardiac basis is found, ultrasound of the biliary system might reveal the cause of these ECG changes. Thus, in acute cholecystitis with ischemic ECG changes but no other laboratory or clinical evidence of cardiac ischemia, ECG changes alone are not a contraindication to cholecystectomy. Furthermore, delay in treatment could be harmful.

Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction without Left Ventric-Ular Hypertrophy Treated with Ace Inhibitors

Jacob Feldman, Irit Laxer, Abraham Yaretzky

Geriatric Dept., Meir Hospital, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

We describe a very unusual case of sudden, severe worsening of congestive heart failure which was caused by ACE inhibitors. Diagnosis was made by echocardiogram showing a typical picture of dynamic, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction without left ventricular hypertrophy, which disappeared on discontinuing ACE inhibitors. This phenomenon has already been described as a complication of other drugs such as nitrates, commonly used as provocative tests for latent obstructive cardiomyopathy. To our knowledge ACE inhibihave not been described as a causative factor.

Multiple Organ Damage due to Cholesterol Embolization

Ido Wolf, Meir Mouallem

Dept. of Medicine E, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Cholesterol crystal embolization can affect multiple organ systems and mimic other systemic diseases. We describe a 65-year-old woman who had renal failure, diarrhea, transient ischemic attacks and purple toes due to spontaneous cholesterol crystal embolization.

Multicenter Community-Based Trial of Amlodipine in Hypertension

C. Yosefy, J.R. Viskoper, Y. Leshem, Y. Rav-Hon, G.I. Rosenberg, E. Yaskil

(Representing the 39 Investigators of Project AML-IL-95-001, WHO Collaborative Center for Prevention of CV Diseases) Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba; Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon; Hypertension Clinic, Kupat Holim Afula; Statistics Consulting Unit, Haifa University; and Promedico Ltd., Petah Tikva

The safety and efficacy of Amlodipine (AML) for mild to moderate hypertension was evaluated in a "real life" setting. This open non-comparative trial included 123 men and 143 women (age 30-91 years, mean 59.4). All had sitting diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 95 and 115 mmHg, confirmed in most by 2 baseline measurements, 2 weeks apart.

Eligible patients were given AML 5 mg daily as add-on or monotherapy and were evaluated 4 weeks later. If DBP was then >90 mmHg, the daily dose was raised to 10 mg; those with <90 mmHg remained on 5 mg. AML was continued for 8 weeks. Other BP-lowering drugs were unchanged.

Of the original 266 patients 22 (8.2%) withdrew due to adverse events (AE), and others were protocol violators, lost to follow-up or withdrew, leaving 211 available for efficacy analysis. In this major group BP was reduced from 165±15/101±4 to 139±11/83±5 after 12 weeks of AML (p<0.05). The reduction was greater in those under 70 years, from 173±12/100±5 to 142±12/80±4 (p<0.05). In those with BMI>30 kg/m², BP decreased from 165±15/101±5 to 140±12/83±5 (p<0.05).

Mean change in heart rate was -1.5 bpm (p<0.05). Mean final AML dose was 5.5 mg/day. The most common AML-related AE requiring cessation of the drug was pedal edema in 2.6% of the 266 patients; in 3.7% it persisted during therapy. Other AE occurring in >1% were dizziness in 1.8%, headache 1.5%, flushing 1.1% and fatigue 1.1%.

We conclude that AML is an effective and well-tolerated antihypertensive suitable for most hypertensive patients.

Propafenone Dose for Emergency Room Conversion of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

D. Antonelli, A. Darawsha, S. Rimbrot, N.A. Freedberg, T. Rosenfeld

Dept. of Cardiology and Emergency Room, Central Emek Hospital, Afula

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), a frequent cause of repeated hospitalization, is effectively treated with propafenone. The time to conversion to sinus rhythm is a consideration when managing AF in the emergency room. We investigated the conversion rates of paroxysmal AF by 3 different oral propafenone (P) regimens, in terms of time to conversion.

188 patients with onset of AF within 48 hours were treated with propafenone (P): 48 received 600 mg as a first oral dose followed after 8 hrs by 150 mg (Group A); 82 received 300 mg as a first dose, followed by the same dose 3 and again 8 hrs later (B); 58 received 150 mg every 3 hrs, up to a total dose of 600 mg (C). P was stopped when sinus rhythm was achieved.

Rates of conversion to sinus rhythm after 3 hrs in the 3 groups were: 46%, 41% and 26% respectively; after 8 hrs: 77%, 78% and 70%; and after 12 hrs: 81%, 84% and 76%. Treatment was discontinued in 8. There was excessive QRS widening (>25% of the basal value) in 1 in group A, 1 in group B and 2 in group C; wide-QRS tachycardia occurred in 4 in group B. In Group A there was a higher rate of early successful conversion, with a lower incidence of side-effects than with the other regimens.

1000 Cardiac Catheterizations in Congenital Heart Disease

Benjamin Zeevi, Galit Bar-Mor, Michael Berant

Cardiac Catheterization Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University

Over the past 15 years, percutaneous therapeutic cardiac catheterization has become increasingly important in the treatment of congenital heart disease. We describe our experience in 1000 such catheterizations between 1993-1997. 55% were in 1-12-year-olds; only 20% were in patients younger than 1 year old and 11.3% were in adults with congenital heart defects. In about 50% it was at least a second cardiac catheterization. Overall, there were 425 therapeutic cardiac catheterizations, increasing from 33% in the first 200 procedures, to 63% in the last 200.

We performed 30 different types of therapeutic catheterizations: 23.3% were valvular dilations, 21.4% vessel angioplasties, 36.9% closure procedures, 9.2% electrophysiological procedures, and 9.2% miscellaneous. In 31.3% of therapeutic catheterizations we used 12 new procedures. Minor complications occurred in 8.5% and major in 0.6%; most complications were successfully treated or were self-limited and there was no residual damage.

In this report the current role of each type of major catheterization is discussed on the basis of our experience. Further development of technology for lesions not amenable to currently available transcatheter methods, and longer follow-up for current techniques will consolidate the role of therapeutic cardiac catheterization in congenital heart disease.