Faculty of Medicine

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    Pneumonia as a primary manifestation of infective endocarditis - Case report
    (Macedonian Association of Anatomists and Morphologists, 2024-10)
    Milosavljevikj, Ane
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    Kartalova Janeku, Marija
    This case report discusses the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and clinical implications of a patient initially hospitalized for pneumonia, later diagnosed with infective endocarditis with negative blood cultures. A 72-year-old female presented with a 3-day history of general infection symptoms and a chest X-ray indicative of right-sided pneumonia. The patient did not respond adequately to standard antimicrobial therapy, prompting further diagnostic investigation. A computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a suspected thrombus in the left atrium. Echocardiography confirmed vegetation on the posterior mitral leaflet. Blood cultures and serological tests were negative. Follow-up echocardiography showed progression of the vegetation with compromised mitral valve function, necessitating surgical intervention, and the patient was transferred to the Cardiac Surgery Clinic. The case emphasizes the importance of timely recognition of infective endocarditis, even when patients initially present with respiratory symptoms. The diagnostic protocol includes echocardiographic methods for detecting valve vegetations. Negative blood cultures do not rule out endocarditis. Rapid diagnosis is crucial, as surgical intervention is often indicated, and failure to diagnose can have fatal consequences.
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    Myocardial Function after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Preoperative Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction-The Role of the Left Ventricular Longitudinal Strain
    (MDPI AG, 2023-05-12)
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    Risteski, Petar
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    Popov, Aron Frederik
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    Shokarovski, Marjan
    Background and Objectives: The role of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on postoperative left ventricular (LV) function in patients with preoperatively preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is still being discussed and only a few studies address this question. This study aimed to assess LV function after CABG in patients with preoperatively preserved LVEF using left ventricular longitudinal strain assessed by 2D speckle tracking imaging (STI). Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) referred for a first-time elective CABG surgery were enrolled in the final analysis of this prospective single-center clinical study. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), with conventional measures and STI measures, was performed within 1 week before CABG as well as 4 months after surgery. Patients were divided into groups based on their preoperative global longitudinal strain (GLS) value. Differences in systolic and diastolic parameters between groups were analyzed. Results: Preoperative GLS was reduced (GLS < -17%) in 39% of the patients. Parameters of systolic LV function were significantly reduced in this group of patients compared to the patient group with GLS% ≥ -17%. In both groups, 4 months after CABG there was a decline in LVEF but statistically significant only in the group with GLS% ≥ -17% (p = 0.035). In patients with reduced GLS, there was a statistically significant postoperative improvement (p = 0.004). In patients with preoperative normal GLS, there was not a significant change in any strain parameters after CABG. There was an improvement in diastolic function parameters measured by Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) in both groups. Conclusions: There is improvement in LV systolic and diastolic function after CABG in patients with preserved preoperative LVEF measured by STI and TDI. GLS might be more sensitive and effective than LVEF for monitoring improvements in myocardial function after CABG surgery in patients with preserved LVEF.
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    Echocardiographic Heart Changes in Pregnancies Complicated with Gestation Hypertension and Preeclampsia
    (International Scientific Invention Journals, 2019-02-13)
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    Milkovski, Daniel
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    Introduction: Echocardiography as an imaging method is increasingly being used in obstetrics in the management of hemodynamic changes which occur in normal but also in pregnancies with gestational hypertension/preeclampsia. Aim: The aim of the study is to show that some of the heart changes in pregnancies complicated with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are abnormal and further follow up of these patients is needed. Methods: A total of 81 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients were further divided in two groups. Pregnant women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia (51) and a control group of normotensive pregnancies (30). A total of 3 echocardiograph exam were made, the first upon entry in the study (28 -34 g.w), the second 2 weeks after delivery and the last 6 months after delivery. Results and discussion: We found several statistically significant results that involve the IVS, PWLV, LKM, left chamber hypertrophy and diastolic function. Diastolic dysfunction usually shows up before systolic dysfunction in the evolution of ischemic/hypertensive cardiovascular disease and is of prognostic value in predicting long term cardiovascular morbidity. The changes seen 6 months after delivery on our last control mean that those changes are permanent and need further prevention strategies. Conclusion: From the noninvasive methods echocardiography is the most favorable method in identifying structural changes and functional changes in pregnancies with hypertension. Echocardiography allows fast, reproducible information and is both safe for mother and fetus.
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    Papillary Muscle Rupture as a Complication of Barlow’s Disease
    (Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI, 2022-11-30)
    Ile Kuzmanoski
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    Aleksandra Georgieva
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    INTRODUCTION: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the second most common valvulopathy worldwide, which can be divided into primary and secondary. According to Carpentier’s classification, the primary MR is further divided into three types. Type II, which includes Barlow’s disease, is described as excessive mobility of the mitral valve (MV) leaflets. Morbus Barlow is a common form of degenerative disease, with an incidence of 2–3% of the general population. Echocardiography plays an important role in its diagnosis. It is a usually benign condition, with only a few severe complications. CASE REPORT: A 75-year-old male with a history of MR, for more than 10 years. On admission, the patient presented with severe fatigue and dyspnea with signs of heart failure and pleural effusion. On auscultation, a systolic murmur was noted, on all the precordium. The ECG revealed sinus rhythm with HR of 71/min and intermittent ventricular extrasystoles. An immediate transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed showing myxomatous degeneration of both MV leaflets and a prolapse of the posterior leaflet. A severe MR was detected with a presumption of papillary muscle rupture (PMR). It also revealed enlarged left atrium and ventricle (LVEDd - 67 mm and LA - 46 mm), with preserved systolic function (EF~54%) and tricuspid regurgitation accompanied by pulmonary hypertension. The laboratory analyses were within normal ranges. The patient was transferred to a cardiovascular surgery clinic, where an immediate MV repair was performed. CONCLUSION: Barlow’s disease is a common echocardiography finding. Although a benign condition, it can rarely present with serious complications such as PMR, ventricular arrhythmias, and even sudden cardiac death. Echocardiography is the first imaging used for the detection of Barlow’s disease and other MV diseases. Early recognition and confirmation with TTE or transesophageal echocardiography, plays also an appropriate treatment, play a key role in patient survival and overall prognosis.
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    Asymptomatic bicuspid aortic valve with dilated ascending aorta in adult patient
    (2015)
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    Introduction and case report description: Bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital malformation which is result of an abnormal cusp formation during early embryogenesis. The most frequent finding in association with this abnormality is dilation of the proximal ascending aorta. We present a case of 53year old patient who was incidentally diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve and dilated ascending aorta. Our patient had been well until September 2010, when he had a car accident and a fracture of the hip and contusion of the right shoulder. Since then, he had a several episodes of a dull chest pain and because of this symptoms, he visited his physician who directed him to our hospital for further examination, because he incidentally detected a diastolic heart murmur. The patient had no remarkable medical history,his ECG on admission was normal. Because of the presence of early diastolic murmur heard on the third intercostal space, echocardiography was performed. He was diagnosed with bicuspid aortic valve, and dilated ascending aorta (59mm), with moderate aortic regurgitation. CT scan was also performed to evaluate the diameter and the extent of the dilatation, and the intraluminal diameter of the ascending aorta was 57x56mm, with no signs of dissection. He underwent coronary angiography and carotid ultrasound (he had no significant stenosis of the coronary and carotid arteries) and was further directed in Cardiac Surgery Center, for aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement. According to the latest guidelines on BAV, our patient meets the criteria for surgical treatment of the condition(surgery should be considered for any patient with aortic root diameter >/=55mm). BAV malformations are inherited, particularly in males, so imaging of the first degree relatives is appropriate if the patient has an associated aortopathy or a family history of VHD/aortopathy. TTE is usually the primary imaging technique for diagnosing BAV. Nevertheless, CT or MRI scan is recommended for evaluation of the entire ascending aorta because TTE may not visualize the entire ascending aorta and may fail to calculate the largest diameter. Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital cardiac malformation, which is rather recognized as a syndrome which incorporates aortic wall abnormalities, including aortic dilatation. This condition may also be complicated with aortic valve stenosis and/or regurgitation. Individuals may have a normal functioning BAV and may be not aware of the potential complicatios. Delayed identifying of this abnormality or the complications may have a fatal consequences. In our case, the patient was asymptomatic and was diagnosed incidentally. Regular follow-up becomes mandatory after BAV has been diagnosed, in order to closely observe such patients with regard to progression of the disease itself and its complications, and in order to suggest treatments. For patients who have a severely diseased aortic valve and aorta, aortic valve replacement and ascending aorta replacement is the treatment of choice.
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    Significance of cardiovascular evaluation in patients with moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
    (Publi Créations, 2020-01)
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    Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with prevalence 5-13% is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world and fourth leading cause after myocardial infarction, malignant diseases and cerebrovascular incidents. The main cause of morbidity and mortality in COPD patients are cardiovascular diseases. COPD is an independent cardiovascular risk factor even in mild and moderate stage of the disease, due to persistent low-grade systemic inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular morbidity in COPD patients is important for improving life quality and prognosis. Aim To evaluate cardiovascular morbidity in patients with moderate COPD. Material and methods Cross-sectional study. Investigated group: 63 patients (40 male, 23 female) with diagnosed moderate COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1st second - FEV1 50-80%) according to GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) criteria and according to ABCD classification: 60% (B), 40%(A). Control group - 30 subjects with normal spirometry (without COPD) as controls. Inclusion criteria for both groups: age 40-75, cigarette smoking history >=10 pack/years, signed consent for participation and clinically stable condition at least 6 weeks prior enrolment. Exclusion criteria: other chronic or acute pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, valvular heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, body mass index>35 kg/m^2, liver or renal failure, anaemia, muscle disorders, patients who do not want to participate. All patients underwent pulmonary function tests (spirometry and gas analysis), chest-X ray in two directions (postero-anterior and latero-lateral position), resting electrocardiogram (ECG), 24 hour-ECG-Holter monitoring, two-dimensional (2D)Doppler echocardiography, Doppler-ultrasound of lower limb and carotid arteries. Results The COPD group showed significantly higher prevalence of right ventricular (RV) abnormalities. RV systolic dysfunction was present in 47,61%, pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 23,8%, tricuspid regurgitation as most frequent valvular abnormality in 14,28%, left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in 14,28%. Electrocardiography results obtained premature ventricular (PVCs) contractions in 6,34%, p-pulmonale in 7,93%, right bundle branch block (RBBB) in 4,76%. There was significant difference between normal ECG findings in patients with moderate COPD 8,33% versus 76,67% in control group. 24-hour-ECG-Holter monitoring allowed detection of arrhythmias in asymptomatic patients, and detected abnormalities were significantly higher compared to resting ECG. 24h-ECG-Holter monitoring revealed premature supraventricular (PSCs) contractions in 38,1%, sinus tachycardia in 33,3%, PVCs in 47,6%, PVCs pairs in 14,3%, PVCs couplets in 9,5%, un-sustained ventricular tachycardia in 4,8%. Carotid plaques without stenosis were detected in 33,3%, with stenosis less than 40% of the arterial lumen in 9,5%, with stenosis 40-60% of the lumen in 4,76% and intima-media thickness (IMT) > 0,5mm in 28,6%. According to this, in the control group 10 patients (33,33%) had normal finding, 12 (40%) had thickened IMT and 8 patients (26,67%) non-stenotic atherosclerotic plaques. Frequency of peripheral artery disease in COPD patients based on Doppler ultrasonography of lower limb arteries was significantly higher in COPD 61,93% versus 43.33% in the control group. 7 Conclusion Cardiovascular evaluation in patients with moderate COPD is very important because of the increased risk of cardiovascular incidents in the early stage of the disease. Integrated-care approach for COPD patients is significant for early detection of unrecognized coexisting cardiac disorders.
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    CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING PORTENDS DECREASED RIGHT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION
    (Macedonian Association od Anatomists, 2020-07-03)
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    Sokarovski, M
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    Lazovski, N
    Decreased right ventricular (RV) function is a frequently observed phenomenon after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) that often implicated poor long term prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the existence of RV dysfunction 4 to 6 months after CABG using echocardiographic Assessment of tricuspid annular plane systolic motion (TAPSE) and RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWS) using speckle tracking. During the period from October 2017 to October 2018, forty-seven consecutive patients undergoing CABG were enrolled in this prospective study. 2D transthoracic echocardiography was performed within one week before CABG as well as 4 to 6 months after surgery. All measurements were made by a single experienced investigator.4-6 months after CABG right atrial (RA)and RV dimensions were significantly increased although the mean value stayed in reference margins. TAPSE was significantly reduced (p=0.0001) as well as RVFWS (p=0.015) which showed fewer negative results implicating decrement in RV function after surgery. Patients with abnormal postoperative RVFWS had insignificantly larger preoperative end-diastolic and end-systolic volume index as well as worse left ventricular (LV)function manifested with lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF), lower systolic volume index (SVI) and more positive LV global longitudinal strain.We could not find any significant difference among preoperative values of RA and RV dimension as well as TAPSE and PAPs between patients with normal vs. abnormal postoperative RVFWS. Our study showed depressed RV function 4-6 months after CABG. We suggest that RV free wall strain could be obtained and should be applied along with other conventional markers in the assessment of RV function after CABG.
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    Left Atrial Thrombus in Patient with Mitral Valve Disease
    (Southeast European Medical Forum, 2019, 2019)
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    Otljanska M.
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    Arnaudova-Dezulovik F.
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    Usefulness of echocariography in detecting hart abnormalities in pregnancies with Preeclampsia/Gestational Hypertension
    (Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2017)
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    Miceva, Irena
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    Introduction. Preeclampsia is a disorder in pregnancy which includes high blood pressure and proteinuria. It is recognized in 5-8% of all pregnancies. In the last several years an association between heart abnormalities and preeclampsia has been observed. Echocardiography as an imaging method is increasingly being used in obstetrics in the management of hemodynamic changes which occur in normal but also in pregnancies with preeclapsia. The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of echocardiography in the control of pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia/gestational hypertension. Materials and methods. A total number of 38 patients were analyzed in our study. It was realized at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics and University Clinic for Cardiology. Pregnant women were recruited from the Outpatient clinic at the University Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics. After signing an informed consent for participation in the study pregnant women were divided in two groups ( normotensive and pregnancies with gestational hypertension/preeclampsia). Echocardiographic examination was done at patients entry in the study. Results and discussion. In more than 38% of the cases in the examined group with hypertension an abnormal heart remodeling was seen with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction/hypertrophy. In the normotensive control group the heart function was normal in all evaluated cases
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    HEART DAMAGE IN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED WITH PREECLAMPSIA: CASE REPORT
    (Macedonian Medical Association/ Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2016)
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    Introduction. Heart function in pregnancy is a subject of many debates and studies. A large number of epidemiologic studies have found association between preeclampsia and cardiovascular morbidity/mortality. About 5-8% of deliveries are complicated with preeclampsia. Until recently, heart damage associated with preeclampsia has not been studied. A number of heart difficulties only appear long after the reproduction period has en-ded. Preeclampsia increases the risk for B stage (asymptomatic) of heart failure. Case report. A 37-year-old pregnant patient, G2P1 27 weeks of gestation, paid her first visit to the Gynecology Outpatient Clinic. She complained on heavy breathing, difficulty with movement and hypertension. She was referred for further evaluation to the Cardiology Outpatient Clinic with a suspicion of gestational hypertension and heart abnormalities. The pregnancy was evaluated several times at the Out-patient Clinics of Gynecology and Cardiology with the diagnosis of gestational hypertension. Echocardiography showed abnormal heart remodeling. In the 36 g.w laboratory findings showed urine dip stick ++,ТА160/110. The diagnosis was changed to preeclampsia. The patient was delivered with a re-caesarean section because of previous S.C and preeclampsia. Postpartum echocardio-graphy confirmed left chamber hypertrophy with per-sistent hypertension. Results. Clinical cardiovascular complications in preec-lampsia continue long after the pregnancy has ended. Studies show that pregnancies with both early and late preeclampsia have an increased risk for asymptomatic left chamber dysfunction/hypertrophy and essential hypertension in the next 2 years after delivery. If the damages are caught early prevention can be started sooner rather than later before patients become symptomatic (C stage of heart failure).