Purpose: Current evidence supports a robust association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). YKL-40, a 40 kDa heparin- and chitin-binding glycoprotein, is found to be associated with the presence of CAD. This study aims to examine the association of serum levels of YKL-40 with the presence and severity of CAD in patients with OSAS. Methods: A total of 246 patients with OSAS who underwent coronary angiography for the evaluation of CAD (134 patients with CAD and 112 patients without CAD) were enrolled in this study. The severity of CAD was assessed using the coronary atherosclerosis index (CAI). Serum levels of YKL-40 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in OSAS patients with CAD compared with those without CAD. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that serum YKL-40 levels were an independent determinant of the presence of CAD in patients with OSAS. In addition, Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum YKL-40 levels were positively correlated with CAI in OSAS patients with CAD. Patients with statin treatment showed significantly lower levels of serum YKL-40 compared with those without. Conclusions: Elevated levels of serum YKL-40 are associated with the presence and severity of CAD in patients with OSAS.

The architecture of the ventricular myocardial fibers in the human heart conforms to the HVMB structural hypothesis.

Patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type IV, an inherited connective tissue disorder, are predisposed to vascular and digestive ruptures, and arterial ruptures account for the majority of deaths. A 31-year-old man with EDS presented with an intramural aortoatrial fistula, severe aortic regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse, and severe tricuspid valve insufficiency combined with a severely dilated left ventricle. Determining the best surgical option for the patient was not easy, especially regarding the course of action for the aortic root with a tear in the sinus of Valsalva. The fistula tract was closed at the aorta with suture and with a patch in the right atrium, the mitral valve was repaired with edge-to-edge suture and then annuloplasty with a Cosgrove ring, the aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical prosthesis, and a modified De Vega technique was used for the tricuspid valvuloplasty. The postoperative course was uncomplicated, and the patient was discharged 2 weeks later. The considerations made to arrive at the chosen surgical course of action in this complex case are reviewed.