BackgroundWe sought to validate total atrial conduction time (TACT) measurement via tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) by comparing the electrophysiological study (EPS) measurements of healthy subjects, according to age and sex.MethodsEighty patients with normal EPS results were included. TACT was measured by EPS and TDI. For validation, the results of TDI were compared with those of EPS. TACT was assessed by measuring the time interval between the beginning of the P-wave on the surface ECG, and the peak A-wave on TDI from the left atrial lateral wall, just over the mitral annulus. Electrophysiological TACT was defined as the time from the high right atrial electrogram to the distal coronary sinus atrial electrogram around the left lateral portion of the mitral ring.ResultsEPS and TDI measurements of the TACT were significantly and positively correlated among men and women in 20–30 years (p=0.008, r=0.412; p>0.001, r=0.706, respectively), and those in the 30–40 years group (p=0.001, r=0.649; p=0.001, r=0.696). In contrast, EPS and TDI measurements of TACT were not significantly different among men and women in the 20–30 years and those in the 30–40 years group (p>0.05, for both). On univariate regression analyses, TACT was independently associated with age (β=0.342, =0.001).ConclusionsWhen assessed according to the age and sex of healthy participants, TDI and EPS measurements during TACT assessments were similar and correlated with each other. The measurement of TACT via TDI may be used accurately and confidently than the measurement via EPS in healthy individuals.

Spontaneous perirenal haematoma (SPH) is an unusual but serious complication of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). We present 3 patients with PAN-associated SPH. One was diagnosed pre-operatively and underwent emergency nephrectomy in order to stop the persistent bleeding; the second patient had surgical drainage of the haematoma and the third recovered without undergoing surgery. The diagnosis is discussed.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between masked hypertension and impaired sleep quality. Additionally, we evaluated the diagnostic role and prevalence of poor sleep quality among patients with newly diagnosed masked hypertension.Material and methodsA total of 112 individuals, 72 patients with newly diagnosed masked hypertension and 40 normotensive healthy volunteers, were included in this study. All patients underwent evaluation comprising 12-lead electrocardiography, transthoracic echocardiography, 24-hour Holter ECG, and basic laboratory tests. Additionally, all participants completed questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsThe total PSQI score was significantly higher in the masked hypertension group than in the normotensive healthy volunteers (4.13 ±2.43 vs. 2.33 ±1.67, p < 0.001). A PSQI score > 5 was found in 45.8% (n = 33) of patients in the masked hypertension group and 15% (n = 6) of patients in the normotensive group (p < 0.001). The non-dipper pattern was found in 17.5% of the healthy volunteer group and 59.94% (n = 41) of the masked hypertension group (p < 0.001). When we compared the dipping pattern of the masked hypertension groups, there was a significant difference in PSQI score between the dipper and non-dipper groups (4.87 ±3.21 vs. 3.58 ±2.33, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that masked hypertension, LV mass, and LV mass index score were independent predictors of poor PSQI.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates impaired sleep quality in subjects with masked hypertension, particularly those with a non-dipper pattern. Additionally, this study indicates that impaired sleep quality may help diagnose masked hypertension, particularly in the non-dipper group.

The present study showed that cystatin C is higher in patients with nondipper hypertension patients.

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