BACKGROUND: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) may pose a risk for cardiovascular diseases due to continuous inflammatory status observed during the course of the disease. Recently, the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) has been recognized as a predictor of myocardial fibrosis. In this study, we aim to investigate the frequency of fQRS and its relation to Doppler-based indices. METHODS: This study consisted of 80 FMF patients and 30 healthy control subjects. fQRS pattern was defined as the presence of additional R waves or RSR', evidenced by notched R or S wave on electrocardiography (ECG). The patient and the control groups underwent conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups regarding age (29 ± 12 vs 29 ± 15). FMF patients exhibited a statistically higher frequency of fQRS (% 56 vs % 13) (p < 0.01). E/Em ratio showed a statistically significant increase in the FMF group with fQRS (p < 0.0001), while the mean Em value was markedly lower (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: FMF patients displayed a statistically significant increase in frequency of fQRS. Doppler-derived diastolic index was statistically significantly impaired in FMF patients with fQRS as compared with the patients without fQRS. In conclusion, fQRS might be a new noninvasive marker for cardiac involvement in FMF patients.
BACKGROUND:Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) may pose a risk for cardiovascular diseases due to continuous inflammatory status observed during the course of the disease. Recently, the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) has been recognized as a predictor of myocardial fibrosis. In this study, we aim to investigate the frequency of fQRS and its relation to Doppler-based indices. METHODS: This study consisted of 80 FMFpatients and 30 healthy control subjects. fQRS pattern was defined as the presence of additional R waves or RSR', evidenced by notched R or S wave on electrocardiography (ECG). The patient and the control groups underwent conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups regarding age (29 ± 12 vs 29 ± 15). FMFpatients exhibited a statistically higher frequency of fQRS (% 56 vs % 13) (p < 0.01). E/Em ratio showed a statistically significant increase in the FMF group with fQRS (p < 0.0001), while the mean Em value was markedly lower (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:FMFpatients displayed a statistically significant increase in frequency of fQRS. Doppler-derived diastolic index was statistically significantly impaired in FMFpatients with fQRS as compared with the patients without fQRS. In conclusion, fQRS might be a new noninvasive marker for cardiac involvement in FMFpatients.
Authors: Z Ozbalkan; M A Ozturk; A M Onat; K Ureten; I C Haznedaroglu; S Kiraz; A I Ertenli; S Kirazli; M Calguneri Journal: Clin Exp Rheumatol Date: 2006 Sep-Oct Impact factor: 4.473
Authors: Garvan C Kane; Barry L Karon; Douglas W Mahoney; Margaret M Redfield; Veronique L Roger; John C Burnett; Steven J Jacobsen; Richard J Rodeheffer Journal: JAMA Date: 2011-08-24 Impact factor: 56.272
Authors: H J Lachmann; B Sengül; T U Yavuzşen; D R Booth; S E Booth; A Bybee; J R Gallimore; M Soytürk; S Akar; M Tunca; P N Hawkins Journal: Rheumatology (Oxford) Date: 2006-01-10 Impact factor: 7.580