Platelets play a key role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
Platelet volume is an indicator of platelet activation and function, and it can be assessed by
platelet volume indices (PVI) such as mean platelet volume (MPV), platel
et distribution
width (PDW), and Platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR). PVI are potentially useful markers for
the prediction of acute coronary syndromes. Thus our study aims to evaluate the
relationship between them and clinical features of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Our population is represented by 60 patients undergoing coronary angiography at Al-
Assad University Hospital, Lattakia, Syria. Patients were evenly divided into four groups
according to their clinical presentation; control group, stable angina group, unstable angina
group, and acute myocardial infarction (MI) group. PVI were measured in all patients.
We found a significant increase in MPV (P=0.04), PDW (P=0.03), and P-LCR
(P=0.03) in patients compared to healthy control subjects. We calculated the cutoff points
of these indices to help diagnosing the progressive atherosclerotic plague, P-LCR>28.7%
(P=0.01) [sensitivity 44%, specificity 93%], and diagnosing MI, PDW>13.8 (P=0.01)
[53%, 100%], MPV>10.4 (P=0.004) [60%, 93%], P-LCR>28.7 (P=0.003) [66%, 93%].
In conclusion, PVI are simple and easy methods that can be used as a predictive
marker in CAD patients.
Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital
anomaly. It presents predominantly in infancy with features of myocardial ischemia or cardiac failure and
may be mistaken for common pediatric cond
itions such as colic, reflux or bronchiolitis. With early
surgical correction the prognosis is good. In this report we present unusual case of a 5-year-old female
with an anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) presenting with
chest pain,dyspnea and palpitation during physical exertion.Trans-thoracic echocardiography and
coronary angiography revealed an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery with mitral regurgitation .
She subsequently underwent successful surgical technique where the left internal thoracic(mammary)
artery was used to revascularise the left main coronary artery which is considered as the first unique
procedure in children. Excellent surgical results were obtained and the patient was discharged from the
hospital without complaints.
