Red cell distribution width to platelet ratio: New and promising prognostic marker in acute pancreatitis

AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of red cell distribution width (RDW) to platelet ratio (RPR) to predict in-hospital mortality in acute pancreatitis (AP).

Targeted therapies in gastric cancer and future perspectives

Advanced gastric cancer(AGC) is associated with a high mortality rate and, despite multiple new chemotherapy options, the survival rates of patients with AGC remains poor. After the discovery of targeted therapies, research has focused on the new treatment options for AGC. In the last two decades, many targeted molecules were developed against AGC. Currently, two targeted therapy molecules have been approved for patients with AGC. In 2010, trastuzumab was the first molecule shown to improve survival in patients with HER2-positive AGC as part of a first-line combination regimen. In 2014, ramucirumab was the second targeted molecule to improve survival rates and was suggested as treatment for patients with AGC who had progressed after firstline platinum plus fluoropyrimidine with or without anthracycline chemotherapy. Ramucirumab was the first targeted therapy acting as a single agent in patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancers. Although these two molecules were introduced into clinical use, many other promising molecules have been tested in phase Ⅰ-Ⅱ trials. It is obvious that in the near future many different targeted therapies will be in use for treatment of AGC. In this review, the current status of targeted therapies in the treatment of AGC and gastroesophageal junction tumors, including HER(2-3) inhibitors, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antiangiogenic agents, c-MET inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, agents against other molecular pathways fibroblast growth factor, Claudins, insulin-like growth factor, heat shock proteins, and immunotherapy, will be discussed.

Changes in endothelial cell density following penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty

· AIM: To compare the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) of clear grafts after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). · METHODS: The study included 44 and 54 patients treated with PK and DALK, respectively, between March 2006 and April 2010. Corneal ECD was examined using specular microscopy at postoperative 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months, and the values were compared. · RESULTS: Corneal ECD reduction in the PK group was 7.4%, 15.2%, 23.5%, and 28.9% at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months respectively after surgery, compared with 4.2 % in the first month (P <0.01). These figures were 3.0%, 6.7%, 7.2%, and 7.7% at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months respectively, compared with 2.2 % in the first month in the DALK group (P >0.05). · CONCLUSION: Compared with DALK,PK significantly reduced ECD of the clear grafts. These results suggest that survival of endothelial cells in grafts is better after DALK than after PK. ·

Clinical and Demograhical Characteristics of Patients with Maxillofacial Trauma in the Emergency Department

Objective: We aimed to investigate the clinical and demographical characteristics of patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) due to maxillofacial trauma (MFT). Methods: This sectional and retrospective study was conducted in Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital ED between 1st March 2010 and 31st March 2017. Into the study, patients with MFT older than 15 years of age were included. Characteristics of patients were recorded. Patients’ characteristics were compared according to presence of fractures. Results: Mean age of the patients was 41.1 ± 18.0 years and a statistically significant relationship was determined between age and presence of fracture (p > 0.05). Of the patients, 74.5% was male and fracture presence was significantly more in males than females (p 0.05). Conclusion: The MFT is a pathology that either leads to its own, or can lead to life-threatening consequences as a result of additional organ injuries. The physician evaluating the patient should determine the MFT and additional pathologies and ensure that the interventions start as soon as possible.

Measurement of choroidal thickness and macular thickness during and after pregnancy

AIM: To investigate the effect of pregnancy on subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT) and macular thickness in both pregnant and not pregnant healthy women.METHODS: Twenty-nine healthy pregnant women in their third trimester and 36 age-matched healthy women were enrolled in a prospective, cross-sectional study.Foveal and parafoveal thickness in the four quadrants and SFCT were measured by optical coherence tomography(OCT) in the healthy pregnant women(i.e.study group) and healthy women(i.e. control group).OCT measurements were again measured 3mo after delivery in the study group.RESULTS: Mean SFCT measurements in the control group, pregnant women of the study group, and after delivery of the study group were 320.86 ±59.18 μm,387.97 ±59.91 μm, and 332.40 ±26.03 μm, respectively.There was a statistically significant difference in the mean SFCT values between pregnant women of the study group and the control group(P =0.000). Foveal and parafoveal thickness values were not statistically significant in either the study or control group.CONCLUSION: SFCT increases during pregnancy and returns to normal range in the three months after delivery. Macular thickness does not show any change during pregnancy.

EFFECT OF LATANOPROST MONOTHER- APY ON PRIMARY OPEN ANGLE GLAU-COMA AND PSEUDOEXFOLIATION

Purpose: To evaluate the hypotensive effect of latanoprost when applied as monotherapy, on primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PSXG). Methods: Twenty-six eyes of 14 patients with POAG and 14 eyes of 10 patients with PSXG were included in the study. Mean age was 62+/-10 years in POAG group and 67.7 years in PSXG group.

Correlation between visual function and refractive,topographic, pachymetric and aberrometric data in eyes with keratoconus

AIMTo analyze the relationship between two visual functions and refractive, topographic, pachymetric and aberrometric indicators in eyes with keratoconus.METHODSCorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and letter contrast sensitivity (CS) were correlated with refraction, corneal topography, pachymetry, and total corneal wavefront data prospectively in 71 eyes with keratoconus. The topographic indices assessed were simulated keratometry for the flattest and steepest meridians (SimK1 and SimK2), posterior steeper K (Ks), elevation value in best-fit sphere (BFS) maps, squared eccentricity (Є2), aspheric asymmetric index (AAI), pachymetry, thickness progression index (TPI), the amount of pachymetric decentralization (APD), and GalileiTM-keratoconus indices.RESULTSThe mean CDVA (expressed as logMAR) were 0.25±0.21. The mean CS was 1.25±0.46. The spherical refraction correlated well with CDVA (r=-0.526, P<0.001). From topographic indices, SRI correlated with CS (r=-0.695), and IAI with CS (r=-0.672) (P<0.001 for all). Root mean square (RMS) was 4.3±1.81 µm, spherical aberration (SA) was -0.4±0.67 µm, vertical and horizontal coma were -2.1±1.47 and -0.4±0.72 µm. All wavefront data (except horizontal coma), AAI, Є2 and maximum BFS correlated significantly with the visual function (P≤0.001 for all).CONCLUSIONIn this study, CS is more affected than CDVA as a visual function. The quantity and quality of vision is significantly correlated with well-known and new topographic indices. There is not a significant correlation between visual function and pachymetric parameters. The significantly correlated indices can be used in staging keratoconus and to follow the outcome of a treatment.

Diffusion Weighted MRI: A Practical and Quick Approach to Evaluate Brain Death

It is significantly important to define brain death with greater precision in terms of timing and accuracy. While in the past determination of brain death is simply based on conventional angiography, now with major technological advances the Diffusion-weighted MRI is a new method sensitive to cerebral ischemia which gives on the molecular level the deeply ischemic nature of the changes. Its value in brain death has been shown in various studies. In our study, we did a comparative overview of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) considering the contribution of ADC measurements from brain parenchyma, in the patients diagnosed with brain death by clinical criteria. We studied 16 brain deaths in serial studies, in which there is a prominent difference between the white and gray matter ADC values on diffusion MRI. In the postmortem brains, ADC values comparing with the normal brain parenchyma, were reduced 65% in white matter and 42% in gray matter. Also, the patients’ ADC values of gray and white matter were significantly lower than those of irreversible brain-ischemia patients’ in ADC values. In comparison to most of the other studies, in our study population studied is large, in which is a comprehensive study that results consistent with the literature. As a result we propose that in the definition of brain death Diffusion MRI and ADC measurements are reliable to show diffuse ishemic changes of brain parenchyma.

Acute Traumatic Primary Patella Dislocation in Children and Adolescents:A Detailed Evaluation of the Impact upon the Results

Background and Aim: Through accurate assessment of the risk factors and structural characteristics of children presenting with acute patella dislocation, this study aimed to evaluate the probability of recurrence and the effects on treatment. Materials and Methods: Demographic and radiological evaluation was made of each case. Contributory factors to patellofemoral instability were investigated. Surgical treatment was applied to 4 (15.39%) patients and conservative treatment to 22 (84.61%). Functional status before and after treatment was evaluated using the Kujala patellofemoral scoring system. Results: The patients comprised 8 (30.77%) males and 18 (69.23%) females with a mean age of 13.46 years. In 15 (57.69%) cases, there were patellofemoral complaints before the dislocation. The Kujala score was determined as mean 54.27 pre-treatment and 84.81 post-treatment in the conservative treatment group and mean 48.00 preoperatively and 75.25 postoperatively in the surgically treated group. No recurrence of patella dislocation was observed in any patient during the follow-up of both groups. Conclusions: Although it seems to be simple surgical intervention, as patella dislocation surgery can involve several complications, the surgical program must be very well planned and only applied to cases where necessary. With case-by-case assessment, the probability of recurrence of patella dislocation will be removed.

Role of surgery in colorectal cancer liver metastases

Colorectal carcinoma(CRC)is the third most common cancer,and approximately 35%-55%of patients with CRC will develop hepatic metastases during the course of their disease.Surgical resection represents the only chance of long-term survival.The goal of surgery should be to resect all metastases with negative histological margins while preserving sufficient functional hepatic parenchyma.Although resection remains the only chance of long-term survival,management strategies should be tailored for each case.For patients with extensive metastatic disease who would otherwise be unresectable,the combination of advances in medical therapy,such as systemic chemotherapy(CTX),and the improvement in surgical techniques for metastatic disease,have enhanced prognosis with prolongation of the median survival rate and cure.The use of portal vein embolization and preoperative CTX may also increase the number of patients suitable for surgical treatment.Despite current treatment options,many patients still experience a recurrence after hepatic resection.More active systemic CTX agents are beingused increasingly as adjuvant therapy either before or after surgery.Local tumor ablative therapies,such as microwave coagulation therapy and radiofrequency ablation therapy,should be considered as an adjunct to hepatic resection,in which resection cannot deal with all of the tumor lesions.Formulation of an individualized plan,which combines surgery with systemic CTX,is a necessary task of the multidisciplinary team.The aim of this paper is to discuss different approaches for patients that are treated due to CRC liver metastasis.

Gastric carcinogenesis

Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite complete resection of gastric cancer and lymph node dissection, as well as improvements in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, there are still 700 000 gastric cancer-related deaths per year worldwide and more than 80% of patients with advanced gastric cancer die of the disease or recurrent disease within 1 year after diagnosis. None of the treatment modalities we have been applying today can influence the overall survival rates:at present, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for gastric cancer is about 28%. Cellular metaplasia due to chronic inflammation, injury and repair are the most documented processes for neoplasia. It appears that chronic inflammation stimulates tumor development and plays a critical role in initiating, sustaining and advancing tumor growth. It is also evident that not all inflammation is tumorigenic. Additional mutations can be acquired, and this leads to the cancer cell gaining a further growth advantage and acquiring a more malignant phenotype. Intestinalization of gastric units, which is called "intestinal metaplasia"; phenotypic antralization of fundic units, which is called "spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia"; and the development directly from the stem/progenitor cellzone are three pathways that have been described for gastric carcinogenesis. Also, an important factor for the development of gastrointestinal cancers is peritumoral stroma. However, the initiating cellular event in gastric metaplasia is still controversial. Understanding gastric carcinogenesis and its precursor lesions has been under intense investigation, and our paper attempts to highlight recent progress in this field of cancer research.

Pulmonary involvement in inflammatory bowel disease

AIM:To determine the relationship of pulmonary abnormalities and bowel disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).METHODS:Thirty ulcerative colitis(UC)and nine Crohn's disease patients,and 20 control subjects were enrolled in this prospective study.Detailed clinical information was obtained.Extent and activity of the bowel disease were established endoscopically.Each patient underwent pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT).Blood samples for measurement of C-reactive protein(CRP),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),angiotensin converting enzyme and total IgE were delivered by the patients.RESULTS:Ten(25.6%)patients had respiratory symptoms.A pulmonary function abnormality was present in 22 of 39 patients.Among all patients,the most prevalent abnormalities in lung functions were a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s(FEV1),FEV1/forced vital capacity(FVC),forced expiratory flow(FEF)25%-75%,transfer coefficient for carbon monoxide(DLCO),DLCO/alveolar volume.Increased respiratory symptoms score was associated with high endoscopic activity index in UC patients.Endoscopic and clinical activities in UC patients were correlated with FEV1,FEV1/FVC,and FEF 25%-75%.Smoking status,duration of disease and medication were not correlated with pulmonary physiological test results,HRCT abnormalities,clinical/endoscopic disease activity,CRP,ESR or total IgE level or body mass index.CONCLUSION:It is important that respiratory manifestations are recognized and treated early in IBD.Otherwise,they can lead to destructive and irreversible changes in the airway wall.

Effect of early preoperative 5-fluorouracil on the integrity of colonic anastomoses in rats

AIM： To determine the effect of chemotherapy on wound healing by giving early preoperative 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） to rats with colonic anastomoses.METHODS： Sixty Albino-Wistar male rats （median weight, 235 g） were used in this study. The rots were fed with standard laboratory food and given tap water ad libitum. The animals were divided into three groups： Group 1： Control group （chemotherapy was not administered）, Group 2： Intraperitoneally （IP） administered 5-FU group （chemotherapy was administered IP to animals at a dose of 20 mg/kg daily during the 5 d preceeding surgery）, Group 3： Intravenously （IV） administered 5-FU group. Chemotherapy was administered v/a the penil vein, using the same dosing scheme and duration as the second group. After a 3-d rest to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy, both groups underwent surgery. One centimeter of colon was resected 2 cm proximally from the peritoneal reflection, then sutured intermittently and subsequently end-to-end anastomosed. In each group, half the animals were given anaesthesia on the 3rd postoperative （PO） day and the other half on the 7th PO day, for in vivo analytic procedures. The abdominal incisions in the rats were dissected, all the new and old anastomotic segments were clearly seen and bursting pressures of each anastomotic segment, tissue hydroxyproline levels and DNA content were determined to assess the histologic tissue repair process. RESULTS： When the IV group was compared with the IP group, bursting pressures of the anastomotic segments on the 3rd and 7th PO days, were found to be significantly decreased, hydroxyproline levels at the anastomotic segment on the 7th PO day were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： In this study, we conclude that early preoperative 5-FU, administered IV, negatively affects wound healing. However, IP administered 5-FU does not negatively affect wound healing.

Hepatitis C virus reactivation in cancer patients in the era of targeted therapies

The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence of hepatitis C reactivation in cancer patients in the era of targeted therapies. Targeted therapies are novel therapeutics frequently used in cancer patients. During treatment with targeted therapies, viral replication is one of the major problems that can occur. The PubMed database, ASCO, and ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium abstracts were searched up until September 15, 2013 using the following search keywords: &#x0201c;targeted therapies, rituximab, alemtuzumab, brentuximab, hepatitis, hepatitis C reactivation, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, imatinib, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, everolimus, anti-HER therapies, trastuzumab, pertuzumab, lapatinib, anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapies, cetuximab, panitumumab, and ipilimumab&#x0201d;. Papers considered relevant for the aim of this review were selected by the authors. The data about rituximab-induced hepatic flare in hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive patients is controversial. However, there is the possibility of life-threatening hepatic flare that can develop after HCV ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) viral load increases. Routine follow-up of liver function tests should be advised. Especially in high-risk patients, such as those with baseline chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis, and where there are plans to administer rituximab concomitantly with corticosteroids, it is advised to have close follow-up of HCV viral load. The data is insufficient to make accurate statements about the association of alemtuzumab therapy and HCV reactivation. However, alemtuzumab may cause deep immunosuppression. Due to this, it is better to follow up with liver function tests and HCV RNA levels during alemtuzumab therapy. Brentuximab has effects on antibody dependent cellular toxicity and may decrease humoral immunity. Thus, we believe that during brentuximab treatment of HCV infected patients, clinicians may encounter hepatitis C reactivation. There have been no reported cases of hepatitis C reactivation with imatinib therapy. However, there are many reports of hepatitis B reactivation with imatinib treatment. Based on the evidence of hepatitis B reactivation with imatinib and the effects of imatinib on immune system functions, we suggest that imatinib therapy might be a risk factor for HCV reactivation. Anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 therapies are not associated with hepatic flare in HCV infected patients. Post-transplant studies reported that mTOR was safely administered to patients with active hepatitis C without causing hepatic flare. Cetuximab and panitumumab have not been associated with HCV reactivation. Two cases of HCV infected melanoma were safely treated with ipilimumab without any HCV reactivation or hepatic flare. Targeted therapies are a new and emerging area of oncology treatment modalities. While treating HCV infected cancer patients, clinicians should be mindful of the immunosuppressive properties of targeted therapies. Further randomized trials are needed to establish algorithms for this issue.

Primary 23-gauge vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

AIM: To report the effectiveness and safety of primary 23-Gauge (G) vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). · METHODS: In this retrospective study, 49 eyes of 49 consecutive patients who underwent primary 23-G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) for RRD between January 2007 and July 2009 at our institution were evaluated. · RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 8.9±7.7 months (1-28 months). Retinal reattachment was achieved with a single operation in 47(95.9%) of 49 eyes. In two eyes (4.1%), retinal redetachment due to new breaks was successfully treated with reoperation using the 23-G TSV system. Mean logMAR visual acuity was 2.01±0.47 preoperatively and 1.3±0.5 postoperatively (P <0.001, Paired t -test). Mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 14.1±2.8mmHg. Mean postoperative IOP was 12.3±3.6mmHg at 1 day, 13.1±2.1mmHg at 1 week, 14.3±2.2mmHg at 1 month. Iatrogenic peripheral retinal break was observed in 1 eye(2.0%) intraoperatively. No sutures were required to close the scleral or conjunctival openings, and no eyes required convertion of surgery to 20-G vitrectomy. · CONCLUSION: Primary 23-G TSV system was observed to be effective and safe in the treatment of RRD.

The role of the cytokines in the pathogenesis of pseudoexfoliation syndrome

AIM:To examine the mechanism of the development of pseudoexfoliation (PSX) syndrome via both cytokine formation and endothelial vasorelaxing and growth factors that will provide us new therapeutic insights for the treatment. METHODS:This is a cross sectional study included two groups; Group 1:control patients with nuclear cataract(n =20, aged 51-80 years). Group 2:PSX patients with nuclear cataract (n=18, aged 50-90 years). Patients with other ophthalmic problems and systemic diseases were excluded. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitrotyrosine levels were determined through serum samples by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Nitrite-nitrate levels were measured with photometric endpoint determination. RESULTS:There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, VEGF, IL-1β, nitrite-nitrate and nitrotyrosine. The significant results were the mean IL-6 levels that were higher in PSX group 2 (37.68± 29.52 pg/mL) compared to that in control group 1 (15.32± 10.08 pg/mL) (P 【0.001). CONCLUSION:Several interacting and extending biochemical pathways may lead to the promotion of VEGF and IL-6 expressions. IL-6 which is the only altered marker in our study may indirectly cause an increase of vascular permeability and neovascularization. We suggest inflammation as a factor that can be involved in etiopathogenesis of PSX.

Controversies about occult hepatitis B virus infection

We read with great interest the paper written by Shiet a/, reviewing the molecular characteristics and stages of chronic hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection. We think that some points in the definition of occult HBV infection （OBI） and their conclusion about the management of OBI may need further considerations.

Is exon mutation analysis needed for adjuvant treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor?

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) are the most common soft tissue sarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract,resulting from an activating mutation of stem cell factor receptor(KIT),and an activating mutation of the homologous platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha(PDGFRA) kinase.Most GISTs(90%-95%) are KIT-positive.About 5% of GISTs are truly negative for KIT expression.GISTs have been documented to resistant conventional chemotherapeutics.Due to the KIT activation that occurs in the majority of the cases,KIT inhibition is the primary treatment approach in the adjuvant treatment of metastatic GISTs.Imatinib mesylate is an oral agent that is a selective protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor of the KIT protein tyrosine kinase,and it has demonstrated clinical benefit and objective tumor responses in most GIST patients in phase Ⅱ and Ⅲ trials.The presence and the type of KIT or PDGFRA mutation are predictive of response to imatinib therapy in patients with advanced and metastatic disease.Molecular analysis in phaseⅠ-Ⅱ trials revealed significant differences in objective response,progression-free survival,and overall survival between GISTs with different kinase mutations.The aim of this letter is to touch on the need for exon mutation analysis for adjuvant treatment with imatinib in GIST patients.

Frailty significantly impairs the short term prognosis in elderly patients with heart failure

Background Frailty is a condition of elderly characterized by increased vulnerability to stressful events with high risk of adverse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between frailty and adverse outcomes including death and hospitalization due to heart failure in elderly patients. Methods We included patients aged ≥ 65 years with the diagnosis of heart failure. The clinical and laboratory data, echocardiography and ECGs were recorded. Additionally, the frailty scores of the patients were evaluated according to Canadian Study of Health and Aging. All the patients were divided as frail or non-frail. The groups were compared for their characteristics and the occurrence of clinical outcomes. Results We included 86 eligible patients. The median follow-up time was four months. The mean age was 75 ± 6.5 years. Of these 86 patients, 17 (19.7%) patients encountered an event (death and/or hospitalization). Nine patients (10.4%) died during follow-up. Thirty patients (34.9%) were considered frail. Among the demographic, clinical and laboratory data, only total protein and albumin levels were found to be lower in frail patients (total protein level: 6.8 ± 0.6 g/dL in non-frails, 6.5 ± 0.9 g/dL in frails, P = 0.05;albumin level: 3.8 ± 0.4 g/dL in non-frails, 3.4 ± 0.6 g/dL in frails, P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, frailty was found to be strongly associated with clinical outcomes in short term. Conclusions Being frail in an elderly heart failure patient is associated with death and/or hospitalization due to heart failure in short term. Therefore, frailty score should be evaluated for all elderly heart failure patients as a prognostic marker.

Electrocardiographic features of patients with earthquake related posttraumatic stress disorder

AIM: To analyze electrocardiographic features of patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the Van-Erci earthquake, with a shock measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale that took place in Turkey in October 2011. METHODS: Surface electrocardiograms of 12 patients with PTSD admitted to Van Erci State Hospital (Van, Turkey) from February 2012 to May 2012 were examined. Psychiatric interviews of the sex and age matched control subjects, who had experienced the earthquake, confirmed the absence of any known diagnosable psychiatric conditions in the control group. RESULTS: A wide range of electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, such as P-wave dispersion, QT dispersion, QT interval, Tpeak to Tend interval, intrinsicoid deflection durations and other traditional parameters were similar in both groups. There was no one with an abnormal P wave axis, short or long PR interval, longor short QT interval, negative T wave in lateral leads, abnormal T wave axis, abnormal left or right intrinsicoid deflection duration, low voltage, left bundle branch block, right bundle branch block, left posterior hemiblock, left or right axis deviation, left ventricular hypertrophy, right or left atrial enlargement and pathological q(Q) wave in either group. CONCLUSION: The study showed no direct effect of earthquake related PTSD on surface ECG in young patients. So, we propose that PTSD has no direct effect on surface ECG but may cause electrocardiographic changes indirectly by triggering atherosclerosis and/or contributing to the ongoing atherosclerotic process.