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Vol 3 No 1 (2026)

  • Comparison of Computed Tomography and 2D Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Assessment of Left Ventricular Functional Parameters

    Ayşegül Taşgüzen Turan, Ercan İnci

    Background and Aim：This study aimed to compare the results of 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of left ventricular function, and to determine the effectiveness of cardiac CT as well as whether it can serve as an alternative to TTE.

    Materials and Methods：A total of 29 patients who underwent cardiac CT for suspected coronary artery disease between June and August 2016 and also had TTE examinations were retrospectively analyzed. Measurements including ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic volume (EDV), and end-systolic volume (ESV) were obtained using the modified Simpson method with both modalities.

    Results: The mean EF (67.48 ± 7.79%) and EDV (128.06 ± 28.34 mL) values obtained by CT were significantly higher than those measured by TTE (63.64 ± 3.86% and 98.45 ± 27.98 mL, respectively) (p=0.018 and p<0.001, respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two methods in ESV measurements (TTE: 36.13 ± 12.90 mL; CT: 39.96 ± 14.57 mL; p=0.430).

    Conclusion: Although TTE remains the primary method for the evaluation of left ventricular function due to its accessibility, cardiac CT provides a valuable alternative by offering functional data, particularly in patients with limited acoustic windows.

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  • Therapeutic Applications of Alpha-Blockers: Pharmacology, Clinical Evidence, and Evolving Therapeutic Strategies

    Jean Paule Joumaa, Joe Abou Jaoude, Carine El Khoury, Tony Sadek, Leona Antoun, Bendy Boulos

    Background: Alpha blockers are alpha adrenergic antagonists commonly used in urology to treat many conditions; particularly benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), ureteric stones, lower urinary tract obstruction, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). These drugs fall into three categories: nonselective, alpha-1, and alpha-2 blockers. They primarily act on alpha-adrenergic receptors of the sympathetic nervous system, thereby decreasing the vascular tone and leading to the relaxation of the smooth muscle. Despite their high effectiveness, these medications contribute to adverse side effects like hypotension, weakness, tachycardia, and even tremors.

    Discussion: This review analyzes the pharmacological properties, therapeutic uses, comparative therapies, and safety profiles of alpha blockers (both selective and non-selective). The article addresses the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the most commonly used agents like tamsulosin, silodosin, doxazosin, and alfuzosin. Additionally, a differential analysis of their therapeutic roles in monotherapies and combination therapies is presented, together with an evaluation of their clinical outcomes. Moreover, an interpretation of the determinants of treatment resistance is presented.

    Conclusion: Advances in precision medicine and therapeutic formulations point to potential development and highlight the limitations of current research in urology. Based on clinical evidence, this paper contributes to improved decision-making and appropriate therapeutic management with minimal invasive techniques.

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