Utility and Validity of the HFA-PEFF and HFPEF Scores in Patients With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: Diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a significant clinical challenge. Two diagnostic scoring tools have been developed to aid the noninvasive diagnosis of HFpEF: the HFA-PEFF (Heart Failure Association Pre-test assessment, Echocardiography and natriuretic peptide, Functional testing, Final etiology) and the HFPEF scoring systems.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of these 2 scoring tools for the diagnosis of HFpEF against a gold standard of invasive evaluation in a cohort of patients with AF.

Exercise echocardiography to assess left atrial function in patients with symptomatic AF.

Background: Left atrial (LA) function contributes to the augmentation of cardiac output during exercise. However, LA response to exercise in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. We explored the LA mechanical response to exercise and the association between LA dysfunction and exercise intolerance.

Cabergoline-associated valvulopathy of the tricuspid valve in the treatment of prolactinoma.

Cabergoline-associated valvulopathy (CAV) is defined by the echocardiographic triad of moderate or severe regurgitation, valvular thickening and restricted valvular motion. While it is a well-described complication of dopamine agonist therapy in Parkinson's disease, only three convincing cases of CAV have previously been described in the treatment of prolactinoma, with none involving the tricuspid valve. We describe a case of CAV affecting the tricuspid valve, ultimately resulting in the patient's death.