Novel Echocardiographic Measurements of Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Artery Coupling in Predicting the Prognosis of Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background: Currently, there are many parameters with proven prognostic significance in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Recently, the parameters defining right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling (RVPAC) have gained clinical importance. In our study, we investigated the prognostic potential of previously known single echocardiographic parameters and new parameters reflecting RVPAC in patients with precapillary PH.

Tricuspid Regurgitation Velocity/Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TRV/TAPSE) Ratio as a Novel Indicator of Disease Severity and Prognosis in Patients with Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background: Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) are two echocardiographic parameters with prognostic value in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). When analyzed concurrently as the TRV/TAPSE ratio, they allow the ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling (RVPAC) to be assessed. This could better predict disease severity in patients with PH.

The inflammation link between periodontal disease and coronary atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes: case-control study.

Background: Coronary atherosclerosis and periodontal disease, due to their prevalence, are a serious epidemiological problem. Pathophysiological evidence points to their possible common inflammatory etiopathological background. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between the presence and severity of periodontitis, systemic inflammation and selected parameters of myocardial injury and heart function in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE RIGHT HEART IN THE PULMONARY HYPERTENSION.

Objective: Introduction: A comprehensive assessment of right ventricular size and function, as well as evaluation of pulmonary artery pressures is an integral part of every echocardiographic examination. It is important to know the relevant guidelines but also the pitfalls of echocardiography. The aim: To determine the significance of echocardiography in the diagnostic process, prognosis and evaluation of treatment effectiveness in pulmonary hypertension.

IMAGING TECHNIQUES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF PULMONARY HYPERTENSION.

Objective: Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension is defined as being a haemodynamic state, wherein the mean pulmonary artery pressure measured during right heart catheterization is equal or greater than 25 mmHg. As a result, right ventricular heart failure develops and clinical symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, weakness, angina and fainting occur. The aim: To highlight the role of imaging techniques in diagnostic process for pulmonary hypertension.

Incidence, clinical correlates, timing, and consequences of acute thrombus formation in patients undergoing the MitraClip procedure.

Background: Despite adequate heparinization, formation of fresh intracardiac thrombi during the MitraClip procedure was reported.

Aims: We aimed to evaluate the incidence and clinical consequences of intracardiac thrombus formation during the MitraClip device implantation.

Methods: Clinical data and transesophageal echocardiography findings obtained during MitraClip procedures in 100 consecutive patients (81 men; mean [SD] age, 67.

Pol-CDRIE registry - 1-year observational data on patients hospitalized due to cardiac device-related infective endocarditis in Polish referential cardiology centres.

Background: The rate of cardiac device-related infective endocarditis (CDRIE) is increasing worldwide, but no detailed data are available for Poland.

Aims: We aimed to evaluate clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic data of patients hospitalized due to CDRIE in 22 Polish referential cardiology centers from May 1, 2016 to May 1, 2017.

Methods: Participating cardiology departments were asked to fill in a questionnaire that included data on the number of hospitalized patients, number and types of implanted cardiac electrotherapy devices, and number of infective endocarditis cases.

Total anomalous pulmonary vein drainage in a 60-year-old woman diagnosed in an ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography - a case report and review of literature.

Purpose: Total anomalous pulmonary vein drainage (TAPVD) is a congenital cardiac defect in which there is no connection between pulmonary veins and the left atrium. Pulmonary veins form a confluence independent of the left atrium and drain to a systemic vein. TAPVD types are: supracardiac, cardiac, infracardiac, and mixed.