[Cardiogenic shock assisted with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: experience of an Argentine institution].

Introduction: Cardiogenic shock carries a mortality rate of 40-50%. In cases that progress unfavorably despite pharmacological treatment, ventricular assist devices such as venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation play a prominent role. Although two recent controlled clinical trials have been published, the primary source of information remains observational studies, which are notably scarce in Argentina.

[Barlow syndrome: A rare etiology of sudden death].

We present the case of a 60-year-old woman, with a history of mitral valve prolapse, who consulted for dyspnea and palpitations of 2 weeks of evolution up to functional class IV. The admission electrocardiogram showed a moderately responsive atrial fibrillation rhythm with frequent ventricular extra systoles. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed which showed mitral valve prolapse with severe impairment of ventricular function.

Prognostic value of NT-proBNP, and echocardiographic indices of diastolic function, in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

Background: Several parameters have proven useful in assessing prognosis in outpatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). In contrast, prognostic determinants in HFpEF hospitalized for an acute event are poorly investìgated.

Aim: To determine the predictive value of NT-proBNP, and diastolic function (assessed by E/e'), in patients with HFpEF hospitalized for acute heart failure.

[Neurologic complications of infective endocarditis: do they have an impact on prognosis?].

Neurologic complications of infective endocarditis have been observed in 20-40% of cases. Our aim was to determine the frequency of neurologic involvement, clinical manifestations, lesional patterns and evolution in patients with infective endocarditis. This was a prospective cohort study.

[Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and predictors of its occurrence in patients with dual-chamber pacemakers].

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with dual-chamber pacemakers (DP), determine the variables associated with development of AF and evaluate the changes in AF's management by physicians.

Methods: Five hundred patients with DP were prospectively included and interrogated. When AF was detected physicians in charge of the patient were warned.

[Plasmatic pattern and clinical outcomes of lactic acid in heart transplantation].

Introduction: It is not well established the prognostic value of elevated lactic acid after heart transplantation.

Objective: To evaluate the plasmatic pattern and the prognostic value of elevated lactate after heart transplantation.

Methods: One-hundred and twenty seven patients were included between 2011 and 2014, 71 comprising the transplantation group and 56 the control group, represented by on pump coronary artery by-pass surgery patients.

Prognostic value of left atrial volume in asymptomatic organic mitral regurgitation.

Background: Basal left atrial volume (LAV) indexed to body surface area (LAVI) predicts adverse events in patients with organic mitral regurgitation, but information is lacking regarding change in left atrial volume during follow-up.

Methods: One hundred forty-four asymptomatic patients (mean age, 71 ± 12 years; 66% women; mean ejection fraction, 66 ± 4.8%) with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation were prospectively included, with a median follow-up period of 2.

Prospective validation of the prognostic usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide in asymptomatic patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the independent and additive prognostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with severe asymptomatic aortic regurgitation and normal left ventricular function.

Background: Early surgery could be advisable in selected patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation, but there are no uniform criteria to identify candidates who could benefit from this strategy. Assessment of BNP has not been studied for this purpose.

Prospective validation of the prognostic usefulness of brain natriuretic peptide in asymptomatic patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to determine the independent and additive prognostic value of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with severe asymptomatic mitral regurgitation and normal left ventricular function.

Background: Early surgery could be advisable in selected patients with chronic severe mitral regurgitation, but there are no criteria to identify candidates who could benefit from this strategy. Assessment of BNP has not been studied in asymptomatic patients with severe mitral regurgitation; hence, its prognostic value remains unclear.