Fatty Images of the Heart: Spectrum of Normal and Pathological Findings by Computed Tomography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Ectopic cardiac fatty images are not rarely detected incidentally by computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance, or by exams focused on the heart as in general thoracic imaging evaluations. A correct interpretation of these findings is essential in order to recognize their normal or pathological meaning, focusing on the eventually associated clinical implications. The development of techniques such as computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance allowed a detailed detection and evaluation of adipose tissue within the heart.

The collaborative communication model for patient handover at the interface between high-acuity and low-acuity care.

Background: Cross-unit handovers transfer responsibility for the patient among healthcare teams in different clinical units, with missed information, potentially placing patients at risk for adverse events.

Objectives: We analysed the communications between high-acuity and low-acuity units, their content and social context, and we explored whether common conceptual ground reduced potential threats to patient safety posed by current handover practices.

Methods: We monitored the communication of five content items using handover probes for 22 patient transitions of care between high-acuity 'sender units' and low-acuity 'recipient units'.

Comparison between four-slice computed tomography and coronary angiography for the assessment of coronary stents.

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of four-slice computed tomography for the detection, localization and patency assessment of metal coronary stents in a general population referred for coronary angiography late after coronary angioplasty.

Methods: Twenty-four consecutive patients with 34 coronary stents underwent multislice computed tomography within 24 h before a clinically driven coronary angiography performed 245 +/- 92 days after coronary stent implantation. For each patient, two independent operators were asked to evaluate the overall number of stents, the treated coronary vessels and segments, the presence of side-branches in the stented segment, the vessel patency, and the presence of binary in-stent restenosis.