Publications by authors named "Attilio Di Marco"

Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (AD) is a particular condition that can be detected by means of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). ABPM is helpful to identify some specific characteristics of haemodynamic AD, including non-dipping/reverse-dipping pattern, orthostatic and post-prandial hypotension and elevated blood pressure variability. These characteristics may be misdiagnosed with traditional, clinic blood pressure measurements.

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Hyperkalaemia is an electrolyte disturbance that can have effects on myocardial conduction causing electrocardiographic changes. Several factors may predispose to and promote potassium serum level increase leading to typical electrocardiographic abnormalities. We describe the case of a patient who presented with hyperkalaemia and an electrocardiographic aspect consistent with a sine-wave pattern.

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Background: Ostial radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of pulmonary veins (PVs) is a promising invasive approach for the non-pharmacologic treatment of atrial fibrillation, but PV stenosis has been reported as a possible complication of this intervention. The aim of this study was to assess PV anatomy and stenosis (i.e.

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Calcification of the mitral annulus is a common echocardiographic finding in the elderly, particularly in females. Calcium deposits are generally located in the posterior mitral ring, sometimes extending to the whole mitral annulus and involving the mitral valve apparatus. The present report refers to 2 patients with a very atypical mass-like calcification of the mitral annulus resembling a cardiac tumor.

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We describe the case of 2 patients presenting with chest pain and electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia, in whom a transthoracic echocardiogram, performed urgently at the bedside, allowed a diagnosis of dissection of the ascending aorta. Prompt recognition of this condition avoided inappropriate aggressive medical treatments and permitted emergency surgical intervention. Aortic dissection can mimic other conditions including an acute coronary syndrome.

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