Echocardiographic measurement of left atrial volume: Does the method matter?

Background: Four two-dimensional echocardiographic methods (cube, ellipsoid, Simpson's and area-length) can be used to assess left atrial volume (LAV).

Aims: To compare absolute LAV measurements and evaluate agreement regarding the semiquantitative assessment of degree of left atrial (LA) enlargement, between methods.

Methods: We prospectively measured LAV in 51 healthy volunteers using the four methods, and defined thresholds for moderate (mean+2 standard deviations [SDs]) and severe (mean+4 SDs) LA enlargement for each method.

Progression of aortic valve stenosis is associated with bone remodelling and secondary hyperparathyroidism in elderly patients--the COFRASA study.

Aims: There is currently no medical therapy that can prevent the progression of aortic valve stenosis (AS). Recent data highlight a possible relationship between bone metabolism and AS progression but prospective data are lacking.

Methods And Results: Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, 25-OH vitamin D, intact parathyroid hormon (iPTH), C-terminal-telopeptide of type-1-collagen (CTX) and osteocalcin were assessed at baseline in 110 elderly patients (age ≥70 years) with at least mild AS.

[Fortuitous discovery of hydatid cyst of the breast].

Introduction: Hydatid cyst of the breast is rare even in areas of endemic echinococcosis. It accounts for 0.3% of all localizations and 2% of the uncommon sites.