Clinical Utility of Stress Echocardiography in Remote Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Populations: A 10-Year Study in Central Australia.

Background: Remote Central Australia has a large Indigenous population and a significant burden of cardiovascular disease. Stress echocardiography has been previously validated as a useful investigation for long-term prognostication. However, there are no prior studies assessing its utility in remote or Indigenous populations.

Aetiology, comorbidities and cofactors of chronic leg ulcers: retrospective evaluation of 1 000 patients from 10 specialised dermatological wound care centers in Germany.

Numerous comorbidities and cofactors have been known to influence wound healing processes. In this multicentre study, clinical data of 1 000 patients with chronic leg ulcers from ten specialised dermatological wound care centers were analysed. The patient cohort comprised 567 females and 433 males with an average age of 69·9 years.

Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with a pacemaker system designed for the magnetic resonance environment.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of pacemaker patients is contraindicated due to documented potential risks to the patient from hazardous interactions between the MRI and pacemaker system.

Objective: The purpose of this prospective, randomized, controlled, worldwide clinical trial was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a pacemaker system designed for safe use in MRI for any bradycardia indicated patient.

Methods: Patients (n = 464) were randomized to undergo an MRI scan between 9 and 12 weeks postimplant (MRI group, n = 258) or not to undergo MRI (control group, n = 206) after successful implantation of the specially designed dual-chamber pacemaker and leads.