The Left Atrial Septal Pouch: A New Stroke Risk Factor?

The left atrial septal pouch (LASP) occurs due to incomplete fusion of septa primum and secundum at the inter-atrial septum, creating an open flap that may serve as a thromboembolic source. Prior studies have demonstrated increased prevalence of LASP in cryptogenic strokes. The aim of the current study was to validate the above findings in a separate, larger group of stroke and non-stroke patients.

Utility of Cardiac Biomarkers in the Setting of Kidney Disease.

Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and responsible for approximately half of all CKD-related deaths. Unfortunately, the presence of CKD can lead to a challenging interpretation of cardiac biomarkers essential in accurate diagnosis and prompt management of heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. There is growing interest in novel cardiac biomarkers that may improve diagnostic accuracy reflecting myocardial injury, inflammation, and remodeling.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Is Understudied.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common heritable condition in which mutations of genes governing cholesterol metabolism result in elevated LDL levels and accelerated atherosclerosis. The treatment of FH focuses on lipid lowering drugs to decrease patients' cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of cardiovascular events. Even with optimal medical therapy, some FH patients will develop coronary atherosclerosis, suffer myocardial infarction, and require revascularization.