Publications by authors named "Carmen Del Giudice"
Article Synopsis
- Recent research indicates that lung ultrasound can detect hidden pulmonary congestion in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), revealing a relationship between right heart failure and increased lung water content.
- A study involving 102 PAH patients demonstrated that 75% had pulmonary congestion indicated by B-lines on lung ultrasound, with various factors such as sex, age, and NT-proBNP levels correlating with these findings.
- The results suggest that pulmonary congestion is tied to right ventricular dysfunction and increased central venous pressure, which may hinder lymphatic drainage.
Article Synopsis
- The Italian Society of Echography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey to investigate stress echocardiography (SE) practices across Italy, collecting data from 228 laboratories in November 2022.
- The survey revealed that out of 179 centers performing SE, most were located in northern Italy, and the study categorized them into low, moderate, and high volume of activity based on the number of SE examinations.
- Key findings indicated differences in the use of stressors, with a tendency for high-volume centers to employ multiple stress techniques and incorporate advanced evaluations like coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) more frequently than low and moderate volume centers.
Objectives: The differential diagnosis between pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is sometimes difficult despite guidelines-derived standardized step-by-step diagnostic algorithms. We therefore explored the added value of lung ultrasound to a previously validated echocardiographic score of right heart catheterization measurements.
Methods: Patients referred for PH underwent a right heart catheterization, echocardiography, and lung ultrasound before and after rapid infusion of 7 mL/kg of saline.
Background: The Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey to understand better how different echocardiographic modalities are used and accessed in Italy.
Methods: We analyzed echocardiography laboratory activities over a month (November 2022). Data were retrieved via an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire, uploaded on the SIECVI website.
Improvement of Global Longitudinal Strain and Myocardial Work in Type 2 Diabetes Patients on Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Therapy.
J Cardiovasc Pharmacol
September 2023
Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) are a novel class of oral hypoglycemic agents currently used among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The effects of SGLT2-i inhibitors on cardiac structure and function are not fully understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the echocardiographic changing among patients with well-controlled T2DM treated with SGLT2-i in real-world setting.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2) rapidly spread worldwide as COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019), causing a costly and deadly pandemic. Different pulmonary manifestations represent this syndrome's most common clinical manifestations, together with the cardiovascular complications frequently observed in these patients. Ultrasound (US) evaluations of the lungs, heart, and lower limbs may be helpful in the diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis of patients with COVID-19.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Incremental Role of Multiorgan Point-of-Care Ultrasounds in the Emergency Setting.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
January 2023
Article Synopsis
- Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) is a quick ultrasound exam conducted by healthcare providers to assist in patient diagnosis and treatment.
- POCUS is primarily utilized in emergency departments to swiftly identify severe health issues, expanding beyond initial cardiovascular and respiratory assessments to areas like trauma and abdominal issues.
- The review focuses on the various applications of POCUS in emergencies, including its role in managing conditions like deep-vein thrombosis and heart failure.
Advanced echocardiographic assessment in adults with repaired aortic coarctation: myocardial work analysis provides novel insights on left ventricular mechanics.
Int J Cardiovasc Imaging
January 2023
Article Synopsis
Article Synopsis
- Percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure using traditional double disc occluders is safe and more effective than extended medical therapy in preventing repeat thromboembolic events.
- A new "deviceless" suture-mediated PFO closure system has emerged, addressing many risks of traditional devices, although long-term effectiveness and safety data are still needed.
- This review highlights the current techniques for PFO closure and emphasizes the importance of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in selecting patients, guiding procedures, and monitoring after intervention.