Which echocardiographic parameters improve the risk prediction for peri-operative outcomes in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery: a prospective study.

Objective: To assess the performance of transthoracic echocardiographic parameters to predict operative mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, and to assess its incremental prognostic value as compared to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score.

Materials And Methods: We prospectively collected the clinical and biological data required to calculate the STS score in patients hospitalised for coronary artery bypass grafting. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiography was performed for each patient.

Echocardiography is useful to predict postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing isolated coronary bypass surgery: A prospective study.

Objective:: Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a major complication following coronary artery bypass graft. We hypothesized that, beyond clinical and electrocardiogram (ECG) data, transthoracic echocardiography could improve the prediction of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Methods:: We prospectively studied 169 patients in sinus rhythm who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft in our institution.

Nicardipine-induced acute pulmonary edema: a rare but severe complication of tocolysis.

We report four cases of acute pulmonary edema that occurred during treatment by intravenous tocolysis using nicardipine in pregnancy patients with no previous heart problems. Clinical severity justified hospitalization in intensive care unit (ICU) each time. Acute dyspnea has begun at an average of 63 hours after initiation of treatment.