Additive value of torsion to global longitudinal left ventricular strain in patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Background: Torsional and longitudinal deformations are essential components of left ventricular (LV) performance. A precise assessment of LV function must take into account both LV torsion (LVtor) and global longitudinal strain (LVE). We compared a new 2D-strain parameter, LVtor x LVE, with several other echocardiographic parameters, with respect to their strength of association with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) in patients with reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF).

A new tissue doppler index in predicting future atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure.

Background: Onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure (HF) is usually associated with a high occurrence of cardiovascular complications. E/(E'×S') ratio (E=early diastolic transmitral velocity, E'=early mitral annular diastolic velocity and S'=systolic mitral annulus velocity) has been shown to reflect left ventricular filling pressure.

Objective: We investigate whether E/(E'×S') could be a predictor of new-onset AF in patients with HF.

Pre-operative transthoracic real-time three-dimensional echocardiography for a better surgical strategy.

Unlabelled: In this study we aimed to evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in the assessment of cardiac valve morphology.

Methods: Bidimensional (2D) and real-time 3D TTE was performed in 104 patients consecutive with cardiac catheterisation, prior to valve surgery. Using surgical findings as the gold standard, 2D and 3D TTE were compared for adequate recognition and accurate detection of morphology.

The relationship between the time interval difference of isovolumic relaxation (T[IVRT-IVRTa]) and serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in patients with intermediate E/Ea ratio.

Introduction: The ratio of early diastolic transmitral velocity to early mitral annular diastolic velocity (E/Ea) can be used to group patients according to filling pressures. However this relationship has not been validated in the intermediate group (E/Ea = 8-15). The time difference between the onset of E and Ea also correlates with left ventricular (LV) filling pressures.

E/(EaxSa) estimates left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in patients with severe mitral regurgitation.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The early diastolic transmitral velocity/early mitral annular diastolic velocity ratio (E/Ea) reflects left ventricular (LV) filling pressure in a variety of cardiac diseases. The value of this parameter in patients with significant mitral regurgitation (MR) remains controversial. It has been hypothesized that, by combining the index of diastolic function (E/Ea) and a parameter that explores LV systolic performance (Sa, mitral annulus peak systolic velocity), a close prediction of the LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) can be provided.

Secondary pathologic fractures in osteosarcoma: prognosis and evolution.

Secondary or pathologic fractures, associated with osteosarcoma, have been considered for a long time to be a negative prognosis regarding its evolution in the patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic importance of such pathologic fractures in osteosarcoma patients receiving new therapies as well as the best conditions for surgery aiming at "limbs salvage". On a total of 22 patients affected by osteosarcoma, we performed a retrospective study with 12 patients showing pathologic fractures caused by osteosarcoma and 10 patients without any pathologic fracture.

Health care-associated native valve endocarditis: importance of non-nosocomial acquisition.

Background: The clinical profile and outcome of nosocomial and non-nosocomial health care-associated native valve endocarditis are not well defined.

Objective: To compare the characteristics and outcomes of community-associated and nosocomial and non-nosocomial health care-associated native valve endocarditis.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric MALTomas: an up-to-date and therapy highlight.

During the last 20 years Helicobacter pylori (Hp) has been, undoubtly, the star of gastroenterology and microbiology, so much to deserve the "Nobel prize 2005" for biology and medicine to its discoverers. More recently, an increased interest arised on Hp and its linkages with other medical fi elds such as immunology, surgery and dentistry. The outcome of the pathologies due to such bacterium is dependent on many factors, including bacterial genotype, host physiology and genetics, and environmental factors such as diet.

Left atrial surface cut point to detect trapezoidal shape for characterisation of atrial anatomical remodeling.

Background: Complete geometrical and shape characterization of left atrium has not been performed. Ellipse formula has been proved to underestimate the real LA volume. The aim of the study is to analyze the relation between LA area and shape in order to predict their value in the assessment of the severity of anatomical remodeling.

Effects on rat sexual behaviour of acute MDMA (ecstasy) alone or in combination with loud music.

The effects on sexual behaviour of acute low doses of methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) (0.3, 1, 3 mg/kg/i.p.

Unusual cause of heart failure in a 65-year-old woman.

Left ventricular (LV) free wall rupture is a potentially lethal mechanical complication after myocardial infarction (MI). Pericardial adhesions or slow extracardiac leak and pericardial inflammation may result in a contained cardiac rupture. LV pseudoaneurysm is a relatively uncommon clinical entity.

Clinical improvement after treatment with VEGF(165) in patients with severe chronic lower limb ischaemia.

The present study focuses on the application of a therapeutic strategy in patients with chronic severe lower limb ischaemia using a plasmid vector encoding the vascular endothelial growth factor (phVEGF(165)). It has been shown that VEGF promotes neo-vascularization and blood vessel network formation and thus might have the ability to improve blood-flow at the level of the affected limbs. However, little information is available regarding the necessary level of expression of VEGF and its possible related adverse effects.

Our experience in Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric MALToma.

Objective: A number of recent studies have expanded our understanding of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and of the pathogenesis of MALT lymphoma. The purpose of this paper is to perform a retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics of gastric MALT lymphoma and its relationship with H. pylori infection in authors' experience.

A novel index combining diastolic and systolic Tissue Doppler parameters for the non-invasive assessment of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.

Background: Early diastolic transmitral velocity (E)/early mitral annular diastolic velocity (Ea) ratio has been proposed as the best Doppler predictor for evaluating left ventricular (LV) filling pressure.

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between a novel echocardiographic index, E/(EaxSa), and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP); Sa is the peak systolic mitral annular velocity. We measured this index at different sites of the mitral annulus and compared it with other Tissue Doppler parameters.

Thromboembolic risk after knee endoprosthesis.

Thromboembolic complications are the most frequent associated pathologies after knee replacement. The secondary deep vein thrombosis in the knee arthroplasty is often low symptomatic or asymptomatic and, sometime, it could lead to fatal pulmonary embolism. This is the main purpose recommending an antithrombotic prophylaxis.

The relationship between tissue Doppler imaging and seric NTproBNP levels in sinus rhythm patients: a prospective study.

Unlabelled: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) correlates with left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. The ratio between early diastolic transmitral velocity and early mitral annular diastolic velocity (E/Ea) reflects LV filling pressure in a variety of cardiac diseases. However this relationship was not validated in some categories of patients.

Relationship between global myocardial index and automatic left ventricular border detection pattern to identify biventricular pacing candidates.

Objective Of The Study: to evaluate the relation between global myocardial index (GMI) and the pattern of left ventricular (LV) volume curves variation, using automatic border detection (ABD), and their role in assessing LV asynchrony.

Methods: We studied 52 patients (mean age = 55 +/- 17 years) with dilated cardiomyopathy. QRS duration (QRSd) and GMI were measured.

Left atrial remodeling: assessment of size and shape to detect vulnerability to atrial fibrillation.

Background: The ellipse formula often underestimates left atrial (LA) dilation. Complete echocardiographic analysis of LA shape in relation to electrical remodeling has not been performed.

Aim Of The Study: To analyze the relation between LA shape/surface and vulnerability to atrial fibrillation (AF).

Time movement timing parameters validation using tissue Doppler imaging in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was to compare similar time-movement (TM) and tissue Doppler (TDI) timing parameters and to predict their value in assessment of systolic asynchrony for biventricular pacing indication.

Methods: 41 patients (pts) aged 56.4 +/- 11.

Is age correlated with dynamic atrial decremental conduction properties?

Unlabelled: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been associated with premature beats and decreased atrial conduction velocities. On the other hand, prevalence of AF is increased in the elderly. The aim is to evaluate and analyze the relation between age, atrial size and a new index of dynamic interatrial conduction time (iaCT) in a homogeneous population of patients (pts) with structurally normal heart without AF.

Dual renin angiotensin system blockade in patients with acute myocardial infarction and preserved left ventricular systolic function.

Unlabelled: The activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a major determinant of ventricular remodeling. We prospectively assessed whether the dual RAS blockade (angiotensin II AT 1-receptor blocker and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who were treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stenting provides benefit on the improvement of the left ventricle function. A secondary aim is to demonstrate that triple therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II AT 1-receptor blockers (ARBs) and beta blockers does not increase cardiovascular morbidity, cardiovascular mortality and all cause mortality.

Electrophysiological and echocardiographic parameters predisposing to atrial fibrillation in patients with a structurally normal heart.

Background: The electroanatomical substrate of dilated atria is characterised by increased non-uniform anisotropy and macroscopic slowing of conduction, which promote reentrant circuits.

Aim: To analyse the relationship between electrophysiological properties of atria and echocardiographic markers of dilatation and increased filling pressure.

Methods: The study group consisted of 79 patients without structural heart disease, aged 53+/-22 years, who were referred for electrophysiological study.

Global myocardial index in patients with multisite pacing.

Unlabelled: Global myocardial index (GMI) is a sensitive echocardiographic indicator of overall cardiac function. The aim of this study was to compare the GMI changes induced by Bi-V pacing to the variations in clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters currently used for evaluation of ventricular resynchronization in order to test the potential marker of positive clinical response.

Patients And Methods: This study included 35 consecutive patients (pts), aged 65.