TAVI with the ACURATE neo transcatheter heart valve in special populations: A systematic review.

The ACURATE neo transcatheter aortic valve is a self-expanding device suitable for both transfemoral and transapical approach, but specific groups of patients are under-represented in clinical trials. We aim to provide a comprehensive systematic review on TAVI with ACURATE neo in those special populations. TAVI in bicuspid aortic valve, TAVI in patients with small aortic annulus, TAVI for pure aortic regurgitation and valve-in-valve procedures, were systematically reviewed.

Inhibition of Aortic Valve Calcification by Local Delivery of Zoledronic Acid-an Experimental Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in an experimental model of aortic valve (AV) stenosis the effectiveness of zoledronate on the inhibition of calcification. Sixteen New Zealand rabbits were placed on vitamin D-enriched diet for 3 weeks. All animals underwent PET/CT at baseline and before euthanasia to assess calcification.

Hypereosinophilic Syndrome as a Rare Cause of Reversible Biventricular Heart Failure.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome is a rare entity that can develop secondary to overproduction of eosinophilopoietic cytokines or as idiopathic disease. Cardiac involvement, which occurs often, is divided into 3 stages, the latter of which is nonreversible and leads to severe heart failure. Early detection and treatment of the syndrome is essential.

The prognostic role of carotid plaque ultrasonography in cardiac damage after carotid endarterectomy: carotid plaque and cardiac risk.

Background: This study evaluates the correlation of ultrasound determined carotid plaque morphology with coronary risk and cardiac damage after carotid endarterectomy.

Methods: Fifty patients (in a series of 162) scheduled for carotid endarterectomy had the indication for coronary CT-angiography preoperatively and were included in this study. Patients were classified according to ultrasonographic characteristics of carotid plaque.