Multi-valve Libman-Sacks's endocarditis-related multiple, massive and fatal systemic embolization. A case report and a review of diagnostic work-up.

We reported a case of non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) in a 37-year-old woman who presented with signs and symptoms of cardio-embolic cerebral stroke caused by a prothrombotic state due to underlying advanced uterine cancer. Multimodal imaging, including 3D-ecocardiography, as well as laboratory and cultural tests, were critical in making the diagnosis. After starting anticoagulation therapy with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), the patient underwent surgical aortic valve replacement due to worsening aortic valve function, initial left ventricle enlargement, increasing dimensions, and mobility of vegetations.

Different mechanisms of mitral regurgitation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A clinical case and literature review.

Background: Abnormalities of the mitral valve (MV) apparatus are typical features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). These abnormalities include leaflet elongation, thick leaflets, displacement of papillary muscle, and systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the MV anterior leaflet. Mitral valve chordal rupture associated with HCM is a rare but serious issue capable of change the clinical apparence and the prognosis of the patient.

An unusual case of severe left ventricle outflow tract obstruction due to a coexistence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy with septal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder presenting with a pathological increase of left ventricle (LV) wall thicknesses. The most frequent morphological form is characterized by an abnormal LV basal septal hypertrophy. Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is a transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction induced by high physical or emotional stress.

Transthoracic Echocardiographic Diagnostic Accuracy in Detecting "Type-B" Aortic Dissection.

We present a case of a 91-year-old man presenting to the emergency department with a tearing back pain. The patient's history included an endovascular abdominal aortic repair because of an aneurysm. The transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) appeared normal; however, when transducer was positioned to the left of the spine for the posterior paraspinal window, a clear intimal flap was demonstrated in the descending aorta lumen.

Freestyle aortic root bioprosthesis is a suitable alternative for aortic root replacement in elderly patients: a propensity score study.

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the early and midterm clinical outcomes of aortic root replacement in elderly patients receiving the Freestyle stentless bioprosthesis (FSB) (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN) with younger patients receiving a mechanical valve conduit.

Methods: From January 2001 to December 2010, 185 consecutive patients underwent aortic root replacement. Of these, 79 (43%) patients received the Freestyle bioroot (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN) (group F) and 106 (57%) patients received a mechanical valve conduit (group M).