Diagnostic yield and predictive value on left ventricular remodelling of genetic testing in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Aims: We assessed the diagnostic yield of genetic testing and the relationship of left ventricular (LV) reverse remodelling (LVRR) with the presence of DNA pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods And Results: From 680 outpatients followed at the Heart Failure Outpatient Clinic of our institution, we selected subjects with a diagnosis of DCM as defined by LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% and LV dilatation not explained by coronary artery disease or other causes. All patients were offered genetic investigation of 42 disease-associated DCM genes with next-generation sequencing.

Usefulness of transcranial color Doppler ultrasonography in aortic arch surgery.

Background: Hypothermia in combination with selective cerebral perfusion is a well-documented technique for cerebral protection during aortic arch surgery. However, such complex surgery is still accompanied by a considerable incidence of neurological events.

Aim: This study describes the advantages of transcranial color Doppler ultrasound (TCDU) as a noninvasive real-time method for intraoperative monitoring of cerebral blood flow.

Predictors of atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Objective: Atrial fibrillation is the most common complication after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This arrhythmia may lead to hemodynamic compromise, prolonged hospitalization, and increased risk for cerebral thromboembolism. Older age is the only variable consistently associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation; however, no strong predictive model exists.