Left atrial appendage orifice morphology in sickness and in health.

Background: The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the primary site of embolism in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to evaluate the morphological features of the LAA orifice in patients with sinus rhythm, paroxysmal AF, and persistent AF using three-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TOE). We also intended to identify morphometric parameters of the LAA orifice that may be potentially associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke.

Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing add-on pacing/sensing lead vs. ICD lead implantation for failed IS-1/DF-1 ICD leads: a single centre experience.

Background: Intracardiac defibrillator/cardioverter (ICD) is a cornerstone device for prevention of sudden cardiac death. Lead failure (LF) is one of the most important long-term complications. In this study, we sought to investigate mid-to-long term clinical, device and lead characteristics of patients who have undergone pacing sensing lead (PSL) implantation for an ICD LF and compare them to the patients who have undergone a new ICD lead implantation.

A novel echocardiographic index for prediction of malnutrition in acute heart failure.

Introduction: Malnutrition is common among heart failure (HF) patients. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) are widely used for evaluation of nutritional status in HF patients. Right ventricular dysfunction, functional tricuspid regurgitation, and elevated right atrial pressure might exacerbate malnutrition by promoting bowel congestion and malabsorption in HF patients.