Echocardiographic and clinical markers of left ventricular ejection fraction and moderate or greater systolic dysfunction in left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy.

Background: Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is associated with progressive LV systolic dysfunction and dilated cardiomyopathy. We aimed to investigate the echocardiographic and clinical characteristics associated with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and moderate or greater systolic dysfunction in patients with LVNC.

Methods: Our institutional echocardiography database was retrospectively reviewed between 2008 and 2014, and 62 patients with LVNC were identified.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Aortic Root Morphology in Hispanic Patients.

Background: The study aim was to evaluate the aortic valve and aortic root morphology in Hispanic patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). BAV disease is one of the most common congenital anomaly of the heart, and is associated with abnormalities of the aorta. Interracial differences have been described between Caucasian and African-American patients with BAV, which may have clinical and therapeutic implications.

Usefulness of the CHA2DS2VASc score to predict postoperative stroke in patients having cardiac surgery independent of atrial fibrillation.

Despite its association with cardioembolic stroke, atrial fibrillation (AF) appears to be inconsistent as a risk factor for postoperative strokes in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Furthermore, the relation between AF and the CHA2DS2VASc score has not been definitively established with respect to postoperative stroke. We retrospectively analyzed the records of all cardiac surgery performed at our institution between January 2008 and July 2013.

Subclavian artery stenosis: a case series and review of the literature.

Subclavian artery stenosis (SAS) is a significant form of peripheral artery disease, which may be a marker of diffuse atherosclerosis and increased risk for cardiovascular events. SAS can lead to symptomatic ischemia affecting the upper extremities, the brain, and, in some cases, the heart. In general, asymptomatic subclavian artery disease is treated with medical therapy and invasive treatment is reserved for the more symptomatic patients.

Outcomes of minimally invasive triple valve surgery performed via a right anterior thoracotomy approach.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The feasibility of minimally invasive triple valve surgery performed via a right anterior thoracotomy approach was evaluated.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients who underwent minimally invasive triple valve surgery via a right anterior thoracotomy approach at the authors' institution between December 2009 and February 2013. The operative times and intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay, postoperative complications, and mortality were analyzed.