Transcatheter closure of fenestrated atrial septal aneurysm: feasibility and long-term results.

Aim: To report on the feasibility, efficacy and long-term outcome of transcatheter closure of fenestrated Atrial Septal Aneurysm (ASA).

Methods: Between April 2000 and May 2020, 568 patients with fenestrated ASA underwent transcatheter closure at two large-volume Pediatric Cardiology and GUCH Units (Naples and Massa, Italy). Procedural indications were cardiac volume overload in 223 patients (39%) or prophylaxis of paradoxical embolization in 345 patients (61%).

Retinal fluorescein angiography: A sensitive and specific tool to predict coronary slow flow.

Background: Obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD) and coronary slow flow (CSF) are frequent angiographic findings for patients that have chest pain and require frequent hospital admission. The retina provides a window for detecting changes in microvasculature relating to the development of cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension or coronary heart disease.

Objectives: To assess the coronary and ocular circulations in patients with CSF and those with obstructive coronary artery disease.

Asymptomatic pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious and often fatal complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Because the diagnosis of PAH often is made years after symptom onset, early diagnostic strategies are essential. Doppler echocardiography currently is considered the noninvasive screening test of choice for evaluating pulmonary hypertension.