Endomyocardial involvement in asymptomatic sub-Saharan immigrants with helminth-related eosinophilia.

Background: Among immigrants of sub-Saharan origin, parasitic infection is the leading cause of eosinophilia, which is generally interpreted as a defense mechanism. A side effect of the inflammatory mediators released by eosinophils is damage to host organs, especially the heart. The main objectives of this study were to i) assess cardiac involvement in asymptomatic sub-Saharan immigrants with eosinophilia, ii) relate the presence of lesions with the degree of eosinophilia, and iii) study the relationship between cardiac involvement and the type of causative parasite.

Effect of liraglutide on physical performance in type 2 diabetes (LIPER2): A randomised, double-blind, controlled trial.

Preclinical studies and small clinical trials suggest that glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) may have a positive effect on ventricular function. Liraglutide is a GLP1-analogue used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. LIPER2 is a phase IV, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design trial, assessing the effect of 6 months' liraglutide 1.

Cor triatriatum dexter versus prominent Eustachian valve in an adult congenital heart disease patient.

An eustachian valve (EV) remnant, if present, is usually noted by the presence of a thin ridge or a crescent-shaped fold of endocardium arising from the anterior rim of the inferior vena cava orifice due to the persistence of the right sinus venosus valve. Though the embryologic explanation of cor triatriatum dexter (CTD) is the same as that of the normal formation of the EV--lack of regression of the right sinus venosus valve--it is usually called CTD or divided right atrium when there are attachments on the atrial septum giving the appearance of a divided atrium. However, it's called prominent eustachian valve when the right sinus venosus valve has partly regressed, with no remaining septal attachments and without the appearance of a divided atrium.