Assessment of the systolic rise time by photoplethysmography in peripheral arterial diseases: a comparative study with ultrasound Doppler.

Aims: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major public health burden requiring more intensive population screening. Ankle brachial index (ABI) using arm and ankle cuffs is considered as the reference method for the detection of PAD. Although it requires a rigorous methodology by trained operators, it remains time-consuming and more technically difficult in patients with diabetes due to mediacalcosis.

Computed tomography for the detection of free-floating thrombi in the right heart in acute pulmonary embolism.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of free-floating thrombi in the right heart (FFT) and the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) for their detection in pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods: We studied 340 consecutive patients presenting with PE. All patients underwent CT and echocardiography.

Management of atrial fibrillation in heart failure in the elderly.

In elderly patients, atrial fibrillation prevalence exceeds 10% and is commonly associated with heart failure rendering their management even more challenging. Therapies to be considered for heart failure related atrial fibrillation include appropriate treatment of underlying disease, prevention of thromboembolism, rate or rhythm control. The debate regarding rate versus rhythm control in the management of this group of patients has yet to be resolved.

Usefulness of contrast echocardiography for assessment of left ventricular thrombus after acute myocardial infarction.

Fifty consecutive patients referred to a coronary care unit for acute anterior myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation underwent coronary arteriography, left ventricular (LV) angiography, and revascularization. Transthoracic echocardiography was systematically performed using fundamental imaging, second harmonic imaging, and contrast agents to assess the LV chamber. Six patients (12%) presented with a confirmed LV mural thrombus.

Prevention of atrial fibrillation onset by beta-blocker treatment in heart failure: a meta-analysis.

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important morbidity-mortality risk factor, especially in patients with heart failure (HF). Beta-blockers reduce morbidity and mortality in HF. The study was designed to estimate the preventive efficacy of beta-blocker treatment on AF occurrence in patients with HF.