Transcatheter Tricuspid Regurgitation Repair-An Overview of Techniques and Eligible Patient Selection.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequently encountered in clinical practice. It is classified into primary TR (organic), which accounts for a minority of cases; and into secondary TR (functional), which has a higher prevalence. Although it can be asymptomatic for a long time, TR causes right ventricle dysfunction and increases hospitalizations for heart failure and mortality.

PiCCO or Cardiac Ultrasound? Which Is Better for Hemodynamic Monitoring in ICU?

Advanced hemodynamic monitoring is fundamental in the management of the critically ill. Blood pressure and cardiac function are key markers of cardiovascular system function;, thus, having accurate measurements of these parameters in critically ill patients is essential. Currently, there are various methods available to choose from, as well as a greater understanding of the methods and criteria to be able to compare devices and select the best option for our patients' needs.

Exploring the Relationship Between Lipoprotein (a) Level and Myocardial Infarction Risk: An Observational Study.

: This observational study investigates the relationship between Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) levels and the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aims to highlight the association of elevated Lipoprotein (a) levels with an increased atherogenic profile and the potential risk of AMI. : We conducted a case-control study involving 106 individuals, including 64 AMI patients (both STEMI and NSTEMI) and 42 healthy controls.

Multimodality Cardiac Imaging in COVID-19 Infection.

COVID-19 infection often produces cardiovascular complications, which can range from mild to severe and influence the overall prognosis. Imaging is the cornerstone for diagnosing initial COVID-19 cardiovascular involvement as well as treatment guidance. In this review, we present the current state of the literature on this subject while also emphasizing possible algorithms for indicating and executing these investigations.

The Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on All Heart Chambers Remodeling and Function in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy-A Two- and Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Study.

Atrial fibrillation is frequently seen in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and its presence impacts the function of the heart, with clinical and prognostic consequences. In this prospective single-center study, we aimed to assess the impact of atrial fibrillation on cardiac structure and function, using comprehensive two- and three-dimensional echocardiography. We included 41 patients with DCM and persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation (38 male, age 58.

The Dysfunctional Right Ventricle in Dilated Cardiomyopathies: Looking from the Right Point of View.

Dilated cardiomyopathies (DCMs) are a heterogenous group of primary myocardial diseases, representing one of the leading causes of heart failure, and the main indication for heart transplantation. While the degree of left ventricular dilation and dysfunction are two key determinants of adverse outcomes in DCM patients, right ventricular (RV) remodeling and dysfunction further negatively influence patient prognosis. Consequently, RV functional assessment and diagnosing RV involvement by using an integrative approach based on multimodality imaging is of paramount importance in the evaluation of DCM patients and provides incremental prognostic and therapeutic information.

Echocardiography Assessment of Cardiac Function in Adults Living with HIV: A Speckle Tracking Study in the Era of Antiretroviral Therapy.

Adults living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection (ALHIV) have high rates of cardiovascular events. New approaches are needed to detect subclinical cardiac dysfunction. We used conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography to investigate whether ALHIV display latent cardiac dysfunction.

Spinal cord infarction caused by extensive aortic intramural hematoma.

We report the case of a 62-year-old Caucasian man, an ex-smoker, who presented to the emergency room complaining of intense lower back pain followed by immediate bilateral loss of inferior limbs motor function. Clinical examination showed complete paralysis and paranesthesia in both legs, while pain and temperature sensory examination revealed a sensory level at dermatome T6, with normal touch, vibration, and position senses. His blood pressure was 190∕100 mmHg.

Assessment of Epinephrine and Norepinephrine in Gastric Carcinoma.

The aim of our study was to assess the sympathetic nervous system's involvement in the evolution of gastric carcinoma in patients by analyzing the mediators of this system (epinephrine and norepinephrine), as well as by analyzing the histological expression of the norepinephrine transporter (NET). We conducted an observational study including 91 patients diagnosed with gastric carcinoma and an additional 200 patients without cancer between November 2017 and October 2018. We set the primary endpoint as mortality from any cause in the first two years after enrolment in the study.

Alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin B complex slow down the changes in mice diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Aim: The aim of our study was to assess histologically and by cardiac ultrasound the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin B complex, as pathogenic therapies, in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in mice.

Materials And Methods: We performed an experimental animal study, in which we analyzed from a structural and functional point of view the changes produced in DCM. To produce DCM, we induced diabetes mellitus (DM) in C57BL∕6 mice by intraperitoneal injection of a single 150 mg∕kg body weight dose of streptozotocin (STZ).

Longitudinal strain analysis allows the identification of subclinical deterioration of right ventricular function in patients with cancer therapy-related left ventricular dysfunction.

Background: This study was designed to assess right ventricular systolic function in cancer patients.

Methods And Results: 68 consecutive patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic agents were followed for 6 months in a single-center, observational, cohort-study. Left ventricle and free-wall right ventricular longitudinal strain were analyzed prior and after 6 months of treatment, using a vendor-independent software, together with left ventricle ejection fraction, tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion and right ventricular fractional area change.

Myocardial Function Assessed by Multi-Layered Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Analysis in Asymptomatic Young Subjects with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1.

Background: Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) is associated with a high risk for cardiovascular disease, and early detection of myocardial dysfunction is crucial for the prevention of cardiac complications.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) function by using both conventional echocardiography as well as multi-layered speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in young adults with DM1.

Methods: We included 50 young asymptomatic adults diagnosed with DM1 (mean interval from diagnosis 9 ± 6 years) and 80 healthy controls.

The Significance of Right Ventricle in Young Subjects with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1. An echocardiographyic study.

Background: Diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) is associated with high risk for cardiovascular disease and early detection of myocardial dysfunction is very important for the prevention of cardiac complications. Although the functionality of right ventricule is important in a lot of disease affecting long time prognosis and progression, in diabetic type 1 patients has not been studied in depth yet.

Objectives: To evaluate the right ventricular function by using both conventional echocardiography as well as speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in young adults with diabetes mellitus type 1.

NT-proBNP and Echocardiographic Parameters in Liver Cirrhosis - Correlations with Disease Severity.

determined. Liver disease severity in patients with cirrhosis was established by Child-Pugh class, MELD score and presence/absence of ascites. Results: Plasma levels of NT-proBNP were significantly higher in cirrhotic patients than in the healthy subjects.

Q-T Interval Prolongation in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis.

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is the end stage of chronic liver disease characterized by the appearance of extensive fibrosis and regeneration nodes associated with hepatocyte necrosis in liver but also by the reshuffling of hepatic architecture. The triad consisting of hepatic parenchymal necrosis, regeneration and scarring is always present regardless of the type of clinical manifestation. The Child-Pugh-Turcotte classification dates back more than 30 years and has been widely used in diagnosing and assessing the severity of liver cirrhosis.

A Case of Severe Advanced Takayasu Arteritis with Acute Myocardial Infarction as First Manifestation.

We present the case of a 53-year-old female who presented in the emergency room accusing chest pain, dyspnea to moderate physical strain and physical asthenia. The clinical exam highlighted the absence of pulse in the left upper limb, weak pulse at upper right and lower limbs. The angiography revealed severe coronary lesions, bilateral subclavian occlusion, bilateral renal artery occlusion, infrarenal aortic occlusion.

Gender-Related Electrocardiographic Changes in Athletes.

Objectives: To assess gender differences in training-related electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns of athletes, highlighting the importance of these differences for ECG interpretation used in the cardiovascular screening of athletes.

Design: Observational cross-sectional study.

Methods: 315 athletes were enrolled in the study (150 males and 165 females, mean age 23,7±6,6 and 20,7±6,8, respectively).

Variability of right ventricular global and segmental longitudinal strain measurements.

Objectives: We evaluated intra-observer, test-retest, and inter-observer reproducibility of right ventricular (RV) longitudinal strain (LS) measurements derived from two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

Background: The assessment of RV deformation has demonstrated to hold valuable prognostic and diagnostic data in clinical practice. Data about the reproducibility of the measurements, however, are missing.

Right atrium floating thrombus and bilateral pulmonary embolism in a patient with pancreatic pseudocyst.

Pulmonary embolism in the context of pancreatitis is a rare condition and even fewer cases of pulmonary embolism associated with pancreatic pseudocyst and chronic pancreatitis have been reported in the literature. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis due to alcohol ingestion complicated with pancreatic pseudocyst, with no classic thrombogenic risk factors, who developed right atrial thrombus and massive bilateral pulmonary embolism. < Venous thromboembolism risk is present in acute pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer, but even chronic pancreatitis may promote thrombogenesis and trigger the development of a life-threatening condition such as pulmonary embolism.

Variability of longitudinal strain measurements: levelling the playing field.

Speckle tracking echocardiography offers a unique opportunity to evaluate myocardial function, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) is currently recommended as a measurement of global left ventricular function. To facilitate clinical applicability of the method, collective efforts have been made to standardise strain measurements and to raise awareness of the potential sources of variability. The purpose of this review is to familiarise the reader with the most common sources of variability of longitudinal strain measurements and detail the possible measures to increase the accuracy and reproducibility of strain parameters.

Left and right ventricular morphology and function in athletes with elevated pulmonary systolic arterial pressure.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and potential impact of elevated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) on left and right cardiac morphology and function in young elite athletes.

Methods: In total, 85 professional athletes (40 endurance, 20 strength, and 25 mixed training, mean age 17.8 ± 4.

Collagen I and III, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 immunoexpression in dilated cardiomyopathy.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling represents the pathological substrate of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In this study, we statistically analyzed the immunoexpression of collagen I and III, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and its tissue inhibitor-1 (TIMP-1) in the myocardial tissue in 18 cases of DCM compared to a control group. We observed a significant increase in the immunoexpression of collagen I and III in patients with DCM and a significant reduction in the immunoexpression of MMP-1 compared with the control group.

Estimation of Oxidative Stress Involvement by Superoxide Dismutase Variation in Cardiac Arrhythmias.

Unlabelled: Cardiac arrhythmias, commonly diagnosed in young people, involve multiple etiopathogenic factors, including oxidative stress.

Purpose: Evaluation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) variations as an antioxidant enzyme (with a physiological role in the dismutation of highly reactive oxygen free radicals into oxygen and water) in young patients with cardiac arrhythmias.

Material And Method: The study was conducted on a group of 40 young patients with a mean age of 34 years old, of both sexes, with non-lesional cardiac dysrhythmias, compared to a control group of 40 healthy subjects, determining for both groups the SOD serum level.