[LEFT VENTRICULAR NON-COMPACTION].

Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is a rare cardiomyopathy, which is today, due to modern ultrasound technology more frequently detected in clinical practice. It is caused by the failure of normal embryonic development of the myocardium from loosely arranged muscle fibers to the mature compacted form of myocardium. Morphologic presentation consists of unique two-layered structure, a thick noncompacted endocardial and a thin compact epicardial layer, in infero-lateral and apical segments.

Gender differences in in-hospital mortality and mechanisms of death after the first acute myocardial infarction.

Background: There are conflicting data about gender differences in short-term mortality after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after adjusting for age and other prognostic factors. Therefore, we investigated the risk profile, clinical presentation, in-hospital mortality and mechanisms of death in women and men after the first AMI.

Methods: The data were obtained from a chart review of 3382 consecutive patients, 1184 (35%) women (69.

Echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of isolated left ventricular noncompaction: case reports and review of the literature.

Isolated left ventricular noncompaction (IVNC) is a congenital cardiomyopathy characterized by a loosened spongy myocardium. Recognition of this condition is extremely important because of its high mortality and morbidity due to progressive heart failure, thromboembolic events, and ventricular arrhythmias. However, IVNC is commonly misdiagnosed because of the lack of knowledge about this rare disorder.

[Doppler echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function of left ventricle].

Approximately half of the patients with overt congestive heart failure (CHF) have diastolic dysfunction without reduced ejection fraction (LVEF>50%). Diastolic dysfunction is an abnormality in left ventricular myocardial relaxation and/or compliance that alters the ease with which blood is accepted into the left ventricle during diastole. Elevated pressures in the left atrium are compensatory, ensuring adequate filling.

Predictors of type and site of first acute myocardial infarction in men and women.

Background: The importance of pathophysiological mechanisms involved in onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) differs with age, gender, and risk profiles. Diversity in the triggering of cardiovascular events has been observed, particularly between men and women. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between age, gender, and risk factors and location of AMI and the presence of Q waves in ECG.

[Epidemiologic characteristics of patients with myocardial infarct in the region of Split during the period of war in the homeland].

The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of myocardial infarction (MI) incidence regarding the age, gender, infarction site and the most important risk factors. Between 1989 and 1997 there were 3454 patients hospitalized in coronary care units of Clinical Hospital Split. In the three-year period preceding the war, from 1989-1991, 1024 patients were hospitalized because of MI.