Left atrial mechanics predict the success of pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with relevant impact on mortality and morbidity. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an established therapy in patients who remain symptomatic under optimal medical therapy. However, up to 70% of patients present with recurrence of AF after PVI.

Recovery of left ventricular and left atrial mechanics in various entities of aortic stenosis 12 months after TAVI.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been shown to improve prognosis of high-risk patients. Data, however, concerning the impact of TAVI on regional and global left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) mechanics in varying entities of severe aortic stenosis (AS) are sparse, particularly in patients with paradoxical low-flow (PLF) AS or with reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). This study evaluated the effects of TAVI on LA and LV mechanics in varying entities of AS 12 months after implantation.

Short-term effects of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on left atrial mechanics and left ventricular diastolic function.

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) leads to remodeling of the left heart. Strain measurements enable the assessment of left atrial (LA) mechanics. The goal of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on LA myocardial deformation as well as left ventricular (LV) diastolic function.

[Mania following the use of a decongestant].

We report on the case of a 56-year-old woman with no psychiatric history who had a manic episode after taking a decongestant containing pseudoephedrine (a secondary or organic mania). The aetiology, differential diagnosis, treatment and risk factors for a manic episode are discussed. In addition, we review published articles on the subject of mania induced by pseudoephedrine.