[Clinical implications of enlargement of left atrium].

Enlargement of left atrium (LA) has been shown to be a barometer of diastolic burden and a predictor of common cardiovascular outcomes such as atrial fibrillation, stroke, congestive heart failure, and cardiovascular death. Different methods exist for the assessment of LA size. The American Society of Echocardiography recommended LA volume and its indexed value assessed by 2-dimensional echocardiography, to measure LA size.

Diagnostic accuracy of global myocardial deformation indexes in coronary artery disease: a velocity vector imaging study.

The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a global longitudinal strain and strain rate (GLS, GLSR) and mean radial strain and strain rate (MRS, MRSR) of the left ventricle to predict multivessel disease. In 113 patients, who underwent coronary angiography, left ventricular deformation was analysed by speckle-tracking based velocity vector imaging. In three standard apical views strain and strain rate curves were generated corresponding with two opposite basal, mid, and apical segments.

Obesity paradox and chronic kidney disease.

Introduction And Objectives: In general population, obesity is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes. However, the studies carried out in the past years have offered a new insight into obesity when associated with chronic disease states such as chronic heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, etc. Studies of patients with these chronic diseases suggest that the outcomes of overweight and obese patients may be paradoxically better than in lean patients.

[Why there is atrial fibrillation after cardiac operations?].

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmias after cardiac operations. Its incidence ranges from 10-65%. Often there is a patient discomfort, prolongs hospitalization, increases costs of operation and may be permanent or recurrent course.

Velocity vector imaging to quantify left atrial function.

The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility of a new image analysis, velocity vector imaging (VVI), in the assessment of left atrial volumes (LAV) and left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF). We retrospectively analysed 100 transthoracic echocardiographic findings in 71 men, and 29 women (mean age 57 +/- 19.8 years).