Reclassification of aortic stenosis by fusion of echocardiography and computed tomography in low-gradient aortic stenosis.

Background: The integration of computed tomography (CT)-derived left ventricular outflow tract area into the echocardiography-derived continuity equation results in the reclassification of a significant proportion of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) into moderate AS based on aortic valve area indexed to body surface area determined by fusion imaging (fusion AVA). The aim of this study was to evaluate AS severity by a fusion imaging technique in patients with low-gradient AS and to compare the clinical impact of reclassified moderate AS versus severe AS.

Methods: We included 359 consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation for low-gradient, severe AS at two academic institutions and created a joint database.

Borderline or Schizotypal? Differential Psychodynamic Assessment in Severe Personality Disorders.

Considerable overlap in symptoms between patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) complicates personality diagnostics. Yet very little is known about the level of psychodynamic functioning of both personality disorders. Psychodynamic assessment procedures may specify personality characteristics relevant for differential diagnosis and treatment planning.

[Determinants of seclusion in a psychiatric institution: a naturalistic and exploratory study].

Background: Seclusion of a psychiatric patient is a multifactorial process in which patient, staff and ward variables all play a role. So far, few studies have investigated to what extent these variables in combination can be the determinants of seclusion.

Aim: To investigate, in a multivariate study, what influence certain patient, staff and ward variables had on the decision to seclude a psychiatric patient and to use the findings to support specific interventions which could reduce the total number of seclusions in our institution.

Movement disorders are associated with schizotypy in unaffected siblings of patients with non-affective psychosis.

Background: Movement disorders and schizotypy are both prevalent in unaffected siblings of patients with schizophrenia and both are associated with the risk of developing psychosis or schizophrenia. However, to date there has been no research into the association between these two vulnerability factors in persons with an increased genetic risk profile. We hypothesized that unaffected siblings of patients with non-affective psychosis have more movement disorders and schizotypy than healthy controls and that these co-occur.

[Is the MiniScan a useful psychiatric intervention? A pilot study of the incremental validity of a computerised classification system].

Background: Psychiatric classification based on clinical judgement is not very reliable. Reliability can be increased by the use of standardised interviews. Maximum standardisation of the classification process can both improve reliability and affect treatment.