Glycogen storage cardiomyopathy (PRKAG2): diagnostic findings of standard and advanced echocardiography techniques.

Aims: Describe the findings obtained using standard echocardiography (Echo) and deformation indices (2D and 3D speckle tracking strain) in patients (Pts) with PRKAG2 cardiomyopathy. Seek to identify any peculiar characteristics and possible strain patterns that may distinguish this condition from other causes of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods And Results: Thirty Pts with genetically proven PRKAG2 (R302Q and H401Q), 16 (53.

Comparison of automated and manual protocols for magnetic resonance imaging assessment of liver iron concentration.

Objective: To compare automated and manual magnetic resonance imaging protocols for estimating liver iron concentrations at 1.5 T.

Materials And Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging examination of the liver was performed in 53 patients with clinically suspected hepatic iron overload and in 21 control subjects.

Prognostic value of coronary computed tomography in patients with non-significant perfusion defects by myocardial perfusion SPECT.

Aims: Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) is an important diagnostic tool in the management of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the presence of mild-moderate perfusion defects can be challenging and may lead to unnecessary cardiac catheterization. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a method with excellent accuracy in the evaluation of CAD, but its role in this setting of patients has not been fully defined.

Role of coronary artery calcium score for risk stratification in patients with non significant perfusion defects by myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography.

Background: Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) is an important diagnostic tool in the management of patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the presence of mild-moderate perfusion defects can be challenging and may lead to unnecessary cardiac catheterization. The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a method with excellent negative predictive value in the evaluation of CAD, but its role in this setting of patients has not been fully defined.

Coronary tomography for predicting adverse events in patients with suspected coronary disease.

Background: Although studies have demonstrated a high diagnostic accuracy of multi-detector Coronary CT (MDCT) in the detection of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), data on the prognostic value of this method are limited.

Objective: Determine the value of MDCT in predicting adverse clinical outcomes in patients with suspected CAD.

Methods: We prospectively evaluated 355 consecutive patients (mean age 58 ± 12 years, 252 males) with suspected CAD between January 2008 and June 2010.

Multislice coronary angiotomography in the assessment of coronary artery anomalous origin.

Background: Anomalous origin of coronary arteries is a relatively rare entity, which may show different clinical forms and develop an adverse outcome. Multislice coronary angiotomography has gained importance in daily clinical practice, representing an important patient assessment method with great potential in the anatomical evaluation of these arteries.

Objective: This study aimed to describe angiotomographic findings and evolution of patients with anomalous origin of coronary arteries.