Sex Differences in Epidemiology, Morphology, Mechanisms, and Treatment of Mitral Valve Regurgitation.

Sex-related disparities have been recognized in incidence, pathological findings, pathophysiological mechanisms, and diagnostic pathways of non-rheumatic mitral regurgitation. Furthermore, access to treatments and outcomes for surgical and interventional therapies among women and men appears to be different. Despite this, current European and US guidelines have identified common diagnostic and therapeutic pathways that do not consider patient sex in decision-making.

Incomplete Left Atrial Appendage Closure Successfully Treated With a Redo Procedure.

A 68 year's old man with permanent atrial fibrillation, underwent a left atrial appendage closure because of high bleeding risk. However, after one month, an incomplete occlusion of the left atrial appendage due to a too deep position of the device, was detected by a transesophageal echocardiogram. Considering the residual high risk of thrombi formation, a new different device was successfully implanted with a correct closure of the appendage.

New echocardiographic insights in short QT syndrome: More than a channelopathy?

Background: Short QT syndrome (SQTS) is a congenital ion channel disease characterized by an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Little is known about the possibility that accelerated repolarization alters mechanical function in SQTS.

Objectives: The study investigated the presence of left ventricular dysfunction and mechanical dispersion, assessed by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), and their correlation with QT interval duration and genetics.

Prognostic role of myocardial performance index on long-term survival after heart transplantation: a prospective study.

The survival rate of heart transplant patients is increasing, underlying the need for accurate predictors of adverse events during clinical follow-up. Myocardial performance index (MPI) is a Doppler-derived index of combined systolic and diastolic function: we assessed the prognostic role of MPI in survival of patients >1 year after heart transplantation (HT). A total of 152 consecutive HT patients referred to our institution were enrolled in this prospective study.

Echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular stroke work index in advanced heart failure: a new index?

Background: Right ventricular (RV) function plays a pivotal role in advanced heart failure patients, especially for screening those who may benefit from left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We introduce RV contraction pressure index (RVCPI) as a new echo-Doppler parameter of RV function. The accuracy of RVCPI in detecting RV failure was compared with the criterion standard, the RV stroke work index (RVSWI) obtained through right heart catheterization in advanced heart failure patients referred for heart transplantation or LVAD implantation.

Impact of TAVI on mitral regurgitation: a prospective echocardiographic study.

Objective: This study aims to assess changes in mitral regurgitation (MR) severity after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Background: Existing data on MR after TAVI are contradictory.

Methods: Thirty-five patients with MR graded ≥ 2+ were followed after undergoing TAVI with either the Edwards Sapien or CoreValve device.

Echo Doppler predictors of pulmonary artery hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objectives: Evaluate echocardiographic predictors of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) in a prospective cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: 38 patients with SSc who did not have PAH and significant left heart disease, with peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV) ≤ 2.8 m/sec and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) < 40 mmHg on echo Doppler were enrolled.

Spinal cord stimulation and 30-minute heart rate variability in refractory angina patients.

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has proven antianginal and antiischemic effects in severe coronary artery disease patients, minimizing frequency, intensity, and duration of pain. The mechanism explaining these effects has been detected in a sympathicolytic effect of the SCS. We monitored 30-minute-long recordings of the heart rate variability (HRV) and its spectral power parameters to evaluate the influence of SCS on the sympathetic/parasympathetic balance.