Combined use of tissue Doppler imaging and natriuretic peptides as prognostic marker in asymptomatic aortic stenosis.

Introduction: Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and N-terminal-pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) provides useful non-invasive information about left ventricle filling pressures and both have demonstrated to be a prognostic marker in some valve disease as aortic stenosis (AS).

Objectives: To assess the clinical value of combined TDI and NT-proBNP information in asymptomatic AS patients.

Material And Methods: Prospective study of 350 initially asymptomatic moderate to severe AS patients with: Mean aortic valve area 0.

Effects on hemodynamic variables and echocardiographic parameters after a stellate ganglion block in 15 healthy volunteers.

Background: The sympathetic nervous system has an important role in generating pain. Various pathomechanisms are involved that respond well to the application of local anesthetics (LA), for example to the stellate ganglion block (SGB).

Objectives: We wanted to know more about the effects of SGB on cardiovascular parameters.

[Temporary pacemakers: current use and complications].

Introduction And Objective: Temporary pacemakers (TP) are used in the emergency treatment of patients with severe bradyarrhythmia. They are often used in emergency situations and for older patients in poor general condition who are hemodynamically unstable and uncooperative. The aim of this study was to review and analyze the indications, incidence and type of complications associated with TP implanted in our center during a 6-year period.

Necrotizing vasculitis: a cause of aortic insufficiency and conduction system disturbance.

Cardiac involvement in vasculitis syndromes is uncommon. We describe a 50-year-old male who presented with progressive dyspnea and myalgies. Echocardiogram revealed significant thickening of aortic root, aortic cusps, and anterior mitral valve leaflet, with severe aortic regurgitation that required aortic valve replacement.