Medical Management of a Case of Inferior-Posterior Wall ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Pseudoaneurysm.

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication associated with high morbidity and mortality when symptomatic and is usually managed aggressively to prevent or reduce risk of mortality. Herein, we present the case of a 73-year-old man who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting 10 years ago, now presenting with an inferior-posterior wall myocardial infarction complicated by pseudoaneurysm. This case highlights the need for individual clinical assessment of patient presentation with consideration for medical management in acute settings in patients with pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle.

Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Review of Contemporary Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease characterized by noncaseating granulomas and is often a diagnosis of exclusion. The actual prevalence of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is unknown, as studies have demonstrated mixed data. CS may be asymptomatic and is likely more frequently encountered than previously thought.

Comparison of the 2006 and 2010 cardiac CT appropriateness criteria in a real-world setting.

Background: Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a relatively new technique whose role has yet to be fully defined. The initial appropriateness criteria (AC) guidelines published in 2006 have already been revised. There is paucity of data on the effect of the AC on the use of CCTA at academic centers and none for the private sector.

Comparative effectiveness analysis of anticoagulant strategies in a large observational database of percutaneous coronary interventions.

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most commonly used procedure for coronary revascularization. There are multiple adjuvant anticoagulation strategies available. In this era of cost containment, we performed a comparative effectiveness analysis of clinical outcomes and cost of the major anticoagulant strategies across all types of PCI procedures in a large observational database.

The relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality symptomatology in a consecutive sample of cardiac stress test patients.

Objective: In this study, we examined relationships between five types of childhood trauma and two measures of borderline personality symptomatology in a non-psychiatric clinical population in order to assess a potential association between these variables in a non-psychiatric-treatment-seeking population.

Method: Using a cross-sectional sample and a survey approach in 250 consecutive patients presenting for cardiac stress testing, we explored self-reported histories of five types of childhood trauma (i.e.

Prevalence and self-reported medical history of overweight in a cardiac stress testing population.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of overweight in a cardiac stress testing population, and the percentage of subjects who indicate a history of overweight.

Methods: A total of 251 consecutive subjects presenting for cardiac stress testing in a 450-bed community hospital from June to September 2010 were asked to complete a survey booklet. The survey included all patients presenting for stress testing, regardless of indication.

Quantitative left ventricular systolic function: from chamber to myocardium.

One of the most common indications for obtaining a Doppler echocardiographic study is to ascertain left ventricular (LV) systolic function. There are many ways in which LV function can be determined, but an important assumption that is often overlooked is that every measure that we commonly use is only a surrogate marker of LV function due to the fact that it is impossible to characterize the complex geometric and volumetric function of the ventricle (or myocyte) in a single number. Stated in another way, there is no one perfect measure of LV function.