Risk of subsequent aortic dilatation is low in patients with bicuspid aortic valve and normal aortic root diameter at the time of aortic valve replacement.

Bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs) are associated with ascending aortic aneurysms. We studied BAV patients before and after aortic valve replacement (AVR) to determine the risk and predictors of aortic root dilatation after surgery. BAV patients (n=60) with an aortic root View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Superoxide-mediated inactivation of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite formation by tobacco smoke in vascular endothelium: studies in cultured cells and smokers.

Tobacco smoke is known to cause nitric oxide ((*)NO) inactivation and endothelial dysfunction. In this work we evaluated the interplay between (.)NO and superoxide (O(2)(*-)) radicals and the consequent impact on (*)NO bioavailability and nitroxidative stress in bovine aortic endothelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and in smokers.

Pulmonary artery dissection: echocardiographic findings and diagnosis.

Pulmonary artery dissection is a rare but life-threatening event, predisposing to sudden cardiac death or cardiogenic shock. It is often associated with underlying congenital disorders predisposing to pulmonary hypertension. Rarely, it is diagnosed by echocardiography or other image techniques.