Isolated noncompaction of the left ventricular myocardium in adults: a systematic overview.

Background: Owing to inconsistent diagnostic criteria and small heterogeneous cohorts, little is known about the long-term outcomes of adult left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC), a rare cardiomyopathy with potentially serious outcomes. This systematic overview aimed to better delineate the natural history of adult LVNC.

Method And Results: A comprehensive computerized search using "noncompaction" and its synonyms initially identified 206 articles, with reference lists subsequently hand scanned.

Reducing Ionizing Radiation Associated with Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: An Ultrasound-Guided Approach.

Radiation exposure with cardiac interventional procedures is an emerging concern. Patients receiving radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) still routinely undergo pre-ablation computed tomography (CT) scans for definition of left atrial and pulmonary vein anatomy, as well as creation of a surrogate geometry. In an effort to decrease ionizing radiation associated with AF ablation, an ultrasound-guided surrogate geometry approach is proposed as an alternative to routine CT imaging.

Atrial fibrillation ablation in cor triatriatum: value of intracardiac echocardiography.

A 72-year old male, referred for percutaneous atrial fibrillation ablation, was found to have cor triatriatum during routine, pre-procedural transesophageal echocardiography. Accessing the superior pulmonary venous atrium and wide area circumferential ablation was guided by intracardiac echocardiography and performed without complications. The patient remains symptom-free, off anti-arrhythmic drug therapy, for 6 months following ablation.

Esophageal perforation as a complication of esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Fifty years ago, esophageal perforation was common after rigid upper endoscopy. The arrival of flexible endoscopic instruments and refinement in technique have decreased its incidence; however, esophageal perforation remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. This complication merits a high index of clinical suspicion to prevent sequelae of mediastinitis and fulminant sepsis.