A morpho-functional study using PEP/LVET ratio and global longitudinal strain in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Aim: To assess left ventricular (LV) systolic function and morphology in patients with severe dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), using both conventional and a complex technique, speckle-tracking echocardiography, and evaluate the correlation between pre-ejection period and left ventricular ejection period (PEP/LVET) ratio, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and severity of the condition.

Patients, Materials And Methods: Seventeen patients were enrolled after rigorous criteria. Echocardiography was performed in conventional and speckle-tracking mode, in all patients with DCM, in sinus rhythm.

Variability of longitudinal strain measurements: levelling the playing field.

Speckle tracking echocardiography offers a unique opportunity to evaluate myocardial function, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) is currently recommended as a measurement of global left ventricular function. To facilitate clinical applicability of the method, collective efforts have been made to standardise strain measurements and to raise awareness of the potential sources of variability. The purpose of this review is to familiarise the reader with the most common sources of variability of longitudinal strain measurements and detail the possible measures to increase the accuracy and reproducibility of strain parameters.

Left and right ventricular morphology and function in athletes with elevated pulmonary systolic arterial pressure.

Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and potential impact of elevated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) on left and right cardiac morphology and function in young elite athletes.

Methods: In total, 85 professional athletes (40 endurance, 20 strength, and 25 mixed training, mean age 17.8 ± 4.

Cardiac Arrhythmias in Patient with Isolated Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava.

We report here the case of a 47-year-old male presented with atypical chest pain, fatigue and arrhythmias that was found to have persistent left superior vena cava. The clinical exam was normal. Twelve leads ECG showed sinus rhythm of 70 beats/min, QRS axis of 90 degree and right bundle branch block.