Diuretics versus volume expansion in acute submassive pulmonary embolism.

Background: The benefit of volume expansion (VE) in submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is unclear.

Aim: To compare the effects of diuretic treatment versus VE in patients hospitalized for PE with RV dysfunction.

Methods: We prospectively included 46 consecutive patients with submassive PE treated on admission with a 40mg bolus of furosemide (D group, n=24) or 500mL of saline infusion (VE group, n=22).

Cardiac remodelling amongst adults with various aetiologies of pulmonary arterial hypertension including Eisenmenger syndrome-implications on survival and the role of right ventricular transverse strain.

Aims: Survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) relates to right ventricular (RV) function. Little is known about differences of ventricular function between ES patients and those suffering from other PAH aetiologies. In this study, we compared global ventricular function assessed by speckle-tracking in adult patients with ES, other PAH aetiologies, or healthy controls; and assessed the relationship between ventricular function and survival.

Speckle-tracking imaging in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome.

Background: Adults with Eisenmenger syndrome have a survival advantage over those with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Improved survival may result from preservation of right ventricular (RV) function.

Aims: To assess left ventricular (LV) and RV remodelling in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome compared to a control population, using speckle-tracking imaging.

B blood group: A strong risk factor for venous thromboembolism recurrence.

Background: Non-O blood group patients are at higher risk of first episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, only little is known about the risk of recurrence according to the blood group. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of ABO blood group on VTE recurrence.

Imaging in pulmonary hypertension: Focus on the role of echocardiography.

Patients with pulmonary hypertension must be evaluated using a multimodality approach to ensure a correct diagnosis and basal evaluation as well as a prognostic assessment. Beyond the assessment of pulmonary pressures, the echocardiographical examination allows the evaluation of right ventricular adaptation to elevated afterload. Numbers of variables are commonly used in the assessment of the pulmonary hypertension patient in order to detect changes in right heart geometry, right-to-left interaction and right ventricular dysfunction.