Role of Echocardiography in Complications Associated with Partial or Complete Rupture of the Myocardium in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

In this report, we focus on the specific complications of acute myocardial infarction that are associated with rupture of the myocardium and for which two-dimensional and Doppler color flow echocardiography expedites accurate diagnosis for prompt treatment, including surgical repair, which can be crucial to survival in such cases.

Echocardiographic Assessment of Complications Related to Left Ventricular Function in Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Three complications of acute myocardial infarction without myocardial rupture are directly associated to the function of the myocardium: papillary muscle dysfunction, congestive heart failure, and cardiogenic shock. In this article, the pathophysiological mechanism of each complication is discussed, and the contribution of echocardiography to diagnosis and management is reviewed.

Transseptal Catheterization with Transesophageal Guidance in High Risk Patients.

Atrial transseptal catheterization is usually performed with fluoroscopic guidance of the needle. We report our experience with both fluoroscopic and transesophageal guidance in patients who would otherwise have been at risk by using only fluoroscopy. A total of eleven procedures were performed during a 4 year period.

Peripheral Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Treatment by Transcutaneous Compression Guided by Ultrasonography.

Pseudoaneurysm is a well-recognized complication of invasive arterial procedures that is easily diagnosed with ultrasound. While most pseudoaneurysms will be resolved spontaneously within 3 months, some may lead to limb swelling, ischemia, thromboembolism, or nerve damage. To forestall such complications, we attempted to close the lesion using ultrasound to guide application of pressure in 13 patients with pseudoaneurysms following arterial catheterizations.