LV thrombus detection by routine echocardiography: insights into performance characteristics using delayed enhancement CMR.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate performance characteristics of routine echo for left ventricular thrombus (LVT).

Background: Although the utility of dedicated echocardiography (echo) for LVT is established, echo is widely used as a general test for which LVT is rarely the primary indication. We used delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) as a reference to evaluate LVT detection by routine echo.

Detection of left ventricular thrombus by delayed-enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance prevalence and markers in patients with systolic dysfunction.

Objectives: This study sought to assess the prevalence and markers of left ventricular (LV) thrombus among patients with systolic dysfunction.

Background: Prior studies have yielded discordant findings regarding prevalence and markers of LV thrombus. Delayed-enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) identifies thrombus on the basis of tissue characteristics rather than just anatomical appearance and is potentially highly accurate.

Evaluation of combined cardiac positron emission tomography and coronary computed tomography angiography for the detection of coronary artery disease.

Background: Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Multiple imaging modalities are used to screen for significant coronary artery disease. We report the concordance between coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and stress cardiac positron emission tomography (CPET) to detect significant coronary artery disease, the feasibility of combining CTA and CPET in one diagnostic test, and the ability of CTA and CPET to detect significant coronary artery disease by comparison with cardiac catheterization.

Transesophageal assessment of left atrial thrombus using a 3.3-mm monoplane probe.

Objectives: Our study was designed to demonstrate that transesophageal echocardiography using a 3.3-mm monoplane probe can accurately evaluate the left atrium for patients with arrhythmias before cardioversion.

Background: Standard probes cause discomfort during intubation requiring sedation, but miniature probes do not.

Acute coronary syndromes in patients with diabetes mellitus: diagnosis, prognosis, and current management strategies.

The incidence of type-2 diabetes mellitus is rising rapidly both in the United States and worldwide. Because of its presence in so many patients with acute coronary syndromes, it is becoming essential for cardiologists to understand the basic pathophysiology of insulin resistance, its role in the development of type-2 diabetes, and its association with accelerated atherosclerosis. Because diabetes imparts a worse prognosis among patients with acute coronary syndromes, these patients warrant aggressive antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy, as well as a more invasive management strategy.

Oral treatments for type II diabetes in patients with cardiovascular disease.

The incidence of type II diabetes mellitus is rising rapidly, both in the United States and worldwide. Often, the disease is first diagnosed by cardiologists during an evaluation for coronary or peripheral vascular disease. It is therefore important to understand the basic pathophysiology of insulin resistance, its role in the development of type II diabetes, and its association with accelerated atherosclerosis.