Association of left ventricular myocardial dysfunction with diabetic polyneuropathy.

Background: The pathogenesis of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in diabetes has been attracting attention. It has been reported that LV longitudinal systolic myocardial function determined by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is associated with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). However, the relationship between the severity of peripheral neuropathy and LV myocardial dysfunction is unknown.

Correlation between plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels and left atrial appendage flow velocity in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and normal left ventricular systolic function.

Background: The left atrial appendage (LAA) flow velocity is an important factor for thrombus formation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NV-AF). Recently, the relation of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and thromboembolism has been reported in patients with NV-AF. The aim of this study was to determine whether the plasma BNP is predictive of lower LAA flow velocity in patients with NV-AF and normal left ventricular (LV) systolic function.

Carotid atherosclerosis is associated with left ventricular diastolic function.

Background: It has been reported that carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) correlates with the risk of stroke or cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between echocardiographic findings and carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods: A total of 234 patients (62 ± 15 years) were referred for echocardiography to evaluate the left ventricular (LV) function.