Left Atrial Strain for Predicting Atrial Fibrillation Onset in Hypertensive Patients.

Introduction: We aimed to find new predictive parameters for atrial fibrillation (AF) onset in hypertensive patients using two-dimensional (2D) conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography of the left atrium (LA).

Methods: One hundred and eight patients with essential hypertension (HTN) were prospectively enrolled, from which 67 patients had no other important comorbidities (HTN group), while 41 patients had a recent AF episode, but were in sinus rhythm at the moment of enrollment (HTN and AF group). LA diameters and maximal volume, LV mass, LV ejection fraction and diastolic function were assessed through 2D conventional echocardiography.

Catheter Closure Through a Venous Approach of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Small Pediatric Patients Using Combined Angiographic and Echocardiographic Guidance.

The standard technique of catheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) may be associated with arterial complications particularly in small pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether catheter closure of PDA in small children using an exclusive venous approach is a safe and effective alternative to closure with the standard technique. One hundred-twelve patients, aged 2 to 24 months, were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to catheter closure of PDA using the standard technique (group 1) and an exclusive venous approach (group 2), respectively.

Coronary fistula - an unexpected preanaesthetic finding.

Coronary artery fistulae are congenital vascular anomalies defined as aberrant communications between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber, large vessel or another vascular structure. In the present case the preanaesthetic clinical assessment led to a fortuitous detection of a rare coronary artery anomaly, which changed the initial therapeutic option. A 21-year-old female patient was admitted for a right ankle fracture.