FFR: Current Status.

Fractional flow reserve derived from coronary CT angiography (FFR) is an emerging tool for noninvasive evaluation of coronary artery disease that provides a combined anatomic and physiologic evaluation. The goal of this article is to serve as a review of the current status of FFR through discussion of existing trials on the modality and to introduce readers to examples of its utility and potential pitfalls. This article reviews the current body of evidence on FFR and provides case examples illustrating its current uses, limitations, and potential future applications.

Myocarditis Causing Premature Ventricular Contractions: Insights From the MAVERIC Registry.

Background: Premature ventricular contractions are a common clinical presentation that drives further diagnostic workup. We hypothesize the presence of underlying inflammation is often unrecognized in these patients with a potential for continued disease progression if not diagnosed and treated early in the disease course.

Methods: This is a single-center, prospective study including 107 patients with frequent symptomatic premature ventricular contractions (>5000/24 h) and no known ischemic heart disease.

Impact of Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation on Pulmonary Vein Cross Sectional Area: Implications for the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Vein Stenosis.

Introduction: Restoration of normal sinus rhythm by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients can result in a reduction of left atrial (LA) volume and pulmonary vein (PV) dimensions. It is not clear if this PV size reduction represents a secondary effect of overall LA volume reduction or true PV stenosis. We assessed the relationship between LA volume reduction and PV orifice area pre- and post-RFA.

Intracardiac echo-guided radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale repair: a feasibility, safety, and efficacy study.

Unlabelled: Intracardiac Echo-Guided Radiofrequency Catheter.

Introduction: Patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) are at higher risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) even after repair. Transseptal access in these patients is perceived to be difficult.

IntraCameral right coronary artery: detection by 64 slice coronary computed tomographic angiography and implications for radiofrequency ablation of atrial dysrhythmias.

An intracameral or intracavitary course for a coronary artery is a rare anomaly. Nevertheless, it carries a significant impact for invasive cardiac procedures that require right atrial catheterization, pacemaker implantation, or electrophysiologic study such as radiofrequency ablation. If a coronary artery were to be damaged within the atrial chamber by catheter manipulation at the time of heart catheterization, serious complications might ensue.

Initial appraisal of acute coronary syndrome. Understanding the mechanisms, identifying patient risk.

The evaluation and management of acute coronary syndrome are undergoing rapid development and change. As the baby boomer generation ages, this syndrome is likely to become an even more prevalent and challenging clinical and socioeconomic problem. Further efforts to define its pathobiologic factors should lead to new and innovative detection and treatment options.