Aortic stenosis and right ventricular dysfunction.

At the present time, right ventricular function in patients with aortic stenosis is insufficiently taken into account in the decision-making process of aortic valve replacement. The aim of our study was to evaluate significance of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe aortic stenosis by modern 3D echocardiographic methods. This is prospective analysis of 68 patients with severe high and low-gradient aortic stenosis.

[Gut microbiome in heart failure and aortic stenosis].

The gut microbiome is linked to the development of individual diseases. Patients with congestive heart failure (HF) develop intestinal wall edema due to venous congestion, which impairs absorption function and allows bacterial overgrowth. Consequently, the pathogenous bacterial strains produce many harmful substances, including trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and endotoxin (LPS - lipopolysaccharide), which lead to deterioration of HF.

Rare Source of Embolism in a Young Patient: Case Report and Literature Review.

We present a case of a 31-year-old patient, smoker, with no previous medical history, presenting with acute limb ischemia and infarction of the spleen due to peripheral embolism. The source of embolism was thrombi formations in the left ventricular cavity, located in the area of the regional wall motions abnormalities. CT and coronary angiography confirmed the total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery with collateralization.

[Aortic stenosis and right ventricular dysfunction].

Cardiac damage in severe aortic stenosis (AS) is not limited to the aortic valve and left ventricle, but is a systemic disease characterized by a significant alteration in cardiac structure and function. Therefore, a new classification of AS based on the degree of myocardial damage was proposed. A significant number of patients with AS have right ventricular dysfunction likely due to ventricular interdependence.

Non-iatrogenic left atrial wall dissection.

Non-iatrogenic left atrial wall dissection is a rare lesion defined as a gap from the mitral valve annulus to the interatrial septum or wall of the left atrium. We report the case of a 57-year-old man with symptoms of acute cardiac and renal failure. Trans-esophageal echocardiography and computed tomography showed significant mitral valve regurgitation and dissection of the posterior wall of the left atrium.

The possible role of machine learning in detection of increased cardiovascular risk patients - KSC MR Study (design).

Introduction: Currently, just a few major parameters are used for cardiovascular (CV) risk quantification to identify many of the high-risk subjects; however, they leave a lot of them with an underestimated level of CV risk which does not reflect the reality.

Material And Methods: The submitted study design of the Kosice Selective Coronarography Multiple Risk (KSC MR) Study will use computer analysis of coronary angiography results of admitted patients along with broad patients' characteristics based on questionnaires, physical findings, laboratory and many other examinations.

Results: Obtained data will undergo machine learning protocols with the aim of developing algorithms which will include all available parameters and accurately calculate the probability of coronary artery disease.

The three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in distinguishing between ischaemic and non-ischaemic aetiology of heart failure.

Aims: The aim of this pilot study was to compare selected three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D STE) parameters in patients with ischaemic and non-ischaemic aetiology of heart failure (HF) and to identify indices that can differentiate the two pathologies.

Methods And Results: Forty patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40% were included to the study: 20 patients (age 63 ± 9.0 years, LVEF 29.

Left atrial appendage strain rate is associated with documented thromboembolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Background: The left atrial appendage (LAA) strain and strain rate have not yet been studied in the prediction of cardiac thromboembolism. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the significance of LAA strain and strain rate as assessed by speckle-tracking imaging in relation to documented thromboembolic events.

Methods: A group of 80 patients with a mean age of 65 years who were referred for electrical cardioversion of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation was retrospectively analyzed.

Incremental value of global longitudinal strain in prediction of all-cause mortality in predialysis and dialysis chronic kidney disease patients.

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the prediction of all-cause mortality from global longitudinal strain (GLS) in two groups of chronic kidney disease patients (CKD): predialysis and dialysis.

Methods: In 89 patients undergoing echocardiography, 37.2 % predialysis (16/43) and 58.

Gene Polymorphism of the Adenosine A2a Receptor in Patients with Vasovagal Syncope.

Background: Adenosine may play a role in the pathogenesis of vasovagal syncope (VVS). The aim of the study was to evaluate the adenosine A(2A) receptor gene 1083 T > C polymorphism in patients with syncope and its possible association with results of head-up tilt test (HUT).

Methods: Three hundred and forty-seven consecutive patients (mean age 47.

[Transcatheter aortic valve implantation - diagnostic, procedure and outcomes].

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an interventional method for the treatment of severe aortic stenosis. TAVI is indicated in patients who have been identified by the heart team as surgically inoperable or operable at very high risk. The advantage is minimal invasive approach with the absence of sternotomy and extracorporeal blood circulation.

Aortic valve-sparing operation versus Bentall and mechanical aortic valve replacement--midterm results.

Objectives: The primary aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate short-term (one-to-six months) and mid-term (six-to-forty-eight months) results of aortic valve-sparing procedures. The second endpoint was to compare the results with the group of patients undergoing mechanical aortic valve replacement during the same period.

Methods: Between April 2008 and May 2012 at our institution, we treated 76 patients either with ascending aorta/root aneurysm/dissection or with isolated aortic regurgitation.

Global myocardial contractile reserve assessed by high-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography predicts response to the cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Background: Myocardial contractile reserve (CR) is a strong prognostic factor in patients with heart failure. The presence of significant myocardial fibrosis can lead to a reduced response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We assumed that myocardial CR assessed by high-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) would predict response to CRT.

[Importance of EKG in patients wuth resynchronization therapy].

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves symptoms and survival in patients with chronic heart failure. The presence of electrocardiographic (ECG) signs of electrical dyssynchrony during ventricular contractions are an essential criterion for the implantation of CRT. Nevertheless, 1/3 proportion of patients who undergo CRT do not seem to respond favorably.

Regional myocardial contractile reserve assessed by strain echocardiography and the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Background: Overall response rate to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is still not optimal. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the regional myocardial contractile reserve during dobutamine infusion in the area of left ventricular (LV) electrode on the response rate and reverse remodeling LV in patients receiving CRT.

Methods: Biventricular pacemaker was implanted in 41 consecutive patients (33 men, mean age 62 ± 10 years) with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35%, New York Heart Association class III and QRS duration ≥ 120 ms.

[Clinical implications of enlargement of left atrium].

Enlargement of left atrium (LA) has been shown to be a barometer of diastolic burden and a predictor of common cardiovascular outcomes such as atrial fibrillation, stroke, congestive heart failure, and cardiovascular death. Different methods exist for the assessment of LA size. The American Society of Echocardiography recommended LA volume and its indexed value assessed by 2-dimensional echocardiography, to measure LA size.

[The importance of contractile reserve in patients with resynchronization therapy].

Introduction: Contractile reserve of the myocardium is a strong prognostic factor in patients with heart failure. The presence of a significant amount of myocardial fibrosis might lead to insufficient response to resynchronization therapy We assumed that pre-implantation examination of global contractile reserve will allow prediction of the response to resynchronization treatment.

Methods: 25 symptomatic patients (NYHA III) with severe systolic dysfunction [ejection fraction (EF) 28.

Diagnostic accuracy of global myocardial deformation indexes in coronary artery disease: a velocity vector imaging study.

The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a global longitudinal strain and strain rate (GLS, GLSR) and mean radial strain and strain rate (MRS, MRSR) of the left ventricle to predict multivessel disease. In 113 patients, who underwent coronary angiography, left ventricular deformation was analysed by speckle-tracking based velocity vector imaging. In three standard apical views strain and strain rate curves were generated corresponding with two opposite basal, mid, and apical segments.

[Resynchronization therapy for heart failure--still many question marks].

At present, the potential benefit of resynchronization therapy, i.e. an improved quality of life and prolonged survival in patients with heart failure, is not achieved in every patient.

Clinical history in the diagnosis of the cardiac syncope–the predictive scoring system.

Background: Cardiac syncope represents clinical situation with serious prognosis. The aim of the present study was to develop the diagnostic scoring system based on the clinical history allowing to distinguish between cardiac and noncardiac syncope.

Methods: Clinical history was obtained in the form of the structured questionnaire in 60 patients with cardiac syncope (mean age 70 ± 10 years, 33 men) an in 140 patients with noncardiac syncope (mean age 45 ± 20 years, 44 men).

Obesity paradox and chronic kidney disease.

Introduction And Objectives: In general population, obesity is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes. However, the studies carried out in the past years have offered a new insight into obesity when associated with chronic disease states such as chronic heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, etc. Studies of patients with these chronic diseases suggest that the outcomes of overweight and obese patients may be paradoxically better than in lean patients.

A prospective study of the standardized diagnostic evaluation of syncope.

Aims: To evaluate the aetiology and the diagnostic yield of the standardized diagnostic work-up based on European Society of Cardiology guidelines in the syncope unit.

Methods And Results: A total of 501 patients (191 men and 310 women), mean age 65 years (44-75 years), were prospectively evaluated. They underwent initial evaluation (history, physical evaluation, and a 12-lead electrocardiogram) and subsequently targeted tests that differed according to suspected aetiology.

Velocity vector imaging to quantify left atrial function.

The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility of a new image analysis, velocity vector imaging (VVI), in the assessment of left atrial volumes (LAV) and left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF). We retrospectively analysed 100 transthoracic echocardiographic findings in 71 men, and 29 women (mean age 57 +/- 19.8 years).

[BNP and echocardiographic parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease and dialyzed patients].

We assessed the relation between BNP levels and some echocardiographic parameters of systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle in 49 patients (mean age 69.39 +/- 8.47 years) with chronic kidney disease in different stages of chronic renal failure according to K/DOQI and in 45 subjects (mean age 52.

Left atrial volume as a predictor of heart function.

Objectives: This study was designed to identify an association between left atrial volume and systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle.

Background: Several studies have shown a relationship between the left atrial volume and different cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods: Transthoracic echocardiographic results of 268 patients (136 women and 132 men, mean age 60.