Low-permeability Gore Excluder device versus the original in abdominal aortic aneurysm size regression.

We sought to compare the efficacy of a low-permeability version of the Gore Excluder™ device with that of the original device. We used volumetric analysis and maximum transverse diameter measurements to examine abdominal aortic aneurysm size regression after endovascular aneurysm repair.From November 2002 through April 2007, 101 patients (82% men; mean age, 71.

Eggerthella lenta bacteremia in a Crohn's disease patient after ileocecal resection.

Eggerthella lenta is an anaerobic, nonspore-forming Gram-positive rod and is a common gut commensal. Bacteremia from this organism is rare but when present is always clinically significant. Gastrointestinal disease and malignancy are the most common causes for bacteremia from this organism.

Unicuspid aortic valve in children: a systematic review spanning four decades.

Background And Aim Of The Study: To date, the natural history of the unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) has been poorly described in the literature. To study the association between UAV with associated cardiac and extracardiac abnormalities, a systematic review was conducted.

Methods: A computerized search was conducted of the medical literature published between 1st January 1966 and 1st September 2008, using the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane database.

Epicardial fat: an additional measurement for subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk stratification?

Background: The value of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness as determined by echocardiography in cardiovascular risk assessment is not well understood. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between EAT thickness and Framingham risk score, carotid intima media thickness, carotid artery plaque, and computed tomographic coronary calcium score in a primary prevention population.

Methods: Patients presenting for cardiovascular preventive care (n = 356) who underwent echocardiography as well as carotid artery ultrasound and/or coronary calcium scoring were included.

Risk of adverse events after coronary artery bypass graft and subsequent noncardiac surgery.

Aims: Coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs) are increasingly performed in elderly patients. Risk factors and outcomes are poorly described for those undergoing noncardiac surgery within 1 year after CABG. Our objectives were to assess the risk and predictors of major adverse events associated with noncardiac surgery within 1 year after CABG.

Unicuspid aortic valve in adults: a systematic review.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The natural history of the unicuspid aortic valve (UAV) is poorly described in the literature. In order to study the association between UAV with any other cardiac or extra cardiac abnormalities, an evidence-based systematic review was carried out.

Methods: A computerized search was carried out of the medical literature published between 1st January 1966 and 1st September 2008 of the following databases: MEDLINE; EMBASE; Web of Science; and the Cochrane Database.

Evaluation of left ventricular rotation in obese subjects by velocity vector imaging.

Aims: Obesity is a well-known risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. We hypothesize that early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction secondary to obesity could be signalled by abnormal LV rotation.

Methods And Results: This prospective study examined 60 subjects divided into two groups: obese group with body mass index (BMI) >or=30 and control group with BMI <25.