Organization and Activity of Italian Echocardiographic Laboratories: A Survey of the Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging.

Background: The Italian Society of Echocardiography and Cardiovascular Imaging (SIECVI) conducted a national survey to understand better how different echocardiographic modalities are used and accessed in Italy.

Methods: We analyzed echocardiography laboratory activities over a month (November 2022). Data were retrieved via an electronic survey based on a structured questionnaire, uploaded on the SIECVI website.

Addition of Exercise to Dipyridamole Stress Echocardiography in Order to Carry on the Ischemic Cascade: Role in the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease and Prognostic Value.

Background: Sensitivity of dipyridamole stress echocardiography (SE) is often lower than required. The aim of the present work is the evaluation of the association of dipyridamole and exercise echocardiography.

Methods: From June 2007 to January 2011, 259 consecutive patients referred to Camposampiero Echocardiography Laboratory underwent SE.

Microbubbles contrast inside the cyst: a pathognomonic sign of mitral valve blood cyst.

We report a case of giant blood cyst originating from the anterior mitral valve leaflet in an 18-year-old white girl. Contrast real-time transthoracic echocardiogram showed the presence of microbubbles inside the cystic cavity during diastole, confirming the presence of blood passage between the ventricular cavity and the cyst lumen and suggesting that this is a pathognomonic sign of the presence of a blood cyst. Although, in previous cases, contrast microbubbles inside the cyst have been described during systole, we report the presence of microbubbles during diastole.

Sine-wave pattern on the electrocardiogram and hyperkalaemia.

Hyperkalaemia is an electrolyte disturbance that can have effects on myocardial conduction causing electrocardiographic changes. Several factors may predispose to and promote potassium serum level increase leading to typical electrocardiographic abnormalities. We describe the case of a patient who presented with hyperkalaemia and an electrocardiographic aspect consistent with a sine-wave pattern.

Transoesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of pulmonary vein anatomy in patients undergoing ostial radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: a comparison with magnetic resonance angiography.

Objective: A detailed definition of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy is of great importance in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. In fact, it is known that variations in the number and anatomy of the PV ostia are more frequent than thought. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in defining the exact PV anatomy by comparing it with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), which is proven to be very accurate.

Long-term outcome of patients with atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia.

Background: Little information is available on the natural history of patients with AVNRT. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with Atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) who underwent ablation with those on antiarrhythmic therapy and those not receiving drugs.

Methods: 93 consecutive patients (mean age=33.

[Circumferential isolation of pulmonary veins with transcatheter radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation].

Background: Circumferential anatomical isolation of the pulmonary veins by radiofrequency transcatheter ablation is a new technique for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of circumferential radiofrequency ablation of the pulmonary veins and to analyze clinical, echocardiographic and procedural parameters as possible predictors of clinical success.

Methods: We performed circumferential isolation of the pulmonary veins in 33 patients with paroxysmal (15 patients) or persistent AF (18 patients) refractory to at least two antiarrhythmic drugs.

Intracoronary thrombectomy improves myocardial reperfusion in patients undergoing direct angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction.

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the effects of mechanical thrombectomy on myocardial reperfusion during direct angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Background: Embolization of thrombus and plaque debris may occur during direct angioplasty for AMI. This may lead to distal vessel or side branch occlusion and to obstructions in the microvascular system, resulting in impaired myocardial reperfusion.

Dissection of the ascending aorta mimicking an acute coronary syndrome: usefulness of transthoracic echocardiography for the differential diagnosis.

We describe the case of 2 patients presenting with chest pain and electrocardiographic signs of myocardial ischemia, in whom a transthoracic echocardiogram, performed urgently at the bedside, allowed a diagnosis of dissection of the ascending aorta. Prompt recognition of this condition avoided inappropriate aggressive medical treatments and permitted emergency surgical intervention. Aortic dissection can mimic other conditions including an acute coronary syndrome.