Interobserver variability in assessing segmental function can be reduced by combining visual analysis of CMR cine sequences with corresponding parametric images of myocardial contraction.

Objective: To evaluate if color-coded parametric images could help subjective visual analysis and improve interobserver agreement in the evaluation of segmental contraction (SC) in CMR.

Background: Routine evaluation of SC in CMR remains mostly based on visual analysis of cine loops and subsequent interobserver variability remains a potential drawback.

Materials And Methods: Three short axis cine loops were obtained in 33 subjects (18 myocardial infarction, 15 control), and 528 segments were analyzed.

A case of recurrent transient left ventricular apical ballooning associated with atrial fibrillation.

We report the case of a post-menopausal female who presented two episodes of transient left ventricular apical ballooning associated with rapid atrial fibrillation within a four-month period. The clinical features of this phenomenon also known as Tako-tsubo mimic acute myocardial infarction and may be a form of catecholamine-induced neurogenic stunning. The case illustrates that typical ECG features could be masked by atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response.

[Cardiac MRI in the evaluation of ischemic cardiopathy].

It is now currently possible with MRI to study global and regional cardiac function using dynamic sequences, to follow up myocardial perfusion, or to directly visualize myocardial infarctions. This article details the use of these new techniques in the diagnosis of ischemic cardiopathy. At least three applications are ready to be used in clinical practice: determination of viability by MRI, ischemia detection by associating pharmacologic stress and finally evaluation of an ischemic cardiopathy as the possible cause of cardiac dysfunction.

Elective ostial left main stenting: a tailored approach.

Elective left main (LM) stenting is increasingly performed as a valuable alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting. Nevertheless, clinical data are limited to registries, and randomized trials have not been published. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has been recognized as an accurate tool for assessing optimal stent deployment.

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale: head-to-head comparison of two different devices.

Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been proposed as the treatment of choice for young high-risk patients who suffered cryptogenic stroke and/or peripheral paradoxical embolism. We sought to compare prospectively two different devices used for percutaneous PFO closure.Prospective data were collected on 40 high risk patients (females: 38%, mean age : 44 +/- 11 years, interatrial septal aneurysm >10 mm: 68%) who underwent percutaneous PFO closure after cryptogenic stroke (n = 38) or peripheral paradoxical embolism (n = 2).

Confounding effects of heart rate on pulse wave velocity in paced patients with a low degree of atherosclerosis.

Background: Pulse wave velocity (PWV), an index of arterial wall stiffness, is modulated by blood pressure (BP). Whether heart rate (HR) is also a modulator of PWV is controversial. Recent research involving mainly patients with high aortic PWV have found either no change or a positive correlation between the two.

Direct stenting with a combined intravascular ultrasound-coronary stent delivery platform: a feasibility trial.

IVUS is considered as the most accurate tool for the assessment of optimal stent deployment. Direct stenting has shown to be a safe, efficient, and resource-saving procedure in selected patients. In a prospective 1-month feasibility trial, a new combined IVUS-coronary stent delivery platform (Josonics Flex, Jomed, Helsingborn, Sweden) was evaluated during direct stenting in consecutive patients considered eligible for direct stenting.