Association Between Layer-Specific Longitudinal Strain and Risk Factors of Heart Failure and Dyspnea: A Population-Based Study.

Background: Global longitudinal strain (GLS), derived from speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), is a widely used and reproducible left ventricular deformation parameter; assessment of multilayer strain components has also become possible. However, its association with comorbidities/symptoms in low-risk populations without cardiac disease remains understudied. We report reference ranges for longitudinal deformation and their association with cardiovascular risk factors and dyspnea in a large population-based cohort.

Obesity and metabolic features associated with long-term developing diastolic dysfunction in an initially healthy population-based cohort.

Background: Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is increasingly common. However, its metabolic determinants are poorly known. This study aims to determine which metabolic and inflammatory features predict DD in initially healthy adults.

Relation of High Serum Bilirubin to Short-Term Mortality Following a Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (from the High-Risk Myocardial Infarction Database Initiative).

Higher serum bilirubin has been associated with poorer prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). We examined the association between serum bilirubin and clinical outcomes in patients with clinical signs of HF and/or left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction (MI). A total of 7,467 patients from the High-Risk Myocardial Infarction Database Initiative with an available baseline total bilirubin concentration were studied.

Reproducibility in echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function in a population based study (the STANISLAS Cohort study).

Introduction: There is limited evidence regarding intra-observer and inter-observer variations in echocardiographic measurements of diastolic function. This study aimed to assess this reproducibly within a population-based cohort study.

Methods: Sixty subjects in sinus rhythm were randomly selected among 4th visit participants of the STANISLAS Cohort (Lorraine region, France).

3D transesophageal echocardiography is a decision-making tool for the management of cardiogenic shock following a large postinfarction ventricular defect.

Postinfarction ventricular septal defect (PIVSD) is a devastating mechanical complication following acute myocardial infarction. The management of this pathology is quite challenging, especially in case of complicated cardiogenic shock. The difficulties lie in the timing and type of intervention.

Myocardial deformation pattern in left ventricular non-compaction: Comparison with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Introduction: Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is the most frequent initial presentation of patient with LV noncompaction (NC). Our objectives were to evaluate myocardial contraction properties in patients with LVNC and the relationship of non-compacted segments with the degree of global and regional systolic deformation.

Methods: We included 50 LVNC with an echocardiography and speckle imaging calculation of peak longitudinal strain (PLS).

Atrial flutter or fibrillation is the most frequent and life-threatening arrhythmia in myotonic dystrophy.

Background: Several arrhythmias were reported in myotonic dystrophy (MD).

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) in MD and the clinical consequences.

Methods: One hundred sixty-one patients, mean age 41 ± 14 years, were referred for a type 1 MD.

Acute myocarditis presenting with ventricular arrhythmias: the role of CMR in the differential diagnosis of ARVD.

We herein present the findings of the case of a 23-year-old man who was hospitalized for ventricular tachycardia (VT) with no previous history of cardiac disease or any family history of sudden death. Based on the clinical features as well as the echographic and MRI results, the patient was diagnosed with both acute viral myocarditis and arythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD). The patient underwent implantation of an automatic cardioverter defibrillator.

Myocardial infarction and normal coronary arteries: the experience of the cardiology department of Sfax, Tunisia.

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to describe our experience with patients who have a transmural myocardial infarction (MI) in the presence of a normal coronary artery. The clinical profile, demographic characteristics and outcomes of these patients are discussed.

Methods: Between January 2006 and August 2011, 21 patients who presented with a Q-wave myocardial infarction were found to have normal coronary arteries.

Intracardiac thrombus in a young man: don't forget Behçet's disease!

Intracardiac thrombosis is an exceptional complication of Behçet's disease. The management of this involvement is difficult due to the risk of recurrence. We present the case of a young man admitted to our hospital for intermittent fever.

Brucella myocarditis: a rare and life-threatening cardiac complication of brucellosis.

This case report represents the difficulties in diagnosing brucellosis, which is an enigma with unusual cardiovascular complications. A 32-year-old Caucasian man with acute chest pain was examined at Sfax Hedi Chaker's Hospital. He had a night fever, although his cardiac examination was normal.

Cardiac tamponade and paroxysmal third-degree atrioventricular block revealing a primary cardiac non-Hodgkin large B-cell lymphoma of the right ventricle: a case report.

Introduction: Primary cardiac lymphoma is rare.

Case Presentation: We report the case of a 64-year-old non-immunodeficient Caucasian man, with cardiac tamponade and paroxysmal third-degree atrioventricular block. Echocardiography revealed the presence of a large pericardial effusion with signs of tamponade and a right ventricular mass was suspected.