The prognostic value of combined fractional flow reserve and TIMI frame count measurements in patients with stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndrome.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of different fractional flow reserve (FFR) cutoff values and corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame (TIMI) count (CTFC) measurements in a series of consecutive patients with moderate coronary lesions, including patients with unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and/or positive noninvasive functional test findings.

Methods: We included 162 consecutive coronary patients in whom revascularization of a moderate coronary lesion was deferred based on a FFR value ≥0.75.

The association of functional mitral regurgitation and anemia in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background: We investigated the association between anemia and functional mitral regurgitation (MR) in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients with sinus rhythm and normal renal function.

Methods: Sixty non-ischemic DCM patients with sinus rhythm and left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% were recruited. Functional MR was quantified with the proximal isovelocity surface area method.

Dilatation of the ascending aorta is associated with low serum prolidase activity.

The pathogenesis of ascending aortic aneurysm (AAA) involves many factors; elastin degradation could lead to initial dilation, and changes in the collagen structure predispose the aneurysm to rupture. Prolidase is an enzyme that catalyzes the final step of collagen breakdown by liberating free proline for collagen recycling. The enzyme activity may be a step-limiting factor in the regulation of collagen biosynthesis.

The utility of heart rate recovery to predict right ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with obesity.

Objective: Obesity is a nutritional disorder, which is associated with impaired left and right ventricular function. Impaired heart rate recovery (HRR) following a treadmill exercise test is an indicator of cardiovascular mortality. We investigated the utility of impaired HRR on the tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) echocardiographic estimates of left and right ventricular function in an obese/overweight cohort.

Value of clinical, electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and neurohumoral parameters in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and neurohumoral parameters for adverse outcomes in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy patients with sinus rhythm.

Methods: Seventy-eight patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (LVEF < 40%) and sinus rhythm were enrolled. All patients underwent electrocardiographic, echocardiographic examination and coronary angiography.

Left ventricular noncompaction: case of a heart transplant.

Noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium (NVM) is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy characterized by multiple prominent trabeculations with deep intertrabecular recesses resulting from an arrest in normal embryogenesis of the endocardium and myocardium. The major clinical manifestations are depressed left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, systemic embolism, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, conduction disorders and neurologic abnormalities. We present a 21-year-old female who was diagnosed as dilated cardiomyopathy due to isolated noncompaction of the left ventricle and underwent cardiac transplantation.

N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide to predict prognosis in dilated cardiomyopathy with sinus rhythm.

Aims: To assess the value of plasma NT proBNP levels for predicting adverse outcomes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods: Seventy-eight patients with DCM (EF <40%) with sinus rhythm were enrolled. All patients had undergone echocardiographic examination, coronary angiography, and cardiac catheterisation.