MedWorm: Cardiomyopathy

Diversity of molecular forms of plasma brain natriuretic peptide in heart failure--different proBNP-108 to BNP-32 ratios in atrial and ventricular overload

Heart — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:24:39 +0100

Conclusion These results suggest that BNP-32 and proBNP-108 is increased in HF and that the proBNP/total BNP ratio increases in association with pathophysiological conditions such as ventricular overload. (Source: Heart)

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Speckle myocardial imaging modalities for early detection of myocardial impairment in isolated left ventricular non-compaction

Heart — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:24:39 +0100

Conclusions LV SMI values are reduced in patients with iLVNC, even those with normal EF and PWTDI. The most accurate SMI modalities to discriminate between patients and controls are longitudinal sS mean of the six apical segments, LV apical rotation or LV torsion rate. (Source: Heart)

Boston Scientific Corp - CircuCool Fluid Circulation Pump - Class 2 Recall

Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006 — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:00:05 +0100

CircuCool Fluid Circulation Pump used in the Chilli Cooled Ablation System, Model Number M00480050, manufactured by Barnant ThermoFisher Scientific, Barrington, IL. Distributed by Boston Scientific Corporation, San Jose, CA. The Chilli Cooled Ablation System is indicated for cardiac electrophysiological mapping, delivering diagnostic pacing stimuli and radiofrequency ablation of mappable ventricular tachycardias attributable to ischemic heart disease or cardiomyopathy in patients who have failed drug therapy. (Source: Medical Device Recalls since July 07, 2006)

Echocardiography in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: usefulness of old and new techniques in the diagnosis and pathophysiological assessment.

Cardiovascular Ultrasound — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common inherited cardiomyopathy.The identification of patients with HCM is sometimes still a challenge. Moreover, the pathophysiology of HCM is complex because of left ventricular hyper-contractile state, diastolic dysfunction, ischemia and obstruction which often are coexistent in the same patient. In this review, we discuss the current and emerging echocardiographic methodology that can help physicians in the correct diagnostic and pathophysiological assessment of patients with HCM. (Source: Cardiovascular Ultrasound)

Cancer Therapy Can Be Hard on the Heart: Researchers Aim to Explain--and Avoid--Cardiotoxicity [Medical News & Perspectives]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:50:41 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Analysis of Adiponectin Gene Polymorphisms in Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Han Chinese Population

DNA and Cell Biology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:38:57 +0100

DNA and Cell Biology , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: DNA and Cell Biology)

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Cardiac Disease in Pregnancy: Value of Echocardiography

Current Cardiology Reports — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:00:07 +0100

Abstract Cardiovascular disease in women during pregnancy poses particular challenges. It continues to be a leading cause of maternal mortality and contributes to significant morbidity. Echocardiography is essential in characterizing the extent and effects of heart disease prior to, during, and after pregnancy. By understanding the physiologic adaptation in pregnancy with increases in heart rate, blood volume, and cardiac output, and decrease in vascular resistance, one can anticipate and recognize the effects of these changes on various cardiac lesions. Cardiomyopathy, severe, obstructive valvular disease, aortic dilation due to Marfan’s disease, and cyanotic congenital heart disease are poorly tolerated in pregnancy. These disorders can be readily distinguished from no...

Cardio-renal syndromes: report from the consensus conference of the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative

European Heart Journal — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:45:23 +0100

A consensus conference on cardio-renal syndromes (CRS) was held in Venice Italy, in September 2008 under the auspices of the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI). The following topics were matter of discussion after a systematic literature review and the appraisal of the best available evidence: definition/classification system; epidemiology; diagnostic criteria and biomarkers; prevention/protection strategies; management and therapy. The umbrella term CRS was used to identify a disorder of the heart and kidneys whereby acute or chronic dysfunction in one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction in the other organ. Different syndromes were identified and classified into five subtypes. Acute CRS (type 1): acute worsening of heart function (AHF–ACS) leading to kidney injury an...

Ranolazine—Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia and Symptomatic Ventricular Premature Beats in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a patient with ischemic CMP, symptomatic PVCs, and monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) despite attempts to control symptoms with two antiarrhythmic drugs. Initiation of ranolazine led to marked reduction in PVCs along with control of VT and symptoms. (PACE 2010; 1[ndash]2) (Source: Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE)

Characterization of patients with acute chest pain using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Clinical Research in Cardiology Supplements — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:26:11 +0100

Conclusions Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging provides characteristic patterns of LE, persistent microvascular obstruction and wall motion abnormalities that allow a differentiation between patients with acute chest pain from coronary and non-coronary origin. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11789-010-0003-1Authors Vinzenz Hombach, University of Ulm Department of Internal Medicine II Robert-Koch-Straße 8 89081 Ulm GermanyNico Merkle, University of Ulm Department of Internal Medicine II Robert-Koch-Straße 8 89081 Ulm GermanyHans A. Kestler, University of Ulm Bioinformatics Ulm GermanyJan Torzewski, University of Ulm Department of Internal Medicine II Robert-Koch-Straße 8 89081 Ulm GermanyMatthias Kochs, University of Ulm Department of Internal Medicine II ...

Special gender-related aspects in cardiological manifestations

Clinical Research in Cardiology Supplements — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:26:34 +0100

Abstract Increasing interest in aspects of gender cardiology can be seen throughout the cardiology literature—with increasing numbers of reports covering cardiovascular risk factors, myocardial ischemia, hormone replacement therapy, as well as different aspects of heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Some snapshots of the current literature are provided in this review with special focus on risk factors and their management. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11789-010-0012-0Authors Andrea Podczeck-Schweighofer, Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Spital 5th Medical Department 1100 Vienna Austria Journal Clinical Research in Cardiology SupplementsOnline ISSN 1861-0174Print ISSN 1861-0706 (Source: Clinical Research in Cardiology Supplements)

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Mid-term Results of the Hancock II Valve and Carpentier-Edward Perimount Valve in the Pulmonary Portion in Congenital Heart Disease

Heart, Lung & Circulation — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:57:54 +0100

Conclusions: The overall survival rate associated with pulmonary valve bioprosthetic valve implantation was acceptable. However, the re-operation freedom rate was not satisfactory at mid-term for the Carpentier-Edward. (Source: Heart, Lung & Circulation)

Z-Disc Genes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Stretching the Cardiomyopathies?⁎

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:54:39 +0100

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease characterized by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. Occurring in about 1 in 500 individuals, HCM is the most common heritable cardiovascular disease, most often following an autosomal-dominant inheritance pattern with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. Initially, HCM was considered a disease of the sarcomere in lieu of the discovery of mutations involving the MYH7-encoded beta-myosin heavy chain and subsequently other neighboring sarcomeric proteins (). Presently, clinical genetic testing for HCM includes the 9-gene panel for sarcomeric or myofilament HCM, which explains up to 65% of genetic HCM in selected cohorts. With a large portion of HCM genetically unexplained, genes encoding proteins involving various functional or...

Atypical takostubo cardiomyopathy associated with nasal packing for paranasal sinus surgery

European Journal of Echocardiography — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:46:29 +0100

We present the case of a 24-year-old female with atypical presentation of TC occurring in the setting of paranasal sinus surgery under local anaesthesia with post-surgical nasal packing. She did not demonstrated ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram, but transient moderate LV systolic dysfunction and localized wall motion abnormality affecting basal to mid-ventricular anterior and anteroseptal wall. She rapidly and completely recovered without sequelae. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)

Persistence of secondary mitral regurgitation and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

European Journal of Echocardiography — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:46:28 +0100

Conclusion CRT can reduce moderate or severe baseline MR to non-significant in one-third of patients. However, its persistence was associated with worse clinical evolution, greater incidence of arrhythmic events, and less reverse remodelling. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)

A pain in the leg and breathlessness

BMJ Online First — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:05:25 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

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Midkine gene transfer after myocardial infarction in rats prevents remodelling and ameliorates cardiac dysfunction

Cardiovascular Research — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:52:15 +0100

Conclusion Overexpression of MK prevents LV remodelling and ameliorates LV dysfunction by anti-apoptotic and pro-angiogenic effects. MK gene transfer may provide a new therapeutic modality in ischemic cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart failure. (Source: Cardiovascular Research)

Lethal acantholytic epidermolysis bullosa due to a novel homozygous deletion in DSP: expanding the phenotype and implications for desmoplakin function in skin and heart

British Journal of Dermatology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Desmoplakin is the major linker in desmosomes in epithelia and myocardium, anchoring intermediate filaments by the C-terminus to plakoglobin and plakophilin in the desmosomal plaque. Mutations in the gene DSP encoding desmoplakin have been associated with various phenotypes affecting skin and/or heart. One of these phenotypes, lethal acantholytic epidermolysis bullosa (LAEB), is characterized by extensive postnatal shedding of epidermis leading to early demise and is caused by recessive mutations in the gene DSP resulting in truncation of the desmoplakin C-terminus. Here we describe two infants born to the same consanguinous parents who suffered extensive epidermal dislodgment and died shortly after birth. In addition, universal alopecia, anonychia, malformed ears and cardiomyopathy were o...

Case report Recurrent syncope and hypocalcaemic cardiomyopathy as manifestations of Fahr’s syndrome

Articles of Archives of Medical Science - TERMEDIA publishing house — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:14:10 +0100

In our report we would like to present a case of a 60-year-old patient with epileptic seizures, affective disturbances, only mild neurocognitive disorders and cardiomyopathy. A female patient was taken to the internal ward with a tentative diagnosis of recurrent syncope. Laboratory results disclosed severe hypocalcaemia, hypoparathyroidism, and hypothyroidism. An echocardiogram revealed left ventricle systolic dysfunction. Computed tomography revealed massive intracranial calcifications typical for Fahr’s syndrome. Our patient demonstrated only mild neurological and psychiatric symptoms, but developed hypocalcaemic heart failure. It is possible that some cases of Fahr’s syndrome remain undiscovered, particularly patients taken to internal wards with mild neurological or psychia...

Aastrom Announces Treatment of Final Patient in IMPACT-DCM Surgical Clinical Trial

HSMN NewsFeed — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:32:26 +0100

Six-Month Interim Results in Study of Patients With Severe Cardiovascular Disease to be Presented Later This Year ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 9, 2010 --(HSMN NewsFeed) -- Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASTMD ), a leading developer of autologous cellular ... Regenerative Medicine, CardiologyAastrom Biosciences, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, autologous cell, stem cell (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)

Unusual Features of Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The American Journal of Cardiology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:57:20 +0100

In conclusion, apical HC in a teaching hospital without a specialized HC clinic and in a predominantly Caucasian population is a disease of the elderly. Documented late morphologic evolution is not uncommon, with a high incidence of coronary fistulae and morbid atrial fibrillation. (Source: The American Journal of Cardiology)

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Aastrom Announces Treatment of Final Patient in IMPACT-DCM Surgical Clinical Trial

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:30:00 +0100

ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 9, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASTMD), a leading developer of autologous cellular therapies for the treatment of severe cardiovascular diseases, today reported the final patient treatment in the company's ongoing U.S. Phase 2 surgical clinical trial designated IMPACT-DCM. Treated at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, GA, this patient received direct injections of Aastrom's tissue repair cells for the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a severe form of congestive heart failure in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged and cannot pump blood efficiently. With the treatment of the final patient in this trial, Aastrom is positioned to report six-month interim data on all enrolled patients later this year. (Source: ...

Coronary Sinus Shocking Lead As Salvage In Patients with Advanced CHF and High Defibrillation Thresholds

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This approach is suggested as a salvage option for those problematic patients who have unacceptable DFT results at implantation of an endovascular ICD system. (PACE 2010; 1[ndash]6) (Source: Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE)

Rho kinase and protein kinase C involvement in vascular smooth muscle myofilament calcium sensitization in arteries from diabetic rats

British Journal of Pharmacology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and implications: We conclude that in DM enhanced myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity is mainly manifested in muscular-type blood vessels and thus likely to contribute to the development of hypertension. Both PKC and, in particular, ROCK are involved in this phenomenon. This highlights their potential usefulness as drug targets in the pharmacological management of DM-associated vascular dysfunction. (Source: British Journal of Pharmacology)

Adiponectin downregulation implicated in heart failure

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Levels of adiponectin are reduced in patients with both dilated cardiomyopathy and impaired coronary function, study findings show. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Cardiac-Specific Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Transgenic Expression Protects Against Cardiac Fibrosis and Diastolic Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

Diabetes — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The current study suggests that cardiac overexpression of IGF-1R prevented diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction. Targeting IGF-1R-Akt signaling may represent a therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetic cardiac disease. PMID: 20215428 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Diabetes)

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Type-specific dysregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in end-stage heart failure patients.

J Cell Mol Med — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, this study demonstrated a selective upregulation of MMP-10 and -7 along with a discordant change of TIMP-4, and a positive correlation between MMP-10 levels and the degree of LV dilation in end-stage HF patients. Our findings suggest that type-specific dysregulation of MMPs and TIMPs is associated with LV remodeling in end-stage HF patients, and MMP-10 may act as a novel biomarker for LV remodeling. PMID: 20219015 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Cell Mol Med)

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Hospice Use Among Patients With Heart Failure [Original Investigation]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:50:40 +0100

Conclusions In a national sample of Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure, blacks and Hispanics used hospice care for heart failure less than whites after adjustment for individual and market factors. To understand the mechanisms underlying these findings, further examination of patient preferences and physician referral behavior is needed. (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

A Young Patient with Danon Disease Receives Two ICD Shocks: Why?

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report the case of an 18-year-old man with Danon disease, a genetic disorder inclunding a severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with very broad QRS, who had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator for primary prevention. Nine months after implantation, he received two inappropriate shocks due to R-wave double counting during sinus tachycardia. We discuss how to avoid such inappropriate therapy. (PACE 2010; 1[ndash]2) (Source: Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE)

Use of an Active-Fixation Coronary Sinus Lead to Implant a Biventricular Pacemaker via the Femoral Vein.

Texas Heart Institute Journal — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:20:04 +0100

Authors: Shandling A, Donohue D, Tobias S, Wu I, Brar R Cardiac resynchronization therapy, which involves the placement of a pacing lead in the right atrium and in each ventricle, is effective in treating heart failure that is caused by left bundle branch block and cardiomyopathy. The left ventricular lead is usually placed into a lateral branch of the coronary sinus via the subclavian route. When the subclavian route is unavailable, insertion of a standard, passive-fixation coronary sinus lead via the femoral approach is feasible; however, the likelihood of subsequent dislodgment is high. Herein, we describe the placement of a novel, self-retaining, active-fixation coronary sinus lead-the Attain StarFix(R) Model 4195 OTW Lead-in an elderly heart-failure patient, via the femoral approa...

Atypical transient stress-induced cardiomyopathies with an inverted takotsubo pattern in sepsis and in the postpartal state.

Texas Heart Institute Journal — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:20:04 +0100

Authors: Lee S, Lee KJ, Yoon HS, Kang KW, Lee YS, Lee JW Several cases of inverted Takotsubo cardiomyopathy-a variant form with hyperdynamic left ventricular apex and akinesia of the left ventricular base and mid-portion-have been reported recently, especially in association with cerebrovascular accidents and catecholamine cardiomyopathies. Herein, we describe 2 cases of inverted Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: one that occurred in a middle-aged woman who had a septic condition, and another in a young woman who was in the postpartal state. Such cases have not been reported previously. PMID: 20200635 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Texas Heart Institute Journal)

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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: what is behind the octopus trap?

Texas Heart Institute Journal — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:20:04 +0100

Authors: Angelini P PMID: 20200634 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Texas Heart Institute Journal)

Induction of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase by Nuclear Translocation and Activation of SIRT1 Promotes Cell Survival in Chronic Heart Failure [Molecular Bases Of Disease]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:37:15 +0100

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in chronic heart failure. SIRT1, an NAD+-dependent histone/protein deacetylase, promotes cell survival under oxidative stress when it is expressed in the nucleus. However, adult cardiomyocytes predominantly express SIRT1 in the cytoplasm, and its function has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional role of SIRT1 in the heart and the potential use of SIRT1 in therapy for heart failure. We investigated the subcellular localization of SIRT1 in cardiomyocytes and its impact on cell survival. SIRT1 accumulated in the nucleus of cardiomyocytes in the failing hearts of TO-2 hamsters, postmyocardial infarction rats, and a dilated cardiomyopathy patient but not in control healthy hearts. Nuclear but not cytoplasmic SIRT1...

Cardiomyopathy: A disease of your heart muscle

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:00:00 +0100

Cardiomyopathy — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms and treatment of this heart muscle condition. (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

Diminished Cardiac Fibrosis in Heart Failure is Associated with Altered Ventricular Arrhythmia Phenotype

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Attenuated ventricular fibrosis is associated with reduced VT inducibility, increased VT duration, and significantly longer arrhythmia cycle length. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. pp. 1[ndash]7) (Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology)

Focal Atrial Tachycardia Originating from the Donor Superior Vena Cava after Bicaval Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

An 11-year-old boy, who underwent bicaval orthotopic heart transplantation for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, had a focal atrial tachycardia originating from the donor superior vena cava. The pathogenesis of this tachycardia may be related to transplant rejection or transplant vasculopathy. Radiofrequency catheter ablation can eliminate this unique tachycardia and result in hemodynamic improvement. (PACE 2010; e1[ndash]e4) (Source: Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE)

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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: from genetics to treatment

European Journal of Clinical Investigation — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The clinical phenotype of 'HCM' results from mutations in sarcomeric proteins and subsequent activation of multiple cellular constituents including signal transducers. We advocate that HCM, despite its current recognition and management as a single disease entity, involves multiple partially independent mechanisms, despite similarity in the ensuing phenotype. To treat HCM effectively, it is necessary to delineate the underlying fundamental mechanisms that govern the pathogenesis of the phenotype and apply these principles to the treatment of each subset of clinically recognized HCM. (Source: European Journal of Clinical Investigation)

Gene Deletion Screen for Cardiomyopathy in Adult Drosophila Identifies a New Notch Ligand.

Circulation Research — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In conclusion, we identify a previously unknown Notch ligand in Drosophilab that when deleted causes cardiomyopathy. Our study suggests that Notch signaling components may be a therapeutic target for dilated cardiomyopathy. PMID: 20203305 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation Research)

The diabetic cardiomyopathy

Acta Diabetologica — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:51:18 +0100

Abstract Diabetic cardiomyopathy has been defined as “a distinct entity characterized by the presence of abnormal myocardial performance or structure in the absence of epicardial coronary artery disease, hypertension, and significant valvular disease”. The diagnosis stems from the detection of myocardial abnormalities and the exclusion of other contributory causes of cardiomyopathy. It rests on non-invasive imaging techniques which can demonstrate myocardial dysfunction across the spectra of clinical presentation. The presence of diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure, and the 75% of patients with unexplained idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were found to be diabetic. Diabetic patients with microvascular complications show the stronges...

The p.A897KfsX4 frameshift variation in desmocollin-2 is not a causative mutation in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

European Journal of Human Genetics — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Marzia De Bortoli, Giorgia Beffagna, Barbara Bauce, Alessandra Lorenzon, Gessica Smaniotto, Ilaria Rigato, Martina Calore, Ilena E A Li Mura, Cristina Basso, Gaetano Thiene, Gerolamo Lanfranchi, Gian Antonio Danieli, Andrea Nava & Alessandra Rampazzo (Source: European Journal of Human Genetics)

The diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Acta Diabetol AND (h... — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tarquini R, Lazzeri C, Pala L, Rotella CM, Gensini GF Diabetic cardiomyopathy has been defined as "a distinct entity characterized by the presence of abnormal myocardial performance or structure in the absence of epicardial coronary artery disease, hypertension, and significant valvular disease". The diagnosis stems from the detection of myocardial abnormalities and the exclusion of other contributory causes of cardiomyopathy. It rests on non-invasive imaging techniques which can demonstrate myocardial dysfunction across the spectra of clinical presentation. The presence of diabetes is associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure, and the 75% of patients with unexplained idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy were found to be diabetic. Diabetic patients with microv...

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Adding ECG Picks up Abnormalities Not Detected by Physical Exam and Medical History

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:30:49 +0100

Researchers say the physical examination, medical history, and 12-lead ECG were "complementary," with the exam and history detecting individuals with valvular disease, while the ECG picked up myocardial abnormalities, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Still, one expert says there are too many obstacles to establishing mandatory preparticipation screening with ECGs. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Aldosterone Antagonists in Patients With Heart Failure [Letters]

JAMA — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:50:35 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Aldosterone Antagonists in Patients With Heart Failure [Letters]

JAMA — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:50:35 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Aldosterone Antagonists in Patients With Heart Failure--Reply [Letters]

JAMA — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:50:35 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Successful recovery using surgical intervention to treat ischemic cardiomyopathy and cardiogenic shock.

Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:36:17 +0100

We report here a successful case of recovery from cardiogenic shock resulting from ischemic cardiomyopathy, treated by using a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The LVAD was successfully explanted at the time of simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting and left ventricular restoration after recovery from end-organ dysfunction by LVAD support. (Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2010; 16: 52-54). PMID: 20190712 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery)

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Amyloidogenic light chains induce cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction and apoptosis via a non-canonical p38{alpha} MAPK pathway [Cell_Biology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:42:13 +0100

Patients with primary (AL) cardiac amyloidosis suffer from progressive cardiomyopathy with a median survival of less than 8 months and... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Percutaneous mitral valve leaflet repair for mitral regurgitation: NICE guidance

Heart — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:19:59 +0100

(Source: Heart)

Arrhythmias and sport practice

Heart — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:19:59 +0100

(Source: Heart)

Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy: findings on cardiac CT and coronary catheterisation

Heart — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:19:59 +0100

(Source: Heart)

Adiponectin acts as a positive indicator of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Heart — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:19:58 +0100

Conclusions These data document that adiponectin is an indicator of LV diastolic dysfunction in patients with HCM. (Source: Heart)

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Long-term benefits of pacing in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Heart — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:19:57 +0100

(Source: Heart)

What can adiponectin say about left ventricular function?

Heart — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:19:57 +0100

(Source: Heart)

Late benefits of dual-chamber pacing in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a 10-year follow-up study

Heart — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:19:57 +0100

Conclusions Pacing in HCM results in a significant reduction in obstruction, improvement of symptoms and exercise capacity that is progressive and may be achieved after a long period of time. In this series, only 18% of cases needed a more aggressive treatment to relieve residual obstruction and obtain a satisfactory symptomatic status. In conclusion, these results emphasise the need for new controlled studies of pacing with a longer follow-up. (Source: Heart)

Health News of the Day

Clinical Cases and Images — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:28:00 +0100

A school based compulsory physical activity improved fitness and reduced adiposity in children. BMJ, Feb 2010.Dr. Wes: Cardiology is easy until it isn'tNo doubt Mr. Cheney has had impecable cardiovacular care. But despite that care, after three bypasses, a history of atrial fibrillation, deep venous thrombosis, a cardiomyopathy that requires a defibrillator or two, and scores of medications to stabilize the angina - you've suddenly got a tough case: http://drwes.blogspot.com/2010/02/dick-vs-bill.htmlPeRSSonalized Geriatrics from Webicina.comhttp://www.webicina.com/perssonalized/?page=1&cat=37PeRSSonalized Medicine is a free, easy-to-use aggregator of quality medical information that lets you select your favourite resources and read the latest news and articles about a medical specialty...

Tacrolimus related hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in liver transplant recipients.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:04:24 +0100

CONCLUSION: The cardiovascular toxicity of tacrolimus, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, may be observed in pediatric patients. Therefore, we recommend routine regular cardiovascular evaluation of children after liver transplantation. PMID: 20187665 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Journal Scan: Anthracycline-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Clinical Relevance and Response to Pharmacologic Therapy (J Am Coll Cardiol 2010;55:213-220.)

Cardiosource — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:37:32 +0100

The study cohort was comprised of 201 consecutive patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (Source: Cardiosource)

Common Susceptibility Variants Examined for Association with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Annals of Human Genetics — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Rare mutations in more than 20 genes have been suggested to cause dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), but explain only a small percentage of cases, mainly in familial forms. We hypothesised that more common variants may also play a role in increasing genetic susceptibility to DCM, similar to that observed in other common complex disorders. To test this hypothesis, we performed case-control analyses on all DNA polymorphic variation identified in a resequencing study of six candidate DCM genes (CSRP3, LDB3, MYH7, SCN5A, TCAP, and TNNT2) conducted in 289 unrelated white probands with DCM of unknown cause and 188 unrelated white controls. In univariate analyses, we identified associated common variants at LDB3 site 10779, LDB3 site 57877, MYH7 sites 16384 and 17404, and TCAP sites 140 and 1735. Mult...

011 A new molecular mechanism for familial dilated cardiomyopathy based on studies with intact mutant transgenic mouse and human explanted heart muscle

Heart — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:21:18 +0100

(Source: Heart)

014 Thin filaments reconstituted with troponin extracted from patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy are functionally abnormal

Heart — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:21:18 +0100

(Source: Heart)

021 Phenotype of the ACTC E99K transgenic mouse reproduces hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in patients

Heart — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:21:18 +0100

(Source: Heart)

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Limited Distribution of a Cardiomyopathy-Associated Variant in India

Annals of Human Genetics — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Heart failure is a leading cause of death of people in South Asia, and cardiomyopathy is a major cause of heart failure. Myosin binding protein C (MYBPC3) is expressed in the heart muscle, where it regulates the cardiac response to adrenergic stimulation and is important for the structural integrity of the sarcomere. Mutations in the MYBPC3 gene are associated with hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathies. A 25-base-pair deletion in intron 32 causes skipping of the downstream exon and is associated with familial cardiomyopathy. To date, this deletion is found primarily in India and South Asia, although it is also found at low frequency in Southeast Asia. In order to better characterise the distribution of this variant, we determined its frequency in 447 individuals from 19 populations, inc...

Takotsubo (Stress) Cardiomyopathy and the Anesthesiologist: Enough Case Reports. Let's Try to Answer Some Specific Questions!

Anesthesia and Analgesia — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hessel EA, London MJ PMID: 20185648 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Anesthesia and Analgesia)

Eroded Pacemaker in an Elderly Patient

The American Journal of Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

An 84-year-old man with severe ischemic cardiomyopathy and history of congestive heart failure was transferred to our hospital for biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator pocket erosion. He had originally undergone dual-chamber pacemaker implantation for intermittent complete atrioventricular block in 2000. He then developed worsening heart failure symptoms in the setting of declining left ventricular (LV) systolic function, and the device was upgraded to a biventricular system in 2006. There was initial improvement that disappeared due to LV lead dislodgement. Attempted LV lead revision in July 2007 was not successful. Two weeks later he underwent epicardial LV lead placement via mini-thoracotomy. Postoperatively he had ongoing discomfort at the wound, and in December 2007 he...

Protein Aggregates and Novel Presenilin Gene Variants in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Circulation — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions-On the basis of these findings, we propose that 2 mechanisms may link protein aggregation and cardiac function: oligomer-induced changes on Ca(2+) handling and a direct effect of PSEN1 sequence variants on excitation-contraction coupling protein function. PMID: 20194882 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation)

Heart transplant in a childhood leukemia survivor: a case report.

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Cardiac failure may progressively occur in childhood leukemia survivors. Heart transplant is indicated in patients with refractory hemodynamic decompensation. PMID: 20199376 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Experimental and Clinical Transplantation : official journal of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation)

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In-hospital management of patients with atrial flutter

American Heart Journal — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: One or more methods of conversion to sinus rhythm were used in two thirds of the hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of AFl. Greater use of conversion therapies in patients with other heart disease were expected; however, lower use among elderly persons, females, and racial minorities may indicate some disparities in use and warrant further study. (Source: American Heart Journal)

Familial Dilated Cardiomyopathy Secondary to Dystrophin Splice Site Mutation

Journal of Cardiac Failure — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Young males presenting with apparent isolated cardiomyopathy or acute myocarditis may harbor dystrophin mutations without overt skeletal muscle pathology. The etiology of familial risk was not evident in this pedigree before retrospective cardiovascular genetics assessment, highlighting ongoing diagnostic challenges and limitations of standardized screening panels (which do not include dystrophin) in patients with “idiopathic” DCM. (Source: Journal of Cardiac Failure)

First case of stress cardiomyopathy as a result of methadone withdrawal secondary to drug-drug interaction

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe the first case of stress cardiomyopathy secondary to a drug-drug interaction. A 44-year-old man was admitted for acute agitation, hallucinations, tachycardia, and fever within 2 hours of ingestion of naltrexone prescribed to stop alcohol consumption. He had been receiving methadone (120 mg/d) for several months for a history of heroin use; thus, acute opiate withdrawal syndrome secondary to naltrexone treatment was diagnosed. Because electrocardiography showed diffuse ST-segment elevation, a transthoracic echocardiography was performed. It revealed apical akinesia of the left ventricle with a reduction in systolic function. The echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction of 35%, apical and midventricular wall motion abnormalities of the left ventricle, and a cardiac output of 4 ...

Cushing's Syndrome and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kittisupamongkol W PMID: 20220341 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences)

Early onset of cardiomyopathy and primary prevention of sudden death in X-linked Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy

Neuromuscular Disorders — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report the case of 14-year-old boy with X-linked Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy who developed sick sinus syndrome and required placement of an implantable intracardiac cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) to prevent sudden death. He demonstrated no significant risk factors for sudden death such as depressed left ventricular ejection fraction, or spontaneous or inducible ventricular tachycardia. One month after implantation, the patient experienced one appropriate ICD discharge. (Source: Neuromuscular Disorders)

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Desmin myopathy with severe cardiomyopathy in a Uruguayan family due to a codon deletion in a new location within the desmin 1A rod domain

Neuromuscular Disorders — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a five generation Uruguayan family with severe cardiomyopathy and skeletal myopathy. Its most striking features are: atrial dilation, arrhythmia, conduction block and sudden death due to conduction impairment. Affected skeletal muscle shows alteration of mitochondria with paracrystallin inclusions and granulofilamentous material scattered in the muscle fibres. This family carries an unusual deletion p.E114del within the 1A rod domain of desmin. Transfected cells expressing the mutated desmin show punctuated and speckled cytoplasmic aggregates. The mutation causes a local conformational change in heptads a/d residues and charge positions. These findings lead to the hypothesis that coiled-coil interactions may be impaired, resulting in severe alterations in the desmin network. This...

Factors influencing survival and postoperative quality of life after mitral valve reconstruction [Original articles]

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:01:57 +0100

Conclusions: MVR was safely and effectively accomplished in all groups. Survival and postoperative QOL was determined by left ventricular function and co-morbidities rather than MR aetiology. (Source: European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)

Surgical myocardial revascularization of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular disfunction

Clinics — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:34:09 +0100

OBJECTIVE: To determine long-term survival, identify preoperative factors predictive of a favorable outcome, and assess functional improvement after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with advanced left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2001, 244 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and had a preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction less than or equal to 35% were included. left ventricular ejection fraction was determined by uniplanar or biplanar ventriculography during left heart catheterization. Indication for surgery was predominance of tissue viability. Functional improvement was evaluated through echocardiography and gated scintigraphy at exercise/ rest. Survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Mean left ventricular ...

Clinical Course and Risk Profile in Adolescents With Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The American Journal of Cardiology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:53:29 +0100

We sought to analyze the prevalence, clinical course, and risk profile of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in adolescents with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Patients with clinical onset at 19 years (n = 14) of age and/or patients followed up for (Source: The American Journal of Cardiology)

[Seminar] Dilated cardiomyopathy

LANCET — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterised by left ventricular dilation that is associated with systolic dysfunction. Diastolic dysfunction and impaired right ventricular function can develop. Affected individuals are at risk of left or right ventricular failure, or both. Heart failure symptoms can be exercise-induced or persistent at rest. Many patients are asymptomatic. Chronically treated patients sometimes present acutely with decompensated heart failure. Other life-threatening risks are ventricular arrhythmias and atrioventricular block, syncope, and sudden death. Genetic inheritance arises in 30–48% of patients, and inflammatory disorders such as myocarditis or toxic effects from medications, alcohol, or illicit drugs also result in dilated cardiomyopathy. Genes that cause dilated car...

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Seminar: Dilated cardiomyopathy

NeLM - News — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Area: News In this Seminar in the Lancet, the authors focus on the clinical features, genetics and causative mechanisms, diagnostic strategies, treatments, outcomes, and controversies in the care of primary and secondary dilated cardiomyopathy. (Source: NeLM - News)

Possible mechanisms of sudden cardiac death in top athletes: a basic cardiac electrophysiological point of view.

Pflugers Archiv : European Journal of Physiology — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Varró A, Baczkó I Sudden death among athletes is very rare (1:50,000-1:100,000 annually) but it is still 2-4 times more frequent than in the age-matched control population and attracts significant media attention. We propose a mechanism underlying sudden cardiac death in athletes that does not relate to myocardial ischemia but is based on repolarization abnormalities due to potassium channel downregulation and can also be best explained by the concurrent presence of several factors such as cardiac hypertrophy (athlete's heart), and/or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, increased sympathetic tone, genetic defects, drugs, doping agents, food, or dietary ingredients. These factors together can increase the repolarization inhomogeneity of the heart ("substrate") and an otherwi...

Global Coronary Artery Spasm Caused Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:51:50 +0100

A 37-year-old woman was transferred with hypotension after sudden chest oppression associated with emotional stress. The electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in the whole lead except aVR, and troponin T was positive. Therefore, she received emergent catheterization for acute coronary syndrome. Initial coronary angiography revealed severe vessel spasm in all coronaries (A, Online Videos 1 and 2). After intracoronary nitroglycerin administration, all coronary arteries normalized (B, Online Videos 3 and 4), and ST-segment elevation also returned to baseline. However, typical apical ballooning and mid-ventricular wall motion abnormality in end-systolic phase of left ventriculography remained (C and D, Online Video 5). Echocardiography 6 months later demonstrated normalization of left ...

Rosiglitazone Increases Myocardial Glucose Metabolism in Insulin-Resistant Cardiomyopathy

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:51:50 +0100

The connection between insulin resistance (IR) and heart failure (HF) is well recognized (). Insulin resistance has repeatedly been demonstrated to be a strong predictor of the development of HF and to predict a poor prognosis in patients with HF. The mechanism by which IR contributes to the pathogenesis of HF is unclear, but it likely involves the balance between the utilization of free fatty acids (FFAs) and glucose as an energy substrate in the myocardium. Glucose is a more efficient fuel source than FFAs and is therefore preferentially used under conditions of stress, such as HF. In states of IR, this compensatory switch is inhibited, leading to decreased cardiac efficiency (). (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

Journal Scan: Diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia: Proposed Modification of the Task Force Criteria (Circulation 2010;Feb 19:[Epub ahead of print].)

Cardiosource — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:35:18 +0100

One hundred eight patients with genetically confirmed ARVC/D were compared to normal subjects. Multiple parameters were analyzed and diagnostic criteria were selected based on receiver operating characteristic curves that identified optimal sensitivity and specificity. (Source: Cardiosource)

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Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair: Potential in Heart Failure Management

Current Heart Failure Reports — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:02:49 +0100

Abstract As a large portion of the US demographic advances into the later decades of life, the incidence of valvular heart disease is expected to increase. Mitral regurgitation (MR) caused by primary valve abnormality (degenerative) or secondary to cardiomyopathy (functional) is an important cause of heart failure. Management of valvular heart disease is expected to account for a large segment of services provided to heart failure patients. Recent years have seen a transition from surgical therapy to minimally invasive techniques, specifically percutaneous approaches for the correction of heart valve disease. The double orifice technique of mitral valve repair using the MitraClip™ System (Abbott Vascular, Menlo Park, CA) is one of many percutaneous approaches to treat si...

Resistin gene promoter region polymorphism and the risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in patients.

Translational Research : the journal of laboratory and clinical medicine — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:38:08 +0100

This study investigates resistin levels in HCM patients and healthy controls and the molecular basis for the regulation of the resistin gene (RETN) in a Pakistani population. Patients with HCM (n = 105) and healthy individuals (n = 110) were enrolled in this investigation. Serum resistin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RETN genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Our data showed a statistically significant increase in resistin levels from HCM patients compared with healthy subjects (6.3 +/- 2.7 ng/mL in patients vs 3.4 +/- 2.1 ng/mL in controls, P < 0.0001). The RETN -420 C > G polymorphism was significantly high in patients with HCM compared with the control group (P < 0.001). There was a significant dif...

Pityriasis rubra pilaris – a retrospective single center analysis over eight years

JDDG — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: PRP type I is a severe, chronic inflammatory dermatosis responding hesitantly to classic systemic therapies. Tumor necrosis factor-[alpha] antagonists are an effective treatment option for difficult cases. (Source: JDDG)

Resveratrol, an activator of SIRT1, upregulates sarcoplasmic calcium ATPase and improves cardiac function in diabetic cardiomyopathy

AJP: Heart and Circulatory Physiology — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:23:37 +0100

This study was designed to examine the effect of resveratrol (RSV), a potent activator of SIRT1, on cardiac function and SERCA2a expression in chronic type 1 diabetes. Adult male mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) and fed with either a regular diet or a diet enriched with RSV. STZ administration produced progressive decline in cardiac function, associated with markedly reduced SERCA2a and SIRT1 protein levels and increased collagen deposition; RSV treatment to these mice had a tremendous beneficial effect both in terms of improving SERCA2a expression and on cardiac function. In cultured cardiomyocytes, RSV restored SERCA2 promoter activity, which was otherwise highly repressed in high-glucose media. Protective effects of RSV were found to be dependent on its ability to activate S...

Black Women at Higher Risk of Birth-Related Heart Problem

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:00:00 +0100

But specific genetic risks for peripartum cardiomyopathy still need to be identified Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: African-American Health, Cardiomyopathy, Pregnancy (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Black Women At Increased Risk For Weakened Heart Muscle At Childbirth

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Black women are at significantly increased risk for developing a potentially deadly weakening of the heart muscle around the time of childbirth, researchers report. A study examining the incidence of peripartum cardiomyopathy in women who gave birth at a Medical College of Georgia's teaching hospital between July 2003 and July 2008, showed that while 55 percent of the women were white, 93 percent of those who developed cardiomyopathy were black, said Dr. Mindy B. Gentry, an MCG cardiologist... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Hospital-based initiative significantly improves stroke patient care and outcomes, study finds

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Care and clinical outcomes for acute stroke patients have improved significantly at hospitals participating in an American Heart Association/American Stroke Association quality-improvement program, according to a new academic study that examined the first million patients enrolled. To better characterize contemporary stroke patients and determine the impact of participation in the Get With the Guidelines–Stroke program, researchers analyzed several aspects of care for these 1 million patients, who were treated at 1,392 hospitals participating in the initiative between 2003 and 2009. The study is currently available online in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a journal of the American Heart Association. Each year, more than 795,000 Americans suff...

Diabetic cardiomyopathy, causes and effects

Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:54:17 +0100

Abstract Diabetes is associated with increased incidence of heart failure even after controlling for coronary artery disease and hypertension. Thus, as diabetic cardiomyopathy has become an increasingly recognized entity among clinicians, a better understanding of its pathophysiology is necessary for early diagnosis and the development of treatment strategies for diabetes-associated cardiovascular dysfunction. We will review recent basic and clinical research into the manifestations and the pathophysiological mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy. The discussion will be focused on the structural, functional and metabolic changes that occur in the myocardium in diabetes and how these changes may contribute to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy in affected humans and...

Transseptal versus transaortic approach for radiofrequency ablation in patients with cardioverter–defibrillator and electrical storm

Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:52:01 +0100

Conclusions Transseptal approach is an accurate, safe, feasible, and effective method of RF ablation in patients with malignant, recurrent ventricular arrhythmias. However, limited access to the septal regions with the use of this method has to be remembered. Transseptal approach may be considered as an alternative to the transaortic route in patients with contraindication to the latter. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10840-009-9464-xAuthors Slawomir Pluta, Silesian Medical University, Silesian Center of Heart Diseases 1st Department of Cardiology Ul. Szpitalna 2 41-800 Zabrze PolandRadoslaw Lenarczyk, Silesian Medical University, Silesian Center of Heart Diseases 1st Department of Cardiology Ul. Szpitalna 2 41-800 Zabrze PolandPatrycja Pruszkowska-Skrzep,...

Prevalence of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers in Various Age Groups

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Doberman Pinschers is an autosomal dominant inherited disease. The prevalence of DCM in Doberman Pinschers of various age groups in Europe is currently unknown, but this information would be important to develop recommendations for screening programs. To evaluate the prevalence of cardiomyopathy in various age groups of Dobermans. Seven hundred and seventy-five examinations in 412 Doberman Pinschers. Dogs were included in a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Each examination included echocardiography and 24-hour ECG (Holter) examination. A cut-off value of >100 ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) per 24 hours on Holter examination or abnormal echocardiography was considered diagnostic for cardiomyopathy. The cumulative prevalence included all dogs ...

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Coughing-induced stress cardiomyopathy

Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Stress cardiomyopathy is described as acute myocardial infarction provoked by a stressful event with evidence of a significant focal wall motion but with little or no significant coronary artery disease. In this case report, a particularly bad bout of coughing resulted in chest pressure, troponin release, and evidence of antero-apical dyskinesis despite angiographic normal coronary arteries. The patient made a full recovery of function after an uncomplicated hospital stay. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions)

Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Role of Antithrombotic Therapy.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:: To date, there is no agreement on appropriate antithrombotic treatment (if any) for primary thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with sinus rhythm. In recent years, several promising prospective trials were terminated prematurely due to inadequate enrollment. The Warfarin Aspirin-Reduced Cardiac Ejection Fraction trial may provide evidence regarding the use of anticoagulation for patients with decreased myocardial function. PMID: 20186041 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences)

Noncompaction of Ventricular Myocardium Associated With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Polycystic Kidney Disease.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report the first case with all 3 different inherent conditions (NVM, HOCM, and PKD) manifesting in 1 patient. A 37-year-old man was referred for evaluation of a heart murmur. His medical history was positive for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Physical examination revealed a grade 3/6 systolic murmur loudest along the left sternal border accentuating on Valsalva maneuver. Echocardiography revealed HOCM. Cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed the presence of HOCM with the incidental finding of NVM and PKD. This case raises the possibility of genetic mutation common to these 3 clinical entities or 2 different gene mutations existing in the same individual. PMID: 20186037 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences)

Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, and Risk of Hip Fracture [Letters]

JAMA — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:50:39 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Cardiovascular Disease, Hypertension, and Risk of Hip Fracture--Reply [Letters]

JAMA — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:50:39 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

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Influence of co-existing atrial fibrillation on the efficacy of atorvastatin treatment in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a pilot study

Lipids in Health and Disease — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In patients with DCM and co-existing AF, a weaker effect of atorvastatin concerning the reduction of IL-6 and NT-proBNP concentration was observed than in patients without atrial fibrillation. (ClinialTrial.gov No.: NCT01015144) (Source: Lipids in Health and Disease)

Increase in endocardial rotation during doxorubicin treatment

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Treatment of cardiomyopathy, when detected early, may slow myocardial deterioration and even reverse its course. However, no efficient, noninvasive measure of cardiac function is yet able to detect the early signs of cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to determine whether ultrasound speckle tracking analysis is a more sensitive measure of early changes of cardiac function than standard echocardiographic parameters. Eight Wistar rats were injected with doxorubicin and scanned weekly by ultrasound in order to follow the early stages of cardiomyopathy. Apical short-axis scans were analyzed by a novel speckle tracking imaging program, enabling layer-specific assessment of myocardial function. Only four of eight rats survived the full treatment. They showed a significant elevation of end...

Developmental basis of adult cardiovascular diseases

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this chapter, we review the working hypothesis that the roots of adult valvular heart disease (VHD) lie in embryonic development. Valvulogenesis is a complex process in which growth factors signal the process of endocardium-to-mesenchyme transformation (EMT) resulting in formation of prevalvular "cushions." The post-EMT processes, whereby cushions are morphogenetically remolded into valve leaflets, are less well understood, but they require periostin. Mice with targeted deletion of periostin develop degenerative changes similar to human forms of VHD. Mitral valves are also abnormally elongated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which plays an important role in clinical disease expression. However, the mechanism for this is unclear, but correlates with enhanced expression of periostin...

Distinctive ERK and p38 signaling in remote and infarcted myocardium during post-MI remodeling in the mouse

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Global activation of MAP kinases has been reported in both human and experimental heart failure. Chronic remodeling of the surviving ventricular wall after myocardial infarction (MI) involves both myocyte loss and fibrosis; we hypothesized that this cardiomyopathy involves differential shifts in pro- and anti-apoptotic MAP kinase signaling in cardiac myocyte (CM) and non-myocyte. Cardiomyopathy after coronary artery ligation in mice was characterized by echocardiography, ex vivo Langendorff preparation, histologic analysis and measurements of apoptosis. Phosphorylation (activation) of signaling molecules was analyzed by Western blot, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Post-MI remodeling involved dramatic changes in the phosphorylation of both stress-activated MAP (SAP) kinase p38 as well as E...

Cardiac involvement is frequent in patients with the m.8344A>G mutation of mitochondrial DNA

Neurology — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:01:07 +0100

Conclusions: We identified a high prevalence of ventricular dysfunction and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Myocardial involvement was associated with an increased risk of cardiac death due to heart failure, suggesting that cardiac investigations should be systematically considered in patients carrying the m.8344A>G mutation. (Source: Neurology)

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Hospital Cost of Care, Quality of Care, and Readmission Rates: Penny Wise and Pound Foolish? [Original Investigation]

Archives of Internal Medicine — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:50:44 +0100

Conclusions The associations are inconsistent between hospitals' cost of care and quality of care and between hospitals' cost of care and mortality rates. Most evidence did not support the "penny wise and pound foolish" hypothesis that low-cost hospitals discharge patients earlier but have higher readmission rates and greater downstream inpatient cost of care. (Source: Archives of Internal Medicine)

Reply to the Editor

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:08:11 +0100

We thank Drs D'Ancona and Pilato for their thoughtful comments. Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy represent a diverse population who differ in the extent of myocardial ischemia, severity of the left ventricular dysfunction, and severity of functional ischemic mitral regurgitation. A thorough understanding of the extent of ischemic changes is essential for the appropriate planning of surgical therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a powerful diagnostic tool for the comprehensive evaluation of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. In our practice, magnetic resonance imaging is routinely used in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy for the assessment of the severity and distribution of myocardial scarring, as well as the estimation of residual myocardial viability. Severity ...

Apical myectomy: A new surgical technique for management of severely symptomatic patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:07:59 +0100

Conclusions: Apical myectomy improves functional status by decreasing left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, improving operative compliance, and increasing stroke volume. This procedure might be of value in other patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who have severe hypertrophy and small left ventricular end-diastolic volume. (Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery)

Discussion

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:07:59 +0100

Dr Nicholas G. Smedira (Cleveland, Ohio). I have no disclosures. Dr Schaff, as usual, your presentation was clear and very informative, and I want to congratulate you on outstanding results. My first question relates to whether we are underestimating the prevalence of this disorder? We were taught 10 years ago that the incidence of obstruction in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy was around 25%. We now know that with provocative maneuvers, it is as high as 75%. Are there more patients out there with this disorder than we are appreciating? (Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery)

Ethnic Differences in Physiological Cardiac Adaptation to Intense Physical Exercise in Highly Trained Female Athletes.

Circulation — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions-Systematic physical exercise in black female athletes is associated with greater left ventricular hypertrophy and higher prevalence of repolarization changes than in white female athletes of similar age and size participating in identical sporting disciplines. However, a maximal left ventricular wall thickness >13 mm or deep T-wave inversions in the inferior and lateral leads are rare and warrant further investigation. PMID: 20176985 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation)

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Platelet-Large Cell Ratio and the extent of coronary artery disease: results from a large prospective study

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 06:55:43 +0100

This study showed that P-LCR is not related to platelet aggregation, aspirin resistance, the extent of CAD and carotid IMT. Thus, P-LCR can not be considered as a marker of platelet reactivity or a risk factor for CAD. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11239-010-0456-6Authors Giuseppe De Luca, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria “Maggiore della Carità”, Eastern Piedmont University Division of Cardiology C.so Mazzini, 18 28100 Novara ItalyMatteo Santagostino, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria “Maggiore della Carità”, Eastern Piedmont University Division of Cardiology C.so Mazzini, 18 28100 Novara ItalyGioel Gabrio Secco, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria “Maggiore della Carità”, Eastern Piedmont University Division of Cardiology C.so Mazzini, 18 28100 Novara Ital...

Visualization of transcoronary ablation of septal hypertrophy in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a comparison between cardiac MRI, invasive measurements and echocardiography

Clinical Research in Cardiology — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 06:54:24 +0100

Conclusion TASH was consistently effective in reducing the gradient in all patients with HOCM. In contrast to the variables investigated by echocardiography, the invasively measured post-extrasystolic gradient correlated much better with the amount of scar tissue as assessed by CMR. We conclude that the optimal modality to visualize the TASH effect seems to be a combination of CMR and the invasive identification of the post-extrasystolic gradient. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00392-010-0128-8Authors Christian Sohns, Georg-August-University Goettingen Department of Cardiology and Pneumology/Heart Center Robert-Koch-Str. 40 37075 Goettingen GermanySamuel Sossalla, Georg-August-University Goettingen Department of Cardiology and Pneum...

Mimetic total coronary sinus occlusion due to superselection with the balloon catheter

Europace — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:44:33 +0100

A 77-year-old man with dilated cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, QRS duration of 140 ms, and NYHA functional class III was referred for cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation. Coronary sinus (CS) contrast venography by balloon catheter showed no evidence of tributary veins, mimicking total occlusion of the CS. It was found to be due to superselection of a side branch with the balloon catheter. (Source: Europace)

Efficacy of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: impact of age, atrial remodelling, and disease progression

Europace — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:44:32 +0100

Conclusion RFCA was successful in restoring long-term sinus rhythm and improving symptomatic status in most HCM patients with refractory AF, including the subset with proven sarcomere gene mutations, although redo procedures were often necessary. Younger HCM patients with small atrial size and mild symptoms proved to be the best RFCA candidates, likely due to lesser degrees of atrial remodelling. (Source: Europace)

Successful catheter ablation of epicardial ventricular tachycardia worsened by cardiac resynchronization therapy

Europace — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:44:32 +0100

Soon after an upgrade from a single-chamber implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with an ICD, a 64-year-old man with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy began to have increasingly frequent ICD shocks for slow ventricular tachycardia (VT). At electrophysiological study, no clinical VT was induced by endocardial right ventricular pacing, but was easily induced by epicardial left ventricular (LV) pacing via a subxiphoid pericardial approach. The VT was successfully ablated on the LV epicardial surface. This case suggests that epicardial catheter ablation may be an alternative for managing CRT-induced proarrhythmias without the inactivation of LV pacing. (Source: Europace)

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Risk stratification for sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: systematic review of clinical risk markers

Europace — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:44:31 +0100

We performed a systematic literature review of recommended ‘major’ and ‘possible’ clinical risk markers for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We searched the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases for articles published between 1971 and 2007. We included English language reports on HCM patients containing follow-up data on the endpoint (sudden) cardiac death using survival analysis. Analysis was undertaken using the quality of reporting of meta-analyses (QUORUM) statement checklist. The quality was checked using a quality assessment form from the Cochrane Collaboration. Thirty studies met inclusion criteria and passed quality assessment. The use of the six major risk factors (previous cardiac arrest or sustained ventricular tachycardia...

Triple-site pacing: a new supported therapy approach for bridge to recovery with a left ventricular assist system in a patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Journal of Artificial Organs — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:51:57 +0100

Abstract Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are widely used as bridges to cardiac transplantation or for destination therapy. LVAD support may also function as a bridge to ventricular recovery, but a sufficient rate of recovery has not been obtained, even with various adjuvant therapies. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment for heart failure, and there is a report of successful weaning off LVAD with CRT. However, some patients with CRT could not improve their cardiac function because of residual dyssynchrony. Herein, we describe a case of a successful bridge to recovery with triple-site pacing for residual dyssynchrony after biventricular pacing. A 34-year-old woman with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy whose condition deteriorat...

Diagnosis of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia. Proposed Modification of the Task Force Criteria.

Circulation — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions-The present modifications of the Task Force Criteria represent a working framework to improve the diagnosis and management of this condition. Clinical Trial Registration-clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00024505. PMID: 20172911 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation)

Updated Meta-Analysis of Septal Alcohol Ablation Versus Myectomy for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:52:04 +0100

Conclusion: SA does seem to show promise in treatment of HOCM owing to similar mortality rates as well as functional status compared with SM; however, the caveat is increased conduction abnormalities and a higher post-intervention LVOTG. The choice of treatment strategy should be made after a thorough discussion of the procedures with the individual patient. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

Reversible Magnetic Resonance Diffusion-Weighted Abnormalities in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:52:04 +0100

A 73-year-old woman presented to the cardiology department with new-onset chest pain after a suffocating cough. Cardiovascular examination, electrocardiogram, and chest X-ray were normal. Troponin was increased to 2.55 μg/l. Echocardiography revealed isolated medioventricular akinesia with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (40%). Coronary angiography revealed no significant lesion. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed akinesia in the mid and apical segments of the left ventricle (LVEF 35%) (A, Online Video 1) with T2-weighted hypersignal (B). First-pass perfusion and delayed-enhancement sequences were normal (C). Electrocardiography-gated, breath-hold single-shot echo-planar diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images obtained with a b-value of 300 s/mm2 in the axia...

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Health status in patients at risk of inherited arrhythmias and sudden unexpected death compared to the general population

BMC Medical Genetics - Latest articles — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: The possibilities in the molecular genetics of long QT syndrome (LQTS) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has made family screening, with diagnostic and predictive genetic testing part of the health care offer in genetic counselling of inherited arrhythmias, potentially affecting the subjective health among these individuals. The study compared health status among patients at risk of arrhythmia because of family history or clinical diagnosis of LQTS and HCM with reference health status scores of the general population. Methods: In the period 2005-2007, 127 patients (mean age 45 years, 53.5% women), with a family history of arrhythmia (n =95) or a clinical diagnosis of LQTS (n = 12) or HCM (n=19) referred for genetic counselling at the medical genetic departments in Norway fi...

Heritable Disease and Sperm Donation--Reply [Letters]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:50:50 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Heritable Disease and Sperm Donation--Reply [Letters]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:50:50 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Heritable Disease and Sperm Donation [Letters]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:50:49 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

Heritable Disease and Sperm Donation [Letters]

JAMA — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:50:49 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

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A Novel Mutation in the SCO2 Gene in a Neonate With Early-Onset Cardioencephalomyopathy

Pediatric Neurology — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:47:00 +0100

Mutations in the SCO2 gene [SCO cytochrome oxidase deficient homolog 2 (yeast)] causing cytochrome c oxidase deficiency have been reported in at least in 26 patients with fatal infantile cardioencephalomyopathy. Mutation 1541G > A affecting protein stability is associated with the majority of cases, and the other 11 described mutations have more serious deleterious structural consequences for the protein product. Reported here is a novel case caused by compound heterozygosity of SCO2. The child presented at the age of 3 weeks with failure-to-thrive, muscular hypotonia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and lactic acidemia. Leigh syndrome was diagnosed based on magnetic resonance imaging findings. Immunohistochemical and enzymatic investigations on muscle indicated totally absent cytochrome c ox...

Metabolic Supplementation with Enhanced External Counterpulsation Improves Myocardial Function in Acquired Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:54:37 +0100

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine)

A case of paradoxical embolization and subsequent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy during general anesthesia

Journal of Anesthesia — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:41:31 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorDOI 10.1007/s00540-010-0893-6Authors Maiko Tomita, Okazaki City Hospital Department of Anesthesia 3-1 Goshoai, Koryuji-cho Okazaki 444-8553 JapanMasatoshi Fukumoto, Okazaki City Hospital Department of Anesthesia 3-1 Goshoai, Koryuji-cho Okazaki 444-8553 JapanTae Kato, Okazaki City Hospital Department of Anesthesia 3-1 Goshoai, Koryuji-cho Okazaki 444-8553 JapanAsuka Kondo, Okazaki City Hospital Department of Anesthesia 3-1 Goshoai, Koryuji-cho Okazaki 444-8553 JapanAkinori Asai, Okazaki City Hospital Department of Anesthesia 3-1 Goshoai, Koryuji-cho Okazaki 444-8553 JapanHajime Arima, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences Department of Anesthesiology and Medical Crisis Management 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuh...

Abnormal In Vivo Myocardial Energy Substrate Uptake in Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Rats.

American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion/interpretation: HFHFS rats display T2D complicated by left ventricular contractile dysfunction with profound reduction in myocardial glucose utilization, activation of fatty acid metabolic pathways, and preserved myocardial oxidative metabolism, suggesting reduced myocardial metabolic efficiency. In this model, increased myocardial fatty acid exposure likely occurs from circulating TG but not from circulating plasma NEFA. PMID: 20159856 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism)

Giant mitochondria in the myocardium of a patient with mitochondrial cardiomyopathy: transmission and 3-dimensional scanning electron microscopy.

Circulation — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kanzaki Y, Terasaki F, Okabe M, Otsuka K, Katashima T, Fujita S, Ito T, Kitaura Y PMID: 20159843 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Circulation)

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Passive Stiffness of Myocardium From Congenital Heart Disease and Implications for Diastole.

Circulation — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions-An elevated end-diastolic pressure in pressure-overloaded, but not volume-overloaded, ventricles was related to increased myocardial stiffness. The greater stiffness of pressure-overloaded compared with volume-overloaded myocardium was due to the higher stiffness of both the extracellular matrix and myocytes. The transition from normal to very-low stiffness myocytes may mark irreversible dilatation. PMID: 20159832 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation)

Ubiquitin Proteasome Dysfunction in Human Hypertrophic and Dilated Cardiomyopathies.

Circulation — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions-Proteasome activity in HCM and failing human hearts is impaired in the absence of changes in proteasome protein content or availability of proteolytic active sites. These data provide strong evidence that posttranslational modifications to the proteasome may account for defective protein degradation in human cardiomyopathies. PMID: 20159828 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation)

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Autonomic Neuroscience — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kimpinski K, Iodice V, Low PA Here we describe a 26-year-old woman who developed peripartum cardiomyopathy characterized by fatigue, poor exercise tolerance, and palpitations. Initial echocardiography showed global left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 40%. Subsequently, the patient developed a resting tachycardia associated with symptomatic postural tachycardia. A diagnosis of Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia was made based on Holter monitoring studies with an average heart rate of 121beat per minute (bpm). Standard autonomic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome. The cardiomyopathy subsequently resolved (ejection fraction 60%, normal left ventricular function). However, both the postural tachycardia and sinus tachycardia persi...

Adipose triglyceride lipase plays a key role in the supply of the working muscle with fatty acids [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:50:12 +0100

In this study, we investigated the effect of moderate treadmill exercise on blood energy metabolites and liver glycogen stores in mice lacking ATGL. Because ATGL-ko mice exhibit massive accumulation of TG in the heart and cardiomyopathy, we also investigated a mouse model lacking ATGL in all tissues except cardiac muscle (ATGL-ko/CM). In contrast to ATGL-ko mice, these mice did not accumulate TG in the heart and had normal life expectancy. Exercise experiments revealed that ATGL-ko and ATGL-ko/CM mice are unable to increase circulating FA levels during exercise. The reduced availability of FA for energy conversion led to rapid depletion of liver glycogen stores and hypoglycemia. Together, our studies suggest that ATGL-ko mice cannot adjust circulating FA levels to the increased energy requ...

Replacement and reactive myocardial fibrosis in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: comparison of magnetic resonance imaging with right ventricular biopsy

European Journal of Heart Failure — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:51:48 +0100

(Source: European Journal of Heart Failure)

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Decreased likelihood of response to cardiac resynchronization in patients with severe heart failure

European Journal of Heart Failure — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:51:48 +0100

Conclusion The results show that non-responder patients have a more advanced stage of the disease, which suggests that CRT should be indicated earlier in the disease process. (Source: European Journal of Heart Failure)

General anaesthetics/flecainide: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a patient with ARVD: case report

Reactions — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:06:03 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Chagas disease as secondary cause of cardiomyopathy.

American Family Physician — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Junnila JL PMID: 20148493 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Family Physician)

Protective action of tetramethylpyrazine phosphate against dilated cardiomyopathy in cTnT(R141W) transgenic mice.

Acta Pharmacologica Sinica — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Our results suggest that TMPP could be a promising drug for prevention and treatment of DCM. PMID: 20154713 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Pharmacologica Sinica)

Mixed infection of Trypanosoma cruzi I and II in a Colombian cardiomyopathic patient

Human Pathology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report for the first time a mixed infection consisting of both T cruzi I and T cruzi II detected in the esophagus and in the heart, respectively, of a cardiomyopathic patient from an endemic area in Santander, Colombia. This finding has epidemiological relevance related to the association of T cruzi II with the clinical manifestations of Chagas disease and its frequency in Colombia and countries in northern South America. (Source: Human Pathology)

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Takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimicking acute high lateral myocardial infarction.

Anadolu Kardiyol Der... — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:58:03 +0100

Authors: Biteker M, Ekşi Duran N, Gökdeniz T, Gündüz S, Güler A, Kaya H, Yıldız M, Ozkan M PMID: 20149992 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Anadolu Kardiyol Der...)

Electrocardiographic amplitudes: a new risk factor for sudden death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

European Heart Journal — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:06:03 +0100

Conclusion Twelve-lead ECG is a powerful instrument for risk-stratification in HCM. (Source: European Heart Journal)

Identification of a new lamin A/C mutation in a chinese family affected with atrioventricular block as the prominent phenotype

Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology -- Medical Sciences -- — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:41:11 +0100

This study suggests that progressive AVB with normal QRS interval and accompanying DCM at later stages may represent a distinct type of DCM. The molecular mechanism by which the E82K mutation causes AVB as the prominent phenotype in DCM may be a focus of future studies. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11596-010-0119-zAuthors Xiaoyan Wu, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Department of Pediatrics Wuhan 430022 ChinaQing K. Wang, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Center for Human Genome Research and College of Life Science and Technology Wuhan 430074 ChinaLe Gui, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Human Genome Research Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College Wuhan 430022 ChinaMugen Liu, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Cent...

Differences and similarities between arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and athlete's heart adaptations

British Journal of Sports Medicine — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:29:26 +0100

Conclusions An accurate clinical and instrumental non-invasive evaluation including echocardiography as imaging technique allows to distinguish RV alterations typical of ARVC from those detected in athletes as a consequence of intensive physical activity. (Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine)

Cardiac findings in leptospirosis

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:25:41 +0100

Conclusions There is definite cardiac involvement in leptospirosis, which even though not symptomatically evident, may add to the morbidity or be contributory to the mortality associated with the disease. In addition, a possibility of dilated cardiomyopathy as a delayed consequence of severe myocarditis remains, and may need evaluation. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

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Quantitation of the thickness of the non-enhanced myocardial rim predicts recovery of territorial myocardial function in chronic ischemic heart disease: a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study

Clinical Research in Cardiology — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:08:08 +0100

Conclusion RIM may be a useful marker for predicting territorial functional recovery after revascularization in patients with chronic ICM. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00392-010-0117-yAuthors Tienush Rassaf, University Hospital Aachen Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Diseases, Department of Medicine Aachen GermanyJohannes Nolte, University Hospital Aachen Division of Cardiology, Pulmonology and Vascular Diseases, Department of Medicine Aachen GermanyNicole Heussen, Department of Medical Statistics Aachen GermanyGaby A. Krombach, Clinic for Radiological Diagnostics Pauwelsstr. 30 52074 Aachen GermanyRolf W. Günther, Clinic for Radiological Diagnostics Pauwelsstr. 30 52074 Aachen GermanyMalte Kelm, University Hospital A...

Semi-automatic quantification of 4D left ventricular blood flow

BioMed Central — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This semi-automatic analysis approach for the quantification of 4D blood flow resulted in accurate LV inflow and outflow volumes and a high reproducibility for the assessment of LV flow components. (Source: BioMed Central)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is Common and Independently Associated with Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Chest — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: OSA is highly prevalent in patients with HCM and it is associated with left atrial and aortic enlargement. OSA is independently associated with AF, a risk factor for cardiovascular death in this population. PMID: 20154076 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Chest)

The mouse mutation "thrombocytopenia and cardiomyopathy" (trac) disrupts Abcg5: a spontaneous single gene model for human hereditary phytosterolemia/sitosterolemia

Blood — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:01:45 +0100

The spontaneous mouse mutation "thrombocytopenia and cardiomyopathy" (trac) causes macrothrombocytopenia, prolonged bleeding times, anemia, leukopenia, infertility, cardiomyopathy, and shortened life span. Homozygotes show a 20-fold decrease in platelet numbers and a 3-fold increase in platelet size with structural alterations and functional impairments in activation and aggregation. Megakaryocytes in trac/trac mice are present in increased numbers, have poorly developed demarcation membrane systems, and have decreased polyploidy. The thrombocytopenia is not intrinsic to defects at the level of hematopoietic progenitor cells but is associated with a microenvironmental abnormality. The trac mutation maps to mouse chromosome 17, syntenic with human chromosome 2p21-22. A G to A mutation in ex...

The risk of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia after percutaneous alcohol septal ablation in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Clinical Research in Cardiology — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:47:43 +0100

Conclusion Alcohol septal ablation affected neither the percentage of Holter recordings with nsVT nor the number of nsVT episodes per Holter recording among HOCM patients. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00392-010-0116-zAuthors Mariusz Klopotowski, Institute of Cardiology 1st Department of Coronary Artery Disease and 2nd Catheterization Laboratory Alpejska 42 04-628 Warsaw PolandLidia Chojnowska, Institute of Cardiology 1st Department of Coronary Artery Disease and 2nd Catheterization Laboratory Alpejska 42 04-628 Warsaw PolandLukasz A. Malek, Institute of Cardiology 1st Department of Coronary Artery Disease and 2nd Catheterization Laboratory Alpejska 42 04-628 Warsaw PolandRenata Maczynska, Institute of Cardiology 1st Department of Coro...

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Massive Intra-Atrial Thrombosis in an 11-Year-Old Child With Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Pediatric Cardiology — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:47:16 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Images in Pediatric CardiologyDOI 10.1007/s00246-010-9657-1Authors Iyad A. Al-Ammouri, University of Jordan Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics Amman 11942 Jordan Journal Pediatric CardiologyOnline ISSN 1432-1971Print ISSN 0172-0643 (Source: Pediatric Cardiology)

Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Contribute to Fibrosis in the Chronically Failing Heart.

The American Journal of Pathology — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chu PY, Mariani J, Finch S, McMullen JR, Sadoshima J, Marshall T, Kaye DM Cardiac fibrosis contributes significantly to the phenotype of the chronically failing heart. It is not clear whether in this setting the fibrosis is contributed by native cardiac fibroblasts or alternatively by recruitment of cells arising from the bone marrow. We aimed to determine the contribution of bone marrow-derived cells to cardiac fibrosis in the failing heart and to investigate potentially contributing cytokines. Bone marrow-derived fibrocyte recruitment to the failing heart was studied in a transgenic (Mst1 mice) model of dilated cardiomyopathy. In conjunction, we examined the role of stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), a key chemoattractant, by assessing myocardial expression and secretion by c...

CB1 cannabinoid receptors promote oxidative stress and cell death in murine models of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy and in human cardiomyocytes

Cardiovascular Research — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:28:21 +0100

Conclusion CB1 activation in cardiomyocytes may amplify the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species-MAPK activation-cell death pathway in pathological conditions when the endocannabinoid synthetic or metabolic pathways are dysregulated by excessive inflammation and/or oxidative/nitrosative stress, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of various cardiovascular diseases. (Source: Cardiovascular Research)

Hospital-based initiative helps close age-related gaps in care for stroke patients

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Gaps in care and outcomes between older and younger ischemic stroke patients are diminishing as hospitals improve adherence to treatments outlined in the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's Get With the Guidelines–Stroke initiative, according to a new UCLA study. The study was published online Feb. 8 in Circulation, the Journal of the American Heart Association, in advance of the journal's Feb. 23 print edition. "The burden of ischemic stroke is disproportionately borne by older patients, who have a greater incidence and prevalence of this common stroke type than younger individuals," said lead study author Dr. Gregg Fonarow, UCLA's Eliot Corday Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Science and director of the Ahmanson–UCLA Cardiomyopathy C...