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Restrictive cardiomyopathiesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
constitute a heterogenous group of heart muscle conditions that all have, in common, the symptoms of heart failure. Diastolic dysfunction with preserved systolic function is often the only echocardiographic abnormality that may be noted, although systolic dysfunction may also be an integral part of some specific pathologies, particularly in the most advanced cases such as amyloid infiltration of the heart. By far, the majority of restrictive cardiomyopathies are secondary to a systemic disorder such as amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, haemochromatosis, eosinophilic heart disease, or as a result of radiation treatmen...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Nihoyannopoulos, P., Dawson, D. Tags: BRITISH SOCIETY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AUTUMN SUPPLEMENT 2009 Source Type: journals

The role of echocardiography in guiding management in dilated cardiomyopathyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
This article therefore explores the pivotal role of echocardiography in the evaluation and management of patients with DCM. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Thomas, D. E., Wheeler, R., Yousef, Z. R., Masani, N. D. Tags: BRITISH SOCIETY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AUTUMN SUPPLEMENT 2009 Source Type: journals

Critical Decisions in Emergency and Acute Care Electrocardiography. By William J. Brady and Jonathon D. TruwitEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Van Belle, Y. Tags: BOOK REVIEWS Source Type: journals

Making sense of echocardiography: a hands-on guide. By Andrew HoughtonEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Soliman, O. I. Tags: BOOK REVIEWS Source Type: journals

Nutcracker syndromeEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Natale, F., Granato, C., Aronne, L., Di Marco, G. M., Lo Priore, E., Mocerino, R., Cirillo, C., Calabro, P., Golino, P., Russo, M. G., Calabro, R. Tags: VASCULAR ECHO VIGNETTE Source Type: journals

Huge cardiac cyst hydatid causing cardiac symptoms and electrocardiographic changesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Here we present a huge cardiac cyst hydatid case with wonderful echocardiographic and computed tomographic images, causing cardiac symptoms and electrocardiographic changes. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Yuksel, S., Gulel, O., Elmali, M., Kale, A., Sahin, M. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Massive intraventricular thrombi in a previously healthy 43-year-old maleEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report a case of 43-year-old previously healthy male admitted to our hospital with symptoms of heart failure. Two-dimensional echocardiography demonstrated a previously undiagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy and massive left intraventricular thrombi. Because patient did not give consent for surgical thrombectomy, thrombolytic treatment with streptokinase was introduced. In the further course of hospitalization, ischaemic stroke was diagnosed despite the resolution of intracardiac thrombi observed on serial control echocardiography. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Szymczyk, E., Lipiec, P., Kasprzak, J. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Transthoracic echocardiography after heart surgery: could pleural view be of some help?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The pericardial effusion localized on the upper portion of the right atrium is a classical complication of the post-operative heart surgery setting. This issue is most likely not visualized by transthoracic echocardiography and needs the transoesophageal approach. The present case reports a situation where an associated bilateral pleural effusion permitted a new view of the heart which has been helpful to confirm the diagnosis of tamponade and to re-transfer the patient to the operative room. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Schutz, N., Bendjelid, K. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Tissue Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance in primary cardiac amyloidosisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A 64-year-old female presented with biventricular heart failure. Echocardiography revealed features suggestive of amyloidosis, including segmental impairment of longitudinal strain (rate) in the septal and anterior segments, which matched delayed gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance. Guided endomyocardial biopsy confirmed the presence of perivascular amyloid deposits. Tissue Doppler and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance may be helpful in delineating cardiac amyloidosis. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Smedema, J.-P., James, R. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography in a patient undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair using the edge-to-edge clip techniqueEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report a case of percutaneous mitral valve repair, using the Mitraclip device, in which we show that application of real-time three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) is extremely helpful for the guidance of this procedure. Because of its excellent visualization capacities, 3D-TEE simplifies the transseptal puncture, the positioning of the clip above the mitral valve orifice, the grasping of the mitral valve leaflets, and the evaluation of the final result. Therefore, we conclude that 3D-TEE has the potential to increase the safety and efficacy of this new technique to treat mitral regurgitation in p...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Swaans, M.J., Van den Branden, B.J.L., Van der Heyden, J.A.S., Post, M.C., Rensing, B.J.W.M., Eefting, F.D., Plokker, H.W.M., Jaarsma, W. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Usefulness of 3D transoesophageal echocardiography for guiding wires and closure devices in mitral perivalvular leaksEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Sixty-three-year-old male patient. Previous history of rheumatic valvular disease. He underwent multiple mitral and aortic valve replacements. Nowadays, he presents a periprosthetic mitral leak. He underwent a leak closure by using a percutaneous approach. During the procedure, the superiority of 3D TEE over 2D TEE was confirmed for wires and device positioning, excluding interference with the prosthesis discs and evaluating the residual periprosthetic regurgitation. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Becerra, J. M., Almeria, C., de Isla, L. P., Zamorano, J. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Echocardiographic assessment of a cardiac lymphoma: beyond two-dimensional imagingEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We present a case of secondary cardiac lymphoma in an HIV patient presenting with heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography showed increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and an extensive mass in the right cavities with involvement of the tricuspid annulus (Figure 1). Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) showed reduced systolic and diastolic velocities at mitral and tricuspid annulus, compatible with systolic and diastolic myocardial dysfunction, likely owing to infiltration. After 2 weeks of chemotherapy, repeated exam showed significant reduction of the tumour mass and of the LV wall thickness, as well as normalized s...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Gaspar, A., Salome, N., Nabais, S., Brandao, A., Simoes, A., Portela, C., Salgado, A., Pereira, A., Correia, A. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Late gadolinium enhancement-cardiovascular magnetic resonance identifies coronary artery disease as the aetiology of left ventricular dysfunction in acute new-onset congestive heart failureEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion In patients with new-onset HF and LVSD for whom there are no clinical and exploratory data suggestive of ischaemic heart disease, CMR with LGE is an excellent means of ruling out significant CAD and is a valid alternative to angiography. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Valle-Munoz, A., Estornell-Erill, J., Soriano-Navarro, C. J., Nadal-Barange, M., Martinez-Alzamora, N., Pomar-Domingo, F., Corbi-Pascual, M., Paya-Serrano, R., Ridocci-Soriano, F. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Three-dimensional echocardiographic assessments of exercise-induced changes in left ventricular shape and dyssynchrony in patients with dynamic functional mitral regurgitationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Dynamic MR during exercise is related to the 3D changes in LV shape and in LV synchronicity. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Izumo, M., Lancellotti, P., Suzuki, K., Kou, S., Shimozato, T., Hayashi, A., Akashi, Y. J., Osada, N., Omiya, K., Nobuoka, S., Ohtaki, E., Miyake, F. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Analysis of regional wall motion during contrast-enhanced dobutamine stress echocardiography: effect of contrast imaging settingsEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Myocardial contrast perfusion echocardiography provides equal endocardial border delineation compared with LVO modality. Although the inter-observer agreement is slightly higher with LVO compared with MCE, it is not significantly different with MCE at peak stress. Despite the similar improvement in endocardial border delineation, LVO settings allow the detection of more WMA than MCE at peak stress, leading to a significantly higher accuracy for the detection of ischaemia in patients suspected of coronary artery disease when only wall motion is taken into account. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Cosyns, B., Van Camp, G., Droogmans, S., Weytjens, C., Schoors, D., Lancellotti, P. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Biventricular and atrial diastolic function assessment using conventional echocardiography and tissue-Doppler imaging in adults with Marfan syndromeEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion This study demonstrated significant biventricular diastolic and biatrial systolic and diastolic dysfunction in MFS patients. Our findings suggest that MFS affects diastolic function independently. Diastolic abnormalities could be attributed to fibrillin-1 deficiency and dysregulation of transforming growth factor-β activity in the cardiac extracellular matrix. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Kiotsekoglou, A., Moggridge, J. C., Bijnens, B. H., Kapetanakis, V., Alpendurada, F., Mullen, M. J., Saha, S., Nassiri, D. K., Camm, J., Sutherland, G. R., Child, A. H. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Gender differences in systolic tissue velocity: role of left ventricular lengthEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion In controls, systolic tissue velocities are significantly higher in males compared with females, which may be explained by the increased chamber size of men. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Holland, D. J., Sharman, J. E., Leano, R. L., Marwick, T. H. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Improved prediction of outcome by contrast echocardiography determined left ventricular remodelling parameters compared to unenhanced echocardiography in patients following acute myocardial infarctionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Contrast echocardiography provided improved prediction of outcome compared with unenhanced echocardiography following AMI. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dwivedi, G., Janardhanan, R., Hayat, S. A., Lim, T. K., Senior, R. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic diabetic patients assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography: correlation with diabetic durationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion In addition to diastolic dysfunction, subclinical LV longitudinal dysfunction is preferentially and frequently observed in asymptomatic diabetes patients with normal LVEF. The decrease in LS correlated with duration of diabetes. 2DSTE has the potential for detecting subclinical LV systolic dysfunction and might provide useful information of the risk stratification in an asymptomatic diabetic population. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Nakai, H., Takeuchi, M., Nishikage, T., Lang, R. M., Otsuji, Y. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Rapid method for intraoperative assessment of aortic coarctation using three-dimensional echocardiographyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Intraoperative 3D echography is a feasible non-invasive imaging modality for intraoperative assessment of CoA and its repair, which provides useful additional information. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Scohy, T. V., du Plessis, F., McGhie, J., de Jong, P. L., Bogers, A. J.J.C. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Influence of afterload on left ventricular radial and longitudinal systolic functions: a two-dimensional strain imaging studyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion 2D-S shows a different response in longitudinal and radial functions to increased afterload. Longitudinal function is early impaired, whereas radial function remains preserved. This finding justifies the combined assessment of both radial and longitudinal regional myocardial functions to characterize myocardial dysfunction and might help to better identify the transition to heart failure in pressure-overload cardiomyopathy. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Donal, E., Bergerot, C., Thibault, H., Ernande, L., Loufoua, J., Augeul, L., Ovize, M., Derumeaux, G. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Effect of intraventricular dyssynchrony on diastolic function and exercise tolerance in patients with heart failureEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Intraventricular dyssynchrony correlates with higher LV filling pressure and lower ejection fraction and it is an independent predictor of poor aerobic capacity; it may be helpful for functional evaluation of CHF patients. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Ciampi, Q., Petruzziello, B., Porta, M. D., Caputo, S., Manganiello, V., Astarita, C., Villari, B. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Changes to EAE laboratory accreditationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Ray, S., Fox, K. Tags: LETTER TO THE EDITOR Source Type: journals

European Association of Echocardiography recommendations for training, competence, and quality improvement in echocardiographyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The main mission statement of the European Association of Echocardiography (EAE) is ‘to promote excellence in clinical diagnosis, research, technical development, and education in cardiovascular ultrasound in Europe’. As competence and quality control issues are increasingly recognized by patients, physicians, and payers, the EAE has established recommendations for training, competence, and quality improvement in echocardiography. The purpose of this document is to provide the requirements for training and competence in echocardiography, to outline the principles of quality measurement, and to recommend a set o...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Popescu, B. A., Andrade, M. J., Badano, L. P., Fox, K. F., Flachskampf, F. A., Lancellotti, P., Varga, A., Sicari, R., Evangelista, A., Nihoyannopoulos, P., Zamorano, J. L., on behalf of the European Association of Echocardiography, Document Reviewers, De Tags: EAE RECOMMENDATIONS Source Type: journals

Echocardiography in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosis, prognosis, and role in managementEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is diagnosed on the basis of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy for which there is insufficient explanation (e.g. mild hypertension or mild aortic stenosis with marked hypertrophy). Echocardiography is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with HCM. Echocardiographic assessment requires a comprehensive assessment in several imaging planes with careful attention to correct beam alignment in order to minimize errors in the measurement of LV wall thickness and appropriate identification of hypertrophy with an unusual distribution. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Williams, L.K., Frenneaux, M.P., Steeds, R.P. Tags: BRITISH SOCIETY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AUTUMN SUPPLEMENT 2009 Source Type: journals

Anatomy and myoarchitecture of the left ventricular wall in normal and in diseaseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
The normal left ventricle comprises an inlet, apical trabecular, and an outlet portion although these portions do not have discrete anatomical borders. The ventricular wall is thickest near the cardiac base and thins to 1–2 mm at the apex. Characteristically, the muscle bundles at the apical portion are thin, but there are also thicker bundles and very fine strands that may be mistaken on imaging as pathologies. Transmurally through the ventricular wall, the myoarchitecture has a typical arrangement of myocardial strands that change orientation from being oblique in the subepicardium to circumferential in the middle ...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Ho, S. Y. Tags: BRITISH SOCIETY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AUTUMN SUPPLEMENT 2009 Source Type: journals

Preface * BSE Autumn Supplement 2009Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - November 4, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Steeds, R. Tags: BRITISH SOCIETY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY AUTUMN SUPPLEMENT 2009 Source Type: journals

Large response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in a patient with segmental paradoxical systolic expansion identified by strain imagingEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
An 84-year-old man with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) based on the presence of drug-refractory heart failure, depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (25%), and wide QRS complex (160 ms). Longitudinal tissue velocity revealed no significant dyssynchrony (23 ms in Yu index and 35 ms in opposing wall delay). However, longitudinal tissue Doppler strain revealed unique appearances in apical four-chamber and long-axis views. The anterior and inferior septum at basal and mid-levels had reversed strain (becoming positive), indicating paradoxical systolic expansion. Ejection fr...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Tanaka, H., Kawai, H., Tatsumi, K., Kataoka, T., Onishi, T., Yoshida, A., Hirata, K.-i. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

A surprise behind the darkEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Standard ultrasound has a poor accuracy in the detection of carotid plaque surface irregularities and ulcers, which are features of vulnerable lesions. Sonographic contrast agents can improve vessel wall lumen definition, thus potentially overcoming this limitation. Recent studies also suggest that contrast ultrasound can be used to study intraplaque neovascularizaion, a potential marker of high-risk lesions. This case represents a striking example of the added value of contrast ultrasound to improve diagnostic accuracy of vascular studies, particularly in the detection of plaque surface irregularities and plaque neovascul...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Magnoni, M., Coli, S., Cianflone, D. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

The role of intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of a rare multiple fibroelastoma of aortic valve: a case report and review of literatureEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report a case with multiple valve papillary fibroelastoma which was identified only by intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography. The patient complained of atypical chest pains. She was affected by coronary artery disease and had previously had a myocardial infarct. This finding dictated a change in the operative approach. The aortic valve resection was performed in addition to coronary revascularization. If the intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography was not performed, our patient would have had just coronary artery bypass graft surgery, probably without solving the symptoms. Furthermore, in future she ...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Truscelli, G., Torromeo, C., Miraldi, F., Vittori, C., Silenzi, P. F., Caso, A., Gallo, P., Gaudio, C., Tritapepe, L. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Dynamic left ventricular dyssynchrony: a potential cause of no contractile reserve in patients with low-gradient aortic stenosisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report the case of a patient who presented AS associated with left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. A DSE was performed, which showed no contractile reserve but an increase in LV dyssynchrony. In this patient, the reduced aortic valve area was probably because of the association of inadequate forward stroke volume due to ischaemic cardiomyopathy and fixed severe AS. The cause of LV dysfunction may include a certain degree of intrinsic myocardial dysfunction due to ischaemic cardiomyopathy and afterload mismatch associated with dynamic LV dyssynchrony, which could be a determinant of forward stroke volume response. (Source...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Lancellotti, P., Szymanski, C., Moonen, M., Garweg, C., O'Connor, K., Tribouilloy, C., Pierard, L. A. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum: report of two cases where histological examination and surgical intervention were unavoidableEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
In this report, we describe two cases of LHIS where cardiac surgical intervention was indispensable: in the first patient, due to the presence of an additional left atrial tumour found out as mixoma and in the second, to relief a superior vena cava obstruction together with bypass grafts for severe coronary artery disease. Histological samples of the interatrial septal lesion were obtained in both cases either because of uncertainty of the diagnosis (Case 1) or to confirm the diagnosis (Case 2). (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Cale, R., Andrade, M. J., Canada, M., Hernandez-Estefania, R., Lima, S., Abecasis, M., Vitorino, E., Gouveia, R., Gouveia, R., Silva, J. A. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of inferior vena caval thrombosisEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We present two cases of IVCT that was incidentally discovered during a routine two-dimensional echocardiography. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) assessment of IVCT added more valuable information that may help in its management. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report using RT3DE in the assessment of IVCT. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Anwar, A. M., Nosir, Y. F.M., Chamsi-Pasha, H. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Left atrial size: a structural expression of abnormal left ventricular segmental relaxation evaluated by strain echocardiographyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion LA size constitutes a morphological expression of abnormal segmental relaxation, with volume-derived indexes of LA enlargement, exhibiting higher correlation with segmental DD compared to the respective 1D indexes, and LAV/BSA to be an independent predictor of segmental DD in hypertensive heart disease. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Pavlopoulos, H., Nihoyannopoulos, P. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Quantitative contrast stress echocardiography in assessment of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention in stable coronary artery diseaseEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Quantitative CSE has the potential to detect angiographically significant coronary artery stenoses as well as angiographic success after PCI. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00354081. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Lonnebakken, M. T., Staal, E. M., Bleie, O., Strand, E., Nygard, O. K., Gerdts, E. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

The shape of the aortic outflow velocity profile revisited: is there a relation between its asymmetry and ventricular function in coronary artery disease?Email this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Decreased myocardial function results in a more symmetrical outflow, while very asymmetrical traces suggest increased contractility, potentially inducing intra-cavity gradients during DSE. Therefore, including outflow symmetry as a clinical measurement provides additional information on patients with CAD. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Cikes, M., Kalinic, H., Baltabaeva, A., Loncaric, S., Parsai, C., Milicic, D., Cikes, I., Sutherland, G., Bijnens, B. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Tissue Doppler imaging must be performed to detect early left ventricular dysfunction in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitusEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion TDI is a more accurate and powerful method than PW or M-mode in determination of early cardiac involvement related to type 1 DM even in the subclinical phase as well as hereditary cardiomyopathies. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Gul, K., Celebi, A. S., Kacmaz, F., Ozcan, O. C., Ustun, I., Berker, D., Aydin, Y., Delibasi, T., Guler, S., Barazi, A. O. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Left atrial function and deformation in chronic primary mitral regurgitationEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion LA deformation is increased in all phases in MR. Unchanged LA EF and reduced A' may reflect the reduced contractile contribution to left ventricular filling. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Borg, A. N., Pearce, K. A., Williams, S. G., Ray, S. G. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Non-invasive assessment of left ventricular relaxation during atrial fibrillation using mitral flow propagation velocityEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion The non-invasively obtained Vp evaluates LV relaxation even during AF regardless of ventricular rhythm or the presence of pathological changes. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Asada-Kamiguchi, J., Tabata, T., Popovic, Z. B., Greenberg, N. L., Kim, Y. J., Garcia, M. J., Wallick, D. W., Mowrey, K. A., Zhuang, S., Zhang, Y., Mazgalev, T. N., Thomas, J. D., Grimm, R. A. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Quantitative myocardial contrast echocardiography during pharmacological stress for diagnosis of coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studiesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Evidence supports the use of quantitative MCE as a non-invasive test for detection of CAD. Standardizing MCE quantification analysis and adherence to reporting standards for diagnostic tests could enhance the quality of evidence in this field. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Abdelmoneim, S. S., Dhoble, A., Bernier, M., Erwin, P. J., Korosoglou, G., Senior, R., Moir, S., Kowatsch, I., Xian-Hong, S., Muro, T., Dawson, D., Vogel, R., Wei, K., West, C. P., Montori, V. M., Pellikka, P. A., Abdel-Kader, S. S., Mulvagh, S. L. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

President's letterEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
(Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - October 12, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Zamorano, P. Tags: EDITORIAL Source Type: journals

Direct visualization of septal perforator coronary arterial blood flow during perflutren microsphere contrast echocardiographyEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A 62-year-old female with supraventricular tachycardia underwent a contrast echocardiogram to assess left ventricular structure and function due to sub-optimal images on conventional imaging. Multi-pulse, phase inversion, low mechanical index imaging was used (left ventricular opacification), combined with bolus dosing of a perflutren microsphere (Definity®). In the parasternal short-axis view, during contrast imaging, flow within a septal coronary artery could be directly visualized. The corresponding coronary angiogram demonstrated prominent septal perforators arising from the LAD artery. By exploiting the non-linear...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - August 10, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Platts, D., West, C., Boga, T., Hamilton-Craig, C., Burstow, D. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Mitral valve endocarditis caused by ulcerative colitis followed by septic embolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric arteryEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report on a young woman, who initially presented with fever, elevated inflammatory markers, and symptoms of ulcerative pancolitis but without any cardiac co-morbidity. A few days after total colectomy, the patient complained of acute abdominal pain which led to the suspected diagnosis of mesenteric ischaemia caused by a septic embolus. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography showed a large vegetation on the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The patient was successfully treated by an operative approach including mitral valve replacement. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - August 10, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Eickhoff, P., Fazekas, T., Attarbaschi, A., Binder, T. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Balloon-shaped cystic subaortic membraneEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
A 22-year-old man with a 4 month history of dyspnoea on exertion was referred for echocardiography. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a balloon-shaped cystic mass (2 x 2 cm) attached to the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). Continuous-wave Doppler echocardiography showed a 44 mmHg mean LVOT gradient. The patient underwent transoesophageal echocardiography for detailed echocardiographic examination of LVOT and aortic valve. Transoesophageal echocardiography revealed a balloon-shaped cystic mass originating from the LVOT at the aorto-mitral communication. In the operating theatre, a cystic ballooning subaortic mem...
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - August 10, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Aghasadeghi, K., Aslani, A., Amirghofran, A. A. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Double-orifice mitral valve associated with bicuspid aortic valve: a rare case of incomplete form of Shone's complexEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
We report a rare case of incomplete form of Shone's complex composed of a complete bridge-type DOMV and bicuspid aortic valve, well demonstrated by both transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - August 10, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Erkol, A., Karagoz, A., Ozkan, A., Koca, F., Yilmaz, F., Sonmez, K., Kaymaz, C. Tags: CASE REPORTS Source Type: journals

Left ventricular torsion and strain patterns in heart failure with normal ejection fraction are similar to age-related changesEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Ageing is associated with increased LV torsion secondary to reduced rotational deformation delay and increased peak basal rotation. LV torsion and strain patterns in patients with HfnEF are similar to age-related changes apart from circumferential strain, which is enhanced in patients with HfnEF. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - August 10, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Phan, T. T., Shivu, G. N., Abozguia, K., Gnanadevan, M., Ahmed, I., Frenneaux, M. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Right ventricle three-dimensional echography in corrected tetralogy of fallot: accuracy and variabilityEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Three-dimensional echocardiography combined to semi-automated quantification software shows fair agreement with MRI for RV volumes and EF measurement in patients with repaired ToF and adequate intra- and interobserver variability. These results suggest applicability for serial follow-up of patients with right heart congenital disease. However, the accuracy of 3DE echo diminishes with larger RV volumes, in part due to current difficulty to include the entire RV in the imaged sector. Technical progress in transducers beam geometry is likely to address this issue. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - August 10, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Iriart, X., Montaudon, M., Lafitte, S., Chabaneix, J., Reant, P., Balbach, T., Houle, H., Laurent, F., Thambo, J.-B. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Left ventricular dyssynchrony from right ventricular pacing depends on intraventricular conduction pattern in intrinsic rhythmEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion RVP worsens mechanical ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with reduced EF. These effects are most pronounced in patients with either normal QRS width or LBBB during intrinsic rhythm. In contrast, patients with an RBBB during intrinsic rhythm without RVP evidenced a better preserved haemodynamic function and mechanical synchrony with RVP, despite a comparable extent of pacing-induced QRS prolongation. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - August 10, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Schmidt, M., Rittger, H., Marschang, H., Sinha, A.-M., Daccarett, M., Brachmann, J., Block, M., Breithardt, O. A. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Overnight sleeping induced daily repetitive left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnoea: quantitative assessment using tissue Doppler imagingEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion Overnight sleeping in OSA patients is associated with the development of subclinical systolic dysfunction and exaggerated diastolic dysfunction. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - August 10, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Haruki, N., Takeuchi, M., Nakai, H., Kanazawa, Y., Tsubota, N., Shintome, R., Lang, R. M., Otsuji, Y. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals

Association between troponin T and impaired left ventricular relaxation in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with preserved systolic functionEmail this article to a colleague. Save this article to My Clippings. Discuss or comment on this article.
Conclusion In patients with HF with preserved LV ejection fraction, cTnT is strongly associated with the extent of LV relaxation abnormalities and LV mass. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)
Source: European Journal of Echocardiography - August 10, 2009 Category: Cardiology Authors: Shah, R. V., Chen-Tournoux, A. A., Picard, M. H., Januzzi, J. L. Tags: CLINICAL/ORIGINAL PAPERS Source Type: journals