Journal of cardiovascular medicine
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Sep 2010
Comparative StudyAortic root surgery in Marfan syndrome: Bentall procedure with the composite mechanical valved conduit versus aortic valve reimplantation with Valsalva graft.
The aim of the study is to compare mid-term results of Bentall aortic root replacement with composite mechanical valved conduit and aortic valve reimplantation procedure using the Valsalva graft for the treatment of aortic root aneurysm in patients with Marfan syndrome. ⋯ In Marfan patients, the Bentall procedure is associated with excellent mid-term outcome. The reimplantation technique, adopted for less dilated aortas, provides similarly satisfactory results. The Valsalva graft seems, with time, to allow a stable aortic valve function.
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Sep 2010
Clinical TrialAcute effects of levosimendan on mitral regurgitation and diastolic function in patients with advanced chronic heart failure.
We analyzed the inodilator properties of levosimendan in patients with chronic heart failure and severe functional mitral regurgitation. ⋯ In patients with chronic heart failure and functional mitral regurgitation, levosimendan acutely improved systolic and diastolic function, reduced mitral regurgitation and modulated neurohormonal activation, with a tendency for these changes to persist over a short-term follow-up.
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J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) · Aug 2010
ReviewManagement of pericardial diseases during pregnancy.
Relatively few data have been published on the management of pericardial diseases during pregnancy. Pericardial involvement is sporadic during pregnancy, and pregnant women do not show any specific predisposition to pericardial diseases. The more common form of pericardial involvement is hydropericardium, usually as a benign mild effusion recorded in about 40% of pregnant women by the third trimester, followed by pericarditis as the more common disease requiring medical therapy. ⋯ Low-medium doses of prednisone are allowed during all pregnancy and breastfeeding. Colchicine is generally contraindicated during pregnancy, except in women with familial Mediterranean fever. These pregnancies should be followed by a dedicated multidisciplinary teams.