International journal of cardiology
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Letter Case Reports
Biventricular involvement in transient apical ballooning syndrome.
Transient apical ballooning syndrome (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy) is an acute cardiac syndrome mimicking ST-elevation myocardial infarction. It is characterized by ventricular wall motion abnormalities confined to the apical regions of the left ventricle. ⋯ Cardiac catheterisation disclosed minimal atherosclerotic changes of the coronary arteries. Both symptoms and echocardiographic findings resolved completely within one week.
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Mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) achieved by endovascular cooling has emerged as a new treatment strategy to reduce hypoxic brain injury after cardiac arrest (CA). It remains to be established how the time interval between CA and MTH impacts the neurologic outcome. We hypothesized that a more rapid achievement of MTH (time to target temperature [TTT], time to coldest temperature [TCT]) improves the outcome after CA. ⋯ Early achievement of MTH by endovascular cooling appears to reduce hypoxic brain injury and to favour a good neurologic outcome after CA.
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Stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an uncommon disorder characterized by apical ballooning. The etiology and pathophysiology of this syndrome has not been fully evaluated. This case series examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 10 patients with confirmed stress-induced cardiomyopathy. ⋯ Stress-induced cardiomyopathy is a clinical spectrum which can present with a classical "Takotsubo" or "inverted Takotsubo" pattern. Presentation is varied but characterized by recovery to normal cardiac systolic function. Study of this syndrome may enhance further understanding of the "brain-heart" relationship.
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Preoperative risk analysis for Fontan candidates is still less than optimal in that patients with apparently low risks may have a poor outcome, such as prolonged pleural drainage, protein-losing enteropathy, pulmonary thromboembolism and death. We hypothesized that low pulmonary vascular compliance (PVC) is a risk factor for persistent pleural effusion after the Fontan operation. ⋯ Low pulmonary vascular compliance is an important risk factor for prolonged pleural effusion drainage after the extracardiac Fontan procedure.
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Letter Case Reports
Asymptomatic double site of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction: subvalvular aortic stenosis associated with valvular aortic stenosis.
Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction can occur at the supravalvular, valvular, or subvalvular level. Each level of obstruction is associated with distinct symptomatology, natural history, and operative approach. We describe a case of asymptomatic double site of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction: subvalvular aortic stenosis associated with valvular aortic stenosis.