Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 1995
Comparative StudyHigh prevalence of atrial fibrosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
We examined the extent of fibrotic changes in the left atrium of cardiomyopathic human hearts and investigated the relation of mechanical overload caused by left ventricular dysfunction to fibrosis of the left atrium. ⋯ There was a high degree of fibrotic change in the left atrium in the groups with dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mimicking dilated cardiomyopathy. Our findings suggest that atrial fibrosis in these patients may not have been related to mechanical overload of the left atrium but to some other, still unknown mechanisms.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 1995
High risk of thromboemboli early after bioprosthetic cardiac valve replacement.
We studied the rate of thromboembolism in patients undergoing bioprosthetic replacement of the aortic or mitral valve, or both, at serial intervals after operation and the effects of anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment and risk factors. ⋯ Thromboembolic risk was especially high for aortic and mitral valve replacement for 90 days after operation, and overall was increased with lack of anticoagulation, mitral valve location, previous thromboembolism and increasing age. Anticoagulation reduced thromboemboli and appears to be indicated in all patients as early as possible for 3 months and thereafter in those with risk factors, but needs prospective testing.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Apr 1995
Flecainide and amiodarone: combined therapy for refractory tachyarrhythmias in infancy.
This study assessed the safety and efficacy of combined flecainide and amiodarone therapy in controlling refractory tachyarrhythmias in infants. ⋯ Combination therapy with flecainide and amiodarone appears to be safe and effective in controlling refractory tachyarrhythmias in infants. The combination of flecainide and amiodarone may obviate the need for early interventional therapy or may allow delay until the child is older.