Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Dec 2006
Comparative StudyHead-to-head comparison of two- and three-dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography in the localization of mitral valve prolapse.
The aim of this study, undertaken in patients who underwent mitral valve (MV) repair surgery, was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 3-dimensional (3D) transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography in the evaluation of MV pathology. ⋯ Three-dimensional TTE and TEE are feasible and useful methods in identifying the location of MV prolapse. They were superior in the description of pathology in comparison with the corresponding 2D techniques and should be regarded as an important adjunct to standard 2D examinations in decisions regarding MV repair.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Dec 2006
Comparative StudyThe relative strength of C-reactive protein and lipid levels as determinants of ischemic stroke compared with coronary heart disease in women.
We sought to determine the relative strength of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lipid levels as markers for future ischemic stroke compared with coronary heart disease (CHD) in women. ⋯ In this large prospective cohort of initially healthy women, lipid levels are significant risk determinants for ischemic stroke, but with a magnitude of effect smaller than that observed for CHD. High-sensitivity CRP associates more closely with ischemic stroke than with CHD. Concomitant evaluation of lipid levels and hs-CRP may improve risk assessment for stroke as well as CHD. (The Women's Health Study; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00000479/; NCT00000479).
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Dec 2006
Clinical TrialCardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with a narrow QRS complex.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure patients with narrow QRS complex (<120 ms) and evidence of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony on tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). ⋯ Cardiac resynchronization therapy appears to be beneficial in patients with narrow QRS complex and severe LV dyssynchrony on TDI, with similar improvement in symptoms and comparable LV reverse remodeling to patients with wide QRS complex. The current results need confirmation in larger patient cohorts.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Dec 2006
Early and late results of the modified fontan operation for heterotaxy syndrome 30 years of experience in 142 patients.
We sought to evaluate the early and late results of the modified Fontan operation for patients with heterotaxy syndrome, assess variables traditionally known to correlate with poor outcome, and assess current health status of survivors after the Fontan procedure. ⋯ Early survival has improved for heterotaxy patients after the Fontan operation; however, late morbidity and mortality remain substantial. Better strategies for long-term treatment of this high-risk group need to be identified.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Dec 2006
Randomized Controlled TrialA randomized trial of circumferential pulmonary vein ablation versus antiarrhythmic drug therapy in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: the APAF Study.
We compared ablation strategy with antiarrhythmic drug therapy (ADT) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). ⋯ Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation is more successful than ADT for prevention of PAF with few complications. Atrial fibrillation ablation warrants consideration in selected patients in whom ADT had already failed and maintenance of sinus rhythm is desired. (A Controlled Randomized Trial of CPVA Versus Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy in for Paroxysmal AF: APAF/01; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show; NCT00340314).