The Canadian journal of cardiology
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Quantifying adherence to quality indicators can serve as a direct measure of quality of care and provide the foundation for quality improvement. However, quality indicators for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have not been developed in Canada. ⋯ A new set of PCI quality indicators for use in the Canadian health care system was developed. The widespread adoption and implementation of PCI quality indicators in clinical practice will facilitate the identification of practice gaps to enable quality improvement efforts and to optimize the outcomes of patients undergoing PCI throughout Canada.
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Case Reports
Recurrent long QT syndrome and syncope in transient apical ballooning syndrome (takotsubo cardiomyopathy).
Transient apical ballooning syndrome, or takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a syndrome characterized by reversible dilation of the left ventricular apex. It usually occurs in response to stress, and resolves completely in a few weeks. The present report describes a 55-year-old woman who presented with chest pain and syncope in response to emotional stress. ⋯ However, cardiac catheterization showed normal coronary arteries, with apical akinesis of the left ventricle. The patient's symptoms recurred 18 months later; subsequently, she was diagnosed with recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy with prolonged QT and syncope. The treatment, etiology and pathophysiology of takotsubo cardiomyopathy are discussed.