Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Jul 2013
Prognostic value of right ventricular two-dimensional global strain in patients referred for cardiac surgery.
Right ventricular (RV) function is a strong predictor of patient outcome after cardiac surgery. Limited studies have compared the predictive value of RV global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS) with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and RV fractional area change (RVFAC) in this setting. ⋯ RV-GLS is a sensitive marker of RV dysfunction and correlates with postoperative mortality.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Jul 2013
Impact of valvuloarterial impedance on 2-year outcome of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) often have increased calcification and fibrosis of the aorta. Indices that account for the severity of valvular obstruction and systemic vascular impedance may better assess total left ventricular afterload. The aims of the present study were to evaluate changes in valvuloarterial impedance (Zva), systemic arterial compliance, and systemic vascular resistance after TAVI and to investigate the prognostic value of these parameters. ⋯ In patients undergoing TAVI, there is a significant postprocedural reduction in Zva, but there is no reduction in systemic arterial compliance or vascular resistance. Baseline Zva is an independent predictor of overall mortality at 2-year follow-up.
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J Am Soc Echocardiogr · Jun 2013
Left ventricular false tendons: anatomic, echocardiographic, and pathophysiologic insights.
Left ventricular (LV) false tendons are chordlike structures that traverse the LV cavity. They attach to the septum, to the papillary muscles, or to the free wall of the ventricle but not to the mitral valve. They are found in approximately half of human hearts examined at autopsy. ⋯ Some studies have suggested that false tendons reduce the severity of functional mitral regurgitation by stabilizing the position of the papillary muscles as the left ventricle enlarges. LV false tendons may also have deleterious effects and have been implicated in promoting membrane formation in discrete subaortic stenosis. This article reviews current understanding of the anatomy, echocardiographic characteristics, and pathophysiology of these structures.