Hellenic journal of cardiology : HJC = Hellēnikē kardiologikē epitheōrēsē
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Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion has been introduced into clinical practice as a valuable alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In this case presentation we describe the first LAA occlusion in Greece using the Amplatzer Amulet device. We also briefly discuss issues related to procedural safety and multimodality imaging for LAA occlusion.
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Concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are recognised as a reliable marker of ventricular dysfunction in adults. In this study, plasma levels of BNP were determined in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) involving a left-to-right shunt, and were correlated with the shunt volume. ⋯ These results, which are consistent with previous reports, suggest a possible role of BNP as an early diagnostic marker of the significance of shunt in children with CHD.