Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2019 Jan;55(1):163-171

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

J Clin Anesth 2018 Dec 11;54:146. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Department of Anesthesiology, Showa University Hospital, Hatanodai Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Electronic address:

Pharmacol Rep 2018 Oct 11;71(1):128-132. Epub 2018 Oct 11.

Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italy. Electronic address:

Background: Constitutive (agonist-independent) activity is a prerogative of many G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) including α-adrenoceptors (α-ARs). Inhibition of such an activity at α-AR subtypes by antagonists with negative efficacy is difficult to be adequately tested.

Methods: In the present experimental approach, we compared the activity of three calcium channel blockers (nifedipine, diltiazem and verapamil) and of three potent benzodioxane-based α-AR antagonists, differing for subtype selectivity and inverse agonist properties, in producing smooth muscle relaxation and negative inotropy under the same test conditions. Read More

Biochimie 2018 Dec 11. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Respiratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, No. 61 Jiefang Xi Road, Changsha, 410219, Hunan, PR China; Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Changsha Medical College, No. 1501 Leifeng Road, Changsha, 410219, Hunan, PR China. Electronic address:

The present study was designed to explore the role of transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) in nicotine-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its underlying mechanism. In this study, the expression and localization of α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α5-nAchR) in lung tissues were determined by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed to examine the mRNA expression levels of α5-nAchR and TRPC3 in human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). Read More

Physiol Behav 2018 Dec 11. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Kocaeli, Turkey; Kocaeli University, Experimental Medical Research and Application Centre, Kocaeli, Turkey.

Diabetes is one of the risk factors for the development of vascular dementia (VD), leading to endothelial dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Resveratrol has been shown to have antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. The previous studies have also reported that resveratrol improves cognitive and vascular endothelial functions in several pathological conditions. Read More

Nanomedicine 2018 Dec 11. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Institute of Physiology II, University of Münster, Münster, Germany; Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. Electronic address:

Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as a critical condition in the development of cardiovascular disorders. This multifactorial process involves changes in the biochemical and mechanical properties of endothelial cells leading to disturbed release of vasoprotective mediators. Hypercholesterolemia and increased stiffness of the endothelial cortex are independently shown to result in reduced release of nitric oxide and thus endothelial dysfunction. Read More

Ann Thorac Surg 2018 Dec 11. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Clinical and Translational Research Program; Stanford University School of Medicine; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Clinical and Translational Research Program; Stanford University School of Medicine.

Background: Our programmatic approach to tetralogy of Fallot with major aortopulmonary collaterals emphasizes single-stage unifocalization with complete intracardiac repair during infancy. Little is known about suitability for complete repair in patients beyond infancy. We sought to analyze outcomes of our approach in older patients with previously untreated tetralogy of Fallot with major aortopulmonary collaterals. Read More

Multimed Man Cardiothorac Surg 2018 Dec 4;2018. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Department of Cardiac Surgery and Transplantation, S. Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy.

Although the benefits of minimally invasive cardiac surgery are well recognized, most surgeons have little experience in the treatment of triple valve disease through a minithoracotomy approach. In this video tutorial, we present a case of concomitant aortic valve replacement with mitral and tricuspid valve repair through a lateral minithoracotomy. Read More

Multimed Man Cardiothorac Surg 2018 Dec 4;2018. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo Hospital of Alessandria Piedmont Italy.

"One-stage" transmediastinal replacement of the thoracic aorta provides an alternative treatment to single or multiple stage hybrid procedures for patients with ascending, arch, and descending thoracic aorta aneurysm. The patient is placed on bypass and cooled. During circulatory arrest, after surgical treatment of the aortic valve and root where appropriate, the entire ascending aorta is excised and the transverse arch is opened longitudinally. Read More

Multimed Man Cardiothorac Surg 2018 Dec 4;2018. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

With advancements in mechanical circulatory support technology, and limitations in donor supply for heart transplantation, the use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) has increased significantly in recent years. Multiple studies have shown that minimally invasive cardiac surgery can improve outcomes, with shorter hospital stays, decreased morbidity, faster recovery and ambulation, and lower total hospital costs. The current generation of centrifugal continuous-flow pumps is miniaturized and makes minimally invasive approaches increasingly practicable. Read More

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, California.

Objectives: To explore the impact of post-procedure delirium on resource utilization following transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement (TAVR and SAVR, respectively).

Background: Postprocedure delirium is associated with worse long-term survival after TAVR and SAVR. However, its effect on resource utilization has been understudied. Read More

Am J Med Genet A 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego and Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California.

Hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia syndrome (HLTS) is a rare disorder caused by autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant mutations in SOX18. This gene encodes a transcription factor involved in the regulation and development of the human vasculature, lymphatic, and integumentary systems. Individuals with HLTS develop varying degrees of hypotrichosis, lymphedema, and telangiectasias. Read More

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

Objectives: We compared the outcomes of aortic valve replacement (AVR) by transcatheter (TAVR) and surgical (SAVR) routes with those of optimal medical management in patients with cancer and severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Background: Cancer therapy requires optimal cardiac output; however, the treatment of AS in cancer patients is not established.

Methods: Cancer patients with severe AS during January 2009 through February 2018 at a large cancer center were identified. Read More

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Cardiology department, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Objective: To compare procedural outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients who were implanted with older versus newer generation valves.

Background: The current evidence base for improved safety of the newer commercially available TAVI valves is limited.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of the Israeli multicenter TAVI registry was performed. Read More

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Division of Cardiology, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly used to treat severe aortic stenosis. A frequent complication of TAVR is high grade or complete atrioventricular (AV) block requiring a permanent pacemaker (PPM). There is little data on the long-term dependency on pacing after TAVR. Read More

J Card Surg 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Background: The optimal treatment strategy following a failed mitral valve repair remains unclear. This study evaluated early and long-term outcomes of redo mitral valve repair (MVr) and replacement (MVR) after prior mitral valve repair.

Methods: Patients undergoing redo mitral valve surgery after prior mitral valve repair at a single institution between 2002 and 2014 were reviewed. Read More

J Card Surg 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

University of Arizona, Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.

Background: Permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation and paravalvular leak (PVL) rates after sutureless aortic valve replacement (SuAVR) vary widely. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the incidence of new PPM implantation and PVL after SuAVR.

Methods: Studies evaluating PPM implantation and PVL rates after SuAVR were searched in Medline/PubMed, Ovid Journals, Clinicaltrials. Read More

J Card Surg 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

J Card Surg 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

From the Division of Cardiac Surgery, the Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.

J Card Surg 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Department of Aortovascular Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.

Objective: The innominate artery is considered an alternative site for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass in surgical procedures involving the thoracic aorta. This systematic review examines the use of innominate artery cannulation in aortic surgery.

Methods: A systematic literature search was undertaken among the four major databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid) to identify all studies that utilized innominate artery cannulation for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass and providing cerebral perfusion in thoracic aortic surgery. Read More

Echocardiography 2018 Dec 11. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Department of Cardiology, Marmara University Medical Center, Istanbul, Turkey.

Introduction: Rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) is an important health issue in developing countries. Assessment of the correct mitral valve area (MVA) is essential for the timing of intervention. Most of the parameters for the assessment of rheumatic MS are derived from Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. Read More

Prenat Diagn 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON.

Objective: To assess the cerebral and vascular development in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

Methods: Pregnant women carrying fetuses diagnosed with HLHS who decided to interrupt their pregnancies were included in our study. Aortic size and blood flow were assessed based from fetal echocardiography. Read More

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2018 Dec;92(7):1412-1413

Cardiovascular Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York.

Use of bioprosthetic implants for surgical aortic valve replacements (SAVR) has been increasing in the recent years Surgical redo AVRs for failed surgical aortic bioprostheses have been traditionally considered the standard practice; however, in patients with higher surgical risk scores, transcatheter valve-in-valve aortic valve replacements are being commonly performed There is scarcity of data comparing these two approaches in this complex patient cohort Available data suggest that transcatheter ViV aortic valve replacement is generally a safe approach once some caveats are accounted for. Read More

Innovations (Phila) 2018 Nov/Dec;13(6):428-432

From the Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY USA.

Objective: Subaortic membrane is an anatomical intracardiac anomaly that may cause discrete subaortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency. Patients requiring subaortic membrane resection may benefit from a minimally invasive approach; however, subaortic membranes are typically resected through a median sternotomy. We present our initial clinical experience of adult patients who have undergone a mini-thoracotomy subaortic membrane resection. Read More

J Endovasc Ther 2018 Dec 14:1526602818815821. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

1 Department of Vascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

Purpose: To describe endovascular treatment of mesenteric malperfusion in a multichannel aortic dissection (MCAD) with full true lumen (TL) collapse following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

Case Report: A 54-year-old man presented with chronic mesenteric ischemia and a previous TEVAR for MCAD complicated by superior mesenteric artery (SMA) malperfusion. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) demonstrated a 3-channel aortic dissection with a "false-true-false" configuration. Read More

J Med Econ 2018 Dec 14:1-23. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

d ESSEC Business School , Av. Bernard Hirsch, B.P. 50105 , 95021 Cergy Pontoise Cedex , France.

Objective: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the therapy of choice for treating severe aortic stenosis in patients at high-risk for surgery or where it is considered too risky to attempt. This uptake varies across geographies however and its cost or value has frequently been cited as the reason for this. We sought to evaluate the potential cost and clinical impact of TAVI in intermediate risk patients from a French collective perspective. Read More

Diab Vasc Dis Res 2018 Dec 14:1479164118816661. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

1 School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.

Background:: Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 are extracellular inhibitors of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, which is implicated in the development of arterial stiffness. However, the correlation between aortic stiffness and sclerostin or Dickkopf-1 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is unknown.

Methods:: Fasting blood samples were collected from 125 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2014 Apr 18;9(4):148-150. Epub 2014 Jan 18.

Ataturk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Erzurum 25100, Turkey.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been increasingly used in symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis who are inoperable or at high risk. However it remains associated with the potential for serious complications. We report a case in which an Edwards Sapien (Edwards, Irvine, CA, USA) valve prosthesis dislocated to the left ventricular outflow tract with hemodynamic collapse 6 h following implantation. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2014 Apr 16;9(4):143-144. Epub 2014 Jan 16.

Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar de S. João, Porto, Portugal.

Sub-infundibular stenosis is a rare form of congenital heart disease, difficult to precisely diagnose, especially in adult patients. We report a case of an adult patient, referred to our hospital with long-standing dyspnea on exertion. She was finally diagnosed with sub-infundibular stenosis. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2014 Apr 17;9(4):134-137. Epub 2014 Jan 17.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan.

Pericardial tamponade occurred 3 days after the catheter closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD) using Amplatzer Septal Occluder (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA). Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2014 Apr 15;9(4):129-133. Epub 2014 Jan 15.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan.

A 78-year-old woman complained of experiencing dyspnea (New York Heart Association II) and faintness. Echocardiography revealed she had asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy, and a dynamic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction due to systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. It also revealed calcification of the noncoronary cusp and a high-flow velocity in the LVOT (6. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2014 Jan 13;9(1):32-34. Epub 2013 Dec 13.

Department of Cardiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.

Venous occlusions or anatomic variants are unexpectedly encountered during transvenous pacing lead implantation procedures. A 78-year-old man, who had been medically treated for a thoracic and abdominal dissecting aortic aneurysm was referred to our hospital for treatment of congestive heart failure due to complete atrioventricular block with bradycardia. At the time of the pacemaker implantation, the guidewire for inserting the introducer sheath could not be advanced into the left brachiocephalic vein. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2014 Jan 13;9(1):22-25. Epub 2013 Dec 13.

Capital Cardiology Associates, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA.

An otherwise healthy 26-year-old female presented with sudden cardiac arrest. She was resuscitated with unsynchronized cardioversion for ventricular fibrillation. A left heart cardiac catheterization showed anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2014 Jan 13;9(1):18-21. Epub 2013 Dec 13.

Cardiovascular Center, Amagasaki Central Hospital, 1-12-1 Shio-e, Amagasaki, Hyogo 661-0976, Japan.

Few applications of angioscopy for evaluating atherosclerosis of the abdominal aorta have been described. We report the demonstration of atherosclerotic yellow plaque by nonobstructive angioscopy in a patient with left renal artery stenosis. Computed tomography angiography showed stenosis in one of the left renal arteries in a 65-year-old man who presented with renal impairment and hypertension. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2014 Jan 12;9(1):11-14. Epub 2013 Dec 12.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Ohara General Hospital Medical Center, 33 Kamata-aza Nakae, Fukushima 960-0195, Japan.

A 65-year-old man was admitted into our hospital because of the detailed examination for abnormal Q waves in inferior leads on an electrocardiogram. Coronary angiography and 320-row area detector computed tomography (ADCT) revealed "dual left anterior descending artery (LAD)", which was a rare anomaly of the LAD and chronic total occlusion (CTO) at segment 2 of the right coronary artery (RCA). The course of the anomalous LAD arising from the proximal portion of the RCA was specifically identified between aortic root and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) by 320-row ADCT. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2013 Sep 15;8(3):113-115. Epub 2013 Jul 15.

Department of Cardiology, Sakakibara Heart Institute, Tokyo, Japan.

Osteopetrosis is a rare hereditary disease characterized by osteoclast dysfunction and consequently diminished bone resorption and disturbed bone building and remodeling, resulting in abnormally dense and brittle bones. Pathologic fractures are common in patients with osteopetrosis. We report a case of benign adult form of osteopetrosis with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2013 Aug 23;8(2):e88-e90. Epub 2013 May 23.

Department of Cardiology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, 5 Zaifu-cho, Hirosaki, Aomori 036-8562, Japan.

A 49-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital with acute-onset chest pain. Her electrocardiogram showed complete atrioventricular block and bradycardia with ST-segment elevation in the inferior leads, and she presented with cardiogenic shock. She was diagnosed with inferior acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and subsequent emergency cardiac catheterization was performed. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2013 Aug 25;8(2):e72-e76. Epub 2013 Jun 25.

Department of Cardiology, Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital, 1-9-6 Senda-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-8619 Japan.

A 51-year-old man recently diagnosed with preclinical Cushing's syndrome complained of chest oppression concomitant with back pain. Following contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) to rule out acute aortic dissection, he developed chest symptoms accompanied by elevation of blood pressure to 240/120 mmHg and ischemic electrocardiographic change. Urgent coronary angiography revealed a coronary artery aneurysm (15 mm × 6 mm) in the distal portion of the left anterior descending artery concomitant with coronary flow delay. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2013 Jul 24;8(1):e31-e33. Epub 2013 Apr 24.

Department of Cardiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with dextrocardia presents several challenges due to abnormal location of the heart, mirror image pattern of aortic arch and its branches, and abnormal coronary origin and orientation. The challenges involve appropriate choice of vascular access, guiding catheters, engagement technique, acquisition and interpretation of radiological orientation of coronary anatomy, and appropriate radiological angles and views. We report a patient with dextrocardia and situs inversus who presented with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and was successfully treated with trans-radial primary percutaneous coronary intervention using "double inversion technique. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2013 Jul 30;8(1):e9-e12. Epub 2013 Apr 30.

Department of Medicine and Biological Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.

Papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) is a well-known primary cardiac tumor, but multiple PFEs are rare. We report an interesting case with multiple PFEs that were clearly demonstrated and evaluated with real time three-dimensional (RT3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A 77-year-old woman was referred to our institution with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the hip. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2012 Nov 19;6(5):e154-e157. Epub 2012 Aug 19.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.

Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) has been used in various cardiovascular conditions including cardiogenic shock. Prophylactic systemic heparinization has been commonly utilized to prevent thrombotic complications. There are a number of anticoagulants in addition to heparin; however, there is little consensus and few data to support the safety of alternative anticoagulation during IABP management. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2012 Aug 6;6(2):e51-e54. Epub 2012 Jun 6.

Tenri Shirakawa Branch Hospital, Nara, Japan.

Prosthetic graft infection is difficult to diagnose early, and hence, is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. A 63-year-old man who had undergone surgical prosthetic replacement for an inflammatory thoracic aortic aneurysm 10 months previously visited our emergency room, complaining of chills, shivering, frequent vomiting, and back pain. He was diagnosed with severe sepsis, and a blood culture detected and . Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2011 Dec 27;4(3):e179-e182. Epub 2011 Aug 27.

Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Radiology Department, Ankara, Turkey.

Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by Gram-negative coccobacilli. Direct contact with the infected tissue or blood, consumption of infected dairy products, and inhalation of infectious aeresol particles can transmit the disease. Brucella endocarditis is rare but the most fatal complication of brucellosis. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2011 Dec 6;4(3):e172-e175. Epub 2011 Sep 6.

Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of California San Diego, CA, USA.

We present a case with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) with lifestyle limiting claudication and lower extremity weakness, successfully treated with surgical correction. The presented case discusses the diagnostic challenges associated with identifying CoA in patients with claudication. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2011 Aug 25;4(1):e20-e25. Epub 2011 May 25.

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan.

A 76-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and dyslipidemia was admitted to our hospital because of chest pain. On the basis of an electrocardiogram showing ST elevation in V1-3 leads, the patient was diagnosed with acute anterior myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography (CAG) revealed occlusions of the mid portion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and distal portion of the left circumflex artery (LCX). Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2010 Oct 12;2(2):e115-e118. Epub 2010 Jun 12.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.

A 60-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and congenital bicuspid aortic valve was admitted to our hospital due to cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Noninvasive adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) improved her symptoms and respiratory status. It was associated with favorable hemodynamic effects including an increase in cardiac output and a decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance without alternating systemic blood pressure. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2017 Feb 16;15(2):53-55. Epub 2016 Nov 16.

Technische Universität Dresden, Heart Center Dresden, University Hospital, Dresden, Germany.

Aortic dissection, the rupture of the aorta's intimal and medial layers, leading to the formation of a false lumen, is a relatively common disease with high mortality. So far, while not addressing penetrating aortic ulcer or intramural hematoma, current guidelines take a negative value for d-dimers for a sufficient method to rule out aortic dissection in patients with a low clinical probability, as calculated by the ADD risk score. We present two cases of patients with acute aortic dissection, albeit presenting with a low clinical probability for acute aortic dissection and negative values for d-dimers. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2017 Feb 26;15(2):46-49. Epub 2016 Nov 26.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.

A diastolic murmur is informative in the diagnosis of valvular heart disease, such as mitral stenosis and aortic regurgitation. Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) could have diastolic murmurs, although this is not widely recognized. We describe an illustrative case of HCM which was found to have a diastolic murmur associated with mid-left ventricular obstruction. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2017 Feb 18;15(2):39-42. Epub 2016 Nov 18.

Godbole Hospital, Thane, Maharashtra, India.

This case report represents a novel technique for the treatment of a pseudoaneurysm of the aorta. Pseudoaneurysm of the aorta has been reported in patients post heart surgery. This case report is about a patient who had a pseudoaneurysm most probably following tuberculosis. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2016 Dec 7;14(6):174-176. Epub 2016 Sep 7.

Department of Cardiology, Sakakibara Heart Institute, Tokyo, Japan.

With the advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), percutaneous transluminal aortic valvuloplasty (PTAV) has experienced a recent renaissance. The roles of PTAV range widely from bridging to definitive therapy to palliation. In general, PTAV is performed without major trouble, but fatal complications including acute aortic regurgitation (AR) are occasionally encountered. Read More