Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars 2019 Mar;47(2):88-94

Department of Cardiology, Health Science University, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey.

Objective: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients undergoing dialysis. Most of the available studies focus on left ventricular (LV) function in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients; data about the effect of PD on right ventricular (RV) function are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate echocardiographic parameters of the RV in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing PD. Read More

Echocardiography 2019 Mar 14. Epub 2019 Mar 14.

Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Geriatric, Anesthesiologic and Nephrologic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

A 20-year-old Congolese woman presented with presyncope, dyspnea, and anasarca. Past medical history was unremarkable. Echocardiography revealed a rare combination of giant right atrium (RA), a dilated and hypertrophied right ventricle, subvalvular pulmonary stenosis (subPS), severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), pericardial effusion and what appeared to be a spontaneously closed ventricular septal defect (VSD). Read More

Int J Cardiol 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St.Georg, Hamburg, Germany. Electronic address:

Background: Many candidates with ischaemic functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) have previously undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), in which transcatheter mitral valve repair can be reasonable for ameliorating the deteriorated hemodynamic and heart failure symptoms. We sought to elucidate the outcomes of MitraClip (MC) implantation in patients with symptomatic ischaemic FMR after CABG.

Methods: We investigated clinical characteristics, outcomes and predictive impact of previous CABG on mortality in ischaemic FMR patients who underwent MC implantation from two high-volume centres in Germany. Read More

Curr Med Res Opin 2019 Mar;35(sup1):3-5

a Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS , Milan , Italy.

Objective: The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) provides functional prognostic parameters for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), such as peak volume of oxygen (VO) and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO) slope. Sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) has been recently approved for CHF patients as it reduces cardiovascular (CV) deaths and hospitalization for heart failure (HF). However, the potential beneficial effects of this therapy on exercise performance have been poorly investigated to date. Read More

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2019 Mar 12. Epub 2019 Mar 12.

Cardiothoracic Panorama, St Luke's Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2019 Mar 12. Epub 2019 Mar 12.

Cardiac Surgery Department, Universitair Clinique St. Luc, Brussel, Belgium.

World J Clin Cases 2019 Mar;7(5):562-571

Department of Structural Heart Disease, Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.

Background: The off-label use of various devices has been reported for the transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PmVSD) because of serious complications, such as heart block and tricuspid regurgitation (TR), associated with conventional ventricular septal defect devices. However, whether certain defects such as PmVSD with abnormally attached tricuspid are fit for interventional treatment is still disputable.

Aim: To explore the feasibility and safety of transcatheter closure of PmVSD with abnormally attached tricuspid chordae tendineae using an improved patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluder. Read More

Lancet 2019 Mar;393(10175):1056-1070

Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.

In heart failure, extensive evaluation with modern non-invasive imaging modalities is needed to assess causes, pathophysiology, and haemodynamics, to determine prognosis and consider therapeutic options. This systematic evaluation includes a stepwise assessment of left ventricular size and function, the presence and severity of coronary artery disease, mitral regurgitation, pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular dilation and dysfunction, and tricuspid regurgitation. Based on this imaging-derived information, the need for specific therapies besides optimised medical therapy can be determined. Read More

Ann Biomed Eng 2019 Mar 11. Epub 2019 Mar 11.

The Wallace H. Coulter School of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology & Emory University, Technology Enterprise Park, 387 Technology Circle, Atlanta, GA, 30313-2412, USA.

Computational modeling can be used to improve understanding of tricuspid valve (TV) biomechanics and supplement knowledge gained from benchtop and large animal experiments. The aim of this study was to develop a computational model of the TV using high resolution micro-computed tomography (μCT) imaging and fluid-structure interaction simulations. A three-dimensional TV model, incorporating detailed leaflet and chordal geometries, was reconstructed from μCT images of an excised porcine TV obtained under diastolic conditions. Read More

Can J Cardiol 2018 Nov 29. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Cardiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has been associated with cardiac rhythm device (CRD) implantation with intracardiac lead insertion. However, data on the incidence of postdevice TR are limited and largely from retrospective studies. We hypothesized that permanent lead implantation would be associated with an increase in TR. Read More

J Card Surg 2019 Mar 9. Epub 2019 Mar 9.

Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

A 58-year-old man presented with left-sided chest discomfort 9 years ago. At that time a 12-centimeter extrapleural mass was resected via left thoracotomy. Surgical pathology revealed a low-grade myxofibrosarcoma. Read More

Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2019 Mar 8. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Schulich Heart Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Objectives: The surgical management of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) at the time of mitral valve surgery remains controversial. Our objectives were to determine the safety and efficacy of tricuspid valve (TV) repair during mitral valve surgery in a meta-analysis.

Methods: MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1946 to 2017 for all studies comparing TV repair to no intervention at the time of mitral valve surgery on early and late mortality and late TR. Read More

Innovations (Phila) 2019 Feb 20;14(1):60-65. Epub 2019 Feb 20.

1 St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

Objectives: Although aortic annulus repair has a long history, there are still no ideal devices to control an aortic annulus. We have developed a new method involving the use of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft with the support of a metallic ring holder during implantation from inside an aorta, with no dissection of the surrounding aortic annulus.

Methods: We used aortic annular rings of 18 to 24 mm made of Gore-Tex tubed grafts (W. Read More

Heart Vessels 2019 Mar 8. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.

The variable anatomy of Ebstein's anomaly leads to its various surgical procedures. The long-term outcomes of different operations were not well established. Thirty-five patients with Ebstein's anomaly who underwent operations from 2006 to 2018 in our department were retrospectively reviewed. Read More

J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019 Mar 4. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address:

Background: The association between appropriate use criteria and echocardiographic findings in patients with chronic cardiovascular diseases is unknown.

Methods: As a substudy of the Echo WISELY (Will Inappropriate Scenarios for Echocardiography Lessen Significantly) trial, 9,230 transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) examinations from six Ontario academic hospitals were linked to a registry of echocardiographic findings. The TTE studies were rated appropriate), rarely appropriate, or may be appropriate according to the 2011 appropriate use criteria. Read More

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Mar;12(3):572-575

Division of Cardiology, University of Minnesota and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Electronic address:

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Mar;12(3):532-553

Heart Center, Zürich University Hospital, University of Zürich. Zürich, Switzerland.

Interest in the transcatheter solutions for tricuspid regurgitation has gained momentum given the limited indications for and high in-hospital mortality associated with isolated surgical intervention. Advanced imaging techniques to guide the procedures are the key to technical success. The following overview of the imaging requirements of selected devices is intended to give a glimpse into the complex procedures now possible with imaging guidance. Read More

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Mar;12(3):516-531

Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; IRCCS, Instituto Auxologico Italiano, S. Luca Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.

The characterization of tricuspid valve and right-heart anatomy has been gaining significant interest in the setting of new percutaneous transcatheter interventions for tricuspid regurgitation. Multimodality cardiac imaging provides a wealth of information about the anatomy and function of the tricuspid valve apparatus, right ventricle, and right atrium, which is pivotal for diagnosis and prognosis and for planning of percutaneous interventions. The present review describes the role of echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and multidetector row cardiac computed tomography for right heart and tricuspid valve assessment. Read More

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Mar;12(3):500-515

Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; IRCCS, Instituto Auxologico Italiano, S. Luca Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy. Electronic address:

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is an independent predictor of death. Lately, emerging technologies for the treatment of TR have increased the interest of physicians. Due to the complex 3-dimensional (3D) geometry of the tricuspid valve (TV) and its anterior position in the mediastinum, conventional 2D echocardiography is unsuitable to study the anatomy and pathophysiologic mechanisms of the regurgitant TV. Read More

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Mar;12(3):491-499

Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands. Electronic address:

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is classified according to different morphologic types based on the underlying mechanisms: primary, secondary, and isolated TR. Primary TR is caused by an anatomical abnormality of the tricuspid valve apparatus. Secondary TR is caused by dilation of the tricuspid valve annulus, related to right ventricular (RV), or right atrial remodeling and increased RV pressures (often secondary to left-sided heart disease). Read More

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Mar;12(3):469-490

Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, Texas.

Assessing the severity of tricuspid regurgitation remains a challenging task, and although echocardiography is the test of choice, significant limitations of the current recommendations exist. Newer methods have been used in current trials of transcatheter devices and may improve our understanding of the disease process. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography angiography may play significant roles as adjunctive imaging modalities. Read More

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Mar;12(3):458-468

NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Cardiovascular Research Foundation, New York, New York. Electronic address:

An appreciation of the complex and variable anatomy of the tricuspid valve is essential to unraveling the pathophysiology of tricuspid regurgitation. A greater appreciation of normal and abnormal anatomy is important as new methods of treating the tricuspid regurgitation are developed. This review of tricuspid valve and right heart anatomy is followed by a discussion of the possible pathophysiology of secondary (functional) tricuspid regurgitation. Read More

World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg 2019 Mar;10(2):185-191

1 Departments of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Objective:: We report our experience with surgery for total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) beyond first decade of life.

Methods:: Between January 1987 and July 2017, 98 patients ≥ten years underwent TAPVC repair. Their detailed case-records were analyzed. Read More

Echocardiography 2019 Mar 4. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Department of Internal Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most prevalent adult congenital heart defect. BAV causes lifelong progressive disease that can be prevented by early diagnosis and long-term surveillance, but may be compromised by misclassification of valve morphology.

Methods: The study population was derived from the UTHealth Bicuspid Aortic Valve Registry, which includes serial images on more than 200 participants over a mean follow-up interval of 2. Read More

J Card Surg 2019 Mar 5. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is the most common of all tricuspid dysfunctions. Ring annuloplasty is an effective treatment strategy for FTR. Currently, the most commonly used suture method for tricuspid ring annuloplasty is the interrupted U-shaped suture method. Read More

Tex Heart Inst J 2019 02 1;46(1):21-27. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Carcinoid heart disease is the collective term for all cardiac manifestations in patients who have carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid heart disease has a multifactorial pathophysiology, and the right side of the heart is usually involved. Symptoms and signs vary depending upon the affected cardiac components; most typical is right-sided heart failure secondary to diseased tricuspid and pulmonary valves. Read More

Tex Heart Inst J 2019 02 1;46(1):14-20. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

The right ventricle provides systemic circulation in individuals with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) and in those with complete transposition who have had an atrial switch repair (DTGA). The aim of this study was to evaluate how the systemic right ventricle adapts to increased workload and oxygen demand during exercise. From November 2005 through December 2015, 3,358 adult patients with congenital heart disease were treated at our institution; we identified 48 (26 females, 22 males; median age, 25. Read More

Heart Fail Clin 2019 Apr 10;15(2):219-227. Epub 2019 Feb 10.

King's Health Partners, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, UK.

Secondary regurgitation caused by the remodeling and dysfunction of the left or right heart chamber may complicate heart failure, worsening both symptoms and prognosis. Outcome studies have shown that patients' prognosis worsened as the severity of secondary regurgitation increases. Imaging and more specifically echocardiography plays a central role for diagnosis and serial assessment of secondary regurgitation as well as for timing the intervention and guiding the procedure. Read More

Eur J Prev Cardiol 2019 Mar 4:2047487319833307. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

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

Purpose: This study was performed to determine if there is a sex-based bias in referral practices, complexity of disease, surgical treatment, or outcomes in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery at our institution.

Methods: Data were collected from the Cardiovascular Research Database of the Clinical Trial Unit of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and they were defined according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Database ( www.sts. Read More

Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Mar 4. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Cardiac Imaging Unit, Cardiology Department, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Carretera de Colmenar Km 9, 100, Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Aims: Patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) addressed according the new classification in torrential TR may have different prognosis compared with just severe TR patients. We sought to determine distribution and mechanism of consecutive severe TR patients, in accordance with aetiology and severity by applying the new proposed classification scheme and their long-term outcomes.

Methods And Results: Between January and December 2013, 249 patients with significant TR referred to the cardiac imaging unit (mean age 79. Read More

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2019 Mar 4. Epub 2019 Mar 4.

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032.

Background: Leadless pacemakers (LPMs) have been shown to have lower post- operative complications than traditional permanent pacemakers but there have been no studies on the outcomes of LPMs in patients with transcatheter heart valve replacements (THVRs). This study determined outcomes of LPMs compared to single chamber transvenous pacemakers (SCPs) post-THVR.

Methods: This is a retrospective single-center study including 10 patients who received LPMs post-THVR between February 2017 and August 2018 and a comparison group of 23 patients who received SCP post-THVR between July 2008 and August 2018. Read More

J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019 Feb 27. Epub 2019 Feb 27.

Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address:

Background: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The goal of this study was to characterize the dynamic annular motion of the tricuspid valve in patients with HLHS with a Fontan circulation and assess the relation to tricuspid valve function.

Methods: Tricuspid annuli of 48 patients with HLHS with a Fontan circulation were modeled at end-diastole, mid-systole, end-systole, and mid-diastole using transthoracic three-dimensional echocardiography and custom code in 3D Slicer. Read More

Echo Res Pract 2019 Mar;6(1):G1-G8

Department of Endocrinology, Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.

This is a joint position statement of the British Society of Echocardiography, the British Heart Valve Society and the Society for Endocrinology on the role of echocardiography in monitoring patients receiving dopamine agonist (DA) therapy for hyperprolactinaemia. (1) Evidence that DA pharmacotherapy causes abnormal valve morphology and dysfunction at doses used in the management of hyperprolactinaemia is extremely limited. Evidence of clinically significant valve pathology is absent, except for isolated case reports around which questions remain. Read More

Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lodz, Bieganski Hospital, Ul. Kniaziewicza 1/5, 91-347 Lodz, Poland.

Aims: Echocardiography can estimate pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) from tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) or acceleration time (ACT) of pulmonary flow. We assessed the feasibility of TRV and ACT measurements during exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and their correlation in all stages of ESE.

Methods And Results: We performed ESE in 102 subjects [mean age 49 ± 17 years, 50 females, 39 healthy, 30 with cardiovascular risk factors, and 33 with pulmonary hypertension (PH)] referred for the assessment of exercise tolerance and ischaemia exclusion. Read More

J Rheumatol 2019 Mar 1. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

Department of Cardiology, Rangueil University Hospital, Toulouse, France; Cardiac Imaging Centre, Toulouse University Hospital, France; UMR 1027, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Toulouse III, Toulouse, France; Medical School of Rangueil, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France; Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Purpan, Toulouse, France; Department of Pneumology, Larrey University Hospital, Toulouse, France; Department of Cardiology, La Réunion University hospital, Saint-Pierre, France; Inserm, UMR 1188, Sainte-Clothilde, France; Département d'Information Médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Toulouse, France; Medical School of Purpan, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France. Address correspondence to Grégory Pugnet, MD, PhD Department of Internal Medicine Toulouse University Hospital France. Email:

Objective: To explore the accuracy of tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) to right ventricular outflow tract time-velocity integral (VTIRVOT) ratio by Doppler to determine pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods: Thirty-five consecutive adult SSc patients, fulfilling the 2013 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology classification criteria, with sinus rhythm referred for right heart catheterisation (RHC) were retrospectively included. All patients underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram performed within 24 hours of right heart catheterisation. Read More

Perfusion 2019 Mar 1:267659119831926. Epub 2019 Mar 1.

1 Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.

Introduction:: To evaluate early and long-term clinical outcomes following aortic valve sparing aortic root reimplantation surgery in patients with leaking bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves.

Methods:: The study consisted of 92 consecutive adult patients (tricuspid aortic valve group = 63 and bicuspid aortic valve group = 29) who underwent aortic valve sparing aortic root reimplantation surgery with or without aortic cusp repair for dilatation of the aortic root and/or aortic valve regurgitation at our institution from April 2004 to October 2016. Clinical outcomes were investigated using Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests between groups. Read More

Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2019 Feb 28. Epub 2019 Feb 28.

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka, Japan.

Objectives: As an institutional strategy, the CryoMaze procedure has been established for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) since 2001. In this study, we aimed to analyse the contemporary outcomes of the CryoMaze procedure and to examine the predictive factors of successful sinus rhythm conversion.

Methods: Between January 2009 and March 2018, we performed 352 CryoMaze procedures. Read More

World J Cardiol 2019 Feb;11(2):71-83

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy.

The incidence of heart valve disease increases significantly with age. Degenerative abnormalities associated with severe aortic stenosis and mitral and tricuspid regurgitation are found in not less than 10% of the population aged ≥ 75 years. Surgical treatment has been considered for years to be the treatment of choice. Read More

Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2019 Feb 28. Epub 2019 Feb 28.

Department of Endocrinology, Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.

This is a joint position statement of the British Society of Echocardiography, the British Heart Valve Society and the Society for Endocrinology on the role of echocardiography in monitoring patients receiving dopamine agonist (DA) therapy for hyperprolactinaemia. Evidence that DA pharmacotherapy causes abnormal valve morphology and dysfunction at doses used in the management of hyperprolactinaemia is extremely limited. Evidence of clinically significant valve pathology is absent, except for isolated case reports around which questions remain. Read More

Case Rep Pediatr 2019 21;2019:6871340. Epub 2019 Jan 21.

Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.

Right ventricular (RV) hypoplasia may develop secondary to pulmonary or tricuspid valve atresia. These patients are usually symptomatic early in life and need prompt intervention. Isolated RV hypoplasia is a rare congenital heart disease. Read More

J Card Surg 2019 Feb 25. Epub 2019 Feb 25.

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, United Kingdom.

With a rise in the aging population, mitral annular calcification is increasingly encountered with an incidence of 10% in over 70 years old. This with increasing patient comorbidities presents a technical challenge due to the risk of atrioventricular disruption which is associated with high operative mortality of up to 75%. We describe two cases of severe mitral disease with marked annular calcification successfully treated with a balloon expandable transcatheter valve which was deployed on cardiopulmonary bypass via a trans-atrial approach. Read More

J Vet Cardiol 2019 Feb 11;21:28-33. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.

A two-month-old Red Angus heifer calf presented to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Care for evaluation of suspected severe bronchopneumonia. Pertinent physical exam findings included tachycardia, tachypnea, dyspnea with a significant abdominal component, and cyanotic mucous membranes. On thoracic auscultation, wheezes were present bilaterally, as well as a grade 2/6 right apical systolic murmur. Read More

J Vet Cardiol 2019 Feb 11;21:18-27. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 1809 S. Riverside Drive, Ames, IA 50011, USA.

Introduction: To determine whether dogs with atrial fibrillation (AF) are more likely to develop right-sided manifestations of congestive heart failure (R-CHF) than dogs without AF.

Animals: Two hundred twenty dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD, n = 155) or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, n = 65) at a referral institution.

Methods: Medical records were reviewed to extract relevant clinical and echocardiographic data. Read More

J Cardiol 2019 Feb 18. Epub 2019 Feb 18.

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and Coronary Heart Disease, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan. Electronic address:

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is often accompanied by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction is related to HFpEF. The aim of this study was to compare LV diastolic function between patients with or without PAD. Read More

J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2019 Jan-Dec;7:2324709618823809

1 Baylor Scott& White Research Institute at the Heart Hospital, Plano, TX, USA.

Congenital isolated tricuspid valve (TV) cleft in the anterior leaflet is a rare occurrence, while clefts of the mitral valve leaflets are more common and are usually associated with other congenital heart diseases. In this article, we report a case of TV regurgitation in a young adult female due to an isolated congenital cleft in the anterior TV leaflet, which was surgically repaired using a minimally invasive robotic approach. Read More

Congenit Heart Dis 2019 Feb 21. Epub 2019 Feb 21.

Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Background: The increasing number of patients with Ebstein anomaly (EA) surviving into adulthood implies improvements in the treatments for the complex lesion. We revisited the clinical outcomes of patients with EA to demonstrate their "real world" survival.

Objectives: To identify the survival and predictors of mortality in patients with EA who underwent medical or surgical management in the present era. Read More

J Am Coll Cardiol 2019 Feb;73(7):810-822

Department of Cardiac Surgery, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Heart Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address:

Background: Atrioventricular valve failure (moderate or greater regurgitation, or valve operation) is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients undergoing Fontan palliation.

Objectives: This study determined the incidence of atrioventricular valve failure and its clinical impact on patients undergoing Fontan palliation.

Methods: A retrospective cohort longitudinal study was conducted using patient data extracted from an existing bi-national, population-based registry. Read More

Intensive Care Med 2019 Feb 18. Epub 2019 Feb 18.

ICU Department, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Nea Efkarpia, 56403, Thessaloniki, Greece.

J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2019 Feb 14. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California. Electronic address:

Background: Transcatheter tricuspid valve-in-valve replacement (TVIV) is an emerging therapy for dysfunctional surgical valves in patients with congenital and acquired TV disease. The present study was performed to establish baseline quantitative data for echocardiographic and invasive parameters obtained pre- and immediately post-TVIV.

Methods: Patients were drawn from the VIVID Registry. Read More

Heart Lung Circ 2019 Feb 7. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.

Background: Transition to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-specific drugs is considered in patients with PAH and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension who do not respond to combination therapy or who experience side effects to the combination drugs. Riociguat directly stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase independently of nitric oxide. Therefore, transition from a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i), which requires nitric oxide to exert its effects, to riociguat might be effective. Read More