Sancta Simplicitas!
The arguments put forward by Peters et al. are certainly well thought out and presented in a logical fashion. Although there is much to agree upon, there are also points that…
Measuring Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: Extensive Ultrasound Protocols Have Value
In a recent issue of JASE , we evaluated the use of extensive or restricted ultrasound protocols for the measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Using data from the Measuring…
Ultrasound Protocols to Measure Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: One Size Does Not Fit All
Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is frequently used as a measure of atherosclerosis in various research areas. Despite its frequent use, there are still no accepted standards for the most optimal…
Effect of Rosuvastatin on the Echolucency of the Common Carotid Intima-Media in Low-Risk Individuals: The METEOR Trial
Background The echolucency of the carotid intima-media is related to increased cardiovascular risk factor levels, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of statins…
Measuring Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: Simple Protocols Have Advantages
Since 1986, ultrasound-based measurement of the carotid artery wall intima-media complex has evolved from a simple pathologic observation to a tool for evaluating responses to cholesterol-lowering therapies and a clinical…
The Role of Repeat Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients without Atrial Thrombus Prior to Cardioversion or Ablation
Background Cardioversion (CV) and radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) are often used to restore sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). These procedures are associated with a risk for stroke….
An Exaggerated Blood Pressure Response to Treadmill Exercise does not Increase the Likelihood that Exercise Echocardiograms are Abnormal in Men or Women
Background Some experts have suggested that patients with exaggerated blood pressure responses during exercise echocardiography are more likely to have abnormal exercise echocardiographic findings and less likely to have angiographically…
Left Cardiac Chambers Reverse Remodeling after Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair with the MitraClip System
Background Successful mitral valve surgical repair, decreasing volume overload, has been shown to provide reverse left ventricular (LV) and/or left atrial remodeling in most patients. Percutaneous mitral valve repair with…
Left Ventricular Rotational Dynamics in Beta Thalassemia Major: A Speckle-Tracking Echocardiographic Study
Background Iron-mediated cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in patients with thalassemia major (TM). The identification of subclinical cardiac involvement in the early phases of the disease is important…
Early Left Ventricular Abnormalities in Children with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Background Few data are available on cardiac morphology and function in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Such patients represent a unique clinical model to assess the effect of pure…
