The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure to improve systemic hypoxemia. Although PFO-mediated right-to-left shunt (RTLS) is associated with hypoxemia,…
Recent studies have shown conflicting data regarding left ventricular (LV) function in patients with neurocardiogenic syncope, with some investigators reporting a marked decrease in LV end-systolic wall stress and stress-corrected…
Pharmacologic interventions for thoracic aneurysms remain poorly characterized. The results of a pilot study by our group suggested improved outcomes among patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm who were taking statins….
Surgical pericardiotomy is often preferred as a primary option in patients with malignant pericardial effusions. Recent series have revealed that prolonged drainage substantially reduces pericardial effusion recurrence rates, even in…
Aspirin is the most widely prescribed antiplatelet agent for the secondary prevention of stroke. Cilostazol, an antiplatelet and vasodilating agent, has shown promise for the secondary prevention of stroke. A…
The aim of the present study was to investigate the full range of aortic root diameters and stiffness in a group of subjects without known cardiovascular risk factors and/or overt…
The American Heart Association classifies monitored patients into 3 categories. The aims of this study were to (1) investigate how patients are assigned according to the American Heart Association classification,…
A contralateral persistent superior vena cava (PSVC) can occur in a normal child or in association with congenital heart defects (CHDs). Its prevalence has been demonstrated in relatively small cohorts….
The relation between underlying ventricular morphology and regional function in patients with Fontan circulation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare regional function and its heterogeneity in…
In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the plasma levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) correlate with functional capacity. However, their prognostic relevance remains unresolved. We followed up 183 stable outpatients with hypertrophic…
