Circulation
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Editorial Comment Comparative Study
Retinal and cerebral microembolism during on-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Techniques, evaluation, and consequences of linear block at the left atrial roof in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a prospective randomized study.
There are no reports describing the technique, electrophysiological evaluation, and clinical consequences of complete linear block at roofline joining the superior pulmonary veins (PVs) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). ⋯ This prospective randomized study demonstrates the feasibility of achieving complete linear block at the LA roof. Such ablation resulted in the prolongation of the fibrillatory cycle, termination of AF, and subsequent noninducibility and is associated with an improved clinical outcome compared with PV isolation alone.
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The incidence of tuberculous pericarditis is increasing in Africa as a result of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. The primary objective of this article was to review and summarize the literature on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of tuberculous pericarditis. ⋯ Research is needed to improve the diagnosis, assess the effectiveness of adjunctive steroids, and determine the impact of HIV infection on the outcome of tuberculous pericarditis.
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Unlike the Western world, valvular disease ranks among the major cardiovascular afflictions in Africa. Acute rheumatic fever and chronic rheumatic valvular disease in their most virulent form are still commonly encountered and impose a huge burden on limited healthcare resources. ⋯ The spectrum and presentation of valvular disease in Africa are uniquely different from elsewhere. Together with socioeconomic issues and the HIV pandemic, this fact makes it imperative that further epidemiological and clinical studies be undertaken and guidelines developed that are appropriate to the practice of medicine on the African continent.