JACC. Cardiovascular imaging
-
JACC Cardiovasc Imaging · Sep 2014
Multicenter StudyAssociation of epicardial adipose tissue with progression of coronary artery calcification is more pronounced in the early phase of atherosclerosis: results from the Heinz Nixdorf recall study.
This study sought to determine whether epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume predicts the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) score in the general population. ⋯ EAT is associated with the progression of CAC, especially in young subjects and subjects with low CAC score, suggesting that EAT may promote early atherosclerosis development.
-
JACC Cardiovasc Imaging · Feb 2014
Multicenter StudyEchocardiographic correlates of acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and in-hospital mortality in tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy.
The purpose of this study was to determine clinical and echocardiographic correlates of acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock and in-hospital mortality in a large cohort of tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) patients. ⋯ Echocardiographic parameters provide additional information compared to other variables routinely used in clinical practice to identify patients at higher risk of hemodynamic deterioration and poor in-hospital outcome, allowing prompt institution of appropriate pharmacological treatment and adequate mechanical support.
-
JACC Cardiovasc Imaging · Jan 2014
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial Observational StudyAcute mortality in critically ill patients undergoing echocardiography with or without an ultrasound contrast agent.
The objective of this observational study was to compare 48-h all-cause mortality (as well as hospital stay mortality) among critically ill patients who underwent echocardiography either with or without an ultrasound contrast agent (UCA). ⋯ In critically ill, propensity-matched hospitalized patients undergoing echocardiography, use of a UCA is associated with a 28% lower mortality at 48 h in comparison with patients undergoing non-contrast-enhanced echocardiography. These results are reassuring, given previous reports suggesting an association between UCAs and increased mortality in critically ill patients.
-
JACC Cardiovasc Imaging · Dec 2013
Multicenter StudyRV contractility and exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension in chronic mountain sickness: a stress echocardiographic and tissue Doppler imaging study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular function and pulmonary circulation in chronic mountain sickness (CMS) patients with rest and stress echocardiography compared with healthy high-altitude (HA) dwellers. ⋯ Comparable RV contractile reserve in CMS and HA suggests that the lower resting values of RV function in CMS may represent a physiological adaptation to chronic hypoxic conditions rather than impaired RV function. (Chronic Mountain Sickness, Systemic Vascular Function [CMS]; NCT01182792).
-
JACC Cardiovasc Imaging · Oct 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyRelationship of serum inflammatory biomarkers with plaque inflammation assessed by FDG PET/CT: the dal-PLAQUE study.
This study sought to longitudinally investigate the relationship between a broad spectrum of serum inflammatory biomarkers and plaque inflammation assessed by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT). ⋯ Our data show that, in patients with coronary heart disease or at high risk of coronary heart disease on stable lipid-lowering therapy, circulating myeloperoxidase levels are associated with carotid plaque inflammation. (A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study of the Effect of RO4607381 on Progression or Regression of Atherosclerotic Plaque in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease [CHD] Including Patients With Other CHD Risk Factors [dal-PLAQUE]; NCT00655473).