International journal of cardiology
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The evolution of valve damage during a recurrence, in a patient who did not have apparent carditis in the initial attack of Sydenham's chorea, has been a subject of debate. ⋯ Rheumatic recurrence can develop new valve damage evident by echocardiography for the patient with pure Sydenham's chorea who had previous subclinical valvulitis. Longer duration of secondary prophylaxis is recommended to prevent a recurrence of rheumatic fever in the patient with pure Sydenham's chorea who initially had subclinical valvulitis.
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We evaluated the association between invasive and non-invasive management and hospital and 6-month outcomes in patients with a prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) who experienced an acute coronary syndrome. ⋯ The results from this observational study show no statistically significant differences in hospital outcomes between acute coronary syndrome patients with a prior CABG who undergo invasive or non-invasive treatment. Invasively treated patients experienced higher rates of readmission and additional cardiac procedures than non-invasively treated patients but a lower incidence of cardiovascular complications at 6 months.
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To determine predictors of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the lower extremities and pulmonary arterial thromboembolism (PE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), we evaluated the incidence of these events using multislice computed tomography (CT). ⋯ The incidence of DVT or PE one week after TKA was 39% by MSCT. High levels of TAOB, hemoglobin and AaDO2 on the day after TKA may be predictive indicators of DVT or PE one week after TKA.
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Comparative Study
Prospective evaluation of atrial tachyarrhythmias in patients with interatrial block.
Interatrial block (P-wave> or =110 ms) is clinically associated with left atrial enlargement and electromechanical dysfunction as well as atrial tachyarrhythmias. We prospectively evaluated the incidence of such arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation among patients with interatrial block over the course of 1 year. ⋯ Interatrial block may be associated with atrial fibrillation but in a 12-month period, does not appear to be an independent predictor of future atrial fibrillation. Continued prospective investigation of such a relationship is certainly warranted given its already known consequences.
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Antipsychotic agents are known to be associated with a long QT interval and torsade de pointes. We report a 69 year old female who suffered from a syncopal attack at a psychiatric hospital and was referred to our center. ⋯ After stopping the medication, the QT interval returned to normal (420 ms). The patients taking sulpiride should be closely monitored, especially when it is used in combination with other antidepressant agents.