Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Nov 1996
Mode of onset of torsade de pointes in congenital long QT syndrome.
We sought to describe the mode of onset of spontaneous torsade de pointes in the congenital long QT syndrome. ⋯ The "long-short" sequence, which has been recognized as a hallmark of torsade de pointes in the acquired LQTS, plays a major role in the genesis of torsade in the congenital LQTS as well. Our findings have important therapeutic implications regarding the use of pacemakers for prevention of torsade in the congenital LQTS.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Nov 1996
A model that predicts morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
This study was performed to develop a method for identifying patients at increased risk for morbidity or mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. ⋯ Analysis of preoperative patient variables can predict patients at increased risk for morbidity or mortality, or both, after bypass surgery. Increased morbidity results in higher costs. Different strategies for high and low risk patients should be used in cost reduction efforts.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Nov 1996
Marked expression of plasma brain natriuretic peptide is a special feature of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
We examined whether plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels are abnormally elevated in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy compared with other cardiac diseases. ⋯ Abnormal elevations of plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels are difficult to explain on the basis of hemodynamic and echocardiographic data and are a special feature of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Nov 1996
Left ventricular function after valve repair for chronic mitral regurgitation: predictive value of preoperative assessment of contractile reserve by exercise echocardiography.
We evaluated the value of preoperative assessment of left ventricular contractile reserve in predicting ventricular function after valve repair for minimally symptomatic mitral regurgitation. ⋯ In minimally symptomatic patients with mitral regurgitation, latent ventricular dysfunction may be indicated by a limited contractile reserve, manifest at exercise as an inadequate increase in ejection fraction and a larger end-systolic volume. These variables may also be used to predict left ventricular function after repair.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Oct 1996
Comparative StudyIntraoperative transesophageal echocardiography and epiaortic ultrasound for assessment of atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta.
This study sought to determine the role of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and epiaortic ultrasound in the detection of atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. ⋯ Epiaortic ultrasound is more accurate than TEE for identification of atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta, but both ultrasound techniques are superior to palpation. Epiaortic ultrasound and TEE provide complementary information regarding thoracic aortic atherosclerosis. Modification of surgical technique on the basis of results of intraoperative epiaortic ultrasound and TEE in elderly patients undergoing cardiac procedures may prevent atheroembolic complications.