This study shows that both systolic and diastolic TDI velocities of the LV and RV are preload-dependent. However, the lateral mitral annulus is more resistant to preload changes than either the septal mitral annulus or the lateral tricuspid annulus.

No abstract

Immediately after successful PTMC, significant decrease in RV contractility as assessed by IVA was observed whereas other parameters of infundibular and global RV function as assessed by RVOTfs and Tei index showed significant improvement. These discordant results may be related to the relative insensitivity of currently available echocardiography parameters of RV function that are not completely immune to loading conditions. Further work using larger numbers of patients is needed to confirm our findings and to assess their utility in patient follow-up and management.

No abstract

Percutaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defect is an established safe alternative to surgery with rare complications and high primary success rate. This procedure can be complicated by early or late device embolizations. We report an asymptomatic delayed nonobstructive embolization of an amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) into the left ventricle outflow tract detected by routine transthoracic echocardiography 1 week after implantation, which required emergent surgical retrieval in a stable patient.