Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is an emerging tool to characterize and quantify myocardial segmental and rotational mechanics. This literature review is aimed at clinical and academic cardiologists to provide: (1) a conceptual framework of STE to initiate understanding of myocardial mechanics; (2) evidence that three-dimensional (3D) STE overcomes the problems of time-consuming data acquisition and postprocessing seen with two-dimensional STE; and (3) illustrative clinical cases with analysis of myocardial mechanics via 3D STE to show the incremental value of strain in clinical decision making.

Concurrent use of magnesium enhanced the ability of ibutilide to successfully convert atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter (AFl). The 4 grams magnesium dose appeared to provide the greatest benefit.

The significance of these possible concomitant cardiomyopathies is not presently well understood. We did not identify a common derivative when looking for a genetic link, but it is most likely hidden in the genetic substrate, yet to be identified.

Background: The long-term outcomes for endovascular intervention (EVI) in Asian people with critical limb ischemia (CLI) are still uncertain. This study was designed to assess the feasibility and patient outcomes after EVI for Taiwanese patients with CLI. Methods: From June 2005 to December 2011, 270 patients underwent EVI for CLI of 333 limbs. Primary patency (PP), assisted primary patency (AP), limb salvage, sustained clinical success (SCS), secondary sustained clinical success (SSCS) and survival were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: The procedural success rate was 94% and 53% of legs required stent implantation to optimize the procedural result. The periprocedural mortality and major complications rate within 30 days was 0.6% and 6.9%, respectively. During the mean follow-up time of 27Ϯ20 months (1-77), 64 patients died and 25 legs underwent major amputation with a total of 93% follow-up rate. 81% of patients with tissue loss had wound healing at 6 months and 75% of patients can be ambulatory with or without assist device at 1 year. Overall survival rate of CLI patients at 1, 3, 5 year was 88%, 70% and 61%. The rates of free from major and any amputation at 1 year were 90% and 78%, respectively and can be maintained to 5 years. The PP and AP at 1, 3, 5 year was 58%, 37%, 31% and 79%, 61% and 52%, respectively. The SCS and SSCS were 65%, 46%, 38% and 80%, 64%, 55% at 1, 3,5 years, respectively. Conclusions: EVI proved to be a safe and feasible procedure for CLI patients. Sustained limb salvage and clinical success can be achieved with an active surveillance program and prompt assisted intervention during long-term follow-up.