SR imaging enables the quantitative assessment of the LA function and can be considered as a potential marker of atrial reverse remodelling. Patients with higher atrial S and SR after catheter ablation appear to have a greater likelihood of maintenance of sinus rhythm. This may have further implications for the anticoagulation regime and the risk of cardioembolic complications.
Background-A causal relation between atherosclerosis and chronic infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae and/or cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been suggested. Whether the unresolved problem of venous coronary artery bypass graft occlusion is related to infection with C pneumoniae and/or CMV has not been addressed. Methods and Results-Thirty-eight occluded coronary artery vein grafts and 20 native saphenous veins were examined.Detection of C pneumoniae DNA was performed by use of nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Homogenisates from the specimen were cultured for identification of viable C pneumoniae. Both conventional PCR and quantitative PCR for detection of CMV DNA were applied. Differential pathological changes (degree of inflammation, smooth muscle cell proliferation [MIB-1]) were determined and correlated to the detection of both microorganisms. C pneumoniae DNA could be detected in 25% of occluded vein grafts. Viable C pneumoniae was recovered from 16% of occluded vein grafts. Except for 1 native saphenous vein, all control vessels were negative for both C pneumoniae detection and culture. All pathological and control specimens were negative for CMV DNA detection. Pathological changes did not correlate with C pneumoniae detection. Conclusions-Occluded aorto-coronary venous grafts harbor C pneumoniae but not CMV. The detection of C pneumoniae in occluded vein grafts warrants further investigation. (Circulation. 1999;99:879-882.)
Initial experience with DES for PV stenosis suggests an excellent stent patency rate. Transesophageal echocardiography Doppler measurements provide a viable way of monitoring stent patency.
TEE identifies significant PV stenosis by assessment of flow characteristics and vessel diameter and can thereby be used as a follow-up tool after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.
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