BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation is the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. Among Indians, rheumatic heart disease is the most common aetiological factor. In this study, we have evaluated atrial fibrillation in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective observational study. Case sheets of 75 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were studied. The clinical data and 2D echocardiography findings of the patients were studied. RESULTS 51 (68%) patients belonged to 21 to 40 years' age group. Females were more than males. 62 (82.7%) patients presented with dyspnoea followed by palpitations in 34 (45.3%). 70 (93%) had mitral stenosis. 39 (52%) had combined mitral stenosis with regurgitation. The mean left atrial size was 4.87 cm. 34 (45.3%) of total patients had clot in left atrium. Among the various valvular lesions, mitral stenosis had 33 (44%) of left atrial clot. Among mitral stenosis, 55 (78.6%) had severe stenosis with 30 (54.5%) of them having a left atrial clot. CONCLUSION The analysis of the present study gives us insight into the various aspects of valvular involvement in the patients of rheumatic heart disease with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUNDImpaired myocardial contractility as well as electrophysiological abnormalities in cirrhosis is called "Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy." This chronic cardiac dysfunction characterised with electrophysiological abnormalities, such as prolongation of the QT interval occurring in the absence of any other cardiac disease.

BACKGROUNDThe widespread use of HAART therapy resulted in marked decline in the incidence of most AIDS defining conditions and mortality, both in the developed and developing world. As the scope of ART in developing countries continues, the number of patients failing in first line therapy and switching to second line therapy will inevitably increase. The aim of the study is to assess the therapeutic response by CD4 count and plasma viral load in HIV patients who received 2 nd line regimen consisting of tenofovir, lamivudine, Ritonavir and atazanavir.

BACKGROUNDCirrhosis of liver with portal hypertension results in hyperdynamic circulatory state. This is associated with a variety of cardiovascular alterations. In addition, the heart in patients with cirrhosis presents with structural and functional abnormalities that have been termed cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.The aim of this study is to assess the changes in cardiac echocardiography in patients with cirrhosis of liver.