This study showed that a higher plasma BNP was associated with a lower LAA flow velocity in patients with NV-AF and normal LV systolic function. The plasma BNP may complement the role of the CHADS score in predicting lower LAA flow velocity.

A 54-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for pneumonia-induced sepsis and acute exacerbation of chronic renal failure. No abnormality was observed in the electrocardiogram (ECG) and in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) on admission. We diagnosed Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) on the 3rd hospital day evidenced by negative T-waves in leads II, III, aVF and V3 to V6 in the ECG and characteristic abnormal left ventricular (LV) wall motion in TTE. The ECG and TTE were normal on the 11th hospital day. However, similar changes on the ECG and TTE appeared on the 13th hospital day. The recurrence of TCM was diagnosed.

No abstract