Comparison of Doppler-derived aortic velocities obtained from various transducer sites in healthy dogs and cats

In normal dogs and dogs with subaortic stenosis, it is known that the subcostal transducer site provides higher left ventricular ejection velocities than does the left apical site. We hypothesized that aortic flow velocities could also be obtained from the right parasternal long-axis view, optimized for the placement of the Doppler cursor as parallel as possible into the aortic root. In 15 healthy dogs and 13 healthy cats, high-pulsed repetition frequency Doppler flow velocity measurements in the proximal aorta were performed using two-dimensional echocardiographic guidance. The mean [ +/- standard error of the mean (SEM)] peak aortic flow velocities in healthy dogs were as follows: subcostal site 1.46 +/- 0.05 m/s; apical site 1.12 +/- 0.06 m/s; right parasternal long-axis site 1.09 +/- 0.05 m/s. In healthy cats, the following peak aortic flow velocities were observed: apical site 0.87 +/- 0.03m/s; right parasternal long-axis site 0.87 +/- 0.03 m/s. Aortic flow velocities obtained from the subcostal site were significantly higher in healthy dogs than those obtained from the left apical and right parasternal long-axis site (P< 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the peak aortic flow velocities obtained from right parasternal long-axis and left apical transducer position in all groups. We conclude therefore that right parasternal long-axis and left apical-derived aortic flow velocities are similar and may be used interchangeably in healthy dogs and cats.

[Prevalence of heart murmurs, aortic and pulmonic stenosis in boxers presented for pre-breeding exams in Switzerland]

Boxer are predisposed to subaortic (SAS) and pulmonic stenosis (PS). To decrease the prevalence, pre-breeding cardiologic exams were performed in the last years. In our study the results of 309 pre-breeding exams of boxers presented between 1999 and 2008 were evaluated retrospectively. The overall prevalence of heart murmurs was 26.5 %. A SAS was diagnosed in 25 (8.1 %) and a PS in 10 (3.3 %) dogs. A combination of both defects was found in 7 (2.3 %) Boxers. Animals with a heart murmur of at least grade 3/6 had a significantly higher peak aortic flow velocity (VmaxAo) than animals without or only soft heart murmurs. Over the study period both the frequency of heart murmurs and diagnosis of SAS and PS decreased.

Long-term outcome of symptomatic severe ostial vertebral artery stenosis (OVAS)

The optimal management of patients with symptomatic severe ostial vertebral artery stenosis (OVAS) is currently unclear. We analyzed the long-term outcome of consecutive patients with OVAS who received either medical treatment (MT) or vertebral artery stenting (VAS).

Nerve root sedimentation sign: evaluation of a new radiological sign in lumbar spinal stenosis

Retrospective case-referent study.

Procedural and mid-term results in patients with aortic stenosis treated with implantation of 2 (in-series) CoreValve prostheses in 1 procedure

This study sought to assess post-procedural and mid-term outcome of patients, in which a second "in-series" CoreValve prosthesis (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) was implanted during the same procedure.

Evaluation of the second generation of a bioresorbable everolimus drug-eluting vascular scaffold for treatment of de novo coronary artery stenosis: six-month clinical and imaging outcomes

The first generation of the bioresorbable everolimus drug-eluting vascular scaffold showed signs of shrinkage at 6 months, which largely contributed to late luminal loss. Nevertheless, late luminal loss was less than that observed with bare metal stents. To maintain the mechanical integrity of the device up to 6 months, the scaffold design and manufacturing process of its polymer were modified.

Cardiogoniometric parameters for detection of coronary artery disease at rest as a function of stenosis localization and distribution

Cardiogoniometry (CGM), a spatiotemporal electrocardiologic 5-lead method with automated analysis, may be useful in primary healthcare for detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) at rest. Our aim was to systematically develop a stenosis-specific parameter set for global CAD detection. In 793 consecutively admitted patients with presumed non-acute CAD, CGM data were collected prior to elective coronary angiography and analyzed retrospectively. 658 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 405 had CAD verified by coronary angiography; the 253 patients with normal coronary angiograms served as the non-CAD controls. Study patients--matched for age, BMI, and gender--were angiographically assigned to 8 stenosis-specific CAD categories or to the controls. One CGM parameter possessing significance (P < .05) and the best diagnostic accuracy was matched to one CAD category. The area under the ROC curve was .80 (global CAD versus controls). A set containing 8 stenosis-specific CGM parameters described variability of R vectors and R-T angles, spatial position and potential distribution of R/T vectors, and ST/T segment alterations. Our parameter set systematically combines CAD categories into an algorithm that detects CAD globally. Prospective validation in clinical studies is ongoing.

Gender differences in clinical presentation and surgical outcome of aortic stenosis

Little is known about the gender differences of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) for isolated severe aortic stenosis.

Natural history of very severe aortic stenosis

We sought to assess the outcome of asymptomatic patients with very severe aortic stenosis.

Percutaneous and Open Retrograde Endovascular Stenting of Symptomatic High-Grade Innominate Artery Stenosis: Technique and Follow-Up

Angioplasty and stenting of the IA have been reported with high technical and clinical success rates, low complication rates and good mid-term patency rates. Different antegrade or retrograde endovascular catheter-based approaches and combinations with surgical exposure of the CCA are used. The purpose of this study was to determine safety, efficacy and mid-term clinical and radiological outcome of the stent-assisted treatment of atherosclerotic stenotic disease of the IA with special focus on the different technical approaches.