Topic Review
Vital Echocardiographic Data Prior to Ventricular Arrhythmia Ablation
Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are a major cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Echocardiography is the first widely available imaging tool which guides VA management strategies. Along with other invasive and noninvasive imaging techniques, it provides essential information for identification of VA substrate such as differentiation between ischemic and non-ischemic etiology and identification of structural heart disease. Both classic as well as novel echocardiographic techniques such as left ventricular strain measurement and mechanical dispersion assessment provide prognostic information and assist in risk stratification. Furthermore, intracardiac echocardiography may have an adjunctive role for the VA ablation by providing real-time visualization of cardiac structures, continuous monitoring of catheter location and early recognition of procedural complications.
  • 224
  • 21 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Viral Myocarditis - From Pathophysiology to Treatment
The pathophysiology of viral myocarditis and its sequelae leading to severe heart failure with a poor prognosis is not fully understood and represents a significant public health issue globally. Most likely, at a certain point, besides viral persistence, several etiological types merge into a common pathogenic autoimmune process leading to chronic inflammation and tissue remodeling, ultimately resulting in the clinical phenotype of dilated cardiomyopathy. 
  • 423
  • 05 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Viral Myocarditis
Viral infections are the most frequently reported etiological factors of acute myocarditis, presumed even in cases where the viral pathogen cannot be detected, or when it could act as a trigger for a secondary reaction. No consensus exists regarding the necessary investigations to confirm infectious causes. Coronary artery disease and congenital or acquired structural deformities are routinely investigated, but dysfunction induced by toxic substances, collagen vascular diseases, postpartum cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction with non-obstructed coronary arteries are just a few of the examples that occasionally can cause misdiagnosis, especially in patients having a coincidental history of a recent viral illness. The COVID-19 pandemic brought attention to viral myocarditis and problems with its diagnostics.
  • 226
  • 16 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Vericiguat in Heart Failure
Despite advances in heart failure (HF) management, the risk of death and hospitalizations remains high in the long term. HF is characterized by endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and increased oxidative stress, due to a reduction in the activity of the nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling pathway. All these factors contribute to direct damage at the myocardial, vascular and renal level. Vericiguat restores the deficiency in this signaling pathway, through stimulation and activation of sGC, aiming to increase cGMP levels, with a reduction in HF-related oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. 
  • 243
  • 14 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Ventricular Septal Rupture
Ventricular septal rupture is a serious mechanical complication of myocardial infarction (MI) with an unfavorable prognosis.
  • 262
  • 29 Aug 2022
Topic Review
Ventricular Arrhythmias in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patient
Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are used in the treatment of advanced left ventricular heart failure. LVAD can serve as a bridge to orthotopic heart transplantation or as a destination therapy in cases where orthotopic heart transplantation is contraindicated. Ventricular arrhythmias are frequently observed in patients with LVAD. 
  • 45
  • 23 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Mortality in infarct-related cardiogenic shock (CS) remains high, reaching 40–50%. In refractory CS, active mechanical circulatory support devices including veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) are rapidly evolving. However, supporting evidence of VAECMO therapy in infarct-related CS is low. The basics of VA-ECMO therapy, current evidence, ongoing trials, patient selection and potential complications warrant focus.
  • 306
  • 12 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Vasospasm in Fluoropyrimidine-Induced Ischemic Heart Disease
Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Cardiotoxicity from chemotherapeutic agents results in substantial morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors and patients with active cancer. Cardiotoxicity induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been well established, yet its incidence, mechanisms, and manifestation remain poorly defined. Ischemia secondary to coronary artery vasospasm is thought to be the most frequent cardiotoxic effect of 5-FU. The available evidence of 5-FU-induced epicardial coronary artery spasm and coronary microvascular dysfunction suggests that endothelial dysfunction or primary vascular smooth muscle dysfunction (an endothelial-independent mechanism) are the possible contributing factors to this form of cardiotoxicity. In patients with 5-FU-related coronary artery vasospasm, termination of chemotherapy and administration of nitrates or calcium channel blockers may improve ischemic symptoms. However, there are variable results after administration of nitrates or calcium channel blockers in patients treated with 5-FU presumed to have myocardial ischemia, suggesting mechanisms other than impaired vasodilatory response. 
  • 358
  • 22 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Vascular Endothelium in Cardiovascular Diseases
The vascular endothelium plays a vital role during embryogenesis and aging and is a cell monolayer that lines the blood vessels. The immune system recognizes the endothelium as its own. Therefore, an abnormality of the endothelium exposes the tissues to the immune system and provokes inflammation and vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Its secretory role allows it to release vasoconstrictors and vasorelaxants as well as cardio-modulatory factors that maintain the proper functioning of the circulatory system. The sealing of the monolayer provided by adhesion molecules plays an important role in cardiovascular physiology and pathology.
  • 320
  • 01 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Vascular Endothelial Glycocalyx
Vascular endothelial cells are a monolayer of cells that comprise the innermost layer of cells in the vascular system, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, and serve a barrier function for the blood vessels surrounding all organs and in direct contact with the blood flowing through the vascular lumen.
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  • 30 Dec 2020
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