Camillo Autore

Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Acute Coronary Syndromes

Objective: RDW is a measure of the variation of red blood cell width, reported as part of standard complete blood count; many paper reported results about the role of RDW in heart failure; the role of RDW in Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) is less known. Methods: We enrolled 173 consecutive patients, admitted to the coronary care unit of our hospital, with a diagnosis of ob- structive ACS, documented by the evidence of obstructive coronary lesions on coronary angiography. We divided patients into two Groups: Group 1, with normal values of RDW; Group 2, with RDW values higher than normal range. Ventricular systolic function, was measured with echocardiography. Results: Patients of group 1 had a greater Ejection Fraction (p=0.03) and lower values of NT-proBNP (p=0.001). Finally we found a lower eGFR in patients of group 2, than in pa- tients of group 1 (p=0.0001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that RDW is a routine and inexpensive test that can provide information concerning se- verity of clinical condition in acute phase of an ACS, both as regards the cardiac contractility, both with regard to renal function. These variables are important prognostic factors in patients after ACS.

DOES FOCAL LATE GADOLINIUM ENHANCEMENT AT THE RIGHT VENTRICULAR INSERTION POINTS MATTER IN RISK STRATIFICATION FOR SUDDEN DEATH IN HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with extensive late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a novel marker for increased risk for sudden death in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) presumably due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias emanating from areas of replacement fibrosis. Of particular

Approach to the Initial and Follow-Up Visits

This chapter offers a practical approach to the management of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The first section discusses in detail the initial patient evaluation. The second section examines the clinical criteria on which to base the timing of follow-up visits, as well as the treatment strategies with which to confront disease progression. Algorithms summarize the general assessment and management of HCM patients at initial evaluation and during follow-up. A section of this chapter is also dedicated to patient education regarding lifestyle, family screening for HCM, and genetic testing and counseling.

FEMALE GENDER IS ASSOCIATED WITH MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common, heritable cardiovascular disorder and the most frequent cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young adults. Gender disparities with regards to clinical outcomes among HCM patients are not well-defined. We investigated the relationship between