Constantin B. Marcu

Clinical applications of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved from an effective research tool into a clinically proven, safe and comprehensive imaging modality. It provides anatomic and functional information in acquired and congenital heart disease and is the most precise technique for quantification of ventricular volumes, function and mass. Owing to its excellent interstudy reproducibility, cardiovascular MRI is the optimal method for assessment of changes in ventricular parameters after therapeutic intervention. Delayed contrast enhancement is an accurate and robust method used in the diagnosis of ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies and less common diseases, such as cardiac sarcoidosis and myocarditis. First-pass magnetic contrast myocardial perfusion is becoming an alternative to radionuclide techniques for the detection of coronary atherosclerotic disease. In this review we outline the techniques used in cardiovascular MRI and discuss the most common clinical applications.

Rapid progression of pericardial calcification in a patient with end‐stage renal disease

Dialysis pericarditis is a relatively uncommon cause of pericardial constriction and may be found in patients with end‐stage renal disease receiving adequate renal replacement therapy. We present a patient with end‐stage renal disease maintained on chronic peritoneal dialysis who developed severe myopericardial calcification over a 2‐month period demonstrated by sequential chest computed tomographic scanning. The characteristic hemodynamic findings of constrictive‐effusive pericarditis, obtained during cardiac catheterization, are presented and discussed.

Spontaneous aortic thrombosis and embolization: antithrombin deficiency and the work-up of hypercoagulable states

The Case: A previously healthy 24-year-old man presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe periumbilical and right costovertebral pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. His vital signs, including oxygen saturation, were normal. His physical exam was remarkable for decreased

A young man with palpitations and Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve

![Figure][1] Fig. 1: Top: Electrocardiogram from patient with Ebsteins anomaly of the tricuspid valve, showing shortened PR interval, prolonged QRS interval and delta waves (arrows). Bottom: Electrocardiogram after radiofrequency ablation, showing prolonged PR interval and odd “second”