1,721,097 research outputs found
GLI OMOINNESTI VALVOLARI UMANI QUALI SOSTITUTI VALVOLARI NELLA RICOSTRUZIONE DELLA VIA DI EFFLUSSO VENTRICOLARE SINISTRA NELL'ADULTO
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Epigenetic Programming and Risk : the Birthplace of Cardiovascular Disease?
No full textEpigenetics, through control of gene expression circuitries, plays important roles in various physiological processes such as stem cell differentiation and self renewal. This occurs during embryonic development, in different tissues, and in response to environmental stimuli. The language of epigenetic program is based on specific covalent modifications of DNA and chromatin. Thus, in addition to the individual identity, encoded by sequence of the four bases of the DNA, there is a cell type identity characterized by its positioning in the epigenetic "landscape". Aberrant changes in epigenetic marks induced by environmental cues may contribute to the development of abnormal phenotypes associated with different human diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and inflammation. Most of the epigenetic studies have focused on embryonic development and cancer biology, while little has been done to explore the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. This review highlights our current knowledge of epigenetic gene regulation and the evidence that chromatin remodeling and histone modifications play key roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease through (re)programming of cardiovascular (stem) cells commitment, identity and function
Pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricular outflow tract after cardiac surgery
No full textPseudoaneurysms of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) are rare entity. We present a case of false aneurysm caused by a chronic bacterial infection after mechanical aortic valve replacement in otherwise healthy and asymptomatic young man
Patents and heart valve surgery - I : mechanical valves
No full textValvular heart disease, inherited or acquired, affects more than 5 million Americans yearly. Whereas medical treatment is beneficial in the initial stages of valvular heart disease, surgical correction provides symptomatic relief and long-term survival benefits. Surgical options include either repair or replacement using mechanical or bio-prosthetic valves. Patient age and the post-operative need for anticoagulation therapy are major determinants of the choice between use of mechanical or bio-prosthetic valves. Since the first mechanical valves were made available several decades ago, the incorporation of increasingly sophisticated materials and methodologies has led to substantial improvements in the valve design, and has catalyzed a parallel increase in the amount of patents issued for these emerging technologies. In this paper, we have chronologically reviewed such patents, briefly discussed various challenges that mechanical heart valve implementation is faced with and finally reviewed some of the strategies employed to overcome such obstacles. An ideal prosthetic heart valve would comprehensively mimic the natural hemodynamics and physiology of the native heart valve. Additionally, such a valve would be easily implantable, associated with a minimal risk of thrombosis and thus need for anti-coagulation, and with a proven long-term durability. With cutting edge technological advancements in the recent times, the ongoing innovative and collaborative efforts of physicians, scientists, and engineers will not seize until an ideal mechanical heart valve becomes a reality
Late Presentation of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction due to Sub-aortic Membrane
Full text linkLeft Ventricular Outflow Tract (LVOT) obstruction is caused by a wide range of different anatomical lesions referred to as Sub-aortic Stenosis (SS). SS can be isolated or associated with other
heart defects; and tends to evolve and progress over time even though the speed of its progression is very variable and difficult to predict. We present a case of a patient affected by sub-aortic membrane undergone to surgical procedure
Huge Left Atrial Myxoma and Concomitant Silent Coronary Artery Disease in a Young Man
Full text linkSevere but silent coronary artery disease may rarely exist in young patients with a low-risk profile but with a family history of coronary artery disease. We describe the case of a 33-year-old Caucasian male with progressive shortness of breath caused by a huge left atrial myxoma who was diagnosed to have significant coronary artery disease in the preoperative assessment. After investigations, the patient underwent resection of the left atrial tumor and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with a successful outcome. Even in the case of a young male, it may be prudent to investigate silent coronary artery disease in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and family history of coronary artery disease. The learning objective of this case is to debate about the usefulness of a preoperative coronary study even in the young population with cardiac nonischemic pathologies (ie, valve pathology, cardiac tumors, etc.)
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