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ABSTRACT: We describe the case of a 67-year-old man who was referred for the management of severe mitral valve regurgitation and coronary artery disease. Further workup revealed a descending thoracic aorta aneurysm. He underwent mitral valve replacement with coronary artery bypass surgery and, at a second stage, endovascular stent graft repair of the descending thoracic aorta aneurysm.
Hellenic journal of cardiology: HJC = Hellēnikē kardiologikē epitheōrēsē 05/2012; 53(3):242-5. · 1.23 Impact Factor
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Spyridon Deftereos,
Georgios Giannopoulos,
Charalampos Kossyvakis,
Konstantinos Raisakis,
Andreas Kaoukis, Constadina Aggeli,
Konstantina Toli,
Andreas Theodorakis,
Vasiliki Panagopoulou,
Metaxia Driva,
Ioannis Mantas,
Vlasios Pyrgakis,
Ilias Rentoukas,
Christodoulos Stefanadis
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ABSTRACT: As shown previously in patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) without symptoms or signs of heart failure, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) increases rapidly, reaching a maximum within 24-36 h, and then decreases even if AF persists. A study was undertaken to use NTproBNP measurements in patients with AF of unknown time of onset to identify patients with presumed recent onset of the arrhythmia.
Two-group open cross-sectional study.
Hospitalised patients in cardiology departments of four hospitals.
Patients presenting with AF of unknown onset and no signs or symptoms of heart failure were separated into two groups: group A with NTproBNP above the cut-off level and group B with a low NTproBNP level.
No therapeutic intervention. All patients underwent transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE).
Presence of left atrial thrombus on TEE.
In group A (N=43) only two patients (4.7%) were found to have an atrial thrombus on TEE (negative predictive value of raised NTproBNP levels 95.3%) compared with 13 of 43 patients in group B (30.2%; p=0.002). Patients with a higher CHA(2)DS(2)VASc score (p=0.002) and a larger left atrium (p<0.001) were more likely to have an atrial thrombus. In the multivariate analysis, NTproBNP below the cut-off level was the most powerful predictor of the presence of thrombus (OR 25.0; p=0.016).
The reported strong correlation between raised NTproBNP levels and the absence of atrial thrombi on TEE suggests that the short-term increase in NTproBNP levels after AF onset might be used to assess the age of the arrhythmia and thus the safety of cardioversion in patients with AF of unknown onset and no heart failure.
Heart (British Cardiac Society) 02/2011; 97(11):914-7. · 4.22 Impact Factor
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Spyridon Deftereos,
Georgios Giannopoulos,
Konstantinos Raisakis,
Charalampos Kossyvakis,
Andreas Kaoukis,
Metaxia Driva,
Loukas Pappas,
Vasiliki Panagopoulou,
Olga Ntzouvara,
Apostolos Karavidas,
Vlasios Pyrgakis,
Ilias Rentoukas, Constadina Aggeli,
Christodoulos Stefanadis
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this prospective, open-label, cohort study was to compare the effect of muscle functional electrical stimulation (FES) on endothelial function to that of conventional bicycle training. Eligible patients were those with New York Heart Association class II or III heart failure symptoms and ejection fractions ≤ 0.35. Two physical conditioning programs were delivered: FES of the muscles of the lower limbs and bicycle training, each lasting for 6 weeks, with a 6-week washout period between them. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and other parameters were assessed before and after FES and the bicycle training program. FES resulted in a significant improvement in FMD, which increased from 5.9 ± 0.5% to 7.7 ± 0.5% (95% confidence interval for the difference 1.5% to 2.3%, p < 0.001). Bicycle training also resulted in a substantial improvement of endothelial function. FMD increased from 6.2 ± 0.4% to 9.2 ± 0.4% (95% confidence interval for the difference 2.5% to 3.5%, p < 0.001). FES was associated with a 41% relative increase in FMD, compared to 57% with bicycle exercise (95% confidence interval for the difference between the relative changes 1.2% to 30.5%, p = 0.034). This resulted in attaining a significantly higher FMD value after bicycle training compared to FES (9.2 ± 0.4% vs 7.7 ± 0.5%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the effect of muscle FES in patients with heart failure on endothelial function, although not equivalent to that of conventional exercise, is substantial. Muscle FES protocols may prove very useful in the treatment of patients with heart failure who cannot or will not adhere to conventional exercise programs.
The American journal of cardiology 12/2010; 106(11):1621-5. · 3.58 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Ultrasound contrast agents, consisting of gas-filled microbubbles, have long been used to enhance ultrasonographic imaging of various organs and in several settings. In echocardiography, after their first use for Doppler signal enhancement, their applications have expanded and several studies, combining a range of stress modalities with myocardial contrast echocardiography have shown the clinical utility of these agents. In experimental isolated heart animal models, the interaction of ultrasound with echo-contrast microbubbles was shown to have significant biologic effects when the acoustic energy of the beam exceeded a threshold, leading them to rupture and causing cavitation phenomena; the observed consequences in the experimental setting included microvascular damage, transient decrease of contractile performance and increased lactate production. From the clinical point of view, the reporting of a number of serious adverse events - whose association with the echo-contrast agents was debated - has led to the addition of warning boxes in the prescribing documentation of these preparations. On the other hand, clinical studies including high numbers of patients have shown good safety and tolerance of contrast use during stress echocardiography, both for left ventricle opacification and myocardial perfusion imaging. The present review aims at presenting a balanced account of the existing data regarding the mechanisms and clinical implications of echo-contrast bioeffects, in order to make an informed assessment of their safety in clinical practice.
Current Vascular Pharmacology 08/2009; 7(3):338-46. · 2.90 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We prospectively assessed the effects of biventricular (BiV) pacing on electrocardiographic (ECG) and vectorcardiographic (VCG) descriptors of ventricular depolarization and repolarization and their association with appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) activation.
We studied 70 consecutive heart failure (HF) (37 ischaemic) patients (64 males, age 66.3 years) with a history of syncope or sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) who underwent implantation of a BiV-ICD. An invasive electrophysiological study (EPS) was performed before the implantation and 12-lead digital ECGs before and 30 days after implantation. Serial echocardiographic studies were performed. Follow-up duration was 1 year. Maximum (P < 0.001) and minimum (P = 0.004) QT intervals were significantly decreased, whereas QT dispersion was not altered (P = 0.086). QRS duration was shortened (P < 0.001), whereas QRS dispersion was significantly decreased (P = 0.034). Spatial T and QRS vector amplitudes decreased (P < 0.001, for both), whereas the spatial QRS-T angle was not affected (P = 0.671). Twenty-seven (38.6%) patients, experienced appropriate ICD therapies during follow-up. None of the ECG or VCG parameters (pre- or post-implant) were able to identify patients with appropriate ICD therapies during follow-up. Only the presence of a previous episode of sustained VT (spontaneous or inducible on EPS) was strongly associated with appropriate ICD therapies (multivariate P = 0.00 014; odds ratio 24.5).
Improvement or no alteration of ECG and VCG descriptors of ventricular depolarization and repolarization was demonstrated after implantation of a BiV-ICD in HF patients. None of these parameters were associated with appropriate ICD therapies, whereas a previous episode of VT or induction of sustained VT on EPS predicted appropriate ICD treatments.
Europace 04/2009; 11(6):741-50. · 1.98 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The role of atherosclerosis in thoracic aortic dissection has not been established yet. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an imaging modality widely used in the diagnostic evaluation of thoracic aortic dissection, and it can detect aortic atherosclerotic plaques and assess their size and specific characteristics.
One hundred consecutive patients with thoracic aortic dissection and adequate imaging of the thoracic aorta by TEE were studied. The type of dissection (proximal or distal) and the presence and the degree of aortic atherosclerosis were defined. Proximal aortic dissection (Stanford type A) was found in 64 patients. Patients with proximal dissection were younger than those with distal (type B; 58+/-13 vs 67+/-11 years, p<0.001). The prevalence of arterial hypertension was higher in patients with distal dissection compared with those with proximal. Aortic atherosclerosis was present in less patients with proximal than with distal dissection (67% vs 94%, p<0.002). Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with severe atherosclerosis were 7.6-fold more probable to have type B than type A dissection (p<0.001).
Aortic atherosclerosis is more associated with distal than with proximal aortic dissection.
Circulation Journal 10/2008; 72(11):1773-6. · 3.77 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of the present study was to provide evidence regarding the safety of real-time flash-contrast echocardiography combined with dobutamine-atropine stress echo (DASE).
The combination of perfusion assessment using myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) with DASE has shown very promising results for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Concerns have, however, been expressed regarding the safety of the use of echo-contrast agents in echocardiography.
5250 individuals (70.8% men, aged 64.6 years (SD 10.6)) were submitted to DASE, with concurrent MCE using a low mechanical index technique with the administration of high-energy impulses in order to assess replenishment time.
No deaths or myocardial infarctions were observed. Sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or fibrillation requiring resuscitation occurred in two cases (0.04%). The incidence of other arrhythmic events was: sustained VT not requiring resuscitation, 10 (0.18%); non-sustained VT, 18 (0.34%); atrial tachycardia, 4 (0.08%); atrial fibrillation, 25 (0.48%). Other observed adverse events included: intense headache, 52 (1%); intense back pain, 26 (0.5%). Vagal reactions with marked systolic blood pressure falls were observed in 45 cases (0.9%). Hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 23 cases (0.44%), although no serious cases of hypersensitivity requiring hospitalisation were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy of DASE/MCE were 92%, 61% and 85%, respectively.
This report of safety data regarding stress-contrast echocardiography in a large series of subjects suggests that this is an exceptionally safe technique, given that in 5250 studies no study-related deaths or myocardial infarctions were encountered, whereas serious adverse events requiring hospitalisation were extremely rare (one in 2625 studies).
Heart (British Cardiac Society) 06/2008; 94(12):1571-7. · 4.22 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The severity of thoracic aortic atherosclerosis (TAA) is associated with the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of this study is to quantitative this relationship by developing a novel atherosclerotic index.
Two hundred and forty six consecutive patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and coronary angiography. A grading system was used to define the extent of TAA for individual segment of the thoracic aorta. TAA burden index (TAABI) was defined as the sum of the grading for each segment. Of the derived values TAABI had the greatest specificity and sensitivity in predicting CAD. A TAABI of greater than 6 was associated with 16-fold increase in the probability of CAD with a specificity of 88% and a sensitivity of 81%. The positive predictive value was 77% and the negative predictive value 90%.
A TAABI value of greater than 6 accurately predicts the presence of CAD. Patients with no or mild TAA are at low risk of having angiographically significant CAD.
Atherosclerosis 04/2008; 197(1):232-6. · 3.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To compare real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) with two-dimensional dobutamine stress echocardiography (2DE) for the detection of myocardial ischaemia, with angiographic validation of the results.
56 patients (mean (SD) age 64.5 (6.2) years, 38 males), referred for coronary angiography, were examined by 2DE and RT3DE during the same dobutamine stress protocol.
All 56 patients completed the stress protocol uneventfully. The mean (SD) acquisition time for the necessary views to evaluate all segments was 26.3 (2.5) s for RT3DE and 58.8 (3.7) s for 2DE (p<0.001). At peak stress, RT3DE had a higher wall-motion score index (1.25 (0.24) by 2DE, 1.30 (0.27) by RT3DE; p = 0.014). The regional wall-motion score for the four apical segments at peak stress was compared; it was 1.35 (0.55) by 2DE and 1.52 (0.69) by RT3DE (p = 0.003). The diagnostic parameters of 2DE versus RT3DE were: sensitivity 73% vs 78%, specificity 93% vs 89% and overall accuracy 86% vs 85%, respectively. In the left anterior descending artery territory, in particular, where RT3DE had higher regional wall-motion scores, it showed a tendency towards higher sensitivity (85% vs 78%), although this difference did not achieve statistical significance.
RT3DE identifies wall-motion abnormalities more readily in the apical region than 2DE, which may explain the tendency towards higher sensitivity in the left anterior descending artery territory. RT3DE results were validated using angiography as reference and findings indicate diagnostic equivalence to 2DE, with the advantage of considerable shorter acquisition times.
Heart (British Cardiac Society) 07/2007; 93(6):672-5. · 4.22 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The use of the vasodilating agent adenosine as stressor in conjunction with myocardial contrast echocardiography has not been extensively evaluated in hypertensive patients. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic value of adenosine myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) in comparison to single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), with reference to angiographic findings, in a hypertensive population.
Fifty hypertensive subjects, treated with standard antihypertensive treatment, were submitted to adenosine stress MCE, adenosine SPECT, and coronary angiography within a 1-month period, without any intervening events.
Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 88%, 89%, 88% for MCE and 80%, 94%, 85% for SPECT, respectively (P = not significant). In the analysis by coronary territory, it appears that MCE and SPECT are both more accurate in detecting lesions of the anterior than of the posterior coronary system, as suggested by the good concordance to angiography results in the left anterior descending artery territory (k = 0.640 and 0.671, respectively). Agreement with angiographic findings was moderate for the right coronary artery (k = 0.561 and 0.539, respectively), whereas left circumflex artery lesions were more accurately detected by MCE than by SPECT (k = 0.533 and 0.400, respectively), that is, MCE appears to be superior in the left circumflex artery territory.
In hypertensive patients, adenosine MCE has similar overall diagnostic accuracy with SPECT for assessment of coronary artery disease but is superior in the left circumflex artery territory.
American Journal of Hypertension 06/2007; 20(5):533-8. · 3.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Aortic elastic properties are compromised in various states that induce functional and histological changes in the aortic wall. Aortic stenosis is frequent and often requires replacement of the stenotic valve. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aortic valve replacement on the aortic root function.
31 patients, mean+/-SD age 67.2+/-9.1 years with severe aortic stenosis, who underwent aortic valve replacement with a bileaflet mechanical prosthesis, were studied. Aortic root function indices such as aortic cross-sectional compliance (CSC), aortic root distensibility (ARD), and aortic stiffness index (ASI) were calculated with the use of M-mode echocardiography in three sessions: one preoperatively (pre-op), one on day 7 postoperatively (early post-op), and one 6 months postoperatively (late post-op).
Aortic root function deteriorated early post-op (p<0.001 for all) and returned towards pre-op levels late post-op (p=NS for all). CSC changed from 2.84+/-1.98 to 1.37+/-0.92, and 2.30+/-1.11 cm2/mmHg, ARD from 2.21+/-5.60 to 1.01+/-0.67, and 1.79+/-0.96 cm2/dyne, and ASI from 9.72+/-5.60 to 24.65+/-19.10, and 11.51+/-7.85, respectively. Correlations were found between early changes in some aortic root indices and the degree of aortic stenosis, denoting that aortic function deteriorated less in more severe cases of aortic stenosis. None of the late changes were related to aortic valve or left ventricular indices.
Aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve results in a significant but transient impairment of aortic distensibility.
International Journal of Cardiology 07/2006; 110(1):74-9. · 7.08 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We present two transesophageal echocardiographic images of a patient with acute myocardial infarction, demonstrating a large thrombus attached to the thoracic aortic wall, considered to be a complication of intra-aortic balloon pumping. The patient had received the device because of hemodynamic instability due to an infarct-related ventricular septal defect. Clinical manifestations which led to the diagnosis of thromboembolism were abdominal pain and deterioration of renal function, without signs of limb ischemia.
European Heart Journal – Cardiovascular Imaging 04/2006; 7(2):175-6. · 2.32 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Erectile dysfunction (ED) shares common risk factors with coronary artery disease (CAD). It has been suggested that ED may be considered a clinical manifestation of a generalized vascular disease affecting also the penile arteries. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate angiographically the incidence of asymptomatic CAD in men with ED of vascular origin.
Fifty consecutive asymptomatic men, aged 41-74 years, with non-psychogenic and non-hormonal ED were comprehensively evaluated using medical history and examination, exercise treadmill test and stress echocardiography. Patients who had positive one or both of the two non-invasive procedures were referred for coronary arteriography in order to document CAD and evaluate the severity of the disease.
The mean time interval between the onset of ED and cardiological assessment was 25 months (range 1-66). Smoking (32 patients/64%), hypertension (31 patients/62%) and hyperlipidemia (26 patients/52%) were the most common risk factors. Moreover, 35 men (70%) had two or more risk factors. Twelve patients (24%) with ED had positive one or both of the two non-invasive procedures and one patient presented with acute myocardial infarction before he completed the non-invasive investigation. Coronary arteriography performed in ten patients (in nine with positive one or both of the two non-invasive procedures [while the other three refused], and in the patient with acute myocardial infarction) demonstrated that one patient had three-vessel disease, two patients had two-vessel disease and six patients had single-vessel disease.
A considerable proportion (9/47 or 19%) of patients with ED of vascular origin has angiographically documented silent CAD. These findings support the strategy that patients with ED should undergo further cardiovascular evaluation.
European Urology 01/2006; 48(6):996-1002; discussion 1002-3. · 8.49 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Accurate estimation of right ventricular (RV) function in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (RTOF) is difficult, partly due to the presence of tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary regurgitation and/or stenosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate RV systolic and diastolic function of adult asymptomatic patients with RTOF by means of tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) values.
25 adult patients with RTOF and 25 healthy controls were studied. The following echocardiographic measurements were obtained: RV diameter/left ventricular (LV) diameter (RVD/LVD) and systolic (Sa) and diastolic (Ea, Aa) velocities at the RV free wall tricuspid annulus site. Serum BNP levels were measured as well.
Patients with RTOF demonstrated reduced TDI velocities: Sa, 8.16 +/- 1.15 versus 16.43 +/- 1.15 cm/sec (P < .001); Ea, 10.00 +/- 2.18 versus 18.99 +/- 1.00 cm/sec (P < .001); Aa, 5.64 +/- 1.77 vs. 13.69 +/- 0.86 cm/sec (P < .001). Patients with RTOF also had higher BNP levels than controls (85.0 +/- 87.0 vs 5.36 +/- 1.0 pg/mL; P < .001). The increased BNP levels in RTOF patients correlated with the RVD/LVD ratio (r = .521; P < .01).
Our results indicate that although our cohort of patients was asymptomatic, using TDI and BNP allowed us to easily discriminate them from the healthy controls. The ability of TDI to assess ventricular function even in the presence of valvular lesions, as in RTOF patients, makes it a valuable tool in the investigation and follow-up of these patients.
Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography: official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography 12/2005; 18(11):1149-54. · 2.98 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Aortic stiffness is a marker of cardiovascular disease and an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Although an association between inflammatory markers and increased arterial stiffness has been suggested, the causative relationship between inflammation and arterial stiffness has not been investigated.
One hundred healthy individuals were studied according to a randomized, double-blind, sham procedure-controlled design. Each substudy consisted of 2 treatment arms, 1 with Salmonella typhi vaccination and 1 with sham vaccination. Vaccination produced a significant (P<0.01) increase in pulse wave velocity (at 8 hours by 0.43 m/s), denoting an increase in aortic stiffness. Wave reflections were reduced significantly (P<0.01) by vaccination (decrease in augmentation index of 5.0% at 8 hours and 2.5% at 32 hours) as a result of peripheral vasodilatation. These effects were associated with significant increases in inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P<0.001), high-sensitivity interleukin-6 (P<0.001), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (P<0.01). With aspirin pretreatment (1200 mg PO), neither pulse wave velocity nor augmentation index changed significantly after vaccination (increase of 0.11 m/s and 0.4%, respectively; P=NS for both).
This is the first study to show through a cause-and-effect relationship that acute systemic inflammation leads to deterioration of large-artery stiffness and to a decrease in wave reflections. These findings have important implications, given the importance of aortic stiffness for cardiovascular function and risk and the potential of therapeutic interventions with antiinflammatory properties.
Circulation 10/2005; 112(14):2193-200. · 14.74 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Beta-thalassemia major is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We examined endothelial function and serum levels of inflammatory mediators in transfusion-dependent patients with beta-thalassemia major.
The study population consisted of 67 patients with homozygous beta-thalassemia major, (aged 24.6+/-0.7 years) and 71 healthy age and sex matched controls. Forearm blood flow was measured with gauge-strain plethysmography. Forearm vasodilatory response to reactive hyperemia (RH%) or to nitrate (NTG%) was expressed as the percentage change of forearm blood flow from baseline to the maximum flow during reactive hyperemia or sublingual nitroglycerin, respectively. Serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM-1) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM-1) were determined with ELISA.
Patients had significantly lower levels of total cholesterol (125+/-4.5 vs. 207+/-7 mg/ml, p<0.01), ApoA1 (120+/-3 vs. 129+/-5 mg/ml, p<0.05), ApoB (60.5+/-2 vs. 95+/-4 mg/ml, p<0.01), ApoE (3+/-2 vs. 4+/-0.2 mg/ml, p<0.01) and Lp(a) (7.9+/-1.3 vs. 14.5+/-3.2 mg/ml, p<0.01) than controls. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients (3.03+/-0.31 pg/ml) than controls (1.15+/-0.15 pg/ml, p<0.01). Similarly, sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 levels were significantly higher in patients (513+/-31 and 368+/-25.5 ng/ml, respectively) than controls (333+/-13.8 and 272+/-14.05 ng/ml, respectively, p<0.01 for both). Maximum hyperemic forearm blood flow and RH% were lower in patients (7.1+/-0.3 ml/100 ml tissue/min and 49+/-2.8%, respectively) than controls (8.26+/-0.32 ml/100 ml tissue/min and 86.3+/-5.57%, respectively, p<0.01 for both).
Beta-thalassemia major is associated with impaired endothelial function and increased levels of IL-6, sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1, suggesting a potential role of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in the complications of the disease.
International Journal of Cardiology 10/2005; 105(1):80-4. · 7.08 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is a relatively new technique that uses microbubbles to produce myocardial opacification. Recent advances in echocardiography have resulted in improved detection of microbubbles within the myocardium allowing combined acquisition of function and perfusion data, thus making MCE suitable for bedside use. Regardless of the imaging modality chosen or the type of stress used, MCE detects changes developing in the coronary microcirculation, providing important information for the evaluation of severity of coronary artery disease and for the detection of viable myocardial tissue in acute or chronic coronary artery disease.
International Journal of Cardiology 10/2005; 104(1):1-9. · 7.08 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Am J Hypertens (2005) 18, 23A–23A; doi:10.1016/j.amjhyper.2005.03.058
P-40: Acute and chronic detrimental effect of smoking on aortic elasticity
Charalambos Vlachopoulos1, Konstantinos Sassalos1, Constadina Aggeli1, Nikolaos Ioakeimidis1, Nikolaos Alexopoulos1, Demosthenes Panagiotakos1 and Christodoulos Stefanadis111st Cardiology, Athens Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece.
American Journal of Hypertension 04/2005; · 3.18 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We present a case of a 71-year-old homeless diabetic man who was hospitalized due to bilateral cellulitis of the lower limbs. Because of severe calcific aortic stenosis, he had undergone valve replacement by a bioprosthesis 3 years earlier. Except from the two preadmission days, he reported no fever, malaise, or weight loss at any time after surgery. On examination, no specific signs or symptoms suggesting infective endocarditis were noted. After six blood cultures were taken, the patient was put on cloxacillin, clindamycin and gentamicin. All the six blood cultures were finally proven to be negative.
International Journal of Cardiology 02/2005; 98(1):163-4. · 7.08 Impact Factor
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Echocardiography 08/2004; 21(5):435-6. · 1.24 Impact Factor
