Cardiology Commons^™

Percutaneous Thromboaspiration Of Left Main Coronary Artery Vegetation In A Patient With Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis And Acute Coronary Syndrome, Matthew B Morton, Jeremy Russo, Malanka Lankaputhra, Christopher Merry, Dion Stub

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Acute myocardial infarction from a vegetation is a rare complication of infective endocarditis. Thrombolysis, percutaneous coronary intervention with balloon angioplasty, stenting, and thromboaspiration, and surgery have all been described in this challenging clinical scenario. A woman with staphylococcal bioprosthetic aortic valve infective endocarditis developed acute myocardial infarction due to a vegetation invading the left main coronary artery, which was successfully managed with percutaneous thromboaspiration.

Ultrasound Evaluation Of Left Ventricular Function In Coronary Artery Ectasia: The Added Value Of 2d Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography, Osama Abouelfetouh Elshaer, Mahmoud Gomaa, Ramy Magdy Elgamal, Mohamed Shokry Fahmy, Reda Nabil Dawoud, Reda Biomy, Ahmed Mostafa Ahmed, Mohamed Kamal Salama

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Introduction: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as abnormal dilatation of coronary arteries and may be linked to subclinical myocardial dysfunction. Conventional echocardiographic parameters may not adequately detect early left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE) has shown promise in identifying subtle myocardial changes.

Methods: In this single-center observational study, 90 participants with available coronary angiography were divided into three groups: Group A (controls, n=30), Group B (single-vessel CAE, n=30), and Group C (multi-vessel CAE, n=30). Standard echocardiographic indices including LV ejection fraction (LVEF), volumes, and diastolic function were assessed. Global radial, longitudinal, circumferential, and area strains were …

Corrigendum To “Saudi Heart Association Position Statement On Troponin Use For Cardiovascular Risk Screening In Asymptomatic Populations.” [Journal Of The Saudi Heart Association, 2025;37:32–39. Https://Doi.Org/10.37616/2212-5043.1444]

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

No abstract provided.

Long-Term Survival In Lung Cancer With Brain Metastases And Coronary Artery Stenosis: A Case Report, Raghad O. Alharbi, Shahad J. Alshammary, Nasser E. Alotaibi, Ruba M. Aljohani, Bader A. Alotaibi, Ihab F. Suliman

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Lung cancer is among the most diagnosed cancers worldwide, and its co-occurrence with coronary heart disease is life-threatening. Osimertinib is the standard treatment for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The addition of pemetrexed and carboplatin increases not only the efficacy but also the cardiotoxicity risk. We report a 59-year-old woman with NSCLC alongside brain, liver, and spleen metastases, who developed cardiovascular events following cancer therapy. With advanced imaging and multidisciplinary intervention, remarkable remission was achieved over two years. Reporting this case contributes to the understanding of its presentation and diagnostic challenges.

Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Electrocardiography For Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Bridging The Gap Between Innovation And Clinical Implementation, Muhammad Nabeel Saddique, Alina Jamshed

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

No abstract for this article type

Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement (Tpvr): A Saudi Consensus Statement, Khalid Alnajashi, Ahmed Al Zahrani, Atif Al Qabani, Mohamed Al Humaid, Mishael Binobaidan, Ahmed Krimley, Ahmed Al Omrani, Dhafer Al Shahrani, Ahmed Al Samman, Abdullah Al Quei, Khalid Al Twirqi, Wail Alkashkari, Adel Tash

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: To provide an expert consensus on the appropriate use of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) in managing chronic pulmonary regurgitation (PR), particularly in patients with congenital heart defects such as Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The consensus aims to address current practices, patient selection criteria, procedural planning, and device-specific considerations to guide clinicians in optimizing outcomes. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel reviewed existing literature, clinical guidelines, and real-world practices. Key domains covered include epidemiology, anatomical and hemodynamic evaluation, pre- and post-procedural imaging, device characteristics, and patient selection. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and computed tomography (CT) were …

Aorto-Septal Angle As A Predictor Of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction In Pediatric Patients With Subaortic Stenosis And Subaortic Membrane Development: A Study At Prince Sultan Cardiac Center, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia 2023, Rehab N. Alharbi, Ali A. Alakhfash, Abdullah M. Alqwaiee, Abdulrahman A. Almesned, Abdulrahman O. Alharbi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: The angle between the interventricular septum and the anterior aortic wall is shallow and measured at 120 degrees in normal individuals. In patients with LVOT narrowing, aortic valve anomalies, and a subaortic membrane, this angle is more acute. This will change the flow hemodynamics and might lead to the formation or progression of the subaortic membrane. Objectives: This study aims to assess the IVS/Anterior Aortic wall angle in patients with abnormal aortic valves and/or LVOT obstruction and its association with SAM development. Methodology: A one-year prospective observational study (September 2022 to June 2023) at PSCC-Qassim's pediatric cardiology department included …

Conservative Management Of An Iatrogenic Left Ventricular Pseudo Aneurysm After Type A Aortic Dissection Surgery, Wiem Feki, Amal Kchaou, Rania Gargouri, Hichem Denguir

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Left ventricular pseudo aneurysm a rare but potentially fatal complication after surgery for type A aortic dissection, due to the fragile nature of the pseudo aneurysm wall. We present the case of a 69-year-old man who developed a pseudo aneurysm at the apex of the left ventricle following surgical repair of a type A aortic dissection. Initially under diagnosed on trans thoracic echocardiography , the lesion was clearly characterized by CMR . Given the patient’s stable clinical status and morbidities , a conservative approach was adopted. The patient showed favorable evolution over time.

Prediction Of Af Ablation Results By Advanced Left Atrial Function Assessment Using Strain Analysis And Left Atrial Appendage Emptying Velocity, Tarek Hammouda, Omnia Kamel, Emmanuel Fares, Ahmed Shehata, Yasser Baghdady, Ahmed El-Damaty

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent arrhythmia with significant morbidity. Despite advancements in rhythm control strategies and ablation procedures, approximately 30% of patients with paroxysmal AF experience recurrence, necessitating predictive tools for better patient stratification. This study evaluates the role of left atrial strain (LAS) and left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAeV) as predictors of recurrence, aiming to improve procedural outcomes and patient selection.

Methods A prospective cohort of 32 patients with paroxysmal AF and structurally normal hearts, underwent either cryo- or radiofrequency ablation at a single tertiary center. Pre-ablation evaluations included LAS analysis via transthoracic echocardiography and LAAeV …

Saudi Heart Association Position Statement On Troponin Use For Cardiovascular Risk Screening In Asymptomatic Populations, Waleed Alhabeeb, Abdulhalim Jamal Kinsara, Fahad Alnouri, Hussein Alamri, Owayed Alshammeri, Turki Albacker, Khalid Al Faraidy, Wail , Alkashkari, Shukri Alsaif, Mohammed Balghith, Anwar Abdullah Borai

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death and disability globally. In Saudi Arabia, the burden of CVD is exceptionally high, with age-standardized mortality and prevalence rates that far exceed global averages. The current CVD risk prediction tools have several limitations, and those classified as low to intermediate risk still experience cardiovascular events, underscoring the urgent need to address CVD through effective screening and prevention strategies.

Methods: A panel of Saudi experts reviewed evidence on the use of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) to enhance cardiovascular risk assessment among seemingly healthy individuals. Consensus recommendations tailored to the Saudi context …

Impact Of Aspiration Thrombectomy On Microvascular Obstruction In Patients With St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Mahmoud Ismaiel, Mohamed Shehata, Tamer Elwasify, Mohamed Hosny, Amir Anwar, Tarek A.N. Ahmed, Abdalla Elagha

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background and objective:

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the gold standard for myocardial reperfusion in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Numerous studies have shown that thrombus aspiration can prevent distal embolization and reducing the risk of microvascular obstruction (MVO). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of MVO. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of thrombus aspiration in STEMI patients as an adjunctive technique to primary PCI in reducing the incidence and extent of MVO evaluated by CMR.

Methods

Ninety-three patients with heavy thrombus burden were enrolled in this study; …

Left Atrial Remodeling Parameters And Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels In Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation, Osama Amin, Ahmed Alaarag, Haidy Khattab, Mahmoud Abou-Omar

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Left atrial (LA) remodeling, categorized by functional and structural variations, is predominant in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, implying atrial strain, may lead management by indicating LA remodeling severity. This study was instructed to correlate BNP levels with LA volume index (LAVI) in HFpEF patients with nonvalvular AF against sinus rhythm (SR), to evaluate diagnostic implications.

Methods: This two-center, observational, cross-sectional study (April 2023–October 2024) registered 340 patients with de novo HFpEF (140 AF, 200 SR). Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 50%, valvular disease, …

Rapid Access Chest Pain Assessment Clinic: An Australian Virtual Care Experience, Marwan Shawki, Thalys Sampaio Rodrigues, Hussein Al-Fiadh, Karen Sanders Mnursing, Ali H. Al-Fiadh

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: The Rapid Access Chest Pain Assessment Clinic (RACPAC) streamlines the evaluation of low to intermediate-risk chest pain patients, reducing hospitalisation and healthcare costs. However, there is limited data on the virtual model of care for RACPAC.

Aim: We sought to evaluate the structure, cost-effectiveness, and imaging modalities performance of face-to-face and virtual RACPAC in an Australian setting.

Methods:A retrospective analysis of patients attending the RACPAC within a large Australian quaternary hospital between 2012 and 2021. We described the clinic parameters and imaging modality utilisation with parametric and non-parametric descriptive statics. Patterns of diagnostic modality utilisation were assessed with …

Incidence, Associated Abnormalities, And Outcomes Of Dextrocardia: A Registry-Based Study In Saudi Arabia, Naif Saad Alghasab, Bandar Alshehri, Sulaman Almesned, Hassan Harbi, Reem Alameer, Fahad Alshehri, Ahmad Alzeid, Meshari Alzhrani, Ghazi T. Almutiri, Sara Abou Al-Saud, Fahad Alobaid, Khalid S. Alnajashi, Federica Fogacci, Arrigo F.G. Cicero, Suleiman M. Kharabsheh

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objective: The right-sided positioning of heart during embryonic development is termed dextrocardia, and it may be isolated or associated with visceral dextroposition or malformation. However, there are few studies on the condition. This study aimed to determine the incidence of cardiac and non-cardiac malformations, long-term follow-up, and survival analysis of patients with dextrocardia. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of dextrocardia cases at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from April 22, 1975, to December 31, 2016. A total of 259,246 transthoracic echocardiograms from that period were reviewed, and 357 patients were included in …

Successful Primary Coronary Intervention During Prolonged Mechanical Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation For Acute Myocardial Infarction-Related Cardiac Arrest, Sadeq Tabatabai, Mosaad Abushabana, Ahmed Najah, Prasad Padmakar Kulkarni, Jasem Mohammed Alhashmi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

We report a case of a male patient with an acute inferior myocardial infarction who underwent successful primary coronary intervention during prolonged cardiac arrest (220 minutes) and continuous resuscitation using a mechanical chest compression device. He achieved full neurological recovery. Mechanical compression devices may help maintain perfusion and improve outcomes in such scenarios.

Demographics, Clinical Features And Genetics Of Common Inherited Arrhythmias In Oman, Kadhiya Al Azri, Ismail Al Abri, Maryam Al Shehhi, Maria Al Hinai, Tahlil Al Amri, Narjis Al Sheala, Ammar Al Shabibi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives:

Inherited arrhythmia syndromes (IAS) are a group of rare disorders that result from genetic mutations in several genes including congenital long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome (BrS), short QT syndrome, and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT). Affected individuals may have various symptoms including sudden cardiac death (SCD). Few reports have highlighted long QT syndrome from the Arbian Gulf region. The current study aims to describe demographics of children and adults with inherited arrhythmia syndromes; report the presenting clinical features, genetic mutations and management strategies.

Material and Method:

This is a descriptive retrospective study that included Omani children and adults with …

Efficacy And Safety Of Olezarsen In Dyslipidemia: A Systematic Review And Dose-Response Meta-Analysis Of Randomized Controlled Trials, Christopher D. Tristan, Risalina Myrtha, Matthew A. Wijayanto, Erlangga M. Kynaya, Muhammad F. Hamka, Nathania E. Sudiono, Muhammad A. Rusyidi, Muhana F. Ilyas

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Olezarsen emerged as a novel promising Apo-C3 inhibitor for dyslipidemia. However, its dose-response relationship remains uncertain. This review aims to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of olezarsen, safety measures, and dose-response effects to determine the optimal dose. A systematic search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and CENTRAL on January 2, 2025. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing olezarsen with placebo in dyslipidemia was included. The Rob 2.0 tool was implemented to assess quality. R-studio and STATA were used to conduct statistical analysis. From a total of 194 documents at initial search, four RCTs involving 361 patients were included in the present …

Unmasking Myocardial Bridging: Multimodal Imaging And Tailored Medical Approach In Exercise-Induced Angina – A Case Report, M.A. Amico, M. Casini, E.N. Costanzo, M. Moroni, N. Carrabba

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital coronary anomaly in which a segment of a coronary artery runs intramyocardially. We present the case of a 38-year-old male with myocardial bridging in the mid-left anterior descending artery who developed exerciseinduced angina. This case underscores the importance of recognizing MB as a cause of ischemia that should not be overlooked in the diagnostic workup of patients with angina, especially in younger individuals. A comprehensive diagnostic approach, including multimodality imaging, is essential to uncover the pathology. A tailored pharmacological strategy is recommended. Long-term clinical follow-up is crucial for optimizing symptom management and reducing complications.

Assessment Of The Relationship Between Serum Vitamin D Levels And Its Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Study, Reza Madadi, Sina Bakhshaei, Arian Tavasol, Mahmood Gorjizad, Rouhollah Hemmati, Masood Zangi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Introduction: Cardiovascular events are the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Various studies have shown the relationship between serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels and cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study is to investigate the meta-analysis of the relationship between serum 25(OH) D levels and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including stroke, coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and aortic disease in the population. Method: Using valid keywords and searching the Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, and web of sciences databases, 22 papers were compiled. Data analysis was performed in the group of people with low serum 25(OH)D …

Comparative Analysis Of Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography And Cardio-Specific Markers For Early Detection Of Cardiotoxicity In Patients With Breast Cancer, Begimaia Akbalaeva, Salman Khan, Priti Singh, Mukhtar Ansari, Muteb Alanazi

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) treatment often involves cardiotoxic chemotherapy, leading to potential cardiac dysfunction. Early detection of cardiotoxicity is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and cardiospecific markers in detecting early signs of cardiotoxicity in BC patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: The study included 45 women (mean age, 55.8±12 years) diagnosed with HER-2 positive BC. They were treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide for the first four cycles (group-1), docetaxel and Trastuzumab for the second four cycles (group-2), and Trastuzumab for the third four cycles or more subsequent …

Genetic Factors Associated With Myocardial Infarction In Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Saeed, Abdullah Alshafea, Hussain Aldaghaies, Abdullatif Saeed, Abdulrahman Alshehri

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Introduction:

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of mortality in Saudi Arabia, with individuals sharing genetic, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors. The present investigation aimed to review the literature on genetic susceptibility to MI among Saudi individuals, with a specific emphasis on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for coronary artery disease (CAD) and MI. Studies have revealed the relationship between polymorphisms in genes such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1), which are involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and endothelial function.

Methods:

This PROSPERO-registered …

Impact Of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (Tavi) On Left Ventricular Mass, Volumes, And Pressure. A Single-Center Echocardiographic Analysis, Fouad Taiwilaa Alshammari, Afrah Asaad Alonazi, Mohammed Dhaifallah Almutairi, Khaled Ahmed Majrashi, Atheer Mansour Almutairi, Muhammad Azam Shah

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative treatment for surgically high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). This study aimed to assess the echocardiographic outcomes of TAVI in patients with severe AS, focusing on left ventricular mass, volume, and pressure.

Methods: This retrospective,registry-based, single-center study was conducted at King Salman Heart Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We included 200 adult patients who underwent the TAVI procedure and completed at least one year of clinical and echocardiographic follow-up. Baseline demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic data were collected and paired pre- and post-procedure echocardiographic measurements were analyzed.

Result: Paired analysis …

Can The Location Of Angina Predict The Site Of Coronary Artery Occlusion In Acute Myocardial Infarction? – The Acolyte Study, Kamal Sharma, Ashwati Konat, Poojan Prajapati, Kavya Darji, Shalin Rawal, Vatsa Bhavsar, Prahar Darji, Yashrajsinh Gohil, Masum Patel, Shubham Patel, Parjanya Bhatt, Yashvi Pethani, Stuti Shah, Hardik Desai

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between the location of chest pain (topography) and the site of coronary artery involvement in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).

Materials and Methods: This prospective, observational study included 411 consecutive ACS patients admitted to a tertiary care center between January 2017 and December 2019. A total of 589 angina topographic sites were analyzed. The site and characteristics of chest pain, along with electrocardiogram and coronary angiography findings, were documented and assessed for correlation with the involved coronary artery.

Results: Among the 411 patients, 337 (82.0%) were male and …

Effect Of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program On Left Ventricular Systolic Function In Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Anthracycline-Based Chemotherapy Using Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography, Sarah Mohamed Abdelhady, Ahmed Kadry Araquib, Adel Mohamed Shabana, Adel Gamal Hassanein, Ramy Raymond Elias

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Anthracyclines used in the treatment of breast cancer are known for their cumulative cardiotoxic effect. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is a promising technique in detection of subclinical cardiotoxicity. Cardio-oncology rehabilitation is a new field aiming to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases and improve cardiopulmonary fitness among cancer patients

Methods: The study included 100 female patients with de novo breast cancer and treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Group (1) included patients who were allocated to cardiac rehabilitation program in addition to their regular chemotherapeutic drugs and group 2 …

Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Ecg For Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Fernando (Alonzo) Theja, Louis (Fabio Jonathan) Jusni, Robby Soetedjo, Dimetrio (Alonzo) Theja

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Diagnosing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can be challenging due to its nonspecific clinical manifestations, variability in electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns, and limited access to echocardiography, the gold standard for diagnosis, often leading to delayed detection. Recent artificial intelligence (AI) advancements have enabled ECG-based algorithms to improve HCM detection. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the overall diagnostic performance of AI-enhanced ECG in identifying HCM.

Methods: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were retrieved from PubMed, EBSCO, and Proquest. Inclusion criteria encompassed all studies evaluating AI algorithms for the detection of …

Response To The Letter Titled: “Platelet-To-White Blood Cell Ratio As A Prognostic Biomarker For Spontaneous Reperfusion After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention” By Hinpetch Daungsupawong, Gökhan Alıcı, Tayfur Erdoğdu, Arafat Yıldırım, Özge Ö. Abacıoğlu, Ömer Genç, Ceyhun Yücel, Örsan D. Urgun, Abdullah Yıldırım, Şerafettin Demir

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

No abstract for this article type.

Platelet-To-White Blood Cell Ratio And Prognostic Biomarker For Spontaneous Reperfusion After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Hinpetch Daungsupawong, Viroj Wiwanitkit

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

No abstract for this article type.

Comparison Of Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Vs Medical Therapy For The Prevention Of Recurrent Cryptogenic Stroke: A Systematic Review, Omar Hamodata, Saif , Almuzainy, Rand Yahya, Salam Koniali

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: The optimal management approach for patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO) remains uncertain. Whether medical therapy—using antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants—or transcatheter device closure offers superior protection against stroke recurrence has been a topic of considerable debate. This systematic review aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of these two treatment strategies, incorporating recent studies to provide updated insights on the most effective approach to preventing recurrent cryptogenic stroke. Methodology: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid database through December 2024. Eligible studies were randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing PFO closure versus medical therapy among patients …

Efficacy And Safety Of Concomitant Surgical Ablation During Mitral Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review, Omar Hamodat, Saif Almuzainy, Rand Yahya, Razan Alzaatreh, Samiullah Haroon, Salam Koniali

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common comorbidity in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery (MVS), significantly increasing the risk of thromboembolism, heart failure, and mortality. Surgical ablation has recently been given a Class IA recommendation for concomitant MVS, reinforcing its role in restoring sinus rhythm and improving outcomes in this population. However, concerns about procedural complexity, extended operative time, and postoperative risks have limited its widespread adoption. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence from recent randomized controlled trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical ablation for AF in patients undergoing MVS, addressing critical gaps in current clinical …

"The Role Of Venous Excess Ultrasound Score In Optimizing Acute Heart Failure Diagnosis And Prognosis, Saoussen Antit, Sarra Romdhane, Imen Mtiri, Lilia Zakhama

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a critical condition with significant morbidity and mortality, necessitating timely and accurate diagnosis for effective management.

The Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score has emerged as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, aimed at evaluating venous congestion through ultrasound. This scoring system integrates assessments of the inferior vena cava, hepatic veins, portal veins, and renal venous flow to quantify congestion severity. By providing a real-time assessment of venous pressure, the VExUS score has shown potential in optimizing early diagnosis of AHF and predicting outcomes and overall prognosis.

Recent studies suggest that incorporating the VExUS score into clinical practice …