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Aims Transthoracic (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are usually the mainstay for diagnosis of cardiac myxomas (MYX). It has been reported that three dimensional (3D) TEE has an additional value in describing the anatomical features. MYX are classified in two types: solid (with a round shape and a non-mobile surface) and papillary (asymmetrical shape with an irregular surface). Even though embolic events are linked to thrombus formation in both types, the latter are more frequently source of embolism. The detection of the attachment of the peduncle and a detailed assessment of the echotexture and of the surface characteristics of the tumour is not always possible by 2D TTE and TEE, therefore MRI is considered the gold standard for diagnosing cardiac tumours and myxomas. Our study aim to determine the accuracy of 3D echocardiographic techniques in the detection of the following anatomical features of the MYX: site of attachment (mid atrial septum, other locations), modality of attachment (pedunculated or sessile), echotexture, surface characteristics in comparison with MRI, and histological findings. Methods and results We retrospectively reviewed 11 cases of the confirmed myxomas by histology that underwent 2D, 3D TEE, and MRI (6 cases) in the past 6 years in order to assess the ability of the imaging techniques in identifying the anatomical features. Pathology samples were analysed in all patients. Differences in parameters were collected. Our study group is comprised by 10 patients (one recurrence), 8 female, mean age 45.6 ± 14.6 years with 15 myxomas; 11 located in the left atrium [one in left atrial appendage (LAA), one on the mitral valve annulus, 9 near the fossa ovalis], 3 in the right atrium, and 1 on the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). Seven were pedunculated, 8 sessile. 2D TEE was not able to diagnose two myxomas. There was an agreement between 2D TEE and 3D TEE in detecting the peduncle except in three patients (only seen by 3D TEE): in the first patient the peduncle was in the atrial septum close to the opening of the left upper pulmonary vein; in the second it was close to the LAA and in the last it was in the LVOT. 3D TEE echotexture analysis matched the pathology in all cases, also in one case of solid tumour with fimbriated edges on a one side which was found to have a clot formation at surgery. There was an excellent matching between the 3D TEE and the MRI in all cases. In our cohort 3DE was able to detect all the morphologic features of the MYX including the site and the type of attachment, the echotexture, and the surface characteristics. The above results led to predict the histologic type, solid, or papillary and there was a correlation with embolism (three patients) and papillary tumours (two patients). Conclusions 3D TEE and MRI are reliable in assessing the anatomical features of myxomas. The described additional features (peduncle, echotexture, and surface characteristics) seen by these two methods could predict the histological type and have an additional value in the work up of the myxomas leading to correct diagnosis and evaluation of possible complications such as embolic risk. This is helpful to suggest in the management (antiplatelet vs. anticoagulation) and has a pivotal role in programming surgery.

During the 18th century in Naples, Raimondo di Sangro, Prince of Sansevero, gave definitive form to the family chapel, the so-called “Cappella San Severo”. The chapel houses not only extraordinarily beautiful and spectacularly detailed statues but also two human skeletons known as anatomical machines (“Macchine Anatomiche”) in the basement. These two skeletons, a man and a pregnant woman, are entirely surrounded by their own circulatory system, just as they were suddenly and mysteriously, fixed. Legend, believed as truth until few years ago, tells that Prince Raimondo had prepared and injected an unknown embalming substance in their blood vessels convicting them to eternal fixity. Most recent investigations, however, demonstrated that while the bones are authentic, the blood vessels are actually an extraordinary artifact, even though the perfect reproduction of the coronary vascular tree, including congenital malformations in detail, raises some doubts about the technique used by the Prince. The dreadful aspect of these two skeletons appears to be in strident contrast with the classic beauty of the statues, which glorifies and celebrates the ideal of morphology. Conversely, the two “Anatomical Machines”, protagonists of legends and superstitions since centuries, represent a marvelous example of science and art.

The 64-slice multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) is an accurate noninvasive technique for assessing the degree of luminal narrowing in coronary arteries of patients with chronic ischemic disease. Aim of this study was to determine the value of MDCT in comparison to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) for detecting the presence and extent of coronary atherosclerotic plaques in a population of asymptomatic, hypertensive patients considered to be at high risk for cardiovascular events.We studied 67 asymptomatic, hypertensive patients at high-risk (Euro Score5%). All patients had negative or nondiagnostic findings at exercise stress testing and therefore underwent both MDCT and ICA.In the per-patient analysis, MDCT correctly identified 16/17 (94%) patients with significant coronary artery disease involving at least 1 vessel and 48/50 (96%) normal subjects. In the per-segment analysis, MDCT correctly detected 21/22 (95%) coronary segments with a stenosisor=50% and 856/868 (98%) normal segments, with a high negative predictivity of normal scans (100%). There was a good concordance between MDCT and ICA, with a high Pearson correlation coefficient between the coronary narrowings with the two techniques (r=0.84, p0.01). Mean coronary calcium score was higher for the 17 patients with significant coronary artery disease on ICA than in the 50 patients without (422+/-223 HU vs 72+/-21 HU p0.001). The ROC curves identified 160 as the best calcium volumetric score cut-off value able to identifyor=1 significant coronary stenosis with sensitivity 88% and specificity 85%.MDCT is an excellent noninvasive technique for early identification of significant coronary stenoses in high risk asymptomatic hypertensive patients and might provide unique information for the screening of this broad population.

Background— The sequence of left ventricular (LV) systolic emptying is not completely understood. Using real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography, we investigated this sequence and LV synchronicity in physiological and pathological conditions. Methods and Results— The study population consisted of 116 healthy volunteers, 20 top-level athletes, 35 patients with LV dysfunction, and 84 patients with LV dysfunction and left bundle-branch block (LBBB). We subdivided the LV into 16 volumetric segments for regional analysis and into apical, middle, and basal regions to calculate the mean of end-systolic times and the time to minimum systolic volume of each region. In healthy volunteers and in top-level athletes, the emptying systolic times increased smoothly from apex to base. These differences determined an apex-to-base time gradient in the LV emptying sequence. In patients with LV dysfunction and without LBBB, this gradient was maintained with a relatively higher LV dyssynchrony. However, in patients with LV dysfunction and LBBB, there was no clear sequence in LV emptying volumes, and this group had the highest LV dyssynchrony. Conclusions— Real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography tomographic slicing of the LV enables accurate analysis of LV emptying in physiological conditions and in conditions of LV dysfunction with and without electrical dyssynchrony. Progressive dilation of LV produces deterioration in LV synchronicity. However, it is the presence of LV dysfunction in combination with LBBB that determines the loss of the apex-to-base time gradient in LV emptying.

Left atrial (LA) enlargement is a negative prognostic factor for survival in patients with stroke, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction. In the absence of mitral valvular disease it is also a marker of chronic elevated left ventricular filling pressures. The aim of our study was to examine whether the currently considered factors such as demographic, clinical, and Doppler parameters fully correspond to LA maximal volume measured by real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE). Two-hundred-twenty-four patients (age 58+/-12 years) were studied. Of these, 66 were healthy volunteers and 158 were patients with more than 2 cardiovascular risk factors (109), documented coronary heart disease (CHD) and normal LV function (33), and patients with (10) and without (6) IHD and LV systolic dysfunction. Two-dimensional Doppler and tissue Doppler (TDI) echocardiographic parameters and LA maximal volume, assessed by RT3DE were analyzed. LA maximal volume values were positively and highly significantly associated, after adjustment for age and sex, with LV mass, mitral flow peak E velocity and E/A ratio, TDI E'/A' ratio and E/e' ratio (P0.001). There were highly significant inverse associations of LA maximal volume and ejection fraction and peak A' velocity detected by TDI (P0.0001). LA maximal volume was significantly correlated with the progression of diastolic dysfunction from normal to grade III. In particular, there was a clear difference between the normal and pseudonormal filling patterns (p0.001) in terms of LA maximal volume. In conclusion, progressive LA volume increase is directly correlated with age, LV mass, and LV diastolic dysfunction, and inversely correlated with LV systolic function.

Being usually asymptomatic, anomalous coronary arteries (ACAs) are discovered in adulthood using invasive coronary angiography (CA) performed for suspected coronary artery disease. However, if only based on CA, the correct diagnosis is not easily made. We report on the importance of integrated data obtained by using multidetector computed tomography, and perfusional myocardial scintigraphy as alternative non-invasive imaging techniques in evaluating the exact course and the functional importance of usually considered "benign" ACAs in three symptomatic subjects, and of the development of official recommendations for the practitioners in the management of such patients.

High normal blood pressure (HNBP), i.e. blood pressure (BP)or = 130/85 mmHg and140/90 mmHg, is an important predictor of progression to established hypertension.The purpose of this retrospective study was the evaluation of the predictive value of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for the development of drug-treated hypertension in subjects with HNBP and other risk factors.We studied 127 subjects (69 M, 58 F, age 50 +/- 14 years): 59 subjects had normal BP (NBP:130/85 mmHg), 68 subjects had systolic and/or diastolic HNBP. All the subjects underwent ABPM. There were 21/68 (30.9%) subjects in the HNBP group vs. 1/59 (1.7%) in the NBP group with an elevated (135/85 mmHg) daytime ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) (p0.01).After an average follow-up of 103 +/- 28 months, 27 subjects (39.7%) in the HNBP group and 4 subjects (6.8%) in the NBP group developed drug-treated hypertension (p0.01). An elevated daytime ABP correctly predicted development of drug-treated hypertension in 17/21 subjects (81%) of the HNBP group and in the only subject of the NBP group. Development of drug-treated hypertension was associated with higher office and ambulatory BP (p0.01) and pulse pressures (p0.05), longer follow-up (p0.05) and higher prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia and smoking (p0.01).We conclude that ABPM correctly predicts development of drug-treated hypertension in most subjects who were identified early as having a daytime mean ABP135/85 mmHg. ABPM appears to be a useful clinical tool in the early diagnosis of hypertension in subjects with metabolic risk factors and smoking.