Focal fatty areas in the myocardium of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex: a unique finding

Item does not contain fulltextWith this collection of computed tomography and magnetic resonance images, we illustrate a recently described novel finding in the myocardium of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex

Echocardiographic screening results in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Contains fulltext : 88782.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)We sought to examine the frequency of abnormal echocardiographic findings in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. In a retrospective cohort study, we included all patients with known tuberous sclerosis complex who had been sent to our cardiology department for echocardiographic screening from 1995 through August 2003 (n=56). Two research scientists independently reviewed the reports of the echocardiographic screening examinations for abnormal findings. We used descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the chi(2) test. The mean age of patients included in the study was 35 years (range, 12-73 yr); 23 patients were male. Abnormal findings were seen in 22 patients (39%). The most common abnormal findings were focal areas of increased intramyocardial echogenicity, which were seen in 16 patients (29%). The clinical consequence of this finding is still unknown. We conclude that echocardiographic abnormalities are common in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex

Influence of Cardiac Risk Factors and Medication on Length of Hospitalization in Patients Undergoing Major Vascular Surgery

Major vascular surgery is associated with a long in-hospital length of stay (LOS). Cardiac risk factors identify patients with an increased risk. Recent studies have associated statin, aspirin, and β-blocker therapies with improved postoperative outcome. However, the effect of all these factors on LOS has not been defined. Our aims were to determine the effect of cardiac risk factors and (preventive) statin, aspirin, and β-blocker therapy on LOS and to deduce from these factors a model that predicts LOS. In total, 2,374 patients from 1990 to 2004 were enrolled. Mean LOS was 18 ± 9 days. Cardiac risk factors that were significantly associated with LOS in the multivariable analysis were age, previous heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Statin and aspirin use was associated with a shorter LOS. Beta blockers shortened LOS only in patients with underlying coronary artery disease. Together, these factors explained 14.1% of the variance in LOS. In conclusion, in-hospital LOS in patients who undergo major vascular surgery can be predicted more accurately by clinical cardiac risk factors. A significant decrease in in-hospital LOS was achieved with statin, aspirin, and β-blocker therapies