Hemodynamically significant extrinsic left atrial compression by gastric structures in the mediastinum
Article Abstract:
The stomach and its contents can become displaced, compress the upper left chamber of the heart, and cause heart failure. Removal of a large portion of the stomach contents can quickly reverse this condition. Physicians can use transthoracic echocardiography to diagnose heart compression. Transthoracic echocardiography is a diagnostic tool using ultrasound waves. It gives a cross-sectional view of the chest. Researchers reviewed the cases of 3 patients who, within days following surgery, showed signs of respiratory distress. A transthoracic echocardiogram revealed that the stomach was compressing the heart. After fluid was removed from the stomach, blood pressure and lung function returned to normal.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1995
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Risk for clinical thromboembolism associated with conversion to sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation lasting less than 48 hours
Article Abstract:
Patients with atrial fibrillation lasting less than two days appear to be at low risk for embolism. Therefore, patients may not need transesophageal echocardiography to look for atrial clots or prolonged treatment with anticlotting medication before trying to correct the fibrillation. With fibrillation, the atrial chamber of the heart quivers instead of beating effectively, which may lead to clot formation. Among 375 adults with atrial fibrillation lasting less than 48 hours, only 3 patients experienced an embolism. Two-thirds of the group returned to a normal heart beat spontaneously; the rest required medication or electrical stimulation.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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Transesophageal echocardiography and atrial fibrillation: added value or expensive toy?
Article Abstract:
Additional research could confirm the benefit of transesophageal echocardiography in assessing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a rapid contraction of the upper chambers of the heart, which are called atria. This can cause blood clots to travel from the atria to the brain, causing a stroke. Inserting an ultrasonic probe into the esophagus can help physicians examine the atria to see if it contains a blood clot. Patients who have atrial blood clots can be treated with the anticoagulant drug warfarin. Those who don't can be managed with aspirin.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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