Abstract Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major global public health challenge because of its substantial morbidity and mortality, predominantly affecting the mitral valve. Although its prevalence is higher in developing countries, the disease continues to be diagnosed, albeit less frequently, in developed nations. Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) has become a highly effective therapeutic option for appropriately selected patients, with its technical and clinical success being strongly dependent on careful candidate selection. This article reviews the key aspects of […]

Abstract Much of cardiovascular medicine has been built on evidence derived from predominantly White, male cohorts that do not reflect the diversity of the patient population. Consequently, reference values, devices, and algorithms may exhibit variable accuracy across groups, thereby compromising diagnostic precision. From the perspective of cardiovascular imaging, this review examines how underrepresentation in research translates into diagnostic inequities. We discuss scenarios where representation alters what imaging reveals: transthyretin amyloidosis associated with the Val142Ile variant in older adults of African […]

Abstract Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by α-galactosidase A deficiency, leading to the progressive accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso-Gb3) in multiple organs. Cardiac involvement is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, making early recognition of cardiomyopathy fundamental to optimizing treatment and improving prognosis. This review summarizes the current evidence on the role of electrocardiography, conventional and advanced echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in the assessment of cardiac involvement in Fabry disease. […]

Abstract Background: Detection of intracranial involvement in acute hypertension traditionally relies on fundoscopy, a method with limited applicability at the bedside. Ultrasonographic measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has emerged as a rapid, non-invasive alternative. Objective: To synthesize evidence on ONSD in adults and pregnant women with acute hypertensive states, assessing the difference in measurements between groups and its diagnostic performance for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched […]

Abstract Background: Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a genetic disorder caused by extracellular deposition of amyloid fibrils derived from plasma transthyretin in tissues following loss of its tetrameric structure, affecting the heart and nervous system. Objective: This study aimed to assess left atrial function in ATTRv and to discuss its relevance as a tool for early detection of cardiac involvement, as well as its prognostic value. Methods: This systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered […]

Introduction An aortic aneurysm is defined as a localized arterial dilation exceeding the normal vessel diameter by more than 50% or the expected diameter of the specific aortic segment by more than 2 standard deviations., The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) among individuals aged > 65 years is significantly higher in men.– AAA rupture is associated with high mortality, estimated at 80%-90%, particularly when prehospital deaths are taken into account. The management of this condition has advanced substantially, particularly […]

Introduction Heart Failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome in which fluid overload and congestion play a central role in symptoms, hospitalization, and mortality. Traditional methods for assessing congestion, such as clinical examination and natriuretic peptide levels, often lack sensitivity and provide limited information about the distribution and severity of fluid accumulation. Traditional bedside methods, such as auscultation for lung crepitations, chest radiography to detect overt pulmonary oedema, and palpation to grade pitting oedema, can help identify congestion. However, these […]

Introduction Carotid atherosclerosis is an important marker of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk and has traditionally been assessed using ultrasonography with a predominant focus on the degree of luminal stenosis. This paradigm was established by landmark studies that supported therapeutic decision-making, particularly in symptomatic patients. However, advances in understanding of plaque biology have shown that stenosis alone does not fully account for the clinical risk, especially in asymptomatic individuals or those with non-obstructive lesions. Over the past decades, increasing evidence has […]

Among the various cardiovascular manifestations of post-COVID-19 syndrome, few remain as challenging as interpreting the persistent alterations in right ventricular mechanics. Although numerous studies have shown that the right ventricle is particularly susceptible to the overload imposed by the pulmonary circulation during the acute phase of infection, the clinical significance of the echocardiographic abnormalities that persist after recovery is still incompletely understood. Its high sensitivity to variations in pulmonary afterload, hypoxia, vascular inflammation, and microvascular thrombosis explains the vulnerability of […]

Introduction Myocardial strain analysis is a sensitive method for the early assessment of alterations in left ventricular (LV) mechanics; it is capable of detecting incipient changes and is less influenced by ventricular geometry or loading conditions. Echocardiography is a reproducible and cost-effective method for this assessment, given the ongoing development and widespread integration of new technologies into ultrasound systems. Various studies have demonstrated the importance of measuring global longitudinal strain (GLS), in addition to conventional parameters, for assessment of structural […]