Over the past 15 years, Speckle-tracking Echocardiography has evolved into a robust technique for assessing both global and regional myocardial function. Among its expanding applications, Left Atrial (LA) strain, particularly in the reservoir phase, has emerged as a clinically relevant parameter. A reduced Left Atrial Strain reservoir (LASr) has been independently associated with elevated Left Ventricular (LV) filling pressures, recurrence of atrial fibrillation, heart failure hospitalizations, and overall cardiovascular mortality., Reflecting this growing body of evidence, LASr has been formally […]

Abstract The Giant Left Atrium (GLA) is a rare condition, more commonly related to rheumatic mitral valve disease; it can be mistaken with a few possible differential diagnoses when less accurate methods are implemented, potentially leading to particularly dangerous and unnecessary procedures in this setting. Cardiovascular imaging methods, such as Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR), can be valuable for this differentiation and provide high spatial resolution, supporting accurate diagnosis and surgical planning when indicated. Selecting the most precise diagnostic method, however, […]

Introduction Until recent years, coronary venous system imaging was overshadowed by coronary artery imaging. However, in recent times, the significance of coronary venous system imaging has risen markedly, particularly due to its pivotal role in diverse interventional cardiology procedures. These interventions encompass a spectrum of tasks, including left ventricular pacing, mapping and ablation of arrhythmias, and retrograde cardioplegia. These procedures are facilitated by utilizing the potential of the coronary sinus (CS). As a result, comprehending the anatomy and anomalies of […]

Abstract Coronary artery fistulas have a low incidence and are often diagnosed by echocardiography or coronary computed tomography angiography, although coronary angiography is the gold standard. They commonly originate in the right coronary artery, with drainage to low-pressure chambers being the most frequent finding. Treatment can be expectant, surgical, or percutaneous. This report describes a case of a rare presentation of heart failure due to a fistula of the circumflex coronary artery with drainage into the left atrium.