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Aims Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a well-known pathophysiological factor in heart failure (HF) patients, and left atrial function (LAF) is a novel determinant of clinical status and outcome in this setting. However, little is known about the pathophysiological role of FMR on LAF in HFrEF patients. Aim of this study is to explore the possible interplay between the severity of FMR and LAF in heart failure with reduce ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients and their possible consequences. Methods and results We studied 97 consecutive patients with FMR classified in two groups: mild-to-moderate MR ore less (FMR group, n = 38) and moderate-to-severe or more (SFMR group, n = 59). Using the phasic method, left atrial contractile, conduit, reservoir, and total emptying function (TLAEF) were calculated to assess LAF. SFMR group showed significantly lower values of LAF compared to FMR group. LA dysfunction (LA-dys) was defined for TLAEF values below the median and groups divided in four subgroups based on its presence. Patient with LA-Dys in SFMR group showed a worse clinical status, higher incidence of right ventricular dysfunction (RV-Dys), and pulmonary hypertension (PH), and a significant worse clinical survival compared to all other groups. Conclusion In our study, the survival was significantly lower in SFMR/LA-Dys+ group. Furthermore, LA-Dys was strongly related with worse clinical status and higher incidence of PH and RV-Dys. These results suggest that in patients with SFMR and HFrEF, LA-Dys may represent both a marker of more advanced disease and a novel prognostic factor.

Gestational choriocarcinoma is a malignant trophoblastic tumor arising from any gestational event, even with a long latency period, generally in the reproductive female. It is associated with a high level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. Its primary site is usually the uterus but not all patients have a detectable lesion in this site. Regression of the primary tumor after it has metastasized is not uncommon, and one-third of cases manifest as complications of metastatic disease. In this report we present an uncommon case of gestational choriocarcinoma with lung, liver and jejunal metastases at the time of diagnosis without evidence of pelvic disease, in 34-year-old woman. The main points of interest of our case were the development of the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome with massive multicystic ovarian enlargement induced by high level of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and the bleeding of jejunal and liver metastases, due to the high vascularity of the tumor tissue, a condition known as “Choriocarcinoma Syndrome”. We will focus on the radiological findings of metastases, bleeding complications and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) represents an emerging imaging technique which consists of the acquisition of two separate datasets utilizing two different X-ray spectra energies. Several cardiac DECT applications have been assessed, such as virtual monoenergetic images, virtual non-contrast reconstructions, and iodine myocardial perfusion maps, which are demonstrated to improve diagnostic accuracy and image quality while reducing both radiation and contrast media administration. This review will summarize the technical basis of DECT and review the principal cardiac applications currently adopted in clinical practice, exploring possible future applications.