study of QT dispersion as a prognostic indicator in acute myocardial infarction

QT dispersion, defined as the difference between maximum and minimum QT interval measured at 12 lead EGG, is the most simple and widely used index of ventricular dispersion. Increased ventricular dispersion predicts predisposition to cardiac arrhythmia and therefore affects the prognosis of patients after myocardial infarction. In this study we evaluated whether QT dispersion can predict the arrhythmogenic potential in acute myocardial infarction [AMI] and whether it can behave as a risk stratification tool in such patients. In all, 124 patients were included in the study. Mean QT dispersion at presentation was 112 +/- 5.4 ms. Those who were thrombolysed, or survived or did not develop significant ventricular arrhythmias had significantly lower QT dispersion than their comparative groups [P<0.001]. In our study we found that measuring QT dispersion from presentation till. hospitalisation can provide a method of risk stratification of AMI patients and can detect patients who are at increased risk of developing ventricular arrhythmias and increased cardiac mortality

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy in heart failure

Cardiac resynchronization therapy [CRT] represents one of the recent advances in heart failure [HF] management. It implies an attempt to establish left ventricular synchronous contraction in order to improve left ventricular hemodynamics; thereby improving functional class, and quality of life. CRT has come a long way from an incidental treatment modality to an accepted and indicated treatment strategy for patients suffering from severe and chronic heart failure. With its ever increasing use, it is important that we become conversant with its role in the management of heart failure. This article aims to review the evidence for CRT, how CRT benefits patients of heart failure and reveals the indications of CRT implantation in HF patients

Giant angiomyolipoma associated with a dilated vessel prone to hemorrhage

Angiomyolipomas are benign neoplasms of the kidney which can clinically mimic renal malignancy. The imaging features are quite characteristic, and diagnosis can be clinched solely based on radiological investigations. Although mostly asymptomatic, they can be a cause of significant morbidity due to size and hemorrhage. We report a case of giant angiomyolipoma with a dilated vessel susceptible to hemorrhage