Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography: technology and clinical application

Several studies reported during recent years showed some new possible advantages of the three-dimensional echocardiography in daily practice. Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography [RT3DE] is the only on-line 3D method based on real time volumetric scanning, as compared with other 3D imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which are based on post-acquisition reconstruction and not on volumetric scanning. The aim of this study is to give a brief review of the development of the technology of RT3DE and its clinical application

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy: clinical and molecular findings

It has been known for some decades that chronic alcoholism can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy. Although excessive drinking is known to result in alcoholic cardiomyopathy and light-to-moderate drinking may confer some cardiovascular benefits, recent studies suggest that it is not only the quantity, but also drinking patterns and genetic factors, that may influence the relation between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease. Alcoholic patients consuming > 90g of alcohol a day for > 5 years are at risk for the development of asymptomatic alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Those who continue to drink may become symptomatic and develop signs and symptoms of heart failure. We summarize the experimental and clinical evidence regarding the role of alcohol in pathophysiology of alcoholic cardiomyopathy