Sormani Dott.ssa Paola

Pubblicazioni su PubMed

• Cardiac magnetic resonance abnormalities in patients with acute myocarditis proven by septal endomyocardial biopsy.
  Clin Res Cardiol

  2023 Mar;112(3):392-400. doi: 10.1007/s00392-022-02103-1.
  
  Peretto Giovanni, Merlo Marco, Gentile Piero, Porcari Aldostefano, Palmisano Anna, Vignale Davide, Sormani Paola, Rizzo Stefania, De Gaspari Monica, Basso Cristina, Bella Paolo Della, Sala Simone, Ammirati Enrico, Sinagra Gianfranco, Esposito Antonio, Pedrotti Patrizia
  
  Abstract
  
  BACKGROUND:
  Previous studies suggest low diagnostic sensitivity of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging based on Lake Louise criteria (LLC) to identify patients with complicated presentations of acute myocarditis (AM). We evaluated classic and updated LLC in patients with AM proven by right ventricular septal endomyocardial biopsy (RVS-EMB).
  
  METHODS:
  From an initial population of 499 patients with clinically suspected AM from a multicenter retrospective cohort, we included 74 patients with histologically proven myocarditis on RVS-EMB and available CMR within 30 days since admission. The prevalence of total and septal CMR abnormalities [namely, T2-weighted images (T2W), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), T2 and T1 mapping, and extracellular volume (ECV)] were assessed in patients with complicated vs. uncomplicated AM.
  
  RESULTS:
  Among 74 patients [mean age 38?±?15 years, 65% males, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 40?±?18%] with RVS-EMB-proven AM, 53 (72%) had a complicated presentation. The classic LLC were positive in 56/74 patients (76%), whereas the updated ones were positive in 41/41 of cases (100%). Septal involvement, documented in 48/74 patients (65%) by conventional T2W/LGE and in 39/41 cases (95%) by mapping techniques (p?0.001), was more common in patients with complicated AM. In the 41 patients undergoing both evaluations, CMR sensitivity for myocarditis was 85% for the classic LLC vs. 100% for the updated LLC (p?=?0.006).
  
  CONCLUSION:
  In patients with myocarditis on RVS-EMB, CMR using updated LLC has high sensitivity in the detection of AM when performed within 30 days. Septal abnormalities are more common in patients with complicated AM.
  
  © 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.
  
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• Left atrial volume indexed for height is a new sensitive marker for subclinical cardiac organ damage in female hypertensive patients.
  Hypertens Res

  2021 Jun;44(6):692-699. doi: 10.1038/s41440-021-00614-4.
  
  Airale Lorenzo, Paini Anna, Ianniello Eugenia, Mancusi Costantino, Moreo Antonella, Vaudo Gaetano, Avenatti Eleonora, Salvetti Massimo, Bacchelli Stefano, Izzo Raffaele, Sormani Paola, Arrivi Alessio, Muiesan Maria Lorenza, Esposti Daniela Degli, Giannattasio Cristina, Pucci Giacomo, De Luca Nicola, Milan Alberto,
  
  Abstract
  
  Left atrial enlargement (LAe) is a subclinical marker of hypertensive-mediated organ damage, which is important to identify in cardiovascular risk stratification. Recently, LA indexing for height was suggested as a more accurate marker of defining LAe. Our aim was to test the difference in LAe prevalence using body surface area (BSA) and height definitions in an essential hypertensive population. A total of 441 essential hypertensive patients underwent complete clinical and echocardiographic evaluation. Left atrial volume (LAV), left ventricular morphology, and systolic-diastolic function were evaluated. LAe was twice as prevalent when defined using height (LAe) indexation rather than BSA (LAe) (51% vs. 23%, p?0.001). LAe, but not LAe, was more prevalent in females (p?0.001). Males and females also differed in left ventricular hypertrophy (p?=?0.046) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) indexes (septal Em/Etdi: p?=?0.009; lateral Em/Etdi: p?=?0.003; mean Em/Etdi: p?0.002). All patients presenting LAe also met the criteria for LAe. According to the presence/absence of LAe, we created three groups (Norm?=?BSA-/h-; DilH?=?BSA-/h+; DilHB = BSA+/h+). The female sex prevalence in the DilH group was higher than that in the other two groups (Norm: p?0.001; DilHB: p?=?0.036). LVH and mean and septal Em/Etdi increased from the Norm to the DilH group and from the DilH to the DilHB group (p?0.05 for all comparisons). These results show that LAe identified twice as many patients as comparing LAe to LAe, but that both LAe and LAe definitions were associated with LVH and LVDD. In female patients, the LAe definition and its sex-specific threshold seem to be more sensitive than LAe in identifying chamber enlargement.
  
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• [Clinical and diagnostic key points of left ventricular hypertrophy in adults: insights from the ANMCO Lombardy experience].
  G Ital Cardiol (Rome)

  2020 Jun;21(6):447-456. doi: 10.1714/3359.33329.
  
  Iacovoni Attilio, De Chiara Benedetta, Sormani Paola, Campana Marco, Agostini Francesco, Faggiano Pompilio, Occhi Lucia, Dadone Viola, Raineri Claudia, Moreo Antonella, Di Tano Giuseppe,
  
  Abstract
  
  Left ventricular hypertrophy is a common complication of different diseases. Among these, cardiac involvement of amyloidosis or Anderson-Fabry disease are often unrecognized. Early diagnosis is therefore crucial because new therapies can impact the progression of these diseases. Different specific signs unmasked by clinical, laboratory, and non-invasive diagnostic tests such as echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance could guide clinicians towards an appropriate diagnosis. The aim of this review is to underline the major diagnostic clues of different forms of left ventricular hypertrophy in adult patients, guiding clinicians towards a more appropriate diagnosis.
  
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• Viral genome search in myocardium of patients with fulminant myocarditis.
  Eur J Heart Fail

  2020 Jul;22(7):1277-1280. doi: 10.1002/ejhf.1738.
  
  Veronese Giacomo, Ammirati Enrico, Brambatti Michela, Merlo Marco, Cipriani Manlio, Potena Luciano, Sormani Paola, Aoki Tatsuo, Sugimura Koichiro, Sawamura Akinori, Okumura Takahiro, Pinney Sean, Hong Kimberly, Shah Palak, Braun Oscar Ö, Van de Heyning Caroline M, Montero Santiago, Petrella Duccio, Huang Florent, Schmidt Matthieu, Raineri Claudia, Lala Anuradha, Varrenti Marisa, Foà Alberto, Leone Ornella, Gentile Piero, Artico Jessica, Agostini Valentina, Patel Rajiv, Garascia Andrea, Van Craenenbroeck Emeline M, Hirose Kaoru, Isotani Akihiro, Murohara Toyoaki, Arita Yoh, Sionis Alessandro, Fabris Enrico, Hashem Sherin, Garcia-Hernando Victor, Oliva Fabrizio, Greenberg Barry, Shimokawa Hiroaki, Sinagra Gianfranco, Adler Eric D, Frigerio Maria, Camici Paolo G
  
  
  
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• Usefulness of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for Recurrent Pericarditis.
  Am J Cardiol

  2020 Jan;125(1):146-151. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2019.09.026.
  
  Imazio Massimo, Pivetta Emanuele, Palacio Restrepo Sara, Sormani Paola, Pedrotti Patrizia, Quarta Giovanni, Brucato Antonio, Bubbico Elisa, Dal Corso Maria, Milazzo Angela, Quattrocchi Giuseppina, Andriani Monica, Lobetti Bodoni Luisa, Davini Ottavio, Sironi Sandro, Giannattasio Cristina, Giustetto Carla, Bogaert Jan, Adler Yehuda, Bucciarelli Ducci Chiara, De Ferrari Gaetano Maria
  
  Abstract
  
  Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) offers the capability to objectively detect pericarditis by identifying pericardial thickening, edema/inflammation by Short-TI Inversion Recovery-T2 weighted (STIR-T2w) imaging, edema/inflammation or fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and presence of pericardial effusion. This is especially helpful for the diagnosis of recurrent pericarditis. Aim of the present paper is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CMR findings as well as their potential prognostic value for the diagnosis of recurrent pericarditis. Multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients with recurrent pericarditis evaluated by CMR. We included 128 consecutive cases (60 males, 47%; mean age 48 ± 14 years). CMR was performed at a mean time of 12 days (95% confidence interval 15 to 21) after the clinical diagnosis. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for CMR diagnostic criteria and complications (additional recurrences, cardiac tamponade, and constrictive pericarditis). Areas under the ROC curve were respectively 64% for pericardial thickening, 84% for pericardial edema, 82% for pericardial LGE, and 71% for pericardial effusion. After a mean follow-up of 34 months, recurrences occurred in 52% of patients, tamponade in 6%, and constrictive pericarditis in 11%. Using a multivariable Cox model, elevation of CRP and presence of CMR pericardial thickening were predictors of adverse events, whereas the presence of CMR LGE was associated with a lower risk. The prognostic model for adverse events using gender, age, CRP level, and all CMR variables showed a C-index of 0.84. In conclusion, CMR findings show high diagnostic accuracy and may help identifying patients at higher risk of complications.
  
  Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
  
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• Fulminant Versus Acute Nonfulminant Myocarditis in Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction.
  J Am Coll Cardiol

  2019 Jul;74(3):299-311. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.04.063.
  
  Ammirati Enrico, Veronese Giacomo, Brambatti Michela, Merlo Marco, Cipriani Manlio, Potena Luciano, Sormani Paola, Aoki Tatsuo, Sugimura Koichiro, Sawamura Akinori, Okumura Takahiro, Pinney Sean, Hong Kimberly, Shah Palak, Braun Öscar, Van de Heyning Caroline M, Montero Santiago, Petrella Duccio, Huang Florent, Schmidt Matthieu, Raineri Claudia, Lala Anuradha, Varrenti Marisa, Foà Alberto, Leone Ornella, Gentile Piero, Artico Jessica, Agostini Valentina, Patel Rajiv, Garascia Andrea, Van Craenenbroeck Emeline M, Hirose Kaoru, Isotani Akihiro, Murohara Toyoaki, Arita Yoh, Sionis Alessandro, Fabris Enrico, Hashem Sherin, Garcia-Hernando Victor, Oliva Fabrizio, Greenberg Barry, Shimokawa Hiroaki, Sinagra Gianfranco, Adler Eric D, Frigerio Maria, Camici Paolo G
  
  Abstract
  
  BACKGROUND:
  Fulminant myocarditis (FM) is a form of acute myocarditis characterized by severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction requiring inotropes and/or mechanical circulatory support. A single-center study found that a patient with FM had better outcomes than those with acute nonfulminant myocarditis (NFM) presenting with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, but otherwise hemodynamically stable. This was recently challenged, so disagreement still exists.
  
  OBJECTIVES:
  This study sought to provide additional evidence on the outcome of FM and to ascertain whether patient stratification based on the main histologic subtypes can provide additional prognostic information.
  
  METHODS:
  A total of 220 patients (median age 42 years, 46.3% female) with histologically proven acute myocarditis (onset of symptoms 
  RESULTS:
  Patients with FM (n = 165) had significantly higher rates of cardiac death and heart transplantation compared with those with NFM (n = 55), both at 60 days (28.0% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.0001) and at 7-year follow-up (47.7% vs. 10.4%, p 
  CONCLUSIONS:
  This international registry confirms that patients with FM have higher rates of cardiac death and heart transplantation both in the short- and long-term compared with patients with NFM. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the histologic subtype of FM carries independent prognostic value, highlighting the need for timely endomyocardial biopsy in this condition.
  
  Copyright © 2019 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
  
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• Persistent left ventricular dysfunction after acute lymphocytic myocarditis: Frequency and predictors.
  PLoS One

  2019 ;14(3):e0214616. doi: e0214616.
  
  Merlo Marco, Ammirati Enrico, Gentile Piero, Artico Jessica, Cannatà Antonio, Finocchiaro Gherardo, Barbati Giulia, Sormani Paola, Varrenti Marisa, Perkan Andrea, Fabris Enrico, Aleksova Aneta, Bussani Rossana, Petrella Duccio, Cipriani Manlio, Raineri Claudia, Frigerio Maria, Sinagra Gianfranco
  
  Abstract
  
  BACKGROUND:
  Persistent left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with acute lymphocytic myocarditis (LM) is widely unexplored.
  
  OBJECTIVES:
  To assess the frequency and predictors of persistent LV dysfunction in patients with LM and reduced LVEF at admission.
  
  METHODS AND RESULTS:
  We retrospectively evaluated 89 consecutive patients with histologically-proven acute myocarditis enrolled at three Italian referral hospitals. A subgroup of 48 patients with LM, baseline systolic impairment and an available echocardiographic assessment at 12 months (6-18) from discharge constituted the study population. The primary study end-point was persistent LV dysfunction, defined as LVEF
  CONCLUSIONS:
  More than half of patients presenting with acute LM and LVEF
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• [Clinical applications of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: coronary heart disease, myocarditis, pericardial diseases, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease and cardiac masses].
  G Ital Cardiol (Rome)

  2019 Jan;20(1):8-19. doi: 10.1714/3079.30716.
  
  Pedrotti Patrizia, Pedretti Stefano, Imazio Massimo, Quattrocchi Giuseppina, Sormani Paola, Milazzo Angela, Quarta Giovanni
  
  Abstract
  
  Cardiac magnetic resonance is an accurate and versatile tool for multiparametric morphologic and functional evaluation of the heart and great vessels, with a wide range of clinical applications: from acute and chronic ischemic heart disease to the assessment of the substrate of complex ventricular arrhythmias and the follow-up of patients with valvular and congenital heart disease. The accuracy in cardiac volume and ejection fraction quantification, tissue characterization, valvular regurgitant fraction and cardiac shunt assessment, pharmachologic stress myocardial perfusion and three-dimensional reconstruction of great vessels are the points of strength that have made Cardiac magnetic resonance an invaluable tool for diagnostic, classification and follow-up of patients with various cardiac diseases.
  
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• [Clinical applications of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: heart failure and cardiomyopathies].
  G Ital Cardiol (Rome)

  2018 Dec;19(12):679-691. doi: 10.1714/3027.30252.
  
  Pedrotti Patrizia, Pedretti Stefano, Imazio Massimo, Quattrocchi Giuseppina, Sormani Paola, Quarta Giovanni
  
  Abstract
  
  Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has proved to be a powerful tool in the assessment of several cardiac diseases, thanks to its capability to offer multiparametric morphologic and functional evaluation of the heart and great vessels, using neither ionizing radiations nor nephrotoxic contrast medium. The accuracy in quantification of cardiac volumes and ejection fraction (gold standard) together with native and post-contrast myocardial tissue characterization have made CMR an invaluable tool for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic planning in patients with heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
  
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• Prevalence of proximal ascending aorta and target organ damage in hypertensive patients: the multicentric ARGO-SIIA project (Aortic RemodellinG in hypertensiOn of the Italian Society of Hypertension).
  J Hypertens

  2019 Jan;37(1):57-64. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001844.
  
  Milan Alberto, Degli Esposti Daniela, Salvetti Massimo, Izzo Raffaele, Moreo Antonella, Pucci Giacomo, Bruno Giulia, Pareo Ilenia, Parini Angelo, Paini Anna, Laurino Flora I, Sormani Paola, Sgariglia Raffaella, Avenatti Eleonora, De Luca Nicola,
  
  Abstract
  
  AIM:
  The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ascending aortic dilatation and to evaluate the possible association between proximal aorta dilatation and structural or functional markers of cardiac organ damage in hypertensive patients.
  
  BACKGROUND:
  Dilatation of the sinus of valsalva (SoV) is a common finding in clinical practice and it is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients: less is known about the dilatation prevalence of the subsequent portion, the proper ascending aorta and its relationship with cardiovascular organ damage.
  
  METHODS:
  This multicentric study included 582 hypertensive and 104 normotensive control individuals. All individuals underwent clinical evaluation and two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography focused on the evaluation of the aorta. Aortic diameters at three levels were measured: SoV, sinotubular junction and ascending aorta.
  
  RESULTS:
  The prevalence of ascending aorta dilatation was 13%. Patients with ascending aorta dilatation were on average 10 years older than hypertensive patients without aortic dilatation and control individuals.Left ventricular mass was significantly increased (P?0.0001) in patients with ascending aorta dilatation with (113.29?±?3?g/m) or without (109.16?±?3?g/m) SoV dilatation compared with patients with isolated SoV dilatation (98.80?±?21.8?g/m) or normal aorta (96.04?±?26.5?g/m), with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) being twice as common in this group compared with the latter (60 vs. 28%, P?0.0001).
  
  CONCLUSION:
  Prevalence of ascending aorta dilatation in hypertensive patients reaches 13%. Hypertensive individuals with enlarged ascending aorta showed significantly increased left ventricular mass, a well known sign of hypertension related cardiac damage and could thus represent a subset of hypertensive patients at an increased cardiovascular risk.
  
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• Impact of serial echocardiography in the management of primary cardiac lymphoma.
  J Saudi Heart Assoc

  2018 Apr;30(2):160-163. doi: 10.1016/j.jsha.2017.08.001.
  
  Cereda Alberto Francesco, Moreo Antonella Maurizia, Sormani Paola, De Chiara Benedetta, Casadei Francesca, Zancanella Michelle, Rusconi Chiara, Cairoli Roberto, Giannattasio Cristina
  
  
  
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• Clinical Presentation and Outcome in a Contemporary Cohort of Patients With Acute Myocarditis: Multicenter Lombardy Registry.
  Circulation

  2018 Sep;138(11):1088-1099. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.035319.
  
  Ammirati Enrico, Cipriani Manlio, Moro Claudio, Raineri Claudia, Pini Daniela, Sormani Paola, Mantovani Riccardo, Varrenti Marisa, Pedrotti Patrizia, Conca Cristina, Mafrici Antonio, Grosu Aurelia, Briguglia Daniele, Guglielmetto Silvia, Perego Giovanni B, Colombo Stefania, Caico Salvatore I, Giannattasio Cristina, Maestroni Alberto, Carubelli Valentina, Metra Marco, Lombardi Carlo, Campodonico Jeness, Agostoni Piergiuseppe, Peretto Giovanni, Scelsi Laura, Turco Annalisa, Di Tano Giuseppe, Campana Carlo, Belloni Armando, Morandi Fabrizio, Mortara Andrea, Cirò Antonio, Senni Michele, Gavazzi Antonello, Frigerio Maria, Oliva Fabrizio, Camici Paolo G,
  
  Abstract
  
  BACKGROUND:
  There is controversy about the outcome of patients with acute myocarditis (AM), and data are lacking on how patients admitted with suspected AM are managed. We report characteristics, in-hospital management, and long-term outcome of patients with AM based on a retrospective multicenter registry from 19 Italian hospitals.
  
  METHODS:
  A total of 684 patients with suspected AM and recent onset of symptoms (70 years of age and those >50 years of age without coronary angiography were excluded. The final study population comprised 443 patients (median age, 34 years; 19.4% female) with AM diagnosed by either endomyocardial biopsy or increased troponin plus edema and late gadolinium enhancement at cardiac magnetic resonance.
  
  RESULTS:
  At presentation, 118 patients (26.6%) had left ventricular ejection fraction
  CONCLUSIONS:
  In this contemporary study, overall serious adverse events after AM were lower than previously reported. However, patients with left ventricular ejection fraction
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• Changes of late gadolinium enhancement extension compared with native T1 mapping early after acute myocarditis.
  Int J Cardiol

  2018 Apr;257():227. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.12.056.
  
  Ammirati Enrico, Sormani Paola, Moroni Francesco, Camici Paolo G, Pedrotti Patrizia
  
  
  
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• Heart rate as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in acute and chronic heart failure.
  Int J Cardiol

  2018 Feb;253():97-104. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.09.191.
  
  Oliva Fabrizio, Sormani Paola, Contri Rachele, Campana Carlo, Carubelli Valentina, Cirò Antonio, Morandi Fabrizio, Di Tano Giuseppe, Mortara Andrea, Senni Michele, Metra Marco, Ammirati Enrico
  
  Abstract
  
  Since increased heart rate (HR) is associated with higher mortality in several cardiac disorders, HR is considered not only a physiological indicator but also a prognostic and biological marker. In heart failure (HF), it represents a therapeutic target in chronic phase. The use or up-titration of beta-blockers, a milestone in HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) treatment, is at times limited by patients' hemodynamic profile or intolerance. Ivabradine, a HR-lowering drug inhibiting the f-current in pacemaker cells, has been shown to improve outcome in patients with chronic HF, in sinus rhythm with increased HR beyond beta-blocker therapy. The rationale for this review is to update the role of HR as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in other scenarios than chronic HF; namely, in patients with coexisting atrial fibrillation (AF), in HF with preserved LVEF (HFpEF), in acute HF, and in patients discharged after an episode of acute HF. Preliminary studies and case reports that evaluated the use of ivabradine in the setting of acute HF will be summarized. Recent results of HR reduction in the setting of HFpEF with ivabradine will be presented. Finally, data from large registries and trials that evaluated the prognostic impact of HR in patients with acute HF and sinus rhythm or AF will be reviewed, showing that only patients in sinus rhythm may benefit from HR reduction.
  
  Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.
  
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• Determinants of carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity progression in hypertensive patients over a 3.7 years follow-up.
  Blood Press

  2018 Feb;27(1):32-40. doi: 10.1080/08037051.2017.1378069.
  
  Meani Paolo, Maloberti Alessandro, Sormani Paola, Colombo Giulia, Giupponi Luca, Stucchi Miriam, Varrenti Marisa, Vallerio Paola, Facchetti Rita, Grassi Guido, Mancia Giuseppe, Giannattasio Cristina
  
  Abstract
  
  OBJECTIVE:
  The role of risk factors on the progression of arterial stiffness has not yet been extensively evaluated. The aim of the current longitudinal study was to evaluate the determinants of the PWV progression over a 4 years follow-up period in hypertensive subjects.
  
  MATERIALS AND METHODS:
  We enrolled 333 consecutive hypertensive outpatients 18-80 aged, followed by the Hypertension Unit of St. Gerardo Hospital (Monza, Italy). At baseline anamnestic, clinical, BP, laboratory data and cfPWV were assessed. We performed a PWV follow-up examination with a median time amounting to 3.75?±?0.53 years.
  
  RESULTS:
  At baseline the mean age was 54.5?±?12.6 years, SBP and DBP were 141.3?±?18.6 and 86.4?±?10.4?mmHg and PWV was 8.56?±?1.92 m/s. Despite an improvement in BP control (from 37 to 60%), at follow-up the population showed a PWV increase (?PWV 0.87?±?3.05 m/s). PWV and ?PWV gradually increased in age decades. In patients with uncontrolled BP values at follow-up ?PWV showed a greater increase as compared to patients with controlled BP (1.46?±?3.67 vs 0.62?±?2.61 m/s, p?.05). The independent predictors of ?PWV were age, baseline PWV, baseline SBP/MBP and ?SBP/MBP.
  
  CONCLUSIONS:
  the accelerated arterial aging in treated hypertensive subjects is in large measure explained by age and BP values. PWV changes over time would probably give important information that need further future research studies.
  
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• Survival and Left Ventricular Function Changes in Fulminant Versus Nonfulminant Acute Myocarditis.
  Circulation

  2017 Aug;136(6):529-545. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.026386.
  
  Ammirati Enrico, Cipriani Manlio, Lilliu Marzia, Sormani Paola, Varrenti Marisa, Raineri Claudia, Petrella Duccio, Garascia Andrea, Pedrotti Patrizia, Roghi Alberto, Bonacina Edgardo, Moreo Antonella, Bottiroli Maurizio, Gagliardone Maria P, Mondino Michele, Ghio Stefano, Totaro Rossana, Turazza Fabio M, Russo Claudio F, Oliva Fabrizio, Camici Paolo G, Frigerio Maria
  
  Abstract
  
  BACKGROUND:
  Previous reports have suggested that despite their dramatic presentation, patients with fulminant myocarditis (FM) might have better outcome than those with acute nonfulminant myocarditis (NFM). In this retrospective study, we report outcome and changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in a large cohort of patients with FM compared with patients with NFM.
  
  METHODS:
  The study population consists of 187 consecutive patients admitted between May 2001 and November 2016 with a diagnosis of acute myocarditis (onset of symptoms
  RESULTS:
  In the whole population (n=187), the rate of in-hospital death or heart transplantation was 25.5% versus 0% in FM versus NFM, respectively (
  CONCLUSIONS:
  Patients with FM have an increased mortality and need for heart transplantation compared with those with NFM. From a functional viewpoint, patients with FM have a more severely impaired LVEF at admission that, despite steep improvement during hospitalization, remains lower than that in patients with NFM at long-term follow-up. These findings also hold true when only the viral forms are considered and are different from previous studies showing better prognosis in FM.
  
  © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.
  
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• Arterial Stiffness in Aortic Stenosis: Relationship with Severity and Echocardiographic Procedures Response.
  High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev

  2017 Mar;24(1):19-27. doi: 10.1007/s40292-016-0176-x.
  
  Bruschi Giuseppe, Maloberti Alessandro, Sormani Paola, Colombo Giulia, Nava Stefano, Vallerio Paola, Casadei Francesca, Bruno Jolie, Moreo Antonella, Merlanti Bruno, Russo Claudio, Oliva Fabrizio, Klugmann Silvio, Giannattasio Cristina
  
  Abstract
  
  INTRODUCTION:
  Aortic stenosis (AS) is more than only a degenerative disease, it could be also an atherosclerotic-like process involving the valve instead of the vessels. Little is known about the relation of arterial stiffness and AS.
  
  AIM:
  We sought to determine wether pulse wave velocity (PWV), is related to AS severity and to the procedures response, both as surgical aortic-valve-replacement (AVR) and trascatheter-aortic-valve-implantation (TAVI).
  
  METHODS:
  30 patients with severe AS were treated (15 AVR, 15 TAVI). Before the procedures (t0) and after 1 week (t1) echocardiography and PWV were evaluated.
  
  RESULTS:
  On the whole population, subjects with higher PWV showed higher transvalvular pressure gradient at baseline (mean: 56.5 ± 15.1 vs 45.4 ± 9.5; peak: 93.3 ± 26.4 vs 73.3 ± 14.9, p = 0.02) and, a significantly greater response to the procedures (mean: -42.9 ± 17.2 vs -27.9 ± 10.1, peak: -68.7 ± 29.2 vs -42.8 ± 16.4, p = 0.02). When the two different procedures groups were separated, data were confirmed only in the TAVI subgroup.
  
  CONCLUSIONS:
  In patients undergoing procedures for AS, PWV is correlated with transvalvular gradient and, in TAVI subjects, is able to predict the echocardiographic response. Baseline evaluation of PWV in patients candidates to TAVI can help the selection of subjects, even if larger and longer studies are needed before definitive conclusion can be drawn.
  
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• Quantitative changes in late gadolinium enhancement at cardiac magnetic resonance in the early phase of acute myocarditis.
  Int J Cardiol

  2017 Mar;231():216-221. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.11.282.
  
  Ammirati Enrico, Moroni Francesco, Sormani Paola, Peritore Angelica, Milazzo Angela, Quattrocchi Giuseppina, Cipriani Manlio, Oliva Fabrizio, Giannattasio Cristina, Frigerio Maria, Roghi Alberto, Camici Paolo G, Pedrotti Patrizia
  
  Abstract
  
  BACKGROUND:
  The presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has diagnostic and prognostic value in patients with acute myocarditis (AM). Aim of our study was to quantify the changes in LGE extension (LGE%) early after AM and evaluate its relations with biventricular function and morphology.
  
  METHODS:
  We investigated 76 consecutive patients with AM (acute onset of chest pain/heart failure/ventricular arrhythmias not explained by other causes, and raised troponin) that met CMR criteria based on myocardial oedema at T2-weighted images and LGE on post-contrast images at median time of 6days from onset of symptoms. We quantified LGE% at baseline and after 148days in 49 patients.
  
  RESULTS:
  Median left ventricular (LV)-ejection fraction (EF) was 64% (interquartile range [Q1-Q3]: 56-67%), and LGE% 9.4% (Q1-Q3: 7.5-13.2%). LGE% was correlated with LV end-systolic volume index (LV-ESVi; r=+0.34; p=0.003). LGE% was inversely correlated with LV-EF (r=-0.31; p=0.009) and time to CMR scan (r=-0.25; p=0.028). In the 49 patients with a second CMR scan, despite no significant variations in LV-EF, a significant decrease of LGE% was observed (p
  CONCLUSIONS:
  In the acute phase of AM the LGE extension is a dynamic process that reflects impairment of LV function and is time dependent. LGE% appears one of the CMR parameters with the largest relative variations in the first months after AM.
  
  Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
  
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• Long-Term Prognostic Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Left Ventricle Noncompaction: A Prospective Multicenter Study.
  J Am Coll Cardiol

  2016 Nov;68(20):2166-2181. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.08.053.
  
  Andreini Daniele, Pontone Gianluca, Bogaert Jan, Roghi Alberto, Barison Andrea, Schwitter Juerg, Mushtaq Saima, Vovas Georgios, Sormani Paola, Aquaro Giovanni D, Monney Pierre, Segurini Chiara, Guglielmo Marco, Conte Edoardo, Fusini Laura, Dello Russo Antonio, Lombardi Massimo, Gripari Paola, Baggiano Andrea, Fiorentini Cesare, Lombardi Federico, Bartorelli Antonio L, Pepi Mauro, Masci Pier Giorgio
  
  Abstract
  
  BACKGROUND:
  Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is useful for the diagnosis of left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC). However, there are limited data regarding its prognostic value.
  
  OBJECTIVES:
  The goal of this study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance of CMR findings in patients with LVNC.
  
  METHODS:
  A total of 113 patients with an echocardiographic diagnosis of LVNC underwent CMR at 5 referral centers. CMR diagnostic criterion of LVNC (noncompacted/compacted ratio >2.3 in end-diastole) was confirmed in all patients. We performed left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular quantitative analysis and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) assessments and analyzed the following LVNC diagnostic criteria: left ventricular noncompacted myocardial mass (LV-ncMM) >20% and >25%, total LV-ncMM index >15 g/m, noncompacted/compacted ratio ?3:1 ?1 of segments 1 to 3 and 7 to 16 or ?2:1 in at least 1 of segments 4 to 6 of the American Heart Association model. Outcome was a composite of thromboembolic events, heart failure hospitalizations, ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac death.
  
  RESULTS:
  At a mean follow-up of 48 ± 24 months, cardiac events (CEs) occurred in 36 patients (16 heart failure hospitalizations, 10 ventricular arrhythmias, 5 cardiac deaths, and 5 thromboembolic events). LV dilation, impaired LV ejection fraction, and LV-ncMM >20% was significantly more frequent in patients with CEs. LV fibrosis was detected by using LGE in 11 cases. CMR predictors of CEs were LV dilation and LGE. LGE was associated with improved prediction of CEs, compared with clinical data and CMR functional parameters in all 3 models. No CEs occurred in patients without dilated cardiomyopathy and/or LGE.
  
  CONCLUSIONS:
  In patients with LVNC evaluated by using CMR, the degree of LV trabeculation seems to have no prognostic impact over and above LV dilation, LV systolic dysfunction, and presence of LGE.
  
  Copyright © 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
  
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• Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return as Rare Cause of Right Ventricular Dilation: A Retrospective Analysis.
  Congenit Heart Dis

  2016 Jul;11(4):365-8. doi: 10.1111/chd.12382.
  
  Sormani Paola, Roghi Alberto, Cereda Alberto, Peritore Angelica, Milazzo Angela, Quattrocchi Giuseppina, Giannattasio Cristina, Pedrotti Patrizia
  
  Abstract
  
  INTRODUCTION:
  Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is an uncommon cause of right ventricular dilation. It may be difficult to identify and often remains undiagnosed.
  
  METHODS:
  We reviewed the database of the Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) Laboratory of Niguarda Hospital, in order to identify the cases of PAPVR between 2008 and 2014.
  
  RESULTS:
  On a total number of 7832 CMR scans, we identified 24 patients with PAPVR (14 male, age 41?±?18 y) corresponding to 0.31% of the total population. Only 30% of patients had been referred for known or suspected PAPVR, 33% of patients had been referred for suspected right ventricular arrhythmogenic dysplasia and 37% had been referred for other cardiac disease. PAPVR involved mainly the right pulmonary veins (18 patients, 75%) and in 62% of our cases was associated with an atrial septal defect. Eight patients underwent corrective surgery in our institution, which confirmed and successfully repaired the anomalies.
  
  CONCLUSIONS:
  PAPVR is a rare congenital cardiac pathology which should be suspected in case of unexplained right chambers enlargement. CMR imaging allows an accurate anatomic and functional definition of this pathology and associated abnormalities. Early correction has an excellent prognosis and prevents long term complications like pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular failure and atrial fibrillation.
  
  © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
  
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• Embolic myocardial infarction due to coronary artery aneurysm in a patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
  EuroIntervention

  2016 May;12(1):61. doi: 10.4244/EIJV12I1A11.
  
  Cereda Alberto, Garascia Andrea, Sormani Paola, Klugmann Silvio, Artioli Diana, Soriano Francesco, Oreglia Jacopo Andrea
  
  
  
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• Giant apparently not dissecting aneurysm and severe aortic valve insufficiency in an elite athlete.
  Eur Heart J

  2016 Aug;37(32):2527. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehv683.
  
  Cereda Alberto, Sormani Paola, Russo Claudio F, Moreo Antonella, Giannattasio Cristina
  
  
  
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• Echocardiographic Assessment and Successful Valvular Repair of Congenital Mitral Arcade.
  J Cardiovasc Echogr

  2015 ;25(2):57-59. doi: 10.4103/2211-4122.161781.
  
  Sormani Paola, Chiara Benedetta De, Taglieri Corrado, Moreo Antonella
  
  Abstract
  
  Anomalous mitral arcade is a rare congenital anomaly affecting the mitral tensor apparatus. This condition causes a restrictive movement of the leaflets and interferes with the normal closure of the valve during ventricular systole. We report a case of a 15-year-old female with this condition and initial left ventricular dysfunction, who successfully underwent mitral valve repair. This reparative technique is more technically challenging then valve replacement and only few cases are described in literature.
  
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• Blood pressure control in Italian essential hypertensives treated by general practitioners.
  Am J Hypertens

  2012 Nov;25(11):1182-7. doi: 10.1038/ajh.2012.108.
  
  Giannattasio Cristina, Cairo Matteo, Cesana Francesca, Alloni Marta, Sormani Paola, Colombo Giulia, Grassi Guido, Mancia Giuseppe
  
  Abstract
  
  BACKGROUND:
  Adequate control of blood pressure (BP) is limited worldwide. This has serious consequences for public health because in hypertensive patients, uncontrolled BP is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events, particularly stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate BP control in a cohort of treated patients with diagnosed hypertension, who were under general practitioner care in Italy.
  
  METHODS:
  Data were collected by 2,643 physicians on 8,572 individual Italian patients. Office BP was measured 5 min after seating each patient and then 3-5 min later. For each patient, data such as medical history of patients, physical examination data, antihypertensive drug usage, and self-BP measurement frequency were obtained.
  
  RESULTS:
  Male prevalence was 48.4%, and mean age was 64.3 ± 10.5 years. Based on the second measurement, BP control (
  CONCLUSIONS:
  In treated Italian hypertensives effective BP control remains uncommon largely due to the failure to appropriately reduce the systolic BP. The stricter values recommended by the ESH/ESC guidelines for diabetic patients are achieved only by a small fraction of hypertensive diabetic population.
  
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