Dr. Maurizio Galderisi of the University of Naples Federico II in Italy has died of COVID-19, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) announced on 30 March. He was 65.
Dr. Maurizio Galderisi.A cardiologist and echocardiographer, Galderisi pioneered new ultrasound techniques such as strain imaging and point-of-care handheld ultrasound.
He launched his career at the University of Naples Federico II in the 1970s, working in the cardiology service of the university's Institute of Internal Medicine with Dr. Oreste de Divitiis and with his mentor, Dr. Giovanni de Simone, according to the ESC. Galderisi developed an interest in noninvasive cardiology, researching diabetic cardiomyopathy, in particular, and authoring the first epidemiological study on the topic.
Galderisi helped establish a council on cardio-oncology within the ESC, created the Cardiological Surveillance of Hematologic-Oncologic Patients program at the Federico II University Hospital, and taught and trained students, fellows, and residents. He also served as vice president of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI).
"Prof. Maurizio Galderisi was a splendid person of great generosity and availability to his peers, patients and fellows," the ESC said in a statement. "This loss hits the scientific community and causes immense grief to his many friends."
