Kardiol Pol
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Rhabdomyosarcoma accounts for 20% of primary malignant cardiac tumours. We describe a woman with cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma. She had loss of appetite, loss of weight, and symptoms of heart failure. ⋯ The tumour was removed surgically in total; histological diagnosis was rhabdomyosarcoma; however, the patient died after 6 months. In conclusion, primary malignant cardiac tumours can simulate heart failure or systemic disorders. Cardiac rhabdomyosarcomas have a poor prognosis with average survival of 6 months after diagnosis.
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New therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension have prolonged survival but simultaneously increased the number of hospital admissions because of decompensated right heart failure (DRHF). The optimal approach in DRHF has not been established yet. ⋯ Mortality in patients with pulmonary hypertension and DRHF remains very high and seems to be related to haemodynamic profile on admission. The newly introduced therapy with parenteral prostanoids may be more beneficial than dopamine infusion.
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Case Reports
[Subintimal recanalisation of chronic superficial femoral artery occlusion with the use of a re-entry system].
We present a case of a 59-year-old man with symptomatic long-segment occlusion of the superficial femoral artery. Subintimal recanalization was initially unsuccessful due to the inability to re-enter the true lumen after crossing the occlusion in the subintimal space. ⋯ We indicate that the Outback catheter can be used safely in case of an unsuccessful conventional re-entry to the true lumen artery. This catheter can allow reduction the time of the procedure and minimize potential complications.
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Perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect. Percutaneous transcatheter closure of VSD is one of the greatest challenges in interventional cardiology. ⋯ Percutaneous perimembranous VSD closure is an interesting alternative to surgical treatment. In selected cases closure of the defect with muscular VSD implant is effective and safe.
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Permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) is present before operation and persists after surgery in 30-40% of patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Using the maze procedure, 75-82% of patients can be cured of AF, but the procedure is difficult and long lasting. Percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation has emerged as an effective therapy for AF in recent years. ⋯ Intra-operative RF ablation performed in the left atrium in patients with chronic AF undergoing mitral valve replacement significantly improves sinus rhythm restoration rate. Advanced heart failure (NYHA class IV) and left atrial diameter >6 cm are negative prognostic factors for sinus rhythm maintenance.