Procedural performance between two cryoballoon systems for ablation of atrial fibrillation depends on pulmonary vein anatomy.

Background: Cryoballoon ablation is a first-line therapy for atrial fibrillation. We compared the efficacy and safety of two ablation systems and addressed the influence of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy on performance and outcome.

Methods: We consecutively enrolled 122 patients who were planned for first-time cryoballoon ablation.

MicroRNA-21 mediated cross-talk between cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrosis represents a major hallmark in disease progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). We have previously shown that circulating microRNA-21 (miR-21) correlates with the extent of left atrial fibrosis in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF and can serve as a biomarker to predict ablation success. In this study, we aimed to validate the role of miR-21-5p as a biomarker in a large cohort of AF patients and to investigate its pathophysiological role in atrial remodeling.

Mechanolytic management of transcatheter aortic valve thrombosis.

Data on the incidence, characteristics, and treatment of thrombosis of a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) implant are scarce. We report a challenging case of a TAVI thrombosis occurring 6 months after the procedure. Initial anticoagulation using low-molecular-weight heparin followed by thrombolytic therapy failed to both relieve symptoms and alleviate thrombosis.

Right-Sided Infective Endocarditis and Pulmonary Infiltrates: An Update.

Sixty years after its initial description, right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) still poses a challenge to all medical practitioners. Epidemiological data reveal a rising incidence attributable to the global surge in the number of intravenous drug users and the increased use of central vascular catheters and implantable cardiac devices. RSIE differs from left-sided infective endocarditis in more than just the location of the involved cardiac valve.

Cardiac and vascular toxicities of angiogenesis inhibitors: The other side of the coin.

Angiogenesis is one of the best-described tumor hallmarks. Targeting angiogenesis is becoming a successful strategy to suppress cancer growth. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the fulcrum of angiogenesis, contributes to vascular and cardiac homeostasis.

Results of a multinational study suggest the need for rapid diagnosis and early antiviral treatment at the onset of herpetic meningoencephalitis.

Data in the literature regarding the factors that predict unfavorable outcomes in adult herpetic meningoencephalitis (HME) cases are scarce. We conducted a multicenter study in order to provide insights into the predictors of HME outcomes, with special emphasis on the use and timing of antiviral treatment. Samples from 501 patients with molecular confirmation from cerebrospinal fluid were included from 35 referral centers in 10 countries.

Modified GTX as second-line therapy for advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Background: Advanced pancreatic cancer remains a lethal disease with no standard treatment beyond first-line palliative chemotherapy. Gemcitabine, docetaxel, and capecitabine (GTX) is a regimen that has come into use for advanced pancreatic cancer despite a paucity of randomized data.

Methods: We have used a modified schedule of this regimen in the second-line setting aimed at biomodulating the activity of capecitabine by both docetaxel and gemcitabine.