Overlooked Ventricular Septal Defect Post-Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) represents a severe complication that may manifest after a myocardial infarction (MI), typically occurring between 2 and 7 days later. Due to advancements in reperfusion management, the incidence of VSDs after MI has become very rare, occurring in approximately 0.2% of MIs.

Acute myocardial infarction and polycythemia rubra vera: The double effect of treatment with hydroxyurea.

We report a case of acute myocardial infarction in a patient with polycythemia rubra vera, who has been treated with hydroxyurea. The patient presented with chest pain extending to both arms accompanied by nausea and sweating. Hemoglobin was 18.

Predictors of coronary artery calcium burden in asymptomatic patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: Long-standing diabetes mellitus is often associated with cardiovascular complications. We aimed to evaluate the presence, extent and composition of subclinical atherosclerotic plaques in coronary arteries by Computed Tomography in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (NDT2DM), and to identify the predictors.

Methods: In this study 101 consecutive patients with NDT2DM were included.

Quadricuspid Aortic Valve and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Coincidence or Interconnection.

Quadricuspid aortic valve is a very rare congenital anomaly. Its association with rheumatoid arthritis is exceptional with this being the third case reported in the literature. We report a case of a 52 year old female patient with quadricuspid aortic valve type C accompanied by moderate to severe aortic regurgitation and longstanding, advanced form of rheumatoid arthritis.

Large intercoronary communication between the right coronary artery and the left circumflex artery in a patient with late stent thrombosis: A case report.

Intercoronary communication (ICC) is a very rare coronary artery anomaly that connects directly 2 coronary arteries. This anastomosis is found between 2 nonobstructed coronary arteries with unidirectional or bidirectional blood flow. We report a case of a large ICC between the right coronary artery and the left circumflex artery in a patient with late stent thrombosis.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention on split left coronary artery: Two case reports.

The split left coronary artery (LCA) is an anomaly of coronary arteries connection related to the aorta, presenting more often in patients who underwent invasive coronary angiography compared to coronary computed tomography angiography. Although this anomaly causes no hemodynamic impairment, failure to recognize may lead to incorrect diagnosis and prolonged procedures during acute myocardial infarction resulting in serious complications. We report 2 cases of split left coronary artery presenting with acute myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary interventions (pPCI) with excellent outcomes.

Coronary to pulmonary artery fistula associated with significant coronary atherosclerosis and severe aortic valve stenosis: A Case Report.

Coronary artery fistulas are anomalous connections between one or two coronary arteries with either a cardiac chamber or any major blood vessels (coronary sinus, superior vena cava, pulmonary veins and pulmonary artery). It is rarely reported, occurring only in 0.1%-0.

A Case of Successfully Implanted Dual Chamber Pacemaker in a Young Patient with Dextrocardia and Sick Sinus Syndrome.

Dextrocardia is a rare congenital anomaly, whereas its association with sick sinus syndrome in young adults without accompanying heart abnormalities is exceptional. We report a case of a 38 year old female patient who was admitted to our hospital due to syncope as a consequence of sinus pauses up to 4.9 seconds.

Predictors of Spontaneous Echo Contrast in Left Heart Chambers in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Slowing Down Might not Always Mean Enjoying Life.

Introduction: Spontaneous echo contrast(SEC) is usually detected in heart chambers as a result of reduced flow velocity in the cavity. The clinical importance of SEC lies in its association with embolic events. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of SEC in left heart chambers in sinus rhythm patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and predictors for its emergence.

Immature teratoma mimicking pulmonary stenosis: a case report.

Background: Immature teratoma in a mediastinal location is a rare disease that might present as a valve pathology. Germ cell tumors with mediastinal locations account for up to 6% of immature teratoma cases. We present a case of an immature teratoma located primarily in the anterior mediastinum that manifested solely through symptoms of pulmonary stenosis.

Lower Body Weight in Men, an Epidemiological Predictor of Enlarged Left Atrium in Sinus Rhythm Patients with Dilated Heart.

Background/aims: The source of thrombi in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy is not necessarily from the dilated left ventricle. Left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) might be in charge for relatively high rate of systemic embolizations in these patients. The main aim of our study was to identify epidemiological predictors in sinus rhythm patients with dilated heart for LA and LAA dilation and/or dysfunction.

PERICARDIAL FEATURES OF IN-HOSPITAL RHEUMATOLOGY PATIENTS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Rheumatic disorders can be associated with pericarditis, but severe forms of pericarditis are rare. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate pericardial features in patients with different rheumatic diseases. Thirty-five patients hospitalized at the Clinic of Rheumatology, University Clinical Center of Kosovo, from October 1 to October 21, 2014 were included in the study.

The effect of aerobic exercise on quality of life among breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To determine the effect of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on the quality of life (QOL) and physical functioning in breast cancer survivors.

Materials And Methods: We randomly assigned 62 breast cancer survivors to an exercise (N = 30) or control group (N = 32). The exercise group trained at a moderate intensity progressing from 25 to 40 min over a 10-week period.

Atrioventricular septal defect with common atrioventricular junction guarded by a common valve consisting of left atrioventricular trifoliate valve.

Introduction: Atrioventricular septal defect with common atrioventricular junction is a rare adult congenital cardiac syndrome. This occurrence with prolonged survival is exceptionally rare.

Case Report: We present the case of a patient who presented with this defect with common atrioventricular junction who survived to the age of 32.

Relationship of left ventricular size to left atrial and left atrial appendage size in sinus rhythm patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Introduction: Thromboembolic events are a frequent cause of mortality in patients with congestive heart failure. The aim of or study was to evaluate the relationship of left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) to left atrial (LA) size and left atrial appendage (LAA) size in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy in sinus rhythm, as well as to determine the prevalence of thrombi in LV and LA /LAA.

Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study, conducted from December 2009 until December 2011.

The efficacy of PPI after endoscopic hemostasis in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer and role of Helicobacter pylori.

Background: Nowadays PPI present cornerstone in the medical therapy of bleeding peptic ulcer. Controlled pantoprazole data in peptic ulcer bleeding are few.

Aim: To compare the effect of intravenous (iv) pantoprazole (PPI) with iv ranitidine (H2RA) for bleeding peptic ulcers after endoscopic therapy.

Left ventricular and left atrial thrombi in sinus rhythm patients with dilated ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Introduction: Ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy offers a favorable terrain for left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation; however, left artial appendage (LAA) may be an additional source of thrombi in patients with dilated heart. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of LV and LAA thrombi in patients with chronic ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy in sinus rhythm, as well as to reveal echocardiographic predictors for thrombus formation.

Methods: The study included 57 patients with chronic dilated ischemic cardiomyopathy in sinus rhythm, who were not under oral anticoagulation therapy.

Prevalence of left chamber cardiac thrombi in patients with dilated left ventricle at sinus rhythm: the role of transesophageal echocardiography.

Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) may be a source of thrombi in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy at sinus rhythm. The objectives of our study were to assess the prevalence of intracardiac left chamber thrombus and/or spontaneous echo contrast and to identify clinical and echocardiographic predictors for left ventricle (LV), left atrium (LA), and/or LAA thrombus formation, particularly as regard to LV, LA, and LAA size, in heart failure patients at sinus rhythm.

Methods: We included 45 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of ischemic or idiopathic origin with mild to moderate systolic dysfunction, who were at sinus rhythm and without anticoagulation therapy.

Physicians' acquaintance with a new procedure results in higher patient referral: experience of Kosovo in coronary angiography.

Unlabelled: The first coronary angiography in Kosovo was completed in 2003. We analyzed coronary angiographies performed in our center from October 2003 until October 2009 divided into two 3-year periods.

The Aims Of Our Study Were: to compare the number of coronary angiographies completed in the two periods; to evaluate the prevalence of normal coronary angiographies diagnosed in the first period compared to the second period; and to assess the prevalence of advanced coronary artery disease in the first three years compared to the last three years.

Association of interatrial septal abnormalities with cardiac impulse conduction disorders in adult patients: experience from a tertiary center in Kosovo.

INTERATRIAL SEPTAL DISORDERS, WHICH INCLUDE: atrial septal defect, patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm, are frequent congenital anomalies found in adult patients. Early detection of these anomalies is important to prevent their hemodynamic and/or thromboembolic consequences. The aims of this study were: to assess the association between impulse conduction disorders and anomalies of interatrial septum; to determine the prevalence of different types of interatrial septum abnormalities; to assess anatomic, hemodynamic, and clinical consequences of interatrial septal pathologies.

The impact of acute myocardial infarction on left ventricular systolic function.

Background: During acute myocardial infarction left ventricular systolic function is an important prognostic factor whose worsening is still frequent despite the therapeutic approach. We aimed to estimate the incidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction among patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction.

Methods: The study involved 154 consecutive patients admitted at Coronary Care Unit.

The importance of echocardiographic evaluation of pericardial effusion associated with mitral valve pseudoprolapse in patients with chronic renal failure.

To evaluate the clinical course of pericarditis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), we studied echocardiography in 64 CKD patients and subdivided them into four groups according to their CKD condition and presence of effusion: 14 (22%) patients with pericardial effusion that formed during conservative treatment of CKD patients, 12 (19%) patients who developed the effusion while on regular hemodialysis, 31 (48%) CKD patients without pericardial effusion, and seven (11%) CKD patients with minimal effusion. In addition, the patients were then re- subdivided according to the amount of pericardial effusion into those with small amount, up to 1 cm echo- free space (EFS) (17 (27%) patients); with medium size pericardial effusion (9 (14%) patients); with large amount of pericardial effusion, above 2 cm (four (6%) patients); and with thickened pericardium (4 (6%) patients), three (5%) of whom were without pericardial effusion and one (2%) was with minimal effusion. Nine (15%) patients revealed signs of mitral valve prolapse.

Right bundle branch block as a marker for interatrial septal abnormalities.

Background: Interatrial septal anomalies, which include atrial septal defect, patent foramen ovale, and atrial septal aneurysm, are common disorders among adult patients. Early detection of interatrial septal anomalies is important in order to prevent haemodynamic consequences and/or thromboembolic events. Electrocardiogram offers some clues that should serve as hints for detection of interatrial abnormalities.

The influence of the type of ulcers in the degree of atrophic gastritis.

Purpose: Chronic Gastritis is the most common manifestation of infection with Helicobacter pylori. Changes in the gastric mucosa have tendency to progress towards mucosal atrophy, most likely in patients with gastric ulcer. We have explored the frequency of the presence of atrophic gastritis in patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of patients with endoscopic esophagitis.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disorder, typically diagnosed by a history of chronic heartburn. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) eliminate symptoms and heal esophagitis more frequently and more rapidly than other agents. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in terms of symptom resolution and endoscopic healing in patients with erosive reflux disease.