Intracardiac metastasis of a Malignant Mixed Mullerian tumor (MMMT): progressive dyspnoea due to obstruction of the left atrium and the left ventricle without left ventricular dysfunction or primary lung disease.

Malignant Mixed Mullerian tumors (MMMT) are rare gynecological tumors. Even with surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy, outcome is poor. MMMTs are known to metastasize to the liver, the abdomen, and the lungs.

Effects of different AT1-receptor antagonists in the therapy of severe heart failure pretreated with ACE inhibitors.

Background: The efficacy of ACE-inhibitors and beta blockers is well documented in the therapy of heart failure. As pharmacological mechanisms of ATI-receptor-antagonists differ, an additional positive effect can be expected when combining these drugs.

Methods: Eighty patients (67.

Increased calcium and decreased magnesium concentrations and an increased calcium/magnesium ratio in spontaneously hypertensive rats versus Wistar-Kyoto rats: relation to arteriosclerosis.

Alterations in the metabolism of calcium and magnesium have been implicated in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension. Calcium influx across the external cellular membrane in smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes plays a crucial role in the control of cellular excitation contraction and impulse propagation. Intracellular calcium and magnesium concentrations are controlled by reversible binding to specific calcium-binding proteins.

Relation between N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide values and invasively measured left ventricular hemodynamic indices.

Background: Pro-brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) is synthesized in the left ventricle. In response to transmural pressure, it is secreted into the circulation and consequently cleaved to yield the active hormone BNP and its N-terminal fragment (NT-proBNP). Determination of NT-proBNP is used as an aid in the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction.

Effects of AT1 receptor antagonist therapy in patients with severe heart failure pretreated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Background: The efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is well documented in the treatment of chronic severe heart failure. Because pharmacological mechanisms of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonists differ from the effects of ACE inhibitors, an additional positive effect can be expected by combining these drugs.

Methods: Sixty patients (mean age 68.