Partial replacement of tricuspid valve using cryopreserved homograft.

Background: The optimal choice of prosthesis for tricuspid valve (TV) replacement is yet to be determined. Partial replacement of the TV using a homograft atrioventricular valve might offer resistance to infection, good durability, and excellent functionality, in addition to avoiding prosthesis-related morbidity.

Methods: We present 14 patients who underwent replacement of the TV using a homograft between 1997 and 2008.

Spontaneous coronary artery rupture in a young patient: a rare diagnosis for cardiac tamponade.

We report a case of spontaneous coronary artery rupture (SCAR) in a 43-year-old male who presented with symptoms of sudden onset of chest pain and hemodynamic collapse. There were no abnormal electrocardiogram changes and serum troponin was not detected. Acute aortic dissection was suspected but urgent contrast computed tomography (CT) showed a large pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade.