Characterization of complex coronary artery stenosis morphology by coronary computed tomographic angiography.

Objectives: This study sought to assess the ability of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in identifying complex coronary stenosis morphology before invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background: Complexity of stenosis morphology affects PCI success. Whether CTA can detect the entire spectrum of recognized complex stenosis morphologies has not been investigated.

Ultrafiltration for the management of acute decompensated heart failure.

Heart failure is a major public health problem and is increasing in incidence throughout the industrialized world. Despite recent advances in pharmacotherapy, the overall mortality remains high and largely unchanged. Ultrafiltration has received increased attention in the treatment of acute decompensated congestive heart failure, and recent clinical trials suggest its usefulness in removing volume while preserving renal function.

Right atrial and ventricular masses of unknown origin.

Intracardiac masses can be characterized as thrombus, vegetation, or tumor. An 83-year-old man had mobile spheric masses in the right atrium and ventricle. The lesions resolved with prolonged anticoagulation, suggesting thrombi as the origin.