Hepatocellular carcinoma with invasion into the right atrium. Report of two cases and review of the literature.

We report two rare cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with invasion into the right atrium. In both our cases, the patients had liver cirrhosis and were admitted to our department due to symptoms such as worsening of the jaundice, ascites and edema of the lower extremities. The diagnosis of the HCC was established when we found high levels of alpha-fetoprotein, and the patients underwent MRI and CT-scan that were indicative of HCC.

Clinical and prognostic value of elevated CA125 levels in patients with congestive heart failure.

Background: Increased serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), a tumor marker associated with ovarian cancer, have also been reported in other malignant and non-malignant diseases. We assessed the correlation of the CA125 serum levels with the severity of congestive heart failure (CHF) and investigated their potential prognostic value in relation to major cardiovascular events.

Methods: CA125 levels were measured in 95 male patients aged 70+/-10 years, admitted for decompensated CHF.

The significance of CA125 levels in patients with chronic congestive heart failure. Correlation with clinical and echocardiographic parameters.

Objective: To assess serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) in patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) and to assess any correlation with clinical symptoms and echocardiographic indices.

Patients And Methods: We enrolled 77 male patients (mean age: 73+/-10 years) admitted to the Cardiology Emergency Department (ED) with cardiac symptoms requiring hospitalization. Diagnosis of CHF was based upon medical history or initial echocardiographic evaluation on current admission.