Management of patent foramen ovale in embolic stroke of undetermined source patients: Malaysian experts' consensus.

Introduction: About 20 to 40% of ischaemic stroke causes are cryptogenic. Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is a subtype of cryptogenic stroke which is diagnosed based on specific criteria. Even though patent foramen ovale (PFO) is linked with the risk of stroke, it is found in about 25% of the general population, so it might be an innocent bystander.

Challenges for Adolescents With Congenital Heart Defects/Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease and What They Need: Perspectives From Patients, Parents and Health Care Providers at the Institut Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute), Malaysia.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the experiences and challenges faced by adolescents with moderate and severe congenital heart defects (CHD) or Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease (CRHD) and to determine their needs in order to develop an Adolescent Transition Psychoeducational Program.

Methods: The study involved seven adolescents with moderate to severe CHD/CRHD, six parents, and four health care providers in Institute Jantung Negara (National Heart Institute). Participants were invited for a semi-structured interview.

Left atrial appendage and atrial septal occlusion in elderly patients with atrial septal defect and atrial fibrillation.

Background: Elderly patients with atrial septal defect (ASD) often present with chronic atrial fibrillation and large left to right shunt. This study reports the experience of left atrial appendage (LAA) and ASD closure in patients with significant ASD and chronic atrial fibrillation.

Methods: We report six consecutive elderly patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and significant ASD who underwent LAA and fenestrated ASD closure from January 1, 2014 until December 31, 2019.

Analysis of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase & Serotonin Gene Polymorphisms among Atrial Septal Defect Subjects with and without Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Genetic polymorphisms are variations in DNA sequences which can influence either disease susceptibility, severity, or prognosis. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the complications that occurs in certain patients who have atrial septal defect (ASD). This study seeks to determine the association of gene polymorphisms with the pathogenesis of PAH in ASD patients.

Infective endocarditis caused by Brucella melitensis: a case report highlighting the importance of history taking and laboratory analysis.

We present a case of Brucella endocarditis in a 13 year old patient with known aortic stenosis. She was admitted to the National Heart Institute/Institut Jantung Negara, Malaysia with complains of fever, pain and swelling of left knee. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography showed no evidence of vegetations on the aortic valve.