The role of tumor vascularisation in benign and malignant cardiovascular neoplasms: a comparison of cardiac myxoma and sarcomas of the pulmonary artery.

Neoangiogenesis is involved in the development and progression of malignant tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors have been designated a central part in this process. Since the significance of the assessment of angiogenesis in soft tissue tumors is still a matter of debate, we investigated the vascularisation of cardiac myxomas and compared it with pulmonary artery sarcomas (PAS).

Influence of fibrinogen and hematocrit on the early outcome of angioplasty in patients with PAOD.

Purpose: To evaluate any correlation of fibrinogen and hematocrit with the early success of balloon angioplasty for peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and compare the outcomes of angioplasty in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.

Methods: From November 1997 through October 2000, 330 patients (246 men; mean age 63.6+/-10.