Left atrial appendage aneurysm with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Aneurysm of the left atrial appendage is extremely rare, and afflicted patients most commonly present with atrial tachyarrhythmia or thromboembolism. For these patients, resection of the aneurysm is the recommended and preferred therapy. We present the case of a 57-year-old woman who was found incidentally to have a large aneurysm of the left atrial appendage presenting as atrial fibrillation.

Coronary artery fistula detected by 64-slice multidetector computed tomography: case report.

Coronary artery fistula (CAF), a rare anomaly of a coronary artery, is defined as an anomalous communication between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber or vessels. Coronary angiography remains the main modality for diagnosing CAF. We present a case of fistulous communication between the left anterior descending coronary artery and the main pulmonary artery.

Enhanced intracellular heat shock protein 70 expression of leukocytes and serum interleukins release: comparison of on-pump and off-pump coronary artery surgery.

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) employing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB; "on-pump" technique) is known to induce a systemic inflammatory response and heat-shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70) expression. The objective of the present study was to investigate the perioperative intracellular HSP70 expression of leukocytes and serum interleukin (IL) release in CABG conducted with both on-pump and off-pump techniques.

Methods: Thirty-seven patients referred for elective CABG were enrolled in this study.

Monotherapy with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in a heart transplant recipient with sick sinus syndrome and posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder: a case report.

Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication of organ transplantation, with an incidence of 0.8% to 20% in heart transplant (HTx) recipients, and standard treatment may be too toxic in some cases. Rituximab is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated efficacy in patients with various lymphoid malignancies and has been demonstrated effective in combination with chemotherapy regimens such as CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone).

Infective endocarditis from Streptococcus viridans associated with colonic carcinoma: a case report.

Streptococcal bacteremia is an uncommon presentation for colorectal malignancy, yet most physicians would probably be aware of the association between Streptococcus bovis infection and such malignancy; however, many physicians may be unaware that other streptococcal species are also associated with colon and rectal cancers. We describe a 62-year-old male with adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon with the presentation of infective endocarditis due to infection by Streptococcus viridans, and we also report on the condition's successful treatment.

Coronary artery spasm after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background: Coronary artery spasm (CAS) in the immediate postoperative period has been recognized as a possible cause for perioperative myocardial ischaemia after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). It varies in severity and can be associated with circulatory collapse and death. The purpose of this study was to present our experiences on CAS after off-pump CABG and detail its management.

Perforated periaortic valve abscess presents as acute pericarditis and patient died in transesophageal echocardiographic study.

Rupture of infective endocarditis-associated perivalvular abscess of left ventricular outlet leading to death is a rare complication of transesophageal echocardiography. We report a case of impending rupture periaortic valve abscess of left ventricular outlet that was initially diagnosed as acute pericarditis at the emergency department in which the patient suddenly collapsed during the ongoing procedure of transesophageal echocardiography. Emergency surgical intervention was performed, but in vain.

Congenital coronary artery fistulas: clinical considerations and surgical treatment.

Background: Coronary artery fistulas are uncommon abnormalities that can cause significant cardiac morbidity. Indications for operation vary, particularly, for asymptomatic patients. Early surgical correction is indicated because of the high incidence of late symptoms and complications.

Ruptured congenital sinus of valsalva aneurysms.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Rupture of the sinus of Valsalva is rare, and there is a higher incidence of such rupture in Oriental countries than elsewhere. The objective of this study is to present the pathologic features and the clinical outcome after surgery in such patients.

Methods: Between 1980 and 2001, a total of 17 patients (15 males and 2 females) with ruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva underwent surgical intervention at the Tri-Service General Hospital, Taiwan.

Successful treatment of Salmonella mycotic aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta.

Salmonella mycotic aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta are exceedingly rare. There are few case reports and even fewer reports of long term survival. The case of a 68-year-old female presenting with a mycotic aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta caused by Salmonella species is described, which involved successful surgical intervention.

Off-pump technique in coronary artery bypass grafting in elderly patients.

Background: The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of beating heart coronary artery revascularization in patients aged at least 80 years.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was carried out for 17 patients aged over 80 years who underwent isolated off-pump CABG at the Tri-Service General Hospital, Taiwan, during the period July 1999 to December 2000.