[Myocardial infarction following rapid perfusion of corticoids].

The authors report the case of myocardial infarction occurring immediately after rapid intravenous infusion of a high dose of corticosteroids prescribed for a relapse of multiple sclerosis. Ventriculography confirmed the myocardial damage but the coronary arteries were normal. An aetiological investigation was negative.

[Left main coronary artery disease].

There are many causes of left main coronary artery disease, the first of which is atherosclerosis. Other rarer causes may be observed, such as acute and chronic occlusions, spasm and primary and secondary dissection. The prevalence of stenosis of the left main coronary artery at coronary angiography is about 5%.

[Anesthesia and general surgery in cardiac patients].

Close cooperation is necessary between the cardiologist and anesthesiologist preoperatively in order to identify the risks associated with a surgical procedure. This article reviews the various types of anesthesia and their effects on the cardiovascular system, in particular in relation to the category of cardiovascular disease. Accurate definition of the operative risk involves thorough evaluation of three essential parameters: cardiovascular status, the type of surgery and the type of anesthesia.

Myocardial infarction and nicotine patch: a contributing or causative factor?

A case of angina pectoris revealed by nicotine patch treatment is described in a patient who continued to smoke and subsequently suffered a myocardial infarction. The various side effects of nicotine and its derivatives are recalled. The action of nicotine on coronary vasomotricity and its mediators is discussed.

[Painless infarction in antiphospholipid syndrome].

The authors report a rare case of myocardial infarction secondary to coronary thromboses caused by the antiphospholipid syndrome. The relations between the cardiac pathology, especially the coronary disease, and antiphospholipid antibodies are recalled. The importance and methods of monitoring the anticoagulant therapy are emphasised.