[Sirolimus-eluting stent in the prevention of restenosis in small coronary arteries].

Background: Angioplasty of coronary arteries with a small diameter (commonly defined as diameter inferior than 2.75 mm) is associated with a high rate of restenosis and revascularization. Since the use of Drug Eluting Stents (DES) and considering their good results on simple lesions compared to other techniques (balloon dilation and bare metal stents), many studies have also demonstrated the superiority of DES in reducing restenosis and revascularization of complex lesions in particular lesions on coronary arteries with small diameter.

Impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on long-term outcome of patients hospitalized for heart failure.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequently neglected co-morbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of COPD in patients hospitalized for HF. Consecutive patients (n=799) admitted for a first episode of HF in all healthcare establishments of the Somme department (France) during 2000 were prospectively enrolled.

[Imaging cardiac hydatid cysts: 8 cases].

Background: Early diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis is required because this uncommon disease may lead to serious complications. We report 8 cases of cardiac hydatidosis, review the modes of diagnosis, and stress the contribution of modern imaging techniques.

Methods: This retrospective study describes 8 patients with cardiac echinococcosis.