[Massive infiltration of the right vetricular wall caused by large B-cell lymphoma].

We presented a case of symptomatic secondary cardiac B-cell lymphoma localised in the free wall of the right ventricle (RV). It was detected during transthoracic echocardiography and confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. The RV free wall motion abnormalities, decreased dimensions of RV and small pericardial effusion were found.

[Asymptomatic myxoma of the tricuspid valve septal leaflet].

We presented a case of asymptomatic myxoma of the tricuspid valve septal leaflet. The tumour was diagnosed accidentally during rutine transthoracic echocardiography and confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. It was resected and the septal leaflet repaired during surgery.

[A large asymptomatic pericardial cyst in the apical region].

We presented a case of the large asymptomatic pericardial cyst localised near cardiac apex, filled with fluid of water- -equivalent density. The cyst was detected accidentally during transthoracic echocardiography and confirmed by 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography. Repeated transthoracic echocardiography was recommened.

[Severe tricuspid regurgitation due to ventricular pacing lead - a case report].

We present a case of severe symptomatic tricuspid valve regurgitation due to shifting of the septal leaflet of the valve toward the interventricular septum by a permanent ventricular pacemaker lead, making coaptation of the tricuspid leflats in systole impossible.

[Fungal endocarditis of mitral and aortic biological prosthetic valves].

We present a rare case of fungal (Candida albicans) endocarditis on the two (mitral and aortic) biological prosthetic valves. Vegetations were detected by transthoracic echocardiography and confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography.

[Quadricuspid aortic valve].

We reported a case of a 45 year-old woman who had a quadricuspid aortic valve associated with moderate aortic regurgitation. The valve abnormality was detected by transthoracic echocardiography. Transesophageal echocardiography showed mild thickening of 4 symmetric aortic valve cusps, a small rectangular central regurgitant orifice, and moderate aortic insufficiency.

[Mild type of the Ebstein anomaly].

Ebstein anomaly is a congenital malformation of the heart that is characterised by apical displacement of the septal and posterior tricuspid valve leaflets, leading to atrialisation of the right ventricle with a variable degree of malformation and displacement of the anterior leaflet. We present a case of a mild type Ebstein anomaly leading to moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation and some degree of right ventricular dysfunction.

[Intraventricular septum rending from inferoposterior left ventricular wall during myocardial infarction].

Intraventricular septum (IVS) rending from left ventricular wall after acute myocardial infarction is a rare and dramatic mechanical complication. We describe a patient, who survived after rending of IVS from left ventricular inferoposterior wall after acute myocardial infarction. This complication was diagnosed using transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography and confirmed by 64 MSCT.

[Circumflex coronary artery fistula during staphylococcal aortic valve endocarditis].

We presented a very rare case of the fistula to coronary artery during staphylococcal aortic valve endocarditis in a young man. The tranesophageal echocardiography detected vegetation on aortic valve leaflets and large regurgitatin. During transesophageal echocardiography the peri-anular multi-chamber abscess formation and fistulous communication to circumflex coronary artery was detected.

[Asymptomatic descending aorta dissection after cardiac surgery using extra corporeal circulation- a case report].

Subacute ascending aortic dissection following open heart surgery is a rare but potentially fatal complication. It is associated with dilatation of the aortic root or cystic medial necrosis. We present associated a case of a 65-year old patient with non-fatal ascending aortic dissection after coronary artery bypass grafting using extracorporeal circulation.

[An isolated cleft of the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve--a case report].

A case of 44-year-old female, with an isolated mitral cleft, a rare congenital cause of mitral insufficiency is presented. The echocardiogram showed the presence of mild mitral regurgitation and a cleft of the anterior mitral valve leaflet was evident. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed those findings.

[Left ventricular non-compaction with papillary muscle involvement - a case report].

Non-compaction myocardium of the left ventricle (LVNC) is a genetically heterogeneous congenital cardiomyopathy characterised by excessive prominent trabeculations and deep intertrabecular recesses which communicate with the left ventricular cavity. Echocardiography plays a pivotal role as a first line diagnostic tool of this rare abnormality. We presented a case of 64-year-old male with LVNC and with papillary muscle involvement.

[Infective endocarditis of both atrioventricular valves in a young man with atrioventricular canal defect - a case report].

We report a case of a 33-year-old man with infective endocarditis of both atrioventricular valves coexisting with a congenital heart defect: atrioventricular canal defect. Transthoracic and transesopageal echocardiography showed complete atrioventricular canal defect and vegetations affecting both the normal mitral and tricuspid valves. The patient received a combined antibiotic therapy and was qualified for cardiosurgical correction.

Cardiovascular abnormalities in patients with Turner syndrome according to karyotype: own experience and literature review.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases account for a threefold higher mortality in women with Turner syndrome (TS). It has also been suggested that the occurrence of these diseases is dependent on karyotype.

Aim: To assess the cardiovascular system by clinical examination, echocardiography and electrocardiography in female patients with TS, depending on karyotype.

[Acute myocardial infarction complicated by severe mitral regurgitation during incomplete rupture of the postero-medial papillary muscle - a case report].

A case of acute severe mitral regurgitation with serious hemodynamic impairment in the setting of an inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction is presented. Both transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a posteriorly directed eccentric jet of severe mitral regurgitation with flail anterior mitral valve leaflet. The rupture of the postero-medial papillary muscle attached via chords to the anterior mitral valve leaflet was found.

[Asymptomatic left ventricular myxoma located on the chordae tendinae - a case report].

A rare case of left ventricular myxoma in a 55-year-old woman, located on the chordae tendinae of posteromedial papillary muscle, is presented. The tumor was visualised by the transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography examination. The woman was selected for surgery.

[Periannular leak after mitral annuloplasty - two case reports].

Mitral valve annuloplasty is frequently performed because of favourable postoperative quality of life, and improved cardiac function. The Carpentier-Edwards mitral annuloplasty ring is implanted to correct annular dilatation, improve cooptation of the valve leaflets and prevent further annular dilatation. We present two cases of mitral annuloplasty complication in the form ring detachment leading to haemolytic anaemia in the first case.

[Severe mixed prosthetic double-discs mitral valve dysfunction due to thrombosis - a case report].

We reported a rare case of acute thrombosis of mechanical mitral prosthesis. A 58-year-old man underwent mitral valve replacement using St. Jude Medical mechanical valve prosthesis because of rheumatic heart disease 3 years ago.

[Recurrent multi-focal cerebral stroke complicating Libman-Sacks endocarditis in a young woman with systemic lupus erythromatosus].

Systemic lupus erythromatosus is often associated with an antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). A high prevalence of valvular heart disease in APS leads to increased risk of embolic events, particularly cerebrovascular. We present a patient with cerebral infarction, with positive lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies and factor V Leiden mutation.

[Giant left ventricular postinfarction pseudoaneurysm - an echocardiographic case report].

We present a rare case of a 71-year-old man who had myocardial infarction 9 years ago. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed presence of a large pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricular (LV) apex and anterior wall with thrombus. The diagnosis of LV pseudoaneurysm was confirmed by electrocardiography - gated multidetector computed tomography.

[Heparin-induced thrombocythopenia in a patient with massive pulmonary embolism and dilated cardiomyopathy, successfuly treated with fondaparinux - a case report].

Heparin-induced thrombocythopenia (HIT) is a potentially serious complication of heparin treatment, rarely observed in cardiological wards. We present a case of a 38-year-old woman with dilated cardiomyopathy and massive pulmonary embolism treated with alteplase and unfractionated heparin. On 12th day an unexpected fall in platelet count was observed, without new signs of thrombosis.

Clinical significance of heart rate turbulence assessment in patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: Heart rate turbulence (HRT) is modulated by the baroreceptor reflex, and it has been suggested that it could be used as a measure of autonomic dysfunction. Impaired HRT has a significant prognostic value in patients after myocardial infarction. The usefulness of HRT parameters in CHF patients has not yet been well established.

Association between retinopathy, microalbuminuria and coronary perfusion in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Background: In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) impairment of the coronary circulation has been observed. This phenomenon could be ascribed to the existence of a specific cardiomyopathy. Disturbances in other microcirculation beds--renal and ocular--are mirrored by microalbuminuria and retinopathy, respectively.

[Knowledge of primary care physicians, cardiologists from cardiology clinics, internal and cardiology department physicians about chronic heart failure diagnosis and treatment].

Unlabelled: Last studies have shown unsatisfactory diagnosis and treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. The aim of this study was to compare the knowledge of primary care physicians (PCP), cardiologists from cardiology clinics (CARC), internal and cardiology department physicians (INTD and CARD) about CHF diagnosis and treatment.

Material And Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 23 questions related to above issues was filled out by 153 physicians (64 PCP, 24 CARC, 44 INTD and 21 CARD) from the urban district.