Publications by authors named "Marek Konka"

Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the small intestine (SI-NENs) are one of the most commonly recognized gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs). Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is the primary cause of death in patients with the carcinoid syndrome (CS). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate possible factors impacting upon overall survival (OS) in subjects with both neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) G1/G2 of the small intestine (SI-NET) and CHD.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is performed in patients unsuitable for long-term anticoagulation, predominantly due to prior bleeding events. The study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of clinically significant bleeding (CSB) post-LAAC.

Methods: Consecutive patients after LAAC with an Amplatzer or WATCHMAN device were analyzed (05.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is a severe complication of carcinoid syndrome (CS) found primarily in patients with small intestine neuroendocrine neoplasms (SI-NENs). Patients who develop CHD have significantly worse morbidity and mortality outcomes, highlighting the importance of clinical practice recommendations for CHD screening, diagnosis, and treatment that are both consistent and practical. CHD is characterized by white plaque-like deposits on the endocardial surface of heart structures, generally affecting the right heart valves, causing tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation and, less commonly, valve stenosis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: An increase in pulmonary artery diameter (PAD) on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) may indicate pulmonary hypertension. We assessed the prognostic value of MDCT-derived measurements of PAD on outcomes after successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods: Consecutive patients treated with TAVR from February 2013 to October 2017, with a 68.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and oral anticoagulation (OAC) failure may benefit from left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), however, the evidence is scarce. We report outcomes of LAAC in patients with OAC failure compared to those with classic indications of OAC contraindications.

Methods: Prospective registry of LAAC with Amplatzer or WATCHMAN device followed by dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was analyzed (05.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Progression of carcinoid syndrome (CS) to carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is difficult to predict. This retrospective analysis evaluates the use of chromogranin A (CgA), a biomarker widely used in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours (NET), in monitoring CS and disease progression.

Patients And Methods: 108 patients with confirmed CS, selected from a group of 351 patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms of the small intestine (SI-NENs), including NETG1 well 40% and NETG2 60% moderately differentiated NET.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

During diagnostic process it is very important to conduct scrupulous interview and thorough physical examination. Properly interpreted auscultation phenomena allow for appropriate planning of further imaging studies.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is associated with a risk of sudden cardiac death. Optimal risk stratification is still under debate. The main purpose of this long-term, single-centre observation was to analyse predictors of appropriate and inappropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) interventions in the population of patients with ARVC with a high risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: This study aimed to find imaging risk features for device related-pulmonary artery (PA) injury (DR-PAI) in patients after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC).

Background: Cardiac tamponade resulting from DR-PAI is a rare but life-threatening complication of LAAC.

Methods: In vitro analysis of Amplatzer™ Amulet™ (Abbott, MN) device was done.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Aims: Antazoline is a first-generation antihistaminic drug used primarily in eye drop formulations. When administered intravenously, antazoline displays antiarrhythmic properties resulting in a rapid conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm (SR). The aim of the study was to assess the influence of antazoline on atrio-venous conduction and other electrophysiological parameters in patients undergoing AF ablation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Aim: In patients with mitral stenosis (MS) percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) is used to im-prove symptoms and prognosis. Although there is some evidence for potential long-term benefits from PMBV in asymptomatic patients with mitral valve area (MVA) between 1.0 and 1.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Device-related thrombus (DRT) after left atrial appendage occlusion is a worrisome finding with little knowledge about when to expect it and how to prevent it. This study sought to investigate correlates of DRT after left atrial appendage occlusion, its time of diagnosis, and particularly, association with postimplantation dual antiplatelet therapy duration.

Methods And Results: Consecutive patients (n=102) after left atrial appendage occlusion with AMPLATZER Cardiac Plug/Amulet (n=59) or WATCHMAN (n=43) were included in a prospective registry (October 2011-May 2016).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Ebstein anomaly is a complex, congenital heart defect that is associated with a variety of cardiac abnormalities. Studies found a similar sarcomere gene mutation in patients with Ebstein anomaly (EA) and patients with isolated left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC).

Aim: We aimed to show the prevalence of LVNC and its potential relationship with severe cardiac events (VT - ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest) in adult patients with EA.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) with occasional right-to-left shunting is associated with an increased risk of decompression illness (DCI). Divers with a history of repetitive or severe DCI and diagnosed with PFO should be considered for transcatheter closure if they wish to continue with unrestricted diving.

Aim: To summarise our centre's experience in transcatheter PFO closure in professional divers with a history of DCI.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The case is reported of a successful transcatheter implantation of an Edwards SAPIEN 3 valve (29 mm) into a failing tricuspid bioprosthesis (Sorin Pericarbon, 31 mm). The procedure was performed in a 69-year-old woman with post-rheumatic mitral and tricuspid valve disease. Multiple previous cardiac surgeries precluded the use of another surgical approach.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF