[Clinical relevance and indications for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging 2013: an interdisciplinary expert statement].

During the last years the indications of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMRI) have been continuously expanded. However, the acceptance of the method by cardiologists and radiologists does not correlate with respect to the diagnostic potential. Several factors, such as expensive equipment, relatively long examination times, high technical know how and lack of remuneration, limit the application of CMRI in everyday clinical practice.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis treated with rapid sternotomy followed by vacuum-assisted therapy.

Background: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a life-threatening emergency after oropharyngeal infection. The diagnosis must be established rapidly. DNM is associated with septic shock and respiratory insufficiency.

Over-the-head cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves efficacy in basic life support performed by professional medical personnel with a single rescuer: a simulation study.

Two-rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is considered the best method for professional basic life support (BLS). However, in many prehospital cardiac arrest situations, one rescuer has to begin CPR alone while the other performs additional tasks. In theory, over-the-head CPR is a suitable alternative in this situation, with the added benefit of allowing the single rescuer to use a self-inflating bag for ventilation.

Is the transpulmonary pressure gradient a predictor for mortality after orthotopic cardiac transplantation?

Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is a well-known risk factor for right ventricular failure after orthotopic cardiac transplantation. The influence of preoperative transpulmonary pressure gradient (TPG) and PVR on post-transplant 30 days mortality was evaluated. To analyze the response of PVR and TPG to cardiac transplantation, we analyzed 718 adult patients undergoing primary cardiac transplantation.