Metastatic cardiac tumors: from clinical presentation through diagnosis to treatment.

Background: To evaluate the prevalence of metastatic tumors involving the myocardium and study their presentation in order to increase awareness to their existence.

Methods: Pathological reports from Sheba Medical Center (Israel, January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2015) and medical records from The Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica (Serbia, 23 years period) were screened for cases of metastatic cardiac tumors. Medical, radiological and pathological data of identified cases was retrieved and reviewed.

Systematic reductive annuloplasty of the mitral and tricuspid valves in patients with end-stage ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Objective: Patients with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy exhibit extensive remodeling of the left ventricle, annular dilation, and significant mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. These changes increase per operative morbidity and mortality, and emphasize patient candidacy for heart transplantation. The aim of this study is to show immediate and long-term results after reductive annuloplasty of double (mitral and tricuspid) orifices, performed at the time of coronary artery bypass grafting, as an alternative to heart transplantation.

[The importance of hemodynamic monitoring in mitral and tricuspid valve surgery].

Introduction: Untreated mitral valve disease is associated with marked hemodynamic disorders, low ejection fraction (EF) and poor perfusion. The study aimed to explore the importance of hemodynamic monitoring in intraoperative evaluation and treatment of these patients.

Material And Methods: This prospective study included 85 patients: group 1: 41 patients, EF<40%; group 11: 44 patients, EF>40%.

Prostacyclin reduces incidence of myocardial damage after coronary endarterectomy.

Background: After coronary endarterectomy, patients have an increased incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction. This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible reduction of perioperative myocardial damage after coronary endarterectomy by intravenous utilization of prostacyclin.

Methods: Elective coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 1,190 patients with diffuse and distal coronary artery disease, in whom endarterectomy of one or more vessels was used as a treatment.

Surgical treatment of heart failure in patients with primary and ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Objective: The aim of this study was to show hemodynamic and clinical improvement of heart failure after reductive annuloplasty of double (mitral and tricuspid) orifices (RADO) in the treatment of ischemic (IDCM) and primary (PDCM) dilated cardiomyopathy.

Materials And Methods: From November 1986 to July 15, 2002, 341 patients underwent operations for dilated cardiomyopathy. The IDCM group consisted of 231 patients (68%) with a mean ejection fraction (EF) of 23.

Apoptosis of myocytes and proliferation markers as prognostic factors in end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of apoptosis, proliferation markers, volume density of interstitium, and myofibril volume fraction for the prognosis in patients with end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods: Endomyocardial biopsy was performed during open-heart surgery in 56 patients with end-stage DCM. Patients were divided into two groups, one group with shorter survival (24+/-9 months, mean+/-S.

Reductive annuloplasty of double orifices in patients with primary dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background: Patients with primary dilated cardiomyopathy exhibit extensive remodeling of the left ventricle, mitral and tricuspid annular dilation and both mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. These factors significantly contribute to heart failure, and are predictors of early lethal outcome. The aim of this study is to show hemodynamic and clinical improvement after reductive annuloplasty of both mitral and tricuspid orifices in primary dilated cardiomyopathy.