[Usefulness of brain natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in the elderly].

B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide are biomarkers secreted both in response to myocardial stretch and increased ventricular wall stress. They are now largely used in cardiovascular disease in adults, especially as diagnostic and prognostic tools. This article aims at synthesizing existing data concerning the usefulness of natriuretic peptides in elderly patients.

[Arterial malformations and Takayashu disease].

The authors report a recent series of 5 cases with Takayashu's disease and discuss the common pathological presentation of malformations of the arterial trunk, caused by disorderd development of the arterial system or by later segmental arrested development of the large trunks. The disease, which presents in the young adult as a diffuse inflammatory process, is probably auto-immune, but has its foundations in embryonic and foetal development.