[Proximal myopathy and fulminant heart failure in a 57 year-old female patient with lupus erythematosus].

A case report is presented of fulminant hydroxychloroquine-induced cardiomyopathy in a 57 year-old female patient with a long history of systemic lupus erythematosus. Diagnosis was established based on clinical findings, imaging (echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) as well as endomyocardial biopsy. Despite immediate discontinuation of the medication, the patient died from heart failure within a few days.

[Available transvenous occluder designs and implantation techniques].

In this article, most of the present or available in the near future left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion devices are discussed in terms of structure of the devices and principle technique for implantation. Thus, the Watchman™ device from Boston, the Amulet™ device from Abbot, the Lambre™ device from Lifetech, the Occlutech® device from Occlutech®, and the WaveCrest® device from Biosense Webster (former Coherex) are discussed. The systems differ in terms of the concept of occlusion.

Relation between detection rate and inappropriate shocks in single versus dual chamber cardioverter-defibrillator--an analysis from the OPTION trial.

The programming of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) influences inappropriate shock rates. The aim of the study is to analyse rates of patients with appropriate and inappropriate shocks according to detection zones in the OPTION trial. All patients received dual chamber (DC) ICDs randomly assigned to be programmed either to single chamber (SC) or to DC settings including PARAD+ algorithm.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure: Technical aspects and prevention of periprocedural complications with the watchman device.

Transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage has been developed as an alternative to chronic oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation, and as a primary therapy for patients with contraindications to chronic oral anticoagulation. The promise of this new intervention compared with warfarin has been supported by several, small studies and two pivotal randomized trial with the Watchman Device. The results regarding risk reduction for stroke have been favourable although acute complications were not infrequent.