Should we perform preoperative coronary angiography in all cases of atrial myxomas?

The prevalence of coronary disease is high in patients with atrial myxomas yet routine angiography is not performed. Moreover, some tumors have angiographically detectable neovascularity, which can alter surgical planning. We report two cases that support our recommendation for performing coronary angiography in all cases diagnosed with cardiac myxomas.

Comparison of two strategies for the management of antiplatelet therapy during urgent surgery.

Background: The optimal management of aspirin and clopidogrel therapy before surgery in patients with acute coronary syndrome is uncertain. Aspirin and clopidogrel within 5 days of surgery increases postoperative bleeding and reexploration. However, in acute coronary syndrome patients the risk of bleeding must be balanced against the risks of discontinuing the treatment and delaying surgery.