Mycotic aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta: the role of transesophageal echocardiography.

Mycotic aneurysms of the aorta are prone to rupture. Thus rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential so that surgical repair can be undertaken. We report a case of mycotic aortic aneurysm caused by mitral valve endocarditis.

Directional coronary atherectomy in women compared with men.

The influence of gender on the procedural outcome of directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) is controversial. This study of 373 consecutive patients (418 lesions) undergoing DCA demonstrates that the procedural success rate of DCA is significantly lower in women compared with men (72.7 vs.

Directional coronary atherectomy can be successfully performed in the elderly.

The influence of age on the clinical and angiographic outcome of directional coronary atherectomy is evaluated. Results demonstrate that DCA can be performed successfully in the vast majority (78.7-90%) of patients in all age groups.