Population of Polish patients participating in the Heart Failure Pilot Survey (ESC-HF Pilot).

Background: Heart failure (HF) is currently one of the main causes of cardiovascular mortality. In order to collect current epidemiological data on patients with HF, the Heart Failure Pilot Survey (ESC-HF Pilot) registry was initiated.

Aim: Primary objective of the study was to compare clinical epidemiology of outpatients and inpatients with HF and investigate currently used diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in Poland and 11 other European countries.

Subclavian artery stenosis as a cause of acute coronary syndrome in a patient after coronary artery bypass grafting.

We described a case of a 74-year-old man who suffered from acute coronary syndrome 7 years after coronary artery bypass grafting. The patient underwent angioplasty of the obtuse marginal branch of the left coronary artery from venous graft access, which did not result in relief of ailments. Only angioplasty of the narrowed subclavian artery caused an improvement in the patient's condition.

Electrocardiography and prognosis of patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Background: To assess the influence of electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern on prognosis and complications of patients hospitalized with acute pulmonary embolism (APE).

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 292 patients who had confirmed APE. There were 183 females and 109 males, the age range was 17 to 89 years, and the mean age was 65.

The value of ECG parameters in estimating myocardial injury and establishing prognosis in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.

Background: The electrocardiogram (ECG) is characterised by little sensitivity and specificity in the diagnostic evaluation of acute pulmonary embolism (APE).

Aim: To assess the significance of ECG changes in predicting myocardial injury and prognosis in patients with APE.

Methods: The study group consisted of 225 patients (137 women and 88 men), mean age: 66.

[Thrombosis within the area of muscle bridge as a cause of myocardial infarction].

Muscle bridge with concomitant sclerotic lesions may cause myocardial infarction (MI). We present a case of 70 year-old woman, who suffered from MI due to sclerotic lesion located within the anterior descending artery, right above the muscle bridge. Implanting two drug eluting stents resulted in restoration of proper flow through the vessel, widening the sclerotic lesion and the area of muscle bridge.

How often pulmonary embolism mimics acute coronary syndrome?

Background: The clinical picture of acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is often uncharacteristic and may mimic acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or lung diseases, leading to misdiagnosis. In 50% of patients, APE is accompanied by chest pain and in 30-50% of the patients markers of myocardial injury are elevated.

Aim: To perform a retrospective assessment of how often clinical manifestations and investigations (ECG findings and elevated markers of myocardial injury) in patients with APE may be suggestive of ACS.

[Can angiography system with large-area flat digital panel induce higher irradiation in a patient during coronary angiography].

Background: Nowadays, angiography systems with flat digital panel are used in cardiology and invasive radiology as the detector of irradiation. The so called universal systems with a magnified panel are becoming more common. In this study we tried to find out whether in practice the increased surface area of detectors may increase the absorption dose in a patient.

[Changes in electrocardiographic and angiographic images in the course of myocardial infarction].

Different types of disorders, varying in time, concerning atrio-ventricular (AV) conductivity may occur during myocardial infarction (MI). Similarly, angiography may reveal the dynamics within lesions of thrombosis in arteries. A case of 58 year-old man, who suffered from temporal AV block of all degrees, and what is more, a block in anterior fascicle or the whole left bundle branch in the bundle of His is presented.

[Big myxoma of the left atrium suggesting pulmonary embolism].

Cardiac myxomas are rare. They usually appear as a sporadic isolated mass in the left atrium of women with no other pathology. Our patient had symptoms which may suggest pulmonary embolism (PE)-TTE, D-dimers, ECG, laboratory findings seemed to confirm acute PE.

[Left ventricular thrombus--variability of causes and clinical presentation--four case reports].

Thrombi occurring in heart chambers, particularly in the left ventricle, are very often due to diseases leading to heart dilation. Thrombi could dissolve spontaneously or as a result of pharmacological treatment. They could also be mobilizes and produce emboli.

[Repeat angioplasty of the left anterior descending coronary artery due to restenosis. How many times could we do it?].

Coronary angioplasty is widely accepted method of myocardium revascularisation. Repeat restenosis is often an indication for surgical treatment. Unfortunately, some patients are not treated surgically for various reasons.

[Recent myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock and unsuccessful coronary angioplasty--the pattern of cooperation between a centre without on-site surgical back-up and a distantly located clinical cardiosurgery centre].

The case of a 66-year-old male with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock is presented. Because of failed primary PCI, after stabilisation of ischaemia and haemodynamics by medication and IABP he was transferred to a distantly located cardiosurgery unit. This patient underwent successful emergency CABG on the second day after infarction.