Neuroendocrine carcinomas arising in solid-organ transplant recipients: rare but aggressive malignancies.

Organ transplant recipients are at an increased risk of developing malignancies due to prolonged immunosuppression. However, the rate and clinical course of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) following organ transplantation has not been assessed so far. We have retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing organ transplantation between 1985 and 2001 in order to assess the frequency and clinical course of NETs in organ transplant recipients.

Non-melanoma skin cancer and its risk factors in an Austrian population of heart transplant recipients receiving induction therapy.

Background: Solid organ transplant recipients have a high risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC). We describe the characteristics and incidence of skin tumors in an Austrian population of heart transplant recipients (HTR).

Methods: Three hundred and twenty-two HTR out of 970 who had received their organ between December 1984 and July 2003 were analyzed for NMSC.

Novel insights into the mechanisms and treatment of intramural hematoma affecting the entire thoracic aorta.

Background: The purpose of this study was to address a previously not described mechanism underlying intramural hematoma (IMH) of the entire thoracic aorta and to test the hypothesis whether endovascular stent graft placement in this particular mechanism could be beneficial.

Methods: Within a 5-year period, we treated 8 patients with IMH affecting the entire thoracic aorta. The presumed site of initial plaque rupture was chosen as target for endovascular stent graft placement.

Recent trends in heart transplantation: the University of Vienna experience.

Since the beginning of the University of Vienna Cardiac Transplant Program in 1984, 1086 heart transplant procedures have been performed through the end of 2007. One- and five-year survival has increased steadily over time (82% and 76%). Ten-year survival is 65%.

Endovascular stent-graft placement of aneurysms involving the descending aorta originating from chronic type B dissections.

Background: The performance of endovascular stent-graft placement in patients suffering from aneurysms involving the descending aorta originating from chronic type B dissections is unclear.

Methods: Within a 2-year period, we treated 6 patients with this pathology. Four patients required extension of the proximal landing zone (autologous double transposition, n = 2; subclavian-to-carotid artery transposition, n = 2) before stent-graft placement.

Results after endovascular stent graft placement in atherosclerotic aneurysms involving the descending aorta.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine durability and need for reinterventions after endovascular stent graft placement in atherosclerotic aneurysms involving the descending aorta.

Methods: We performed a prospective follow-up analysis of a consecutive series of 79 patients undergoing endovascular stent graft placement due to atherosclerotic aneurysms involving the descending aorta between 1996 and 2006. Acute aortic syndromes were excluded from this analysis.

The University of Vienna experience in heart transplantation.

Since the University of Vienna Cardiac Transplant Program began in 1984, 892 heart transplant procedures have been performed through the end of 2001. One- and five-year survival has increased steadily over time to 80% and 75%, respectively, in the most recent cohort. Ten-year survival is 55%.

Intimal hyperplasia and coronary flow reserve after heart transplantation: association with big endothelin-1.

Background: Endothelin, a peptide with strong vasoconstrictive and mitogenic properties, has been found to increase after cardiac transplantation. We therefore assessed the association between its precursor peptide, big endothelin-1, and intimal hyperplasia and coronary flow reserve after heart transplantation.

Methods: Thirty-five patients without hemodynamically significant coronary artery disease after heart transplantation were investigated: Average peak flow velocity in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was assessed by intracoronary Doppler at baseline as well as after injection of adenosine; coronary flow reserve was calculated as a ratio of both and was corrected for patient age and baseline average peak flow velocity.

Regular physical exercise improves endothelial function in heart transplant recipients.

Background: Impaired endothelial function is detectable in heart transplant (HTX) recipients and regarded as risk factor for coronary artery disease. We have studied whether endothelial function can be improved in HTX patients participating in a regular physical training program as demonstrated in patients with chronic heart failure, hypertension and coronary artery disease.

Methods: Male HTX patients and healthy, age-matched controls were studied.