The importance of atrial fibrillation and selected echocardiographic parameters for the effectiveness and safety of thrombolytic therapy in patients with stroke.

Background: The efficacy and safety of thrombolytic therapy in stroke depend on multiple factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of atrial fibrillation the prognosis in terms of the functional status in patients with stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. An additional aim was also to assess the potential significance of reduced ejection fraction (EF) and enlarged left atrium (LA) of the heart for the prognosis in patients with stroke who underwent thrombolytic therapy.

The significance of troponin elevation for the clinical course and outcome of first-ever ischaemic stroke.

Background: An increase in the troponin I (TnI) level is a marker of myocardial damage in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and other conditions. According to the latest reports, an increase in the concentration of TnI in the acute phase of stroke relates to 1-34% of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of elevated TnI concentration in patients with acute first-ever stroke and to examine its significance for the prediction of post-stroke disability degree and death within 30 days of stroke.

Acute kidney injury after abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery: detailed assessment of early effects using novel markers.

Introduction:  One of the most severe complications of repair surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is acute kidney injury (AKI). Even small rises in serum creatinine after surgery are associated with increased mortality.

Objectives:  The aim of the study was to assess the dynamics of AKI after elective AAA surgery using novel markers.

[Aorto-caval fistula as a results of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture imitating acute renal insufficiency].

Aorto-caval fistula (ACF) is a rare complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm. It occurs in 1-6% of cases. The classic diagnostic signs of an ACF (pulsatile abdominal mass with bruit and right ventricular failure) are present only in a half of the patients.