[Contrast-induced nephropathy].

Contrast-induced nephropathy is a major complication resulting from percutaneous coronary interventional procedures characterized by acute or subacute deterioration of renal function due to exposure to iodinated contrast medium that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Promoting factors for the development of nephropathy have been widely described in literature as well as hydration and pharmacological measures to prevent its development; However, few of them have shown evidence level A so far, hence a major research front remains open, not only in the prevention but also in the treatment of this pathology. In this article we review epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of this complication, and various preventive and therapeutic modalities currently available.

Angiographic correlates of the treadmill scores in non-high-risk patients with unstable angina.

Background: There has been no clear consensus regarding the optimum definition of a high-risk exercise ECG test. The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of several treadmill scores [American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) High-Risk Criteria for exercise testing, Duke Treadmill Score, Veterans Affairs and West Virginia Prognostic Score, ST/Heart Rate Index] with the ST-segment depression analysis in the detection of significant and severe coronary disease as determined by coronary angiography.

Methods: The study included a cohort of 248 consecutive patients admitted to hospital for unstable angina.

[Angiographic evaluation of high-risk treadmill scores in patients with unstable angina according to sex, age, or use of drugs with a negative chronotropic effect].

Introduction And Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine whether age, sex, or the use of drugs with a negative chronotropic effect modifies the sensitivity, specificity, positive or negative predictive value, or positive or negative likelihood ratio of the high-risk criteria used in exercise testing as defined by the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), the Duke treadmill score, the Veterans Affairs and West Virginia prognostic score, or the ST/Heart Rate Index at the time when left main coronary artery disease, three-vessel disease or two-vessel disease involving the proximal left anterior descending artery is detected by coronary angiography.

Methods: The study included a cohort of 469 consecutive patients aged 75 years who were admitted to hospital for unstable angina. All patients underwent exercise stress testing and coronary angiography.

Delayed myocardial perforation following pacemaker implantation.

Myocardial perforation is a rare complication following pacemaker implantation that may cause cardiac tamponade. If it does occur, it is usually at the time of lead insertion. This condition requires urgent recognition since the prompt drainage of the pericardial fluid may be lifesaving.