[The vein of Marshall as a source of various types of atrial arrhythmias, including adrenergic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation--successful catheter ablation].

We describe a case of a 44-year old man with recurrent atrial arrhythmias (atrial ectopy, atrial tachycardia and fibrillation) originating from the vein of Marshall (VoM). Stress, exertion and isoproterenol increased frequency and duration of highly symptomatic arrhythmia paroxysms. In 2002 he underwent two sessions of RF ablation.

[Ventricular fibrillation in a patient with three accessory pathways, Ebstein anomaly and intermittent long QT interval. RF ablation and electrophysiologic considerations].

We present a case of a 19-year old man with minor Ebstein's anomaly, intermittent long QT interval and WPW syndrome in whom atrial fibrillation, degenerating into ventricular fibrillation was the first symptom. QRS complex morphologies during atrial fibrillation revealed the presence of three accessory pathways (septal, right inferior paraseptal and antero-inferior). Immediately after resuscitation the patient was treated with amiodarone, which resulted in a significant prolongation of QT interval to 700 ms.

Clinical and morphological diagnosis of cardiac AL amyloidosis: a review of findings and difficulties as illustrated in one case.

Background: Primary amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis results from plasma cell dyscrasia. Fibrillar deposits of monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains are present in various organs, especially in the heart. The patients suffer from fatal cardiac dysfunction.

[Which echocardiographically unrecognised complications of native aortic valve endocarditis may be found during operation?].

The aim of the study was to determine the type and localisation of complications of aortic valve endocarditis, that have not been recognised on transthoracic (TTE) and/or transesophageal (TEE) echocardiographic study. The echocardiographic findings were retrospectively compared and contrasted with direct surgical inspection in 156 consecutive adults operated on native aortic valve endocarditis in our institute during the last 8 years. We analysed recognition of abscess, pseudoaneurysm, fistula and cusp rupture.

Long-term results of Fontan procedure in 43 patients.

Background: The Fontan operation eliminates the systemic hypoxemia and ventricular volume overload characteristic of prior forms of palliation, however, late outcome of systemic venous and right atrial hypertension were unknown when the procedure was initially proposed.

Aim: We assessed the late mortality and the present clinical status atresia and other forms of univentricular heart who had modified Fontan procedure performed between 1981 and 1998, and survived early perioperative period.

Methods: We reviewed the clinical records of 43 early survivors of the modified Fontan procedure.